Utah’s incredible natural beauty, from the heights of the Rockies to the depths of its canyons, makes it well worth a visit.
Itineraries
Eat & Drink
Desert Bistro
Probably the best restaurant in Moab. Expensive, but absolutely delicious food with incredible presentation. Full bar, great margaritas.
The Broken Oar
Fun atmosphere, good but not great food. Classic American options; good for families and large parties.
See
Zion National Park
American National Parks are amazing places and this is one of our favorites. Unlike the Grand Canyon where you marvel from above in this one you enter the heart of the canyon and marvel at the thousands of feet of red sandstone from below. The park does a nice job of traffic control with a […]
Bryce Canyon National Park
This fantastic landscape of red rocks is like nowhere else on earth.Be sure and take a hike down amongst the formations – we suggest the Navajo loop as a great trail that hits the highlights. If you have time and energy the fairytale loop is worthwhile as well
Arches National Park
Located in eastern Utah near the town of Moab, Arches National Park is a spectacular spot, featuring more than 2,000 natural sandstone arches. The arches are the primary attraction, and visits typically involve driving to an arch or trailhead and then walking or hiking to see nearby arches.
Dead Horse Point State Park
Incredible view of canyons and Colorado River, but no real hiking. Possibly great opportunities for mountain bikers and/or off-roaders. It’s worth it to visit for the view alone, but unless you’re planning on doing a biking or off-roading trip, do not plan to spend more than half a day here.
Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
The name sort of says it all – a series of pink sand dunes formed from Navajo sandstone and the wind. You will probably see ATV’s roaring around but you can take a short hike to see the dunes as well.
Monument Valley
Star of a hundred Westerns, this Navajo tribal park is home to iconic sandstone formations. You can drive 17 miles on dirt roads to see the highlight of the area with a pass you purchase. Allow 2-3 hours. If you want to spend more time the View Hotel is in the Park. You can arrange […]
Do
Cataract Canyon River Trip
Winding through Canyonlands National Park, Cataract Canyon features spectacular red rock walls and intense rapids. Though not as well-known as the Grand Canyon, Cataract Canyon offers sights that can be just as dramatic and whitewater at least as intense (Class III-IV, reaching Class V during late spring and early summer).
Zion Narrows “Hike”
This is one of our favorite “walks” The quotations are because it’s more of a wade than a walk – most of the time you are walking up the river. Drive to the end of the Zion Park road and head into the canyon. The first half mile or so is easy and paved. Sandstone […]
Stay
Best Western Plus Canyonlands Inn
Very nice hotel with beautiful pool/spa. Great wrap-around porch with view of Moab. Helpful, attentive staff.
Cliffrose lodge
Delightful place to stay in Springdale just outside the Zion entrance. Nice gardens and comfortable rooms
Zion National Park Lodge
The only place to stay inside Zion National Park. Both cabins and hotel rooms are available. In season staying here is the only way to be able to drive into the park (all others must use the shuttle system). There are more dining options in Springdale but you can drive there easily enough.
Gonzo Inn
Friendly staff and nice facilities. They offer different types of rooms: basic rooms with king beds, and suites with bedrooms and common rooms (with pullout sofas in the common room).