Moab, Utah (Arches National Park & Canyonlands National Park)

We recently spent 5 days camping and exploring within Arches National Park at the Devils Garden Campground! We also spent time exploring Canyonlands National Park and Moab, UT! We travel as a family of 5 and below are the places we visited and trails we hiked with kids ages 7, 9, and 14.

Note that when you are visiting Arches National Park they require a timed entry ticket. You can reserve your ticket up to three months in advance at recreation.gov. If you are staying within the park at Devils Garden Campground a reservation is not required. We often spent the morning exploring within Arches and then left in the afternoon. The timed reservation hours are between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. After those hours you are free to visit the park without a ticket.

Moab, Utah is known for its stunning natural landscapes and outdoor adventures. Located in the eastern part of the state, Moab is nestled between Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park.

One of the most iconic features of Moab is its red rock formations that dominate the scenery. Arches National Park showcases over 2,000 natural sandstone arches, including the world-famous Delicate Arch, Landscape Arch, and Balanced Rock. The park offers numerous hiking trails, scenic drives, and viewpoints that allow visitors to immerse themselves in the awe-inspiring beauty of the red rock canyons.

We found these easy-to-hike trails for the kids:

• Balanced Rock Trail - (0.3 mi / 0.5 km) roundtrip 

• Sand Dune Arch Trail - 0.4 mi (0.6 km) roundtrip

• Double Arch Viewpoint and Trail - 0.6 mi (1 km) roundtrip

• Broken Arch Trail - 1.2 mi (1.9 km roundtrip from the Sand Dune Arch Trail) or hiking to Broken Arch from Devils Garden Campground is 1.4 mi (2.3 km) roundtrip

• Landscape Arch Trail - 1.8 mi (2.9 km) roundtrip 

We really enjoyed the short hikes to let the kids run and have fun. The Broken Arch Trail is shaded for a good portion of the hike and was enjoyable in the afternoon. We stayed in the campground and it was easy to start the hike for the Broken Arch Trail in the campground and enjoy the views! There are many different routes to the Broken Arch allowing you to choose your level of difficulty. It is also worth visiting the Tapestry Arch Trail (this is an option while taking the Broken Arch Trail from the campground) it was a wonderful, easy afternoon hike and we had it all to ourselves!

Canyonlands National Park, on the other hand, offers a dramatic landscape characterized by deep canyons, towering mesas, and the confluence of the Green and Colorado Rivers. The park is divided into four districts, each offering unique experiences. Island in the Sky is known for its panoramic vistas, while the Needles district offers incredible hiking opportunities amidst red rock spires. The Maze district, renowned for its remote and rugged terrain, attracts experienced adventurers. And finally, the Colorado and Green Rivers provide exceptional opportunities for river rafting and kayaking.

We spent most of our short visit in the Canyonlands driving around and taking in the views. If you’re making a quick stop, Mesa Arch 0.6 mi (1 km) roundtrip is a great option to get the kids out and up close to the arch. Note that the parking is limited and the arch is busy and crowded. It is one of the most photographed arches in southeast Utah!

When visiting both Arches National Park and especially Canyonlands National Park, don’t miss stopping at Dead Horse Point State Park. Dead Horse Point State Park is just miles away from Canyonlands and it is certainly worthy of a stop. There is a 20-dollar fee (and national park passes are not accepted) to enter Dead Horse Point State Park but it is worth it! We stopped at the Dead Horse Point Trail and took in the views at Dead Horse Point. This is a very easy 200 feet one way hike that was easy for everyone.

The town of Moab itself has a laid-back, welcoming atmosphere. It is home to a vibrant community of artists, outdoor enthusiasts, and adventurers. The town offers a range of amenities, including accommodations, restaurants, galleries, and outdoor gear shops. Moab's dining scene features a diverse mix of cuisines, from hearty barbecues and gourmet burgers to international fare, satisfying every palate.

While in Moab we decided to take the kids whitewater rafting. We chose Moab Adventure Center and they were wonderful! We booked the Mid-Day Colorado River Rafting Adventure with Exclusive BBQ Lunch and it was perfect for us! The trip starts with a bus ride and after a 1 mile trip down the river leads to lunch. After lunch we loaded back up and continued the trip down the river. The kids had the opportunity to jump in the water and we all had such an enjoyable time! I’d highly recommend adding this to your list of things to do in Moab! If you’re not interested in whitewater rafting there are plenty of other activities to try. You can try a Jeep, Hummer, bike, horseback riding tour and more!

If you are traveling in Moab, UT and are looking to take your Jeep or off road vehicle but are looking for an easy trail try Onion Creek Road. The trail is 20 miles out and back and includes 26 stream crossings! The views are beautiful and it is certainly worth the drive. We spent most of the day taking in the views and enjoying the scenery. Do note that there are many many different trails in Moab and the possibilities are endless!

If you are traveling in Moab, UT and are looking to take your Jeep or off road vehicle but are looking for an easy trail try Onion Creek Road. The trail is 20 miles out and back and includes 26 stream crossings! The views are beautiful and it is certainly worth the drive. We spent most of the day taking in the views and enjoying the scenery. Do note that there are many many different trails in Moab and the possibilities are endless!