Moab Utah, is surrounded by the beauty of Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. This recreational area is known for 4-wheel drive trails and backcountry adventures. Arches features several hiking trails to spectacular stone arches and Canyonlands consists of massive canyons crarved by the Colorado and Green Rivers.
Key Takeaways:
- Moab, Utah, is located near Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park
- Arches National Park requires a timed entry from March to October between 7 AM. and 4 PM; arches can be seen from overlooks and trails throughout the park
- Canyonlands National Park is a huge park consisting of four districts carved by the massive canyons carved by the Colorado and Green River; Island in the Sky is the closest district to Moab
- Portal RV Resort in Moab is a full-service resort located close to area attractions
Campground Review:
Portal RV Resort is an excellent RV stay in Moab, Utah, just 5 minutes from Arches National Park. The park offers full-hookups, large sites, two pools and two dog parks. Premium sites with concrete pads are available for RVs meeting certain restrictions. The park was nicely landscaped with mature trees. Our dogs enjoyed long walks in the park and the two off-leash dog parks. We enjoyed the pools during the hot afternoons. The location in Moab was close to the restaurants and shops in Moab and near Arches and Canyonlands National Parks.
What to do:
- Arches National Park:
- Start at the Visitor’s center for maps and information on arches and hikes
- Drive to the Windows Section; take the short hikes to the North and South Windows, Turret Arch and Double Arch
- Visit the Balanced Rock, just off the main road
- See the Delicate Arch from the Lower Delicate Arch Viewpoint or hike the half-mile walk to the Upper Viewpoint; the arch is best viewed via the three-mile strenuous trail
- Visit Devils Garden and hike to Landscape Arch; check out Partition Arch, Navajo Arch, Pine Tree and Tunnel Arch along the way
- Hike to Sand Dune Arch & Broken Arch
- Visit the Park Avenue Viewpoint; hike the trail (with many stairs) between Park Avenue and Courthouse Towers
- Canyonlands National Park:
- Visit the Island in the Sky District (closest to Moab) starting at the Visitor’s Center
- Take the scenic drive stopping at canyon overlooks
- Hike to the Mesa Arch for canyon views through an arch span
- Picnic At Upheaval Overlook
- Finish at Grand View Overlook
- Check out numerous trails throughout the park
- Drive the off-road trails throughout the park
- Visit Dead Horse Point State Park for dramatic views of the Colorado River and Canyonlands National Park
- Check out the restaurants and shops in downtown Moab
Area Info for Pet Owners
- Arches National Park does not allow dogs on hiking trails or at overlooks; dogs are allowed on established roads, parking areas and campgrounds; take the dogs along for scenic hikes
- Canyonlands National Park does not allow dogs on hiking trails or overlooks; dogs are allowed on established front-country roads, campgrounds and picnic areas
- Dead Horse Point State Park allows dogs on hiking trails and in the campground – woof!
Arches National Park
Pine Tree Arch – ANP
Broken Arch Trail – ANP
Landscape Arch – ANP
Park Ave – ANP
Canyonlands Mesa Arch
Dead Horse State Park
Canyonlands National Park
Windows Arch – ANP
Turret Arch – ANP
Turret Arch – ANP
Broken Arch – ANP
Balanced Rock – ANP
Devils Garden Trail
Broken Arch – ANP
Canyonlands Trail
Chili & Cedar’s Review:
We liked our stay at Portal RV Resort! There were two dog parks and lots of space for long walks around the park. Chili didn’t like the beeps from all the construction equipment nearby – arf!
Campground Rating: 4.7 PAWS out of 5 PAWS
We enjoyed our drives through Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park – but neither park allowed dogs on any trails. We did enjoy our walk and picnic in Dead Horse Point State Park.