Moab, Utah – Canyonlands and Arches National Park

Moab turned out to be one of my better birthdays. Flew into Salt Lake City and rented an SUV. They didn’t have any so they gave us a Dodge Journey. That stupid car would end up blowing up on us, leaving us to rent a souped up Jeep for the day. It took a whole day to get the rental car company to swap rental cars with us.

In the meantime, we experienced some pretty epic views in Moab. Canyonlands is still my favorite of the two National Parks there in Moab. I’d honestly rank it near the top of National Park lists. It’s right there with Glacier or Denali.

This was my second trip to Moab, my first one being earlier in the year. JR had also been to Arches and Canyonlands, but Kathy, Adam, and Chelsea were first timers.

We spent an afternoon on the potash road enjoying the sights of Canyonlands. This is still one of my favorite drives in the entire country. It’s well worth renting a bigger vehicle or a Jeep to go down it.

The hidden gem in this year is the Needles district of Canyonlands National Park. It’s about an hour to an hour and a half down the road, but provides some excellent views.

Jughandle Arch

Long Canyon

Neat Rock Formation

JR Holding on for dear life

Long CanyonMoab, UT

Pano of Long Canyon in Moab, Utah

Looking back through Long Canyon

The road went under this rockJR's Xterra barely had clearance

Tower ArchArches National Park

Tower ArchArches National Park

Canyonlands

Shafer Canyon RoadCanyonlands National Park

Mesa ArchMesa Arch in Canyonlands National Park

Grand View PointCanyonlands National Park

North Window ArchArches National Park

Turret ArchArches National Park

South Window ArchArches National Park

Windows Arches

Delicate Arch from a distance

Thunderhead RockNot sure what it's actually called but it looks like a storm anvil

Wooden Shoe ArchNeedles area of Canyonlands National Park

Canyonlands National ParkNeedles District

Big Spring Canyon OverlookCanyonlands National Park Needles District

Canyonlands National Park Needles District

Canyonlands National Park Needles District

Down the roadCanyonlands National Park Needles District

Six Shooter Peaks

Along Utah 211Outside of Canyonlands National Park

Milky Way over ArchesBalanced Rock in Arches National Park

Milky Way over Balanced RockMilky Way over the Balanced Rock in Arches National Park, Moab Utah

Milky Way Balanced RockMilky Way over Balanced Rock, Arches National Park

Balanced RockMilky Way over Balanced Rock, Arches National Park

Delicate ArchArches National Park