Hi guys, welcome to my spring trip to Moab, Utah to Arches, Canyonlands and Capitol Reef National Parks!

I just went through the Eaton Fire in January and was doing some reporting on it along with studying for my California Wine Appellation Specialist certification. Then there was the craziness of what is currently happening in the U.S., so I desperately needed a break.

I have visited Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks on a bus tour in 2016 (you can read more about it here), so I was excited to finish up the remaining three.

You might be wondering with all of the federal cuts happening in the U.S. right now if I had a problem at any of these national parks. As of me typing this, I can say I had zero problems but that could also change in the future.

Cost Breakdown

As always, let’s do a cost breakdown:

Delta flight: $227

Airbnb: $537

Turo (Nissan Tucson): $435

I can honestly tell you guys that renting a car through Turo like I have for my last 2 trips is a much better deal than any rental car business like Budget. The extra fees are absolutely horrendous and I have no clue if it will ever be the same again.

Alright, let’s fly to Utah! 🙂

Day 1 – Tuesday, April 8

My flight was at 5:45 a.m. out of LAX, probably one of the earliest flights I have had in a long time. I was up at 2 a.m. and was at my gate by 4 a.m.! I loved the cute Easter display Delta had in the terminal.

On the flight, the middle seat was empty and the window passenger assembled her stuffed animals, Peanut and Duffy, onto the seat and buckled them in. It was so funny and adorable!

Once I landed at SLC, I got my bags and SUV and off I went to Moab! The airport was probably one of the nicest ones I have ever been in and the snow capped mountains were gorgeous.

It was a 3 1/2 hour drive to Moab and I saw a ton of canyons and buttes along the way. Toward the end, you can see Canyonlands on the right and Arches on the left.

My first stop was in Green River, about 30 minutes northwest of Moab, to see the horse sculpture and the view the “World’s Largest Watermelon” sculpture. It is 25 feet long and was built in the 1950s to honor the city’s Melon Days.

It was kind of dumb in my opinion, LOL! Plus, it was all blocked off!

My next stop was the Colorado Riverway Recreation Area, which follows the Colorado River from Dewey Bridge to Canyonlands. There are a lot of outdoor activities to enjoy and it was nice to take in the scenery!

At this point I was starving, so I went to Moab Brewery for a flight that consisted of a Lager, Amber Ale, Pilsner and Stout. I also ended up having a pint of the Pilsner along with Hot Honey Chicken Wings, Fries and Coleslaw ($33).

I highly recommend eating here as it is the only in-house brewery in Moab!

Afterwards, I quickly made a 20 minute trip south to Hole N” The Rock ($12 for 15 minute tour), a 5,000-square-foot sandstone home that was created by owner Albert Christensen in 1940. The family later moved into the home in 1952 and the site opened to public tours after Albert’s death in 1957. The adjacent Hole N” The Rock diner was opened in 1945 and operated until 1955.

Photography was not allowed inside but I highly recommend seeing this, it’s very interesting. What was very cool and bizarre was I even noticed a couple items my grandmother had when I was growing up!

My last stop of the day was to the Moonflower Co-op to see if there was a memorial for Gabby Petito.

If you are familiar with the story from 2021, vlogger Gabby Petito and her boyfriend, Brian Laundrie, were on a summer cross country trip when the adventure took a turn. Brian ended up murdering Gabby in Grand Teton National Park a few weeks after being in Moab. The infamous police body cam footage of them being pulled over just outside of Arches National Park resulted from an argument the couple had outside of the cop-op earlier that morning.

The memorial in front of the co-op is dedicated to Gabby, however, it is also for Kylen Schulte, a former co-worker who was murdered with her wife, Crystal Turner, while camping in the La Sal Mountains.

RIP to all three women <3

Later I checked into my Airbnb and in the evening and headed to bed. I was beyond exhausted and I had a long day of hiking the next day.

Day 2 – Wednesday, April 9

I had to wake up super early to visit the first National Park on my trip: Arches!

Arches was established in 1929, is adjacent to the Colorado River and north of Moab. Here are some other interesting facts about the park, according to the website:

More than 2,000 natural stone arches
Hundreds of pinnacles
Large rock fins
Giant balanced rocks

Make sure to also check out my TikTok about the top things to see in Arches!

But first…coffee! Because I had to be on the road early everyday, the only coffee shop I could find with food that was open before 7 a.m. was Horsethief Coffee at the Moab Springs Ranch.

I ordered a Hazelnut Latte and Blueberry White Chocolate Scone ($12). It wasn’t the greatest the coffee or the scone, but hey, it was something considering if was 6:30 a.m.!

Between April 1 – October 21, you need a Timed Reservation ($2) to get into Arches and my reservation was between 7 a.m. – 8 a.m. Luckily, the park is only a 10 minute drive from Moab. The sunrise is also gorgeous throughout the park!

The first stop was at the Delicate Arch, the most popular hike in the park with an elevation of 4,300 feet. I recommend going early to beat the crowd!

It was a bit challenging because you are going uphill and are scrambling along different rock surfaces but the views are absolutely spectacular! The hike is 3.1 miles out and back and took me 2 hours to complete.

There is also Wolf Ranch that was once owned by John Wesley during the early 1900s and Petroglyphs during the Ice Age toward the beginning of the trail. There’s also a lower viewpoint of the arch that is 200 feet high and takes about 15 minutes to complete.

You can also check out my TikTok for a full experience of the trail!

Further up the road, I stopped and took in some views of Fiery Furnace (I took a distant view of this as well). Unfortunately, the trail is closed indefinitely due to staff shortages for the hike. The hike I read is maze-like with many slots.

The next arch I came across was the Skyline Arch, which is 300 feet from the road.

Further up the road was the Sand Dune Arch Trail, which goes through sandstone walls. The trail is .3 miles out and back and took me 15 minutes to complete.

On the other side was a grassy area with a trail that lead to the Broken Arch. The trail is a loop that is 2.3 miles and takes 1 hour to complete. However, I decided not to do the loop.

The next stop was at Balanced Rock, which stands at 128 feet and weighs 3,600 pounds! It is attached to the Dewey Bridge mudstone and in the future, the rock will tumble down from erosion.

My last hike of the day was Window’s Loop/Turret Arch Trail, which was super easy and doable. The rock formations looked like two eyes! The trail is 1.2 miles and took me 30 minutes to complete.

Across the other side, I walked over to see the Double Arch, which is the second largest arch in the park at 144 feet long and is the tallest in the park at 112 feet tall.

On the way out of the park, I stopped at Petrified Dunes to take in a view of Navajo sandstone rock formations and the La Sal Mountains.

My last viewpoints were at Park Avenue and Courthouse Towers. I loved the information about the Fallen Arches!

My last stop was at the Visitor Center to buy some souvenir magnets, something I purchase for every National Park I have visited, and to view the history of the park. They even had an arch inside!

Something I didn’t have time to do was hike Devil’s Garden/Landscape Arch, which is the longest arch in the U.S. with a light opening at 306 feet and 6 feet in diameter. I read the trial was 8 miles roundtrip and I didn’t have the strength to do it.

Photo credit: Wikipedia

Back at the Airbnb, I freshened up and later went to Downtown Moab to do some shopping. I got nothing for myself but I ended up getting s gift for my mom! The shopping was a ton of fun!

For dinner, I went to Trailhead Public House and ordered myself a Brat with French Fries and a Spicy Margarita ($33). The restaurant is known for their Bread Pudding but I was told it was a very hefty dish, so I didn’t order it for dessert.

Afterwards, I stopped for a Willamette Valley Riesling at Rooted Vine ($10). This Riesling was not dry at all and semi-sweet.

My final stop of the night was at La Michoacana Artisan Ice Cream, where I had a scoop of Matcha flavor with Cheesecake Bites and a Vanilla flavor with Peanuts and Peanut Butter ($12). I highly recommend stopping here with all of the unique flavors!

Day 3 – Thursday, April 10

I was up at 5:45 a.m. because I decided to visit Capitol Reef National Park, which is 2 hours from Moab, and I wanted to get to the park NLT 8:30 a.m.

Here’s some cool facts about this Capitol Reef:

Established in 1971
Sits at 240,000 acres
The park is filled with cliffs, canyons, domes and natural arch bridges
Is home to the Fruita Rural Historic District

Be sure to check out my TikTok for all the highlights!

But first…coffee! I stopped back at Horsethief Coffee in Moab and ordered myself a Vanilla Latte and a Bagel Sandwich ($17). Remember…they are the only coffee shop that is open at 6 a.m.!

I forgot to take a photo of my breakfast…but I did take photos along Highway 24 on the way to Capitol Reef!

Of course, I had to snap a photo of me at the Entrance Sign.

My first touristy stop was at the Elijah Behunin Cabin, who settled with his family in the late 1800s.

Up the road was the trail to the Hickman Bridge, which is a 125 foot tall natural bridge. This is one of the most popular trails in the national park and the only trail I did. It was a bit rough with all of the different rock surfaces…bring hiking boots and plenty of water!!

The trail is out and back and took 1.7 miles and took me 1 hour to complete. Check out my TikTok that I made about the hike!

After the hike, I stopped at the Fruita Schoolhouse. It was operational from the late 1800s until the mid 1900s. The website said the first teacher was just 12-years-old!

I then drove to the Visitor Center to grab a map and buy a magnet, as I always do.

The best part was at my next stop: buying fresh Cherry and Strawberry Rhubarb Pies at Gifford Homestead! The home was once owned by Dewey Gifford and he grew cherries, peaches and apples on the farm. The orchards are still there today and the pies are absolutely delicious and fresh.

I highly recommend stopping here!

I then headed toward the Grand Wash to drive the dirt road amongst the canyons. I did not do the Cassidy Arch Trail, which is another popular hike in the park due to it being rated as strenuous.

Back up on the northwest side of the park, I stopped at Chimney Rock, which stands at 400 feet tall!

My final stops in Capitol Reef were at Panorama Point and Goosenecks Overlook. I didn’t do the trail as it required a 4×4 vehicle but I was still able to look down into the canyon from the top.

Before I headed back to Moab, I stopped at this cute yet silly dinosaur sculpture garden called Carl’s Critter Garden in Hanksville. The sculptures are made from recycled machinery along with some old, vintage cars.

The garden also promotes peace and love!

I also stopped at Goblin Valley State Park ($20), which is often compared to Mars due to its rock formations. I wanted to hike the Goblin’s Lair but at this point I was so tired and worn out, so I got some shots from up above. It is worth going!

I also saw this cute cow that was roaming the grasslands and he let me take a photo of him. Be sure to check out my TikTok about the state park!

After I got back to my Airbnb and showered, I went to dinner at the Broken Oar, where I ordered a glass of Riesling and a French Dip sandwich with a Caesar Side salad ($33). The meal was okay, not a favorite and it tasted bland, but I managed.

Day 4 – Friday, April 11

I was actually able to sleep in until 6:30 a.m. and got ready to visit Canyonlands National Park, which is known for its canyons and buttes with the Colorado River flowing through it.

Here are some fast facts about Canyonlands:

Established in 1964
Has 337,598 acres of colorful canyons, mesas, buttes, fins and arches
Buttes and canyons are carved out by the Colorado and Green Rivers

I am so glad I did this park on my final day in Moab, it was very relaxing and easy. Be sure to check out my TikTok for all of the highlights!

Once again, no photo but I went back to Horsethief Coffee to order a Vanilla Latte and Croissant ($12). I then drove about 35 minutes away to Canyonlands and took a photo at the Entrance Sign.

My first and only hike was the Mesa Arch Trail. It was perfect because the morning sun was shining through the opening of the arch and reflecting light on the canyons.

The trail is .7 miles and took me 20 minutes to complete. Be sure to check out my TikTok!

The rest of the trip consisted of taking photos at the following overlooks…it was absolutely stunning!

Green River Overlook

6,000 feet elevation
Views of the Maze District and the Colorado and Green Rivers

Buck Canyon Overlook

6,240 feet elevation
Vista views to the west across the Colorado River canyon

Orange Cliffs Overlook

Views of the Green River and sandstone orange cliffs from the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
Views of the Maze District

Grand View Point Overlook

6,080 feet elevation
Lies at the southernmost end of the Island in the Sky scenic drive
Views of the corrugated canyons, White Rim road with the Maze and the Needles, and distant mountains.

Shafer Trail Viewpoint

Features the iconic road that descends 1,500 feet through a massive sandstone cliff (I did not do this as I did not have a 4×4 vehicle).

Before I left Canyonlands, I stopped at the Island in the Sky Visitor Center to buy my magnet.

Just down the street from the national park is Dead Horse Point State Park ($20), which is 2,000 feet above the Colorado River and 360 views of Canyonlands’ pinnacles and buttes. This is an absolute must if you are visiting the area!

I did was the East and West End Loop, which is a 1.1 mile loop that took 45 minutes to complete. Be sure to check out my TikTok!

My last touristy stop in the area was at Moab Giants ($20), which features life-size dinosaurs and a museum. I had to follow a half mile trail and it was really neat and informative!

Afterwards, I headed back to my Airbnb to freshen up and later went to Spanish Valley Vineyard and Winery for a wine tasting ($20). There are not too many wineries in Utah and my favorite ended up being the Private Reserve Riesling with Chardonnay oak.

My final meal in Moab was at Thai Bella for dinner, where I had a Thai Iced Tea and Yellow Curry with Chicken, Carrots, Onion, Potato and Pineapple ($32). I highly recommend this restaurant, the food is so flavorful!

Day 5 – Saturday, April 12

This was my last full day in Utah and I drove 3 1/2 hours back to Salt Lake City.

But first…coffee! I tried a coffee shop in Green River called Swell Coffee, where I ordered a Bagel with Cream Cheese and a Vanilla Latte ($8). This was the best tasting coffee I had all week!

I did want to see a portion of the Great Salt Lake, so I stopped at Saltair Beach. The lake is more than 74 miles long and is 35 miles wide. It is also the largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere. The lake is also shrinking due to climate change.

I also took a photos of Saltair, which is the third building to be constructed (it suffered multiple fires since the 1800s) and is used as a concert venue. There is also the Black Rock that was designated as an historic landmark.

It was interesting to see some of the salt flats and walk along the beach area!

Next I headed to Downtown Salt Lake City to take some photos of the Public Library The library is 5 stories in a triangle shape and there are also some businesses located inside.

Across the street is the City and County Building at Washington Square with a Richardsonian Romanesque design. I have always been fascinated with architecture!

The last touristy stop I did was at the Church History Museum, part of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (free). According to the website, the museum “houses an extensive collection of fine art and more than 150,000 historical artifacts that tell the story of the faith and experience of Latter-day Saints from the early 1800s to the present.”

I found it to be very informative and interesting if you are into history or have a strong faith!

Across the street from the museum was Temple Square. Unfortunately, the 132-year-old temple itself is under construction and is slated to re-open in 2027.

I was craving a beer, so I Googled the most popular brewery in Salt Lake City and Fisher Brewing Company was the winner. I ordered myself a Mexican Cerveza ($6) and it tasted very light and crisp!

It’s time for the “Last Meal” portion of the blog. After reading about the best restaurants in Salt Lake City, I decided to try Felt Bar & Eatery. I ordered myself a Lobster Roll with Butter and Vinegar Chips, Half a Dozen Oysters, Beet Pickled Hard Boiled Eggs and a a Good Morning Sunshine cocktail with rum, coconut milk, pineapple and lemon ($78).

This was a splurge meal and everything tasted super fresh! The horseradish was even made from scratch. I highly recommend eating here!

Later I checked into my Airbnb near SLC and just vegged out for the rest of the night. What stuck out to me was all of these inspirational quotes throughout the house.

Day 6 – Sunday, April 13

I had an 8 a.m. flight out of SLC and headed home. I was so happy to be home to relax and rejuvenate before my busy week!

Final Thoughts

And that was the trip! It went very smoothly.

So I have officially seen the Big 5 Utah National Parks and my ranking is as follows:

Arches. I liked the hiking the best and seeing the natural arch rock formations!
Canyonlands. I enjoyed the scenery and the easy, doable hikes!
Zion. The views are spectacular but I wish I would’ve had more time to have done a couple of hikes like The Narrows and Angels Landing. Unfortunately, the brief bus stop prevented me from doing this.
Bryce Canyon. The views of the pinnacle rocks are fantastic!
Capitol Reef. I enjoyed the views and driving around the park but the hiking wasn’t my favorite aspect. Buying the homemade pies at Gifford Homestead was worth it though!