All of Utah's five national parks are located in southern Utah. Two of those national parks: Arches and Canyonlands are located in southeastern Utah, just north of Moab. Though the parks are practically across the street from one another, visitors may think they're in totally different countries, as the landscapes are quite divergent. Attractions in these parks include Delicate Arch, which serves as a prominent symbol for the state of Utah.


Both Canyonlands and Arches are located off of U.S. 191. Arches is the closest to Moab and is just five miles north of town. It can be accessed directly from the highway on the northbound side. The Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands is accessed via UT 313 which is located 10 miles north of Moab on the southbound side of the U.S. 191, while the Needles District is 75 miles southwest of Moab via 191 and UT 211.

Size and Geography

Both Canyonlands and Arches possess dramatic geography derived from the power of nature. The more than 2,000 arches within Arches' 73,000 acres were formed over millions of years by ground water, wind, ice and other elements. These elements also formed spires, rock fins and other distinctive features in the park. Canyonlands' 337,598 acres are defined by the effects of millions of years of climate changes and bodies of water such as the Green and Colorado rivers. These forces have created brilliant, contrasting layers of sedimentary rock, dramatic canyons, towering rock features and outstretched mesas. The rivers also divide the park into four regions: Island in the Sky, The Maze, Needles and the rivers themselves.


Despite being essentially across the street from one another, Arches and Canyonlands are at the opposite ends of the spectrum in terms of popularity. In fall of 2009, the LA Times listed Canyonlands as the 20th "Least-Crowded National Park," and Arches as the 19th "Most-Visited National Park." In 2009, the Arches had more than double the number of visitors as Canyonlands. Arches is more convenient to get to from Moab and is more widely recognized thanks largely to Delicate Arch's iconic status within the state. Canyonlands' drastically larger size and smaller crowds can make for a more serene experience.


Activities in Arches revolve largely around the individual arches in the park. Trails like the Delicate Arch Trail and Devils Garden Trail provide views of arches and other prominent features. Rock climbing and a limited number of 4x4 roads are also offered within the park. According to the Arches Visitor Guide, Arches is too small to support true back-country or backpacking treks. Activities are more diverse in Canyonlands due in part to its significantly larger size. Backpacking is popular in the park along with hiking. The two rivers in the park are the starting points for local whitewater trips like Cataract Canyon. Unlike Utah's other national parks, mountain biking is allowed in certain off-road areas like the White Rim Trail. With hundreds of miles of 4x4 roads, Canyonlands is a popular off-roading destination. The park also provides options for less rugged vehicles with dramatic car rides like the Island in the Sky scenic drive. Both parks offer camping.

Climate and Warnings

Both Canyonlands and Arches have a high-desert climate that can be inhospitable. The summers are extremely hot with temperatures rising above 100 F, and the winters are cold with average lows between 0 and 20 F . Storms and flash flooding are common in late summer. While both parks are open year-round, the best times to visit in terms of weather are the moderate seasons of spring (April and May) and fall (mid-September through October). Water sources within the parks are limited, and water from sources like the Green and Colorado Rivers can be filled with sediment and difficult to filter. In the desert, one gallon of water per person each day is advisable. Also, shade is limited, so full sun protection is essential.

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