Family-Friendly Adventures in , Utah!

Arches National Park

Why Visit?

Day 1: Welcome to Arches National Park

Morning

Arrive early at the park to beat the crowds and the heat, especially during summer. The Visitor Center is a great first stop. Here, you can grab maps, check current conditions, and let the kids become Junior Rangers.

Mid-Morning: Drive to Park Avenue

Begin your exploration with a short stop at Park Avenue Viewpoint, only a 10-minute drive from the Visitor Center. It’s a stunning introduction to the park’s majestic formations. The one-mile trail here is relatively easy and offers spectacular views of towering spires and monoliths - a perfect "alley" of red rock wonders.

Afternoon: Balanced Rock

Just 9 miles from the Visitor Center, this iconic feature looks strikingly like a giant balancing act. The loop trail is an easy 0.3 miles, ideal for families. Did you know the boulder on top weighs as much as an icebreaker ship or about 3,577 tons?

Late Afternoon: Delicate Arch

Finish the day with a 3-mile round trip hike to Utah’s unofficial emblem, Delicate Arch. This moderate hike is best in the late afternoon when the sun casts a warm glow, perfect for photos. The arch stands 46 feet high and 32 feet wide, created from Entrada Sandstone.

Day 2: Explore More Incredible Formations

Morning: Devil’s Garden

Head to the furthest point in the park early in the morning. Start with the easy Landscape Arch trail (1.6 miles round trip) to see one of the largest natural arches in the world.

Afternoon: Windows Section

This area offers a cluster of large, easily accessible arches including North Window, South Window, and Turret Arch - great for exploring with kids. The loop is about 1 mile and offers many stunning angles of the arches.

Evening: Sunset at Skyline Arch

End your visit with a short 0.4-mile hike to Skyline Arch, beautifully framed by the setting sun, making a serene conclusion to your Arches adventure.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Hell"s Revenge Trail

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Itinerary: A Day at Hell"s Revenge Trail

Morning: Arrival and Preparation

Start your adventure early by heading to Hell"s Revenge Trail, located just outside Moab, Utah. To get there, drive north from Moab on Main Street, turn right onto E 300 S, and follow signs towards Sand Flats Road. After about 10 minutes, you"ll reach the Sand Flats Recreation Area, where Hell"s Revenge awaits. Ensure you have plenty of water, snacks, and sunscreen.

Interesting Fact: Hell’s Revenge Trail is known for its petrified sand dunes and stunning rock formations, making it a geological wonder that sparks the curiosity of both young and old.

Mid-Morning: Guided UTV Tour

A guided UTV (Utility Task Vehicle) tour is perfect for families. These robust vehicles allow you to safely navigate the trail"s rugged terrain while experiencing the thrill of Moab"s famous slickrock. Tours typically last 2-3 hours. Book in advance with a reputable local company which provides child-friendly UTVs and child seats.

Lunch: Picnic with a View

Post-tour, enjoy a picnic at one of the designated areas overlooking the Colorado River. It’s a great spot to relax and enjoy the natural beauty.

Afternoon: Nature Walk and Photography

Take a leisurely walk along the easier parts of the trail to explore ancient rock formations. Be sure to bring your camera; the views are breathtaking, especially at the overlooks where you can see the La Sal Mountains in the distance.

Interesting Fact: Hell"s Revenge crosses the famous Slickrock Bike Trail, a must-see for biking enthusiasts.

Late Afternoon: Return to Moab

Head back to Moab. On your way, stop by the Moab Giants Dinosaur Park, just a 15-minute drive from Hell"s Revenge. It’s a fun and educational stop where kids can learn about the prehistoric creatures that once roamed this area.

Evening: Dinner in Moab

Conclude your day with a family dinner at one of Moab"s cozy restaurants, offering everything from gourmet burgers to vegetarian delights, catering to all palates.

This itinerary blends adventure with education, ensuring a memorable family experience at Hell"s Revenge!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Canyonlands National Park

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Itinerary for Canyonlands National Park

Day 1: Island in the Sky District

- Morning: Mesa Arch

- Starting Point: Canyonlands Visitor Center

- Travel Details: Drive to Mesa Arch parking lot, a short 10-minute drive.

- Activity: Enjoy a 0.5-mile round trip hike to Mesa Arch. This easy trail is perfect for kids and leads to a breathtaking cliff-edge arch that offers iconic sunrise photos.

- Midday: Grand View Point

- Travel Details: Drive south from Mesa Arch for about 20 minutes.

- Activity: Take the 2-mile round trip walk along the Grand View Point Trail. The path is relatively flat and offers panoramic views of the canyons. Great for a family picnic with a view.

- Afternoon: Visitor Center

- Activity: Head back to the visitor center where kids can partake in the Junior Ranger Program, collecting badges and learning about the park’s geology and history.

Day 2: Needles District

- Morning: Cave Spring Trail

- Starting Point: Elephant Hill parking area.

- Travel Details: About a 75-minute drive from the Island in the Sky Visitor Center.

- Activity: Explore the 0.6-mile Cave Spring Trail, featuring historic cowboy camps and Native American rock paintings. The two ladders on the route add a small adventurous twist that children love.

- Midday: Pothole Point

- Travel Details: Short drive from Cave Spring.

- Activity: Engage the kids in spotting wildlife as they look for water in the potholes that dot this short 0.6-mile loop. It’s an interactive way to learn about desert ecosystems.

- Afternoon: Roadside Ruin

- Activity: Conclude your visit with a 0.3-mile easy trail to a small ancestral Puebloan granary. It’s a gentle walk, perfect for young explorers to learn about ancient civilizations.

Tips

- Carry plenty of water, snacks, sunscreen, and hats.

- Start early to avoid the heat and crowds.

- Check the park’s website for any travel advisories or program updates.

Enjoy your adventure in Canyonlands, where every trail leads to natural wonders and historical secrets, perfect for a family eager to explore and learn!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Dead Horse Point State Park

Why Visit?

Embark on a memorable family adventure at Dead Horse Point State Park, a majestic desert landscape with panoramic views and a rich history. Here’s a perfect day itinerary to ensure you and your family have an enriching experience.

Morning: Arrival and Visitor Center

Kick off your day early by arriving at the park, situated near Moab, Utah. From Moab, take US-191 north for about 9 miles, then turn left onto UT-313, and continue for another 23 miles. The park is well-signposted. Start at the Visitor Center, open from 6 am to 10 pm during peak season. It"s a great resource for maps and the history of the park, which is named after a natural corral by cowboys in the 19th century. Don’t miss the introductory video and check out the gift shop for some souvenirs.

Mid-Morning: West Rim Trail

From the Visitor Center, embark on the West Rim Trail, an easy to moderate 3-mile round trip that offers stunning views of the Canyonlands and the Colorado River. Notice the vibrant desert flora and keep an eye out for local wildlife, including mule deer and numerous bird species.

Lunch: Picnic at Dead Horse Point Overlook

Pack a picnic and head to Dead Horse Point Overlook, just a short drive from the Visitor Center. Enjoy your meal with breathtaking views of the Colorado River 2,000 feet below, which carves through the landscape creating a dramatic visual.

Afternoon: Bighorn Overlook and Basin Overlook

Post-lunch, take a leisurely drive or hike to Bighorn Overlook and Basin Overlook. These points are accessible via short trails from the main road and offer different perspectives and quieter spots to appreciate the vastness of the landscape.

Late Afternoon: Stargazing

Wrap up your visit by staying till dusk. Dead Horse Point is known for its dark skies, making it an ideal spot for stargazing. Lay back and marvel at the cosmos, a perfect end to your adventure-filled day in this spectacular state park.

Remember to carry plenty of water, sun hats, sunscreen, and comfortable walking shoes to make the most of your day at Dead Horse Point State Park. Enjoy your family adventure!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Fisher Towers

Why Visit?

Discover the striking landscape of Fisher Towers, a must-visit gem located near Moab, Utah. Perfect for families eager to delve into an outdoor adventure, this itinerary blends scenic beauty with just the right dose of thrill.

Day 1: Arrival in Moab

- Morning: Arrive in Moab. Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Love Muffin Café, known for its locally-sourced ingredients.

- Afternoon: Drive 21 miles northeast of Moab on Scenic Byway 128, a breathtaking route that follows the Colorado River. This drive alone offers picturesque views and several spots for quick, scenic stops.

- Evening: Set up camp at one of the sites close to Fisher Towers or choose a family-friendly hotel in Moab. Enjoy dinner in town at the Spoke on Center, which offers a variety of dishes suitable for kids and adults.

Day 2: Exploring Fisher Towers

- Morning to Afternoon:

- Hiking: Head to the Fisher Towers Trail, a 4.4-mile round trip that promises awe-inspiring views of the rock formations, known for their dramatic red hues and unusual shapes. The trail is of moderate difficulty, making it ideal for families with older children. Along the way, learn about the geology and how these towers were formed over millions of years.

- Photography and Picnic: The trail offers several vantage points perfect for family photos. Pack a picnic to enjoy amidst the towering pinnacles.

- Interesting Fact: Scenes from several films, including John Carter and City Slickers II, were shot here, adding a touch of Hollywood magic to your visit.

- Late Afternoon: Return to Moab. Refresh and unwind.

Day 3: Departure or Optional Activities

- Morning: Before heading home, consider a gentle rafting trip on the Colorado River, offering a serene yet exciting experience suitable for all ages.

Fisher Towers provides a blend of natural beauty, engaging trails, and a touch of movie history, making it an unforgettable family getaway.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.