This whole area is kind of confusing as the entrances are small and not well marked. I stopped by…read moremultiple visitor centers to see how I could get to the dinosaur track site, and the map I was provided took me down a bumpy dirt road that took a long time to navigate as I was in a sedan - and then when I let the site I found that there's another entrance off the highway that is much more direct and right off the highway. Anyways, it took a while to find the tracks as they're pretty eroded and not protected at all. There are multiple signs saying to not park on the tracks as it's right off the road and I could see that people might park on it mistakenly thinking it was a parking area. I would not recommend visiting the tracksite since it's pretty underwhelming. Visiting the Butler Wash Ruins was a much better experience, although you have to keep an eye out for the entrance off the highway as it's not well marked. It takes you to a parking lot and the trail goes from dirt/gravel to a slickrock area that is well marked with cairns.

Blanding is a great base from which to explore the area. Not too far away, going southwest on…read moreHighway 95 toward Natural Bridges Monument, are the Butler Wash Ruins dating from about AD 1200. From the parking area, it's a short walk to the overlook from which you can see the cliff dwellings on the other side of a narrow canyon. While you can't get close to the dwellings (unless you're a bit of gecko), you can explore the slick rock area and find a small arch on the other side of the dwellings. (It's not visible from the overlook area.) I've been here a few times and have spent a few hours each time exploring the area. However, most visitors will probably take a few snapshots and be on their way.

Natural Bridges is one of the most pristine, unspoiled, well-maintained and absolutely gorgeous…read moreNational Monuments I've ever visited. There are three large natural bridges created by erosion that can be seen from the well-paved loop road. You may also hike down to see the bridges closer up; some of the hikes require a bit of dexterity, as you will be navigating ladders and steep staircases. But it's completely worth it. In addition to the stunning natural beauty, there are well-maintained historical relics including petroplyphs and kivas. The visitor center will collect the admission fee (well worth it, believe me) and has books, souvenirs and some hiking supplies available for purchase. My highest recommendation.

This monument delivered on its name - there are in fact natural bridges located here. The three…read morenatural bridges can be seen from overlooks, but to get under them requires hiking. The trail to Sipapu bridge is the most fun as there are stairs, ladders, and steep switchbacks on exposed rock face. There's also a ledge that can be walked on at the middle of the trail that gives an excellent view of the bridge if you don't want to hike down all the way. There's also a small cliff dwelling on the ledge to look at up close. Other more complete structures can be seen at the end of Horsecollar House Overlook.

I wasn't looking for Jacobs Chair. My goal was the canyon beneath it. Although adjacent to a…read morenicely paved Highway 95 (north of Natural Bridges National Monument), this area is very remote. Cell phone service? Nope. Ensure that you have a full tank of gas, a lot of water, snacks, the right clothing, and some good sense. You can't help but see Jacobs Chair because it's a monumental red stone beacon of a chair that sits atop a mountain range. I assumed it has some biblical reference -- doesn't so much in Utah? -- but it's named after Franklin Jacob Adams who, in 1940, lost his life trying to cross White Canyon on his horse during a flash flood. Fortunately or unfortunately, there was no rain in the forecast during my 100-degree visit in White Canyon below the Chair. Hiking is a bit of slow motion even on a normal day because the open canyon is basically a sandy beach interspersed with larger rocks. Add in the intense sun and I took it very leisurely. I stopped beneath cliff overhangs along the way to take advantage of the only shade available. I imagined myself creating my own cliff dwelling as I hung out and gazed into the canyon. I also tried to visualize Mr. Adams on his horse. This is not a slot canyon so I couldn't comprehend how much water it must have taken to create such a torrent to wash him and his horse away.

National ruin dating back to 600s AD. It's an 8 mi one way hike. You MUST pack in at least 2-3…read moregallons of water. The flow is shared with cattle and roaming horses but there is a fresh spring glowing into the river around the 6.5 mi marker. Overnight camping is available (permit only) with composting toilets at the camp site. The hike is mostly exposed with short periods of shade behind canyon walls. There are wild horses running around keep an eye out for them. Going to the ruin goes through hard sandstone rock trails and fine SANDY hills. Not too bad going in but coking out can be difficult especially carrying your water supply. The ruins are amazing! Cassandra our tour guide was very friendly and gave an amazing presentation answering all our questions. She showed us hand/foot prints painted on walls. Great tour but come prepared for a hike!

The climb is located eastern rib ( 38°16'30.37"N 109°24'11.85"W). Extremely fun, and easy climb…read more Just as stated, 3 pitches to the summit, and accurate information. All solid bolts with the exception of the second bolt on the second pitch are slightly loose but unfortunately didn't have the equipment to fix. Just bolts on third pitch anchors, no chains or rings. A 60m rope runout on a double rap on the third pitch, but it's walkable to pitch 2 anchors --make sure you close the system. Climbed on 06-22-2018. Didn't see any rattlers on this climb --though their holes are everywhere.

We decided to check out Looking Glass Arch for a quickie climb before we headed back to CO. I had…read moreread about an easy 3-pitch bolted route (Regular Route) that tops out on the summit followed by an ~115 ft free hanging rappel. We were a bit thrashed from climbing Honeymoon Chimney the day prior in nasty winds and my climbing partner was sick, so this seemed like the perfect objective. The amphitheater/arch are quite spectacular and it's worth the short hike even if you don't want to climb. We were there on a Sunday and it wasn't a zoo like some areas in Arches. The arch is ~5 min from the parking lot. No water/bathrooms so plan ahead. DIRECTIONS The easiest way to get to the arch is to turn right on Looking Glass Road (23 miles from central Moab on Hwy 191 south). If you hit Wilson Arch you've gone too far. Once on Looking Glass Road the side road to Looking Glass Rock is signed. The road is passable with 2WD or low clearance vehicles.

This is a great hike. Longbow Arch is impressive! Not only the arch. This hike includes very big…read morepetroglyph panel! Also dinosaur track can be seen. Short hike with not much elevation gain. Much less crowded compared to Corona Arch in the same area. Recommended.

This hike is a hidden gem within the Moab area. The hike begins as rocky and incoproates steep…read moreinclines (but no equipment required). Then, the hike becomes desert-like; flat and sandy. Then, the hike becomes jungle-like; humid and full of trees until you reach the arch. We saw no one on the way up and only a few people on the way back (in mid-afternoon). If you want to avoid the massive crowds at other hikes, check out this trail!

One of my favorite most memorable little hikes in the world -- you can do this as an 8 mile loop,…read moreor just wander into the slot canyon to the right for a while and then turn around when you lose steam. Either way, you find yourself walking along the bottom of a slot canyon, occasionally scrambling over rocks or cramming yourself in narrow slots. This is worth the trip to the San Rafael Swell, otherwise one of the most remote places I know of the continental U.S.

This review is for Little Wild Horse Canyon & Bell Canyon Loop which was a ~8.1 miles round trip…read morethat took ~4 hours to complete. Started the loop by going clockwise. Quite a bit of rock scrambling and a couple sketchy descents closer to Little Wild Horse Canyon. In addition, there were a few spots in Little Wild Horse Canyon that were extremely narrow and tight to maneuver. Trail was mostly flat and sandy. Overall, Stunning views of the slot canyons! Short video of the hike for those interested! https://youtu.be/0aHmkQKQ2vI

I had most incredible experience solo camping and canoeing out here. The peacefulness, the awe of…read morebeauty, the sheer magnitude of it all, it's really something quite special. Photos and videos do not do it justice. You have to experience it for yourself, seriously! Every new bend around the corner was even more breathtaking than the last. If you get a chance, definitely paddle the river. It's a whole new perspective down there!!

Dead Horse Point State Park is absolutely stunning--and pet friendly! The overlooks alone are worth…read morethe stop, but there are also several trails to choose from. We hiked the East Rim Trail, which connects to the West Rim Trail, for a total of about 3.9 miles. I'd rate it as easy to moderate: mostly flat with a few sections of light climbing. The views throughout the hike are breathtaking, and when we went, it wasn't crowded at all. Keep in mind that the park is very hot with almost no shade, so bring plenty of water. If you're traveling with a dog, be mindful of the ground temperature to avoid burning their paw pads. The visitor center itself isn't pet-friendly, but the bathrooms are located outside and accessible. My only complaint is that the trail markers could be clearer--since some trails overlap, it can get confusing. Entry is $20 per vehicle, paid at the gate. We spent about 2.5 hours exploring, though you could easily stay longer if you want to sit, relax, and take in the scenery. Overall, this is a must-visit stop in Moab.

We took this as a side trip and we really should have given this more time. If you are thinking of…read morecoming here, I recommend looking at all the activities offered to see how much is here to do so you won't feel as though you missed out on some of what makes this park FUN! As for us, we ran around the valley, played hide and seek, marveled at how these "goblins" were made and just had a great adventure with the time we had.

A triumph of both western topography and federalism. This is one of those awesome parks that would…read morein some ways be less special if it were "upgraded" to a national park. It's great the way it is. Just a few notes: -- the campsite is just amazing; you are nestled in among caves and washes, and your kids can merrily wander off "to the kids cave" or climb up onto a crest and watch the sunset or the rhythm of the campsite. They do have a shared bathroom with running water, which keeps the place just civilized enough for moderately experienced car campers. -- at the same time, this place is really remote. If you realize at campside that your propane stove doesn't work, you would have to drive an hour each way to Green River to get more. Instead, you will just have to figure out how to boil coffee and macaroni and cheese over a campfire. -- the stars. The city lights are far far far away, and the desert sky is clear, so you can see so so many stars. And if you sit and stare at them you see more. The only place I have ever seen so many stars in my life is standing on the side of the road outside Marfa, TX. -- two decades ago this was one of the first camping trips of my life, and it remains a special place in my heart.

Great hike. Impressive towers and cool to see those towers in close distance. Around 4.5 miles with…read more750 feet elevation change. Easy trails. A day before the hike we camped at BLM site at the trailhead which was convenient. $20. In the end of December only us hiking there. Solitude was nice.

Top Rated Hike in Moab! This trail is a gem. I felt it was a moderate hike overall... maybe even…read moreeasy for experienced hikers. Parking is free, mostly dog-friendly, and outside of the National Parks. We did this 5 mile hike on a partly cloudy morning in June 2024. We got to the trailhead around 7am and took our time heading up to the Lookout. It sprinkled a little about a half hour in, so we found a cave like overhang to take a break. This trail is mostly uphill on the way in, and has at least two, very steep sections, rock stairs, one ladder, and you have to be sure not to lose the trail as some sections are not easily identifiable. We took about an hour and half going in, spent about 30 minutes at the lookout, and powered through the hour back in partial sun. It was the perfect length hike for me, with the right incline. Like any trail in Moab, be sure to bring lots of water and dress for the climate.