Arches and Canyonlands National Parks Self-Driving Bundle Tour

Our adventure into the astounding Arches begins just before the park's entrance and visitor center. We're about to see stunning natural monuments, unlikely rock formations, and alien, ancient landscapes.

Moab’s Fault is a six million-year-old crack in the earth’s crust. As we continue driving, we'll see this fault and learn about the geologic pressures that have formed the landscape of Arches.

The La Sal Mountains are the second-highest mountain range in Utah. Their highest peak, which you can see toward the center of the range, is almost 13,000 feet tall. We'll pause our drive through Arches to admire the mountains and learn about the Spanish settlers who pushed out the Ute and Paiute tribes.

As we continue driving through Arches, we'll pass the iconic Three Gossips formation.

This brings us to another vista point, where we'll see the Organ, Courthouse, Sheep Rock, and more.

We'll also pass the Petrified Dunes and Great Wall. As we drive, we'll learn more about the Ute and Paiute mythologies of this harsh and alien landscape.

Look down the trail and you’ll see one of the park’s most striking sights. That collection of arches and almost-arches is the Cove of Caves.

We'll pass Panorama Point — keep this in mind if you plan to return at dark for stargazing. Since there’s very little light pollution obscuring the night sky here, you’ll see an astonishing number of stars once the sun sets. Depending on the time of year, you may even get to see the entire Milky Way! As we continue our drive, we'll learn about how to stargaze like the Paiute.

Now we're at THE most famous spot in Arches: Delicate Arch. A quick hike brings us right up to this gorgeous - and improbable - formation.

This is one of the park’s quieter attractions. Like Cache Valley, Salt Valley was formed by the collapse of many sandstone domes. The broken pieces of rock littering the ground are leftovers from that collapse.

Our drive continues past the Fiery Furnace: a network of narrow canyons & passages amid towering red cliffs at Arches National Park.

As we drive, exploring more arches, we'll learn more about the Paiute myths behind them, the Spanish and Mormon settlers who tried to survive in this land, and the people who were able to preserve this stunning landscape as a national park.

Look to the right. All you can see at the moment are tall rock walls. That’s because we’re near the floor of Sevenmile Canyon. As we continue to drive, we’ll emerge from the canyon and be able to see two very distinct features in the distance to the right -- the Merrimac and the Monitor.

Coming up on your right is Big Mesa Viewpoint. Pause for a quick look at some stunning scenery. The enormous mesa looks like it was plonked down here by accident, and then forgotten.

Dead Horse Point — it’s a creepy name, isn’t it? According to local legend, wild mustangs used to be corralled here to be broken in the early 1800s. Once all the desirable horses had been broken and claimed by the cowboys, the undesirables were left to go free.

Stop by the Visitor Center coming up ahead. It’s a great place to grab supplies, use the bathroom, and fill up your water bottles. As you’ve already seen, this park doesn’t have much infrastructure, and being dehydrated out here is no joke.

This overlook offers views from three sides. It may be a bit daunting if you're afraid of heights since there’s nothing between you and the Canyon. However, the incredible view is worth it.

A lot of natural landmarks and trails in Canyonlands are named by or after cowboys and ranchers. In fact, Ned Chaffin’s father and one of his brothers had a spring named after them.

"Ahead, pull over for Mesa Arch. This is a must-do at Canyonlands. Once you’ve parked, walk along the short trail to the arch. As you walk, notice the juniper and pinyon trees around you. These are popular in Canyonlands so keep an eye out for them elsewhere too."

The Green River Overlook offers some of the most unique views of Canyonland’s Island in the Sky District. You’re able to see the Green River continuing its work on the canyon walls. The river is the largest stream in Utah at 730 miles. The name probably comes from the green soapstone that can be found along its banks.

What makes this trail special? Simple: the granaries left here by Native peoples. They’re visible from the base of the last hill if you just keep your eyes open. These granaries are hundreds of years old, so be careful when approaching.

Remember how the park’s rocks have been formed in layers? In most of the park, these layers haven’t been disrupted since their formation. What you see is what was deposited, all those hundreds of millions of years ago.

In the distance, do you see three giant candles sticking out of the landscape? That’s Candlestick Tower! Doesn’t this sandstone formation look like a layered birthday cake, topped with candles? * The bottom layer is white, the middle a reddish-brown, and the top is red.

The trail that leads to Murphy Point Overlook is quite easy, adding up to 3.5 miles roundtrip. While the hike itself doesn’t offer much in the way of scenery, the overlook provides a stunning view of Stillwater Canyon and the Green River.

Here you’ll see spectacular views of Buck Canyon and the La Sal mountains. The short trail is paved, making it one of the most accessible places in the park. There’s also a rail that stands between you and the canyon, so if you are scared of heights, this overlook is perfect for you.

This is a great place to rest and enjoy a quick meal! There are only eight tables, so be sure to claim one if there are any available.

We’re now at the end of the Canyonlands National Park tour. I hope you’ve enjoyed the journey! If you enjoyed the tour, check out our other tours of nearby Arches, Bryce, Zion, and more!

We’re now at the end of the Canyonlands National Park tour. I hope you’ve enjoyed the journey! If you enjoyed the tour, check out our other tours of nearby Arches, Bryce, Zion, and more!