Travel Guide
Everything you need to know β hours, tickets, tips, and how to make the most of your visit.
Overview
The quietest of the Mighty 5, built around the Waterpocket Fold, a 100-mile wrinkle in the earth's crust. Highlights include the Scenic Drive, Fremont petroglyphs, Hickman Bridge and the historic Fruita orchards, where you can pick fruit in season and buy pies at the Gifford Homestead.
Insider Knowledge
Arrive at the Gifford Homestead early, because the small fruit pies often sell out by early afternoon.
Nearby
utah-mighty-5Just outside Moab, Arches holds more than 2,000 natural stone arches, including the free-standing Delicate Arch, Landscape Arch and the Windows. It is compact and easy to tour by car, but it is extremely popular and uses a timed-entry reservation system in its busy season.
utah-mighty-5A series of natural amphitheaters packed with orange and pink hoodoos, best seen from the rim at Sunrise, Sunset, Inspiration and Bryce points. At 8,000-9,000 feet it is much cooler than the desert parks and has some of the darkest night skies in the country.
utah-mighty-5Utah's largest national park, divided by the Colorado and Green rivers into separate districts. Most visitors explore Island in the Sky, about 40 minutes from Moab, for sweeping overlooks like Grand View Point and the sunrise view through Mesa Arch.
utah-mighty-5The quietest of the Mighty 5, built around the Waterpocket Fold, a 100-mile wrinkle in the earth's crust. Highlights include the Scenic Drive, Fremont petroglyphs, Hickman Bridge and the historic Fruita orchards, where you can pick fruit in season and buy pies at the Gifford Homestead.
utah-mighty-5A Utah state park on the road to Canyonlands, with a famous overlook 2,000 feet above a gooseneck bend of the Colorado River. It is one of the best sunset spots near Moab and is easy to combine with Island in the Sky on the same day.
Utah's most visited park, a deep sandstone canyon cut by the Virgin River with towering walls, hanging gardens and famous hikes like Angels Landing and The Narrows. The main canyon is explored by free shuttle from Springdale for most of the year.
Hike to Hickman Bridge (about 1.8 miles round trip) for a natural bridge and great views.
Drive the Scenic Drive to Capitol Gorge, but check road conditions after rain on the unpaved spur.
Stay in Torrey, about 15 minutes west, for motels, cabins and a few good dinner options.
Common Questions
No. There is no timed entry, and crowds are much lighter than at Zion or Arches.
Highway 24 runs through the park and is open at all times; only the Scenic Drive charges a fee.
Fees are paid at a self-pay station or with a pass at the start of the Scenic Drive; check nps.gov for current rates.
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