How to Visit Arches and Canyonlands in One Day
If you only have one day to visit Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, get ready to have an action packed day filled with gorgeous overlooks, scenic drives, and short hikes.
These two national parks are located in Moab, Utah, but they each offer up a unique experience. You truly need to see both to appreciate the incredible landscapes of this area in Utah.
We love exploring both of these parks, and, while each has endless activities, I also know that people have to make the most of their vacation time.
In this guide, you’ll find the highlights in each park to maximize your quick visit, including how to lay out your day, travel logistics, and what to skip on this lightning fast trip.
One of the beautiful areas you’ll drive through while visiting Arches National Park
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What to Know Before You Start Your Adventures in Arches and Canyonlands
Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park are 2 of the Utah Mighty 5, a collection of incredible national parks in the Beehive State.
If you’re interested in visiting these parks as part of a larger Utah Mighty 5 road trip with kids, be sure to check out my complete guide and itinerary!
The two parks are about 40 miles from one another.
Arches National Park is very close to downtown Moab, with the entrance station being situated about 5 miles north of the town.
Canyonlands’ most visited entrance station is off of Highway 191 via Utah State Route 313, which is about 40 miles northwest of the downtown area.
Even though the parks are fairly close to one another, they both offer complete different landscapes and experiences. Check out more in my Arches vs. Canyonlands head-to-head comparison!
You will need your own transportation as there isn’t any public transport between the parks.
Since Moab—like much of Utah—is mostly open land and national parks, there’s no need for a public transportation system here.
That means you’re on your own to get from your hotel or campground in or around Moab to both national parks.
Since you’re mostly likely not flying into Moab, which only has a tiny field airport, you’ll need to pick up a rental car at your arrival point, whether that’s in Denver, Salt Lake City, or further afield.
>> Search for the best prices on rental cars here. <<
Alternatively, you could do a guided tour if you’d prefer to let someone else do the driving inside the national parks.
Adrift Adventures offers a full day 4x4 tour of both parks that includes lunch. This tour will take you on more backcountry roads through Arches and Canyonlands’ Island in the Sky district, but you’ll have to balance that fun adventure with missing some of the major icons and hikes in both parks.
Plus, a guided tour is more expensive, so you’ll have to weigh your budget against your expectations in both parks.
Canyonlands has 3 districts.
To keep this itinerary as streamlined as possible, you’ll only find recommendations for one of those districts, called Island in the Sky.
This district is closest to Moab and has the most amenities of any of the 3 Canyonlands districts, making it perfect for a quick first visit to this park.
If you return to Moab on a later adventure, that’s when you can add in additional time at Island in the Sky or one of the other two districts, the Needles or the Maze.
You will need reservations for Arches National Park.
These Arches National Park reservations are fairly easy to come by (unlike the ones at Glacier National Park that sell out nearly instantly), but you will still need to plan ahead to book your preferred entrance window if you’re visiting the park April through October. No reservations are needed between November and March as that’s the park’s low season.
PIN ME!
The reservation windows are done on an hourly basis, and you must arrive during that time. Once you’re inside the park, there is no time limit on how long you can stay or where you can go.
To book your reservation window, you’ll need to go to Recreation.gov and select your chosen date and time up to 6 months ahead of your arrival day.
You’ll pay a nominal fee to book the reservation, and you’ll be emailed a digital pass to show the entrance station ranger. I always print out a copy, too, since many of the national parks have less than stellar cell reception.
Keep in mind that you’ll also need to pay your entrance fee on the day of your arrival in addition to having that reservation in hand.
On the other hand, Canyonlands does not require reservations for any of the 3 districts, though it does have a standard entrance fee.
If you’re going to both national parks in Moab and plan to visit any other NPS site in the same 12 months, you should consider buying the annual America the Beautiful Pass, which allows for unlimited free (or greatly reduced) admission to all NPS sites. NPS sites include national parks, national battlefields, national historic sites, and national monuments.
We have had an America the Beautiful pass for the last 3 years and have saved hundreds of dollars on our road trips, where it’s not uncommon for us to visit upwards of 10 or 15 NPS sites. Even if you’re only going to visit 3 or 4, you’ll save money.
Prepare for the Sun and Heat.
If you’re visiting this area of Utah in the peak season, which runs from March to early October, you’ll need to prepare for the climate. Temperatures can begin to soar into the 90s by early to mid-May, and they can exceed 100 degrees in July and August.
Even at milder times of the year, the sun can still be a problem since much of this area has no trees or coverage of any kind, meaning that you’re exposed to the elements for the duration of your hiking and outdoor exploration.
Bring more water than you think you’ll need and drink regularly, even when the temperatures aren’t high. The dry, arid landscape can dehydrate you before you even know it’s happening.
Also, keep salty snacks at hand and nibble throughout the day. The salt in peanuts, trail mixes, chips, and the like help balance your electrolytes when you’re hot and sweaty.
A sun hat or baseball hat is a great idea, and a long sleeved sun shirt can added needed protection for your arms, chest, and back.
Exploring Arches and Canyonlands in 1 Day: An Itinerary
In the itinerary below, I’ve organized your day to see as many of the major points of interest in each park that are feasible within a single day—while not exhausting you in the process. If this is your first visit to the national parks, I highly recommend reading my national parks for beginners guide to get an overview on what you can expect generally.
By placing Arches first, you’ll be able to see many of the most popular sites before the tour groups stream in, and then be on your way as the day heats up.
Plus, if you need to stop for a quick lunch, it’s not a huge detour to run into Moab for a sandwich since Arches National Park is less than 5 miles into downtown.
In the afternoon, you’ll be able to explore the more remote but just as stunning Canyonlands National Park with a few short hikes and several overlooks.
If you’re visiting the parks with kids, you can consider doing the Junior Ranger programs at one or both, but I’d recommend waiting on those until you have a longer visit. Alternatively, you can pick up a Junior Ranger booklet while you’re in the parks, have your kids fill them out at their leisure, and then mail the completed booklets back to the park after you get home. The rangers will send you a badge and certificate in the mail for free!
Read more about visiting Arches National Park with kids here, and visiting Canyonlands National Park with kids here.
Morning at Arches National Park
Total Park Time Outlay: 8 AM-noon
Head out to Arches National Park first thing in the morning, so we can beat the crowds and the heat (if you’re visiting during the late spring through early fall).
Don’t forget that reservation pass mentioned earlier!
8 AM: Arrival and Visitors Center
Time outlay: 30-60 minutes
The window at the back of the visitors center’s interpretive area
Aim to be in Arches no later than 8 AM, so that you have several hours here before you have to move onto Canyonlands in the afternoon. Doing so will allow you some wiggle room mid-day for lunch or a slower jaunt towards Canyonlands.
Plus, an early morning arrival means you’re by passing the crowds of visitors, who don’t show up until around 11 AM, and the many sightseeing coaches that begin bussing large groups in around 9 AM.
There shouldn’t be much of a line at the entrance this early, but you may have to wait 5-10 minutes for others to pay and ask questions at the entrance kiosks.
Once you’re through the entrance, head over to the visitors center, which is just a few hundred feet beyond the gates.
Here, you can ask questions of the rangers at the information desk or look through the small but well done interpretive materials.
There’s a lot to do at this visitors center, so keep a careful eye on your time. If you watch the park film, “Window in Time,” know that it’s about 25 minutes. Between that, looking through the interpretive materials, and exploring the gift shop, you could easily burn a full hour of your time here.
Before you leave to head into the park, be sure to fill up your water bottles with the free water available here. There aren’t any other places in the park to do so, and you need to stay hydrated.
9 AM: Scenic Drive
Time outlay: 30-40 minutes
The entire scenic drive runs 18 miles from the visitors center near Highway 191 to Devil’s Garden campground at the back of the park. If you drive it all of the way through without stopping, it takes about 30 minutes, but this isn’t a place you want to speed through. (Literally, as the speed limit is 20 MPH in some places!)
From the visitors center, follow the scenic road to its end, taking in the beautiful La Sal mountains to your right and the many stunning red rock formations on both sides of the road.
Don’t stop yet—we’ll have time for that in a bit.
As you’re driving, be sure to have your GuideAlong audio app at the ready, so you can learn about the park on the go.
We loved the GuideAlong tours and use them whenever we’re in a national park. For less than the cost of a souvenir t-shirt, we can get hours of information about a park’s history, geology, important figures, and more.
Plus, the tour doesn’t need Wifi once it’s downloaded onto your computer, and the tour automatically starts and stops as you get to points of interest. You can stop, skip or replay the segments to further customize your experience!
There is a bundle for the Arches and Canyonlands National Parks audio tours, so you can save money while exploring both parks.
9:45 AM: Sand Dunes Arch and Broken Arch Hike
Time outlay: 45 minutes
At the end of the scenic route, make the loop at Devil’s Garden and head back towards the entrance.
Now that you have your bearings, we’re going to make a couple of stops on the way back to 1) get you out of the car, and 2) get you up close and personal with a few of the park’s famed arches.
The Sand Dunes Arch and Broken Arch hike is an excellent choice for a short visit since you can choose to stop at one or both of these arches.
If you do both, you’ll hike about 1.3 miles round trip, making this a great sub-hour hike in the park. Plus, Sand Dune Arch is completely shaded from the sun, and it’s essentially a giant sand pit, which your kids will love.
If you do Broken Arch, too, it shares the same trailhead. Don’t attempt the full Broken Arch loop on this short visit. Instead, hike to Broken Arch and then return the way you came to get back into your car.
For a full overview of this hike and photos, check out my Sand Dunes and Broken Arch trail guide here.
10:30 AM: Windows Arch Loop
Time outlay: 45-60 minutes
The Windows parking area from the trail near Turret Arch
Continue towards the visitors center on the scenic highway through the park, but turn onto The Windows Road, which will be to your left. Follow that road to its end, where you’ll find a large circular parking lot.
The Camping Kiddos in front of South Windows Arch
This is where you can see a couple of the most stunning arches in the park, including North and South Windows Arches and Turret Arch.
The trailhead to these arches will be to the right hand side of the parking area.
Follow the well marked paths to each of the viewpoints. There are several sets of stairs, so watch your step.
If you’re a brisk hiker, you can extend this experience by adding on the primitive loop behind the South Window.
This half mile extension runs behind the Windows Arches and doesn’t have a specific trail. Because of this, most visitors aren’t back here, so it’s a quick way to escape the crowds!
On the other side of the parking lot is Double Arch, which you might be able to squeeze in if you don’t do the primitive loop.
There’s a short walkway up to the base of this beautiful stone formation, but it’s so large that you can easily see it from the parking lot.
11:30 AM: Overlooks on Return Trip
Time outlay: 20 minutes
From The Windows Road, turn left onto Arches National Park, looking out the window as you pass Balanced Rock.
This unusual formation usually has a crowd in its tiny parking lot, so I think it’s best seen from the road, but if you really want a photo, scoot in here quickly.
As you complete your journey towards the visitors center, I’d recommend stopping at 2 other overlooks, which each offer up unique views.
The Petrified Dunes are an interesting counterpoint to the park’s arches, and a fascinating look into the various geological forces at work here.
Once sandy, rolling dunes, these hills were turned into rock millions of years ago, but they’ve retained their dome shapes. While not quite as colorful as the hills of the Painted Desert in Petrified Forest National Park, the dunes here still have lovely striations of red, orange, yellow, and white.
Behind the dunes, you’ll have uninterrupted views of the La Sal Mountains to the south of Moab.
This overlook is rarely busy, and it has an interpretive sign to help you learn more about the features.
Courthouse Towers
Your final stop in Arches National Park is at Courthouse Towers, the huge and unmistakable vertical slabs just off of the scenic highway.
There is a small parking lot that can get busy, but people tend to move quickly here so a parking spot will free up in no time if you wait.
It’s worth getting out of the car just to see how big these towers are—and how small you are in turn.
What You’re Skipping
Since you don’t have time for a longer hike, you’re not seeing the park’s iconic Delicate Arch, which requires navigating a usually very busy 3 mile trail.
You’re also skipping many, many, many of the parks more than 3,000 arches, which can be accessed on a variety of other trails that won’t fit into this itinerary.
The Fiery Furnace is another fun, but longer hike, and one that absolutely couldn’t be done on a short day here. Plus, you need either a permit or a reservation on a ranger-led hike, both of which would eat further into your already limited time.
If you had more time, I’d also recommend doing one of the daily free ranger hikes or programs, which provide an expert but approachable look into the park’s geology, biology, history, or wildlife.
Driving between Arches and Canyonlands
Total mid-day break time outlay: Noon-2 PM
If you were to drive directly from Arches visitors center to the Canyonlands visitors center at Island in the Sky, it would take about 40 minutes.
However, since it is mid-day as you’re transitioning between the two parks, I’ve also included time to stop for a picnic or run (very quickly) into Moab for a grab-and-go meal.
If you decide to go the picnic route, there are covered picnic tables at the back of the parking lot at Arches National Park’s visitors center.
If you’re heading into Moab instead, there aren’t a ton of quick meal options. If you’re looking for a quick fast food burger, there’s a Wendy’s on Main Street. If you’d like something local, Giliberto's Mexican Taco Shop on Main Street across from the City Market has a drive through.
Either way, plan to be done with lunch and heading towards Canyonlands no later than 1 PM in order to keep to your schedule.
Near the Big Mesa Overlook on Route 313
From the Arches park entrance or from downtown Moab, head north on Highway 191, then turn on State Route 313 across from the Sun Outdoor Canyonlands Gateway. (If you’re looking for a recommendation on where to stay before and after this adventure, that campground is one of our picks for the best camping at the Utah national parks!)
If you have a few minutes to stop, there is a small pull-off 2.7 miles from that intersection where you can see the Intestine Man petroglyphs on the red rock walls to your right.
These are just a few of the many petroglyphs you’ll find in Moab, but they’re the only ones on your route for today’s itinerary.
(The others are on Potash Road closer to Moab, and easily accessible if you’re doing the Corona Arch hike on a different day. You can also find some in Capitol Reef elsewhere in Utah!)
This entire section of Route 313 is gorgeous, and there are a couple of other overlooks nearby if you need to burn another minute or two.
Big Mesa Overlook on the way to Canyonlands
Big Mesa Overlook is another 3.7 miles past the Intestine Man petroglyph pull-off, and Plateau Viewpoint is another 2.4 miles after Big Mesa. Big Mesa looks like a tiny version of Monument Valley, which straddles the Utah-Arizona border!
Both of these viewpoints have pull-off on the right side of the road as you head towards Canyonlands’ Island in the Sky district.
Afternoon at Canyonlands National Park
Total Park Time Outlay: 2 PM-6 PM
Canyonlands isn’t ever as busy as Arches, so you’re going to get to stretch your legs a bit here. Just as Arches is reaching peak capacity, you’ve decamped for the much quieter and much more spread out Canyonlands. Just remember to keep drinking water, watching those temperatures, and using sun protection if you’re doing this itinerary from May to September.
You won’t need a reservation pass since Canyonlands doesn’t use those, but you will need to pay for entrance to the park—or use that America the Beautiful pass I talked about above.
2 PM: Arrival and Visitors Center
Time outlay: 30 minutes
The entrance kiosks are far less grand than what you experienced at Arches earlier, but they’re also a breeze to get through, so it all balances out.
The incredible viewpoint across the visitors center in the Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands
After you pay your entrance fee, you’ll get a park map and brochure to help you learn more about the overlooks, wildlife, and more.
The visitors center here is much small than what’s at Arches, so you won’t need as much time at this one. You can browse in the limited souvenirs, take a look at the interpretive materials, or watch the park movie. The latter is about 20 minutes, so watch your time if you decide to do that.
Don’t forget to fill up with water at the free water stations outside the visitors center. This is the only place to get water in the park.
Before you get back in your car, walk across the road to the incredible overlook just steps from the visitors center. You can get a great idea from this overlook why this district of Canyonlands is called “Island in the Sky” since the mesas almost look as if they’re floating since they’re so tall.
2:30 PM: Mesa Arch Trail
Time outlay: 60 minutes
Mesa Arch with picturesque rock formations beyond
One of the easier trails in the park with (yet another) arch at the view point. You’re getting a year’s worth of natural arches on this trip, and it’s interesting to compare this one with what you saw in Arches earlier in the day.
Of all of the places you’re visiting at Canyonlands, this parking area is the most likely to be busy. Still, what’s busy at Canyonlands is manageable and nothing like what busy looks like at Arches.
Be patient and circle the lot a couple of times, and a spot is sure to open up.
The Mesa Arch Trail is a 0.7 mile loop, so an hour should be plenty of time to find a parking spot, hike to the overlook, take photos and return to your vehicle.
3:30 PM: Green River Overlook
Time outlay: 20 minutes
The long range views of the Green River and beyond
Just a couple hundred feet to the left of the Mesa Arch parking area is where you’ll want to turn off next. Make the right onto Upheaval Dome Road, and then an almost immediate left onto Green River Overlook Road.
Follow this side road to the large parking lot at the end.
You’ll find the beautiful Green River Overlook, which allows for long range views of the Green River, and, if you look into the distance enough, the Needles district.
Far below the overlook is the White Rim Trail, which seems so small from this perspective as to be for toy cars. You’re more than 1400 feet above that trail at this point.
3:50 PM: Driving Upheaval Dome Road
Time outlay: 20 minutes
Once you’ve taken in the awe inspiring views at Green River Overlook, retrace your route back down Green River Overlook Road, and turn left onto Upheaval Dome Road.
This 2 lane road winds through a lesser traveled section of the park, and you’re likely to have the road to yourself. If you see an interesting pull-off, hop out for photos. You really cannot take a bad picture in this area of the park!
4:20 PM: Upheaval Dome Trail OR Whale Rock Trail
Time outlay: 60 minutes
At the end of Upheaval Dome Road, you’ll come to a circular parking area. If you need to use the restroom or take a quick break, there are vault toilets in the center of the parking circle and picnic tables on the exterior rim.
Pick one of the two easy hikes available in this part of the park.
The Upheaval Dome Trail is accessible from this parking area, while the Whale Rock Trail is less than a mile back up Upheaval Dome Road.
The trailhead for Whale Rock off of Upheaval Dome Road
If you choose Upheaval Dome Trail, only attempt to go to the first overlook point. There is a second, longer viewpoint, but you likely don’t have time for that as the day comes to a close.
Also, be sure not to hop onto Syncline Trail, which is the hardest trail in this section of the park and shares a trailhead with the Upheaval Dome Trail.
Whale Rock is a fun trail with a couple of rock scrambles and some manageable elevation gain. You’ll get great views of the surrounding valley from the highest portions.
5:20 PM: Scenic Drive to Grand View Point
Time outlay: 20 minutes
Return to Grand View Point Road by following Upheaval Dome Road to its end beyond the Green River Overlook.
When you get to the intersection with Grand View Point Road, turn to your right, away from the visitors center. Follow this road to its end.
There are multiple trailheads and overlooks along this route, but I’d stick to the course since your time in Canyonlands is quickly coming to a close.
5:40 PM: Grand View Point
Time outlay: 20 minutes
Your final destination in the park is the stunning Grand View Point, one of the park’s most recognizable overlooks.
From here, you can see even more of those iconic “islands in the sky,” which are caused by erosion of the red rock by the rivers far below.
If you’re interested in adding on one more hike, and about 90 more minutes in the park, there is a scenic trail from the parking lot out further onto the point. The Grand View Point Trail is 1.8 miles and has little elevation change, so you should be able to do it in about an hour and a half.
If you’re doing this itinerary in the late fall or winter, keep a watch on sunset times as you don’t want to be caught out on the trail in the dark!
When you’ve completed your overlook viewing or your hike here, head back to Moab for some dinner and rest after your big day. I highly recommend El Tapatio on Main Street if you’d like some filling, huge portions of delicious Tex-Mex, or Zax’s on Main if you’d rather have pasta or burgers.
What You’re Skipping
There’s so much more to do in Canyonlands, both in Island in the Sky district and the other 2 districts that you didn’t even see today.
If you had another day or two here, you could add on another few hikes, including the Cave Spring Trail in the Needles district or Aztec Butte Trail in Island in the Sky, both of which feature archeological and historical features.
