Can anyone give advise on how many days to spend visiting Arches and Canyonlands National Parks? I have allotted 4 days as of now.

That's plenty for Arches. If you are there in the summer plan to do any hiking before 10AM or after 4PM. It is HOT. 4 Days for Canyonlands just scratches the surface. But you need a 4WD to explore much of the park. We were in the area for 2 weeks last summer but just began to look at the park. However we also went to other parks in the area of which there are many.If you are just doing a quick look the Needles and Anticline overlooks are a must. There are long dirt roads to get to them however, but they were in excellent condition. Just as long as it doesn't rain. You can sit on the edge of a 1500 foot cliff and dangle your feet off the edge while watching vehicles on the trail far below.

We were there last fall. Four days will do it, but longer could be better. You'll need more time if you're doing Zion, Bryce, Grand Staircase Escalante and Capital Reef. If you're not on limited vacation time, it's well worth it to see all of them while you're in the area.Yes if you have a 4X4 or something with higher ground clearance than a standard car, take the trail down through Pucker Pass. And right before your get to the visitor center at Canyon land is a trail that will take you over the edge of the canyon and back to Moab. The park people will point it out to you. Both are well worth it.Bill

Depends on what you like to do. How much hiking/walking do you do? Would you rent a jeep for day to do some exploring? Four days is good for a quick view of the parks, but there is a lot to do it the area. I've been going to Moab for decades and still find something new every time I go out there. We spend 2-4 weeks there a year total. Yeah, it's just a great place. Don't know when you're going, but spring and fall are busy. Summer is hot. The week before Easter is beyond busy. Avoid if unless you like lines and crowds everywhere you go.

If you're really into a lot of hiking, 4 days may not be enough :). But for me, 4 would have been. We got in one day and the govt. shut down and kicked us out. :(

You should get a pretty good overview in four days. At Canyonlands, I'd drive the Islands in the Sky road first. Plan on a 3/4 of day for this. On the way in, or the way out, take the side trip to Dead Horse State Park. The view at the end of the road is spectacular. If you have 4x4, then take the Needles route the next day. I'd spend a good full day or day and a half at Arches. You can take some short hikes there. Be certain you have a camera at all these places. The scenery is stunning. Make sure you visit the Moab Brewery for dinner one night.

Arches and Canyon lands nation park | Good Sam Community

agesilaus
Explorer III
Jan 20, 2015
That's plenty for Arches. If you are there in the summer plan to do any hiking before 10AM or after 4PM. It is HOT.

4 Days for Canyonlands just scratches the surface. But you need a 4WD to explore much of the park. We were in the area for 2 weeks last summer but just began to look at the park. However we also went to other parks in the area of which there are many.

If you are just doing a quick look the Needles and Anticline overlooks are a must. There are long dirt roads to get to them however, but they were in excellent condition. Just as long as it doesn't rain. You can sit on the edge of a 1500 foot cliff and dangle your feet off the edge while watching vehicles on the trail far below.

Forum Discussion

Arches and Canyon lands nation park

About Campground 101

Related Content

Arches National Park

commercial campground near Arches National Park

Road between Grand Canyon and Arches

Zion to Arches National Park

Video: Moab boondocking & Arches National Park