Moab...and the parts you maybe haven't heard of
Best less-traveled hikes?
Better places to boondock?
Why do you prefer Canyonlands to Arches?
What is with the timed entry system at Arches NP?
Of course you've heard of Moab, it's probably one of the more popular places in Utah, which is probably one of the most popular states for outdoor enthusiasts. I'm not going to get into the typical things for Moab, because there are already enough blogs out there covering pretty much every aspect of the majority of Moab, so I'm instead focusing on the places I didn't hear about the first time I went, and the places I wish I had known about and want to share with you!
Some hikes I loved outside of the national parks were:
Corona Arch
Pinto Arch
Bowtie Arch
Hunter's Canyon
Fisher Towers
These hikes are popular, don't mistake, but they are less traveled than the NP's and you can take your dog with you, so they are some of my favorite hikes in the area.
Do NOT forget to go to Dead Horse Point State Park while you are there. The rim edge hike is easy, and you have beautiful views throughout the hike. The history in this park is also an important part of the area, take time to read and educate yourself via the information and plaques provided throughout the park.
Willow Springs Road is the popular place to boondock, but boy is it crowded. I mean every spot is full, you're going to have neighbors, people use generators at all hours, but it is conveniently close to town for groceries and such.
Other places not as close to town but much quieter and more 'dispersed' include (from iOverlander):
Turnout before Needles overlook
Gemini Bridges
Potash Ponds
Isle in the SKY BLM backcountry edge
The reason I prefer Canyonlands to Arches is two-fold: 1) there are less people, 2) the Druid Arch hike in the Canyonlands Needles District.
I feel like the pictures say enough, but let me tell you a little about it so you will be prepared should you choose this hike:
-It's far away. It is approximately 2 hours from Moab to the trailhead, and gas is scarce. There is a gas station right outside of the Needles district, but expect to pay upwards of $7/gallon ($10/gallon as I'm writing this and gas is at insane price points). The people that own the store are so great, but it isn't easy to get goods to that area, so you're going to pay for it. The station closes at 6pm, be aware!
-It's a long hike. It is over 11 miles, there is no water, and it's basically back-country (as is the majority of the Needles District).
-There is a significant elevation gain to get to the viewpoint where most of my photos were taken, and it's mainly loose rock. Wear appropriate shoes. Please do not show up for this hike in flip flops or converse. You need comfortable, broken-in hiking boots to enjoy this trail properly.
-There isn't any cell service. Download the hike from AllTrails before you head out to make sure you don't get lost. If you're hiking alone, bring a first aide kit and let someone (friend, family member, park ranger) know you are doing this hike. I make a point of informing at least one person every time I do a solo hike over 8 miles, especially when in the back country. It's nice to know that someone is expecting your call within a set amount of hours. If something does go wrong, you know you have someone that will call a ranger for help for you!
-Bring your cameras! The hike is beautiful throughout, the endpoint (the arch) being particularly spectacular. Don't forget your phones and cameras. You'll want to have photos to remember this magical place!
Finally, lets review the timed entry system for Arches NP. I have included a link below to the NPS website for their play-by-play on what the reservation system requires/involves. Timed entry system is from April 3 to October 3. Time slot reservations are released three months in advance, on the first of the month (aside from January, which are released on the 3rd after the holidays), and are on a first-come, first-serve basis. There are also quite a few day-before reservation time slots available starting at 6pm the night before. Tickets (time slot reservations) are required from 6am to 5pm daily from April 3 through October 3. Tickets are technically "free", but require a $2 processing fee, so they are $2 to order online.
If you don't mind waking up early or arriving in the evening, you can get in without a reservation. However, if you are going early make sure you get there around 5-530am so that you can make it through the potential line before the timed entries begin. If you want to go in the evening, I suggest getting there no later than 530pm, as there will already be a line stacking up. Expect crowds, and just pack your patience. Arches is beautiful, but it is overrun with humans. Double arch is especially crowded, and there are a lot of children climbing all around that area, so be mindful of that when planning. On the other side of that coin if you don't want to see another human, go to Tower Arch. I didn't see a soul while I was there, the hike has some sandy parts so it goes give quite a bit of elevation gain and difficulty, and the arch is massive. One of those "I feel very small in this vast and beautiful world" moments.
Lastly, I'll conclude by saying *pretty please* don't skip the Needles District of Canyonlands. It is such a beautiful place, and I cannot imagine a life without having seen Druid Arch now that I've hiked there. It will be a hike I go back to at least once a year.
Remember to pack-it-in-pack-it-out, and abide by the leave no trace principals, as you always should! Enjoy Moab!
Omg those pictures are breathtaking!!!