Arches vs Canyonlands in 2024: Spending Your Time Between the Parks
CAN’T DECIDE ON ARCHES VS CANYONLANDS?
We can help! We have spent months traveling around Southern Utah and especially love the time we’ve been able to spend exploring both Arches and Canyonlands. It’s difficult to choose between the two, but we can offer you a sneak peek into what sets each park apart for us and how we best enjoyed our time in each location.
It is not uncommon to compare Canyonlands National Park vs Arches National Park. The two parks are 30 minutes or less away from each other, while both are very close to the Moab area and not far from Salt Lake City. The two parks are very different but are some of the best things to do in Moab.
If you want to know how they are different and which one is better for a road trip, and some of the best things to do in both of them, keep reading for your complete guide of Arches National Park vs Canyonlands.
Canyonlands vs Arches National Park
Arches and Canyonlands are very different national parks, and they have very, very different features. The parks do share a few similarities, but in general, it is surprising to see two Utah national parks so close together, but both being vastly different.
The primary difference between Arches and Canyonlands
There are a few main differences when looking at Arches vs Canyonlands. The main difference is Arches is full of sandstone arches. Arches National Park has 2,000 documented arches, according to the National Park Service.
The arches are very beautiful, with the most famous being Delicate Arch. This is the arch that is depicted on the Utah License plates. These arches have been created over time by wind erosion and water erosion.
Canyonlands National Park has only about 80 documented arches, and there are only a handful that the majority of visitors will see, with the most popular or famous arch being the Mesa Arch. Canyonlands is more known for the canyon that the Colorado River runs through. This river has shaped the canyon over many, many years, creating some great views.
Canyonlands is more popular for those looking for extreme activities when comparing Arches vs Canyonlands. These activities can be multiple days long mountain biking trips through the canyon and four-wheel drive adventures through the canyon. However, many people enjoy driving through the park, hiking the trails, and seeing the beautiful overlooks that show the canyon below.
Arches is a more popular and more visited national park. The arches are stunning and very fun to hike around. This does not mean you should skip Canyonlands National Park.
Canyonlands in Moab, Utah, has some great views and some very pretty overlooks, but unless you are spending some time driving the off-road trails or camping on the White Rim Road, the typical person would probably spend half as much time in Canyonlands than in Arches.
Visiting Arches National Park
How long does it take to see Arches National Park
How long it takes to see Arches National Park depends on how you like to explore. If you are the type of person or family who likes to drive through the park and stop at the easy stops and view things from the road, you can make it through Arches in half a day or so.
If you want to do some hiking, but not too much, and you want to drive through the park quickly, checking out the sights, you can get through Arches in a long day if you do not hike too much. We took our 3 kids, all of them being 7 years old or younger, and we hiked most of the hikes we wanted and saw most of the sights we wanted in about 2 days.
If you are an avid hiker and want to see some of the more distant arches and spend more time hiking, you could easily spend a weekend or more hiking the different trails and seeing as many of the beautiful arches as possible.
Do keep in mind there are some great arches and hikes that are not in Arches or Canyonlands but in the nearby areas. If you want to learn more about these arches and hikes, you should check out Jeep Arch and Corona Arch, or for a great overview of nearby hikes, check out the Best Moab Hiking Trails.
Top things to do in Arches
There are three main things that you will want to do in Arches National Park. The first is to see the arches. The arches in Arches National Park are the main draw that brings in thousands upon thousands of visitors each year. Erosion has created these beautiful structures over the last 15 million years, and they are beautiful.
Hiking to see the arches is another top thing people enjoy in the park. There are some amazing arches that take some hiking to get to. This includes the famous Delicate Arch. Hiking in the park is a great way to get some exercise and enjoy this great national park. However, there is one more top thing to do in the park, and that is to drive.
Driving around Arches National Park is a great way to get a good picture of what Arches is. There are a good number of fun arches to see that are very close to the road. This means just driving through the park is a great time. Those who have the capability can take a drive down some of the 4×4 roads to see additional arches or just to explore some roads where fewer visitors visit.
If you don’t want to hike to Delicate Arch or are unable because of physical limitations, there is an area past the trailhead and parking area where you can see the arch in the distance.
Best hikes in Arches
Arches in Moab, Utah, has some really nice hikes that people enjoy. Some of the best hikes in Arches are Delicate Arch, Sand Dune Arch, Windows, and Devils Garden. The Delicate Arch hike is by far the most popular hike within the park. The hike is so popular because it takes you to the most sought-after Delicate Arch.
The Windows hike is another very popular hike because you can view a bunch of arches that are super cool in a very short distance. The trail is well-established, making it a fun hike for everyone; if you don’t want to do the whole hike, that is totally fine because the majority of the sweet arches are at the beginning of the hike.
The Windows hike is also very close proximity to Double Arch, so make sure you check that out at the same time. You won’t even need to change where you parked.
The Devils Garden was probably one of our favorite hikes. It is a nice hike because the scenery is a little different than the other parts of the park. The arches along this trail are very nice arches. We would not say they are the most popular arches, but because the hike is great, coupled with some sweet arches, this is a top spot for those looking for the best places for hikes in Arches National Park.
Sand Dune Arch
Sand Dune Arch is one of the best hikes in Arches because it is an easy hike that is not long, and for a lot of the hike, you are under the shade because you hike in a narrow slot canyon. This is one of the best hikes for families, especially if you are unsure how well your kids will do while hiking. This is one of the best things to do in Moab with kids.
The Sand Dune Arch is also fun to play under because the area is covered in sand. You can sit next to the arch and relax while your kids play in the sand, and you take in the great surroundings that Arches offers. You can read more in our Guide to Sand Dune Arch.
Top tours in Arches
Tours are a great way to meet people who are visiting the area, and they are a great way to explore with guides who are experienced. Below are some of the top tours in Arches.
- Arches National Park 4×4 Adventure from Moab: Explore the less-traveled 4×4 roads in the park with an experienced guide to see less well-known arches and beautiful views
- Immersive Arches National Park Half Day Scenic Tour: Learn more about the amazing geology and botany found inside Arches National Park
- Ultimate Utah Bundle Self-Driving Audio Tour: This self-guided audio tour is a perfect add-on to your adventure through Arches and the southern Utah area
- Canyonlands & Arches National Parks Airplane Tour: See the amazing canyons and Colorado River in Canyonlands as well as the amazing landscapes in Arches from above in a memorable airplane tour
- Full-Day Private Hiking Tour in Arches or Canyonlands National Park: Hike with an experienced guide in the national park of your choice – Arches vs Canyonlands
Timed Entrance in Arches National Park
If you plan on visiting Arches National Park between April and October, you will need a reservation. This reservation is free, but it designates a time when you can enter the park. This is how the national park is able to keep traffic flow better controlled and make everyone’s experience better.
Do keep in mind that there are a few ways around this reservation system. The first way is to arrive before 7 am or after 4 pm. If you arrive early or in the evening, you do not need a reservation. We often enjoy arriving later in the day because there are fewer crowds, and getting everyone ready before 7 am is a bit of an undertaking for us.
The second way to avoid the reservation system is by taking a 4×4 tour or by taking the 4×4 entrance. This entrance is a side entrance, and you will bypass the main entrance station. On busy days this can be a great option because the entrance station can take a while to get through; you can sometimes get in just as fast if you take the 4×4 entrance through Utah Raptor State Park because the lines to get in at the main entrance can take a while.
To reserve your free reservation, you will visit the national park website here. The reservation is free, but they do charge a 2-dollar processing fee.
Visiting Canyonlands National Park
How long does it take to see canyonlands national park?
Canyonlands National Park is split up into three distinct areas. You have the Island in the Sky District, which is the most common and well-known area of the park. The entrance to this part of the national park is about 30 minutes from the main entrance of Arches National Park. The other two areas are the Maze and Needles District and are typically accessed through different entrances further away from Moab.
The Island in The Sky District can vary on how long it takes to see. This is because there are some distinct activities people enjoy in this section that can greatly increase the time you spend in the park. If you take a 4×4 vehicle down the White Rim Road or the Shafer Trail, your time in the park will increase dramatically.
There are a handful of fun hikes and overlooks that the majority of people will enjoy, but many people do not find Canyonlands as exciting as Arches unless you are taking the off-road trails. This does not mean you should skip it, but if your time is limited, you will want to go through this national park faster than Arches.
If possible, we would recommend taking a Jeep through the park so you can drive down the Shafer Switchback, the Shafer Trail, and the White Rim Road. These are very fun places to explore.
The White Rim Road requires a permit to travel on, and the whole trail typically takes a couple of days. The trail is a two-way trail, so you can travel the trail for as long as you would like and then turn around and go back out of the canyon. We spent a day driving on the White Rim Road and had a great time.
Top things to do in Canyonlands
The main things you will want to do in Canyonlands National Park are hiking, viewing the overlooks, riding the off-road trails, and biking the off-road trails. This park is unique in that the off-road trails are very fun, and those who enjoy mountain biking will spend multiple days biking down the 4×4 roads.
The hiking and overlooks in Canyonlands are not the same as in Arches National Park. The Canyonlands’ sights are significantly different. Some parts of them we liked better than Arches because you are overlooking a canyon and the river below.
Best hikes in Canyonlands
MESA ARCH
Visiting Mesa Arch is an unforgettable experience. The arch is perched atop a tall mesa, offering sweeping views of the surrounding canyon and its vivid reds, oranges, and purples. Mesa Arch is notably one of the best Canyonlands Island in the Sky hikes.
This elegant stone structure spans 50 feet across the top of a 500-foot vertical cliff and is classified as a “pothole arch.” This name comes from the way it was formed by surface water that pooled on the sandstone behind it, slowly eroding the rock.
The Mesa Arch trail is perfect for all skill levels, offering both a physically and visually stimulating experience. No special equipment is required making it one of the best Moab hiking trails.
The hike itself is a very short walk, taking only 10-15 minutes each way. You can choose to walk the loop in either direction, but many hikers recommend going counterclockwise for the most impressive views. The trail consists of a combination of dirt and slick rock, with a few steps along the way, so it’s a good reason to wear closed-toe shoes (although hiking sandals or sturdy flip-flops will also work).
Once you reach the arch, you’ll be treated to staggering views of the surrounding landscape, including the towering red rock cliffs and vast desert canyons. The iconic panoramic views carved over millions of years are a sight to see.
Enjoy the majestic beauty and awe of this amazing arch nestled within the canyons.
Grandview Point
Along the southern end of the Island in the Sky scenic drive, you’ll find Grand View Point in Canyonlands. This spot offers a spectacular panoramic view of the red rocks on the Colorado Plateau.
It’s a great vantage point to see miles of corrugated canyons as well as some of the highlights of what Canyonlands has to offer. White Rim road can be spotted, as well as portions of The Maze and The Needles.
A short, paved sidewalk leads to a spectacular viewpoint. From there, you can hike an additional mile to a second viewpoint. Maybe you’ll be lucky enough to catch a Ranger here, Grand View Point is a popular place for them to present geology talks during the spring-fall season.
MURPHY LOOP TRAIL
A full-day hike, the Murphy Loop trail is one of the more strenuous Canyonlands hikes in Island in the Sky. Nearly 11 miles and an estimated 5-7 hour duration, this hike offers outstanding views from atop the Murphy Hogback and White Rim Road.
After descending the switchbacks, most hikers travel the loop counter-clockwise: crossing Murphy Hogback with outstanding views, descending the unpaved White Rim Road for a mile, then making their way back up through striking geologic layers to the switchbacks again.
BUCK CANYON OVERLOOK
Continuing your scenic drive through the Island in the Sky District of Canyonlands, just off Grand View Point Road, you’ll find Buck Canyon Overlook. This is not the most popular overlook in the area. You might bypass major crowds here, but still expect a stream of spectators. Keep in mind, parking is limited at this location.
There’s a paved pathway from the parking area to the overlook. Sweeping vistas to the west and across the Colorado River canyon are to be had, gazing down into the Buck Canyon area. It’s quite a sight to compare the La Sal Mountains against the red rocks of the canyon.
GOOSEBERRY TRAIL
The Gooseberry Trail is renowned for being the steepest trail in Canyonlands National Park. The first mile descends over 1,000 feet between two canyon walls. Keep in mind visitors will climb the 1,000 feet back up at the conclusion of the hike.
The next portion of the trail leads to a dry river bed, which is more easily maneuvered through. The trail ends on White Rim, with Gooseberry Canyon nearby. Though strenuous, Gooseberry Trail offers gorgeous views of White Rim, especially during the initial descent.
UPHEAVAL DOME
Upheaval Dome consists of a bull’s eye of concentric deformed layers dipping away from the dome in the middle. It’s a true wonder and sight to see.
If you’re hoping to take in the views of Upheaval Dome, there are two options to choose from. Both hikes are notably steep, but provide a truly remarkable view of the colorful geologic feature that is Upheaval Dome.
Although the hike is steep, it isn’t too bad. I hiked this with my daughter in about 30 minutes and had a great time. We even saw a large herd of bighorn sheep playing on the rocks just off the side of the trail. It ended up being one of her favorite parts of our visit to Canyonlands.
Early on in the trail to the first Upheaval Dome overlook, the path crosses with the Syncline Trail. Make sure you don’t veer off on that trail, as it is very challenging and will rob you of the best view of Upheaval Dome altogether.
WHALE ROCK
Whale Rock Trail is another fun option to consider if exploring Canyonlands with kids. Let their imaginations run wild as they take in the shape of the long sandstone dome. If a giant whale comes to mind, walk the trail that runs along its side and then climb from the tail up to the blowhole.
This trail leads up the side of a sandstone dome, ending with broad views of the Island in the Sky. A great spot for kids who like to climb and explore on the rocks. But be sure everyone wears proper shoes with traction and stays mindful of steep drop-offs.
WHITE RIM OVERLOOK
The walk along the White Rim Overlook trail and back is just shy of 2 miles. Considered an easy route, it’s quite an experience to feel like you’re walking along the rim of the canyon. Another great place to view the La Sal Mountains and the Colorado River.
Top Tours in Canyonlands
Tours are a great way to meet people who are visiting the area, and they are a great way to explore with guides who are experienced. Below are some of the top tours in Canyonlands.
- Canyonlands National Park Half-Day Tour from Moab: A really fun 4WD adventure down the White Rim Road, traveling an area of the park much less busy with amazing views
- Canyonlands National Park Self-Driving Tour: Make the most of your drive along the scenic road and overlooks with this self-guided driving tour
- Canyonlands National Park Needles District by 4×4: Take in the amazing views of the less-visited Needles Section of Canyonlands National Park
- Sunset Scenic Tour of Canyonlands National Park & Dead Horse Pt: Sunset is a special time in Canyonlands and Dead Horse Point State Park
- Edge of Canyonlands Helicopter Air Tour: Take in the amazing and never-ending views of Canyonlands National Park from above in an amazing helicopter tour
- Canyonlands Mountain Bike Tour on the White Rim Trail: Explore the White Rim Trail at a slower pace, allowing you to appreciate the amazing views and geology in the area
What to do in Canyonlands in one day
If you have one day in Canyonlands National Park, you can spend it in two different ways. The first and most common way would be by hiking and seeing the sights and overlooks. The second way would be by spending a day driving an off-road vehicle through the off-road trails and park or taking a tour that takes you through the off-road trails. For some great tours, see the section above.
If you want to spend the day hiking and seeing the sights, we would recommend checking out these hikes and overlooks.
Mesa Arch
- Distance: 0.6 miles
- Hiking Time: 30 minutes
- Elevation Gain: 88 Feet
- Difficulty: Easy
- Permits Needed: None
- Fees: Entrance fee to Canyonlands National Park
- Restrooms: Pit Toilets at the Trailhead
- Trailhead GPS: 38.389174, -109.868150
GRAND VIEW POINT WALK
- Roundtrip Distance: 1.8 mi (2.9 km)
- Time: 1.5 hrs
- Elevation Change: 73 ft (22 m)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Hike Description: A stunning out-and-back trail, this walk showcases spectacular panoramic views as it follows the canyon’s edge.
- Accessibility: This trail can be rough, and uneven, and requires walking up and down a rocky hill and stone steps. It is not accessible to wheelchairs. In winter, there may be snow or icy conditions; traction devices are recommended.
BUCK CANYON OVERLOOK & GREEN RIVER OVERLOOK
UPHEAVAL DOME FIRST OVERLOOK
- Roundtrip Distance: 0.6 mi (1 km)
- Time: 1 hr
- Elevation Change: 115 ft (35m)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Hike Description: A short but steep trail leads to a clear view into Upheaval Dome. Exhibits are placed at the end of the trail to educate hikers about this unique geologic feature.
Arches and Canyonlands in a day
If you only have one day to visit Canyonlands and Arches, you can still see some great sights, but you should have some type of plan to make sure you maximize your time, and you get to see the sights you are wanting to see.
Spending Half the Day in Canyonlands
You should plan on spending more time at Arches National Park than you will at Canyonlands National Park. We would recommend visiting Mesa Arch, Green River Overlook, Grandview Point and Walk, and Upheaval Dome. If you can see these sights in Canyonlands, you will have seen some of the best and quickest things in the park.
The Upheaval Dome can be a bit of a hike, so you might not want to hike all of it; hike just the first bit because it is a good spot to see big horn sheep. These Canyonlands sights should not take you more than half of your time because half or more than half of your day should be spent in Arches National Park.
Spending Half the Day in Arches
If you want to hike Delicate Arch in Arches, you may want to start in Arches National Park and do this hike early if you are visiting in the summer.
The Delicate Arch will get crowded, and you want to spend as little of your time waiting for a parking spot as possible. We would try to do it first because it is a little bit of a tiring hike, so if you are tired at the end of the day, you might be tempted to skip it, and you don’t want to do that.
A few other areas you will want to see in Arches will be the Windows, Double Arch, Sand Arch, and the Devil’s Garden. The Devil’s Garden is a bit of a hike, while the other arches, like Double Arch, Sand Arch, and the Windows, are easier to see and fairly close to the road. This means they won’t require much hiking.
If you can manage to see all this in one day, you will have a day well spent and you will probably be tired but will have seen the most popular areas of both parks.
Getting to Arches and Canyonlands
Getting to Arches and Canyonland National Parks is not overly challenging or confusing. Below are some of the most common areas you will be coming from when visiting these parks.
Moab to arches national park
Moab to Arches National Park takes about 10 minutes from the town of Moab and is only 5 miles away from Arches. The park is right off US 191 before you get into Moab if you are driving south. The park is close to Moab but keep in mind that the line getting into the park will take you much longer than the drive to the park will.
Moab to Canyonlands
Moab to Canyonlands will take you about 35 minutes and is a 30-mile drive. You will turn off US 191 onto UT 313. On the corner of this turn is the Moab Giants. Moab Giants is a large interactive dinosaur exhibit that is easily seen from the road.
Even though Canyonlands is not as busy as Arches, many people who get turned away at Arches will then head over to Canyonlands. On one of our visits towards the end of October, we tried going a little later than we should have, and we had to wait an hour to get into Canyonlands.
If you think the park will be busy and you have a 4×4 vehicle take the Shafer Trail from Moab into the park, and you will get to take a fun off-road trail and skip the line at the main entrance station.
Arches to Canyonlands National Park
If you are going directly from Arches to Canyonlands, the drive is about 25 minutes long. Even though the parks are close together, they are a lot less similar than you might think. If you are driving from Canyonlands to Arches, all you need to do is head towards Moab, and about 10 minutes before you get to Moab, Arches will be on your left.
Best time to visit Arches and Canyonlands
What to expect in Winter
In the winter, you can expect cold weather and snow in Arches and Canyonlands. Some people really like this time because there are way fewer people, and if there is snow, this creates a great backdrop for some really unique pictures. The other great thing about winter is that you do not have to deal with the extreme heat that you will see in the summer months.
What to expect in Summer
Summer is a popular time to visit Arches and Canyonlands because school is out, and the area is a popular destination for many. If you are visiting in the summer, you will need to be aware of the hot and dry temperatures you will experience.
This means you will want to start hikes early in the day. Your average temperature will be above 90 degrees and very dry. This means you will need lots of water. Bring water to keep in your car, and take water with you on all your hikes.
One thing to keep in mind is you may think that starting early in the summer will also help with the crowds, but unless you are starting earlier than everyone else, many people will be starting early in an effort to avoid the heat. Some hikes are also better than others to hike when hot because they will offer some shade. The Delicate Arch hike has almost no shade on the hike. The hike will get very hot even in the Spring and Fall.
What to expect in Spring
Spring is a very popular time to visit these national parks and is possibly the best time to visit. If you don’t mind a little cooler weather and you want to try and avoid the crowds, you will want to visit in the early spring. As the spring times turn to summer, the crowds will follow.
Spring is our favorite time of the year. You are dusting off the cold weather and get to explore in your t-shirt and shorts again.
What to expect in Fall
In the fall, you might think everyone has gone home, and you will have the area to yourselves. This is incorrect. Arches will still be closing down in October due to crowding. This is why the reservation system is still in effect in October. You can also expect to start to feel the cold weather in October.
On our last trip, as we were leaving Moab, it was snowing on us towards the end of October. This is our second favorite time of year because the summer heat is leaving, and you can still explore in a t-shirt and shorts, but you may want some type of jacket because the weather can still get cold, especially at night.
Where to stay near Arches and Canyonlands
There are multiple options for where to stay near Arches and Canyonlands but do keep in mind the majority of your options will be in or close to Moab, Utah. Below are some great options on where you should look at staying when visiting the area.
Hotels near Arches and Canyonlands
There are many great hotels near Arches as well as great hotels near Canyonlands National Park. The closest city to stay at for both of these national parks in Moab. Here are some of our favorite hotels in Moab.
ENTRADA AT MOAB TOWNHOMES (LUXURY)
If you’re looking for luxury hotels near Arches National Park, where the whole family can stay, Entrada at Moab Townhomes is the place. These townhomes are a great option for large groups. They can accommodate anywhere from 12 to 50 people.
These townhomes are conveniently located in Moab, minutes from the entrance to Arches. Amenities include an outdoor swimming pool, and a fully stocked kitchen and coffee bar in each townhome. The kids also have entertainment, as each townhome includes kids’ toys, books, and games.
You won’t find something more comfortable – a home away from home.
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⭐ENTRADA AT MOAB TOWNHOMES REVIEWS (4.7/5 STARS)
We loved being right by the pool. We loved that it was fully stocked! Everything was organized and clean. Check out was simple. None of us wanted to go home after 4 nights!!! Some lights by the pool weren’t working so it was a little difficult to see when swimming at night. We will definitely return!!!! – Keri (Expedia Review)
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HOW TO GET TO ENTRADA AT MOAB
📍Entrada at Moab Address: 650 W 400 N, Moab, UT 84532| Google Maps | Book Entrada At Moab Now
AARCHWAY INN (BUDGET)
Located on the Riverwalk, the Aarchway Inn is an amazing option. The Riverwalk is a wide, nicely shaded path along the North Fork of the Virgin River, in Moab.
If you love nature walks and seeing wildlife, this may be the place for you. It is a 10-minute drive to the Arches National Park Visitor Center.
In addition to the Riverwalk, Aarchway Inn has an outdoor swimming pool and children’s pool, with sun loungers and pool umbrellas. They also offer a fitness center, heated pool, playground, and hot tub.
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⭐AARCHWAY INN REVIEWS (4.5/5 STARS)
Great property, staff was friendly, complementary breakfast was extensive and of good quality. They even supplied complementary hiking poles for guests to use. – Thomas (Expedia Review)
Exceptional value for money but make sure you have a car, otherwise, you will be trapped. I will definitely stay at the Aarchway next time I am in Moab again. – Iryna (Expedia Review)
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HOW TO GET TO AARCHWAY INN
📍Aarchway Inn Address: 1551 N Riverview Dr, Moab, UT 84532 | Google Maps | Book Aarchway Inn Now
Hyatt Place Moab (Mid-range)
The Hyatt Place Moab, is located just north of downtown Moab in a picturesque setting of red rocks. This hotel is fairly new, and is very nice and accommodating. It is also one of the closest hotels to the entrance of Arches National Park.
The pool area is awesome, with a large heated pool, hot tub, splash pad, and a small playground the kids enjoy climbing on. It offers many modern amenities, including air conditioning, premium bedding, laptop-friendly workspaces, free wi-fi facilities, and hair dryers.
The recreational opportunities include a fitness center and a playground. The hotel also offers a free buffet breakfast with many traditional and modern food options.
This pet-friendly hotel is one we recommend for not being too expensive and offering good value while only being a mile or so away from the downtown area. We love the added touches this hotel has to add to your stay – such as the outdoor fireplace by the pool and the snack bar. Hyatt Place Moab isn’t your cheapest option, but it’s an excellent family-friendly hotel in Moab.
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⭐Hyatt Place Moab Reviews (9.2/10 Stars)
My experience at Hyatt Place was excellent! The staff was so friendly and they were so accepting of not just myself and family but also my dog. Puppy treats were provided and in full view at the counter. Each morning, the staff provided an excellent hot breakfast. And the breakfast was different each morning. Was absolutely worth the money and I would stay again with no hesitation at all! – Travis (Expedia Reivews)
Pros: very clean and comfortable room. Close to Arches and restaurants. Complimentary breakfast. Cons: None. – Shuyi (Expedia Reviews)
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How to Get to Hyatt Place Moab
📍Hyatt Place Moab Address: 890 N Main St, Moab, UT 84532 | Google Maps | Book Hyatt Place Moab Now
Camping at arches vs canyonlands
Both national parks have campgrounds in them, but Arches only has one campground, whereas Canyonlands has many campgrounds. The only campground in Arches National Park is the Devil’s Garden Campground. To look at the different campgrounds in Canyonlands, check out their website here.
One thing to keep in mind if you are tent camping in Arches or Canyonlands is that a lot of this ground is made of rock. This means your tent stakes may not go into the ground very easily.
Boondocking in Moab
Moab is surrounded by beautiful national forests and BLM land. This means there are ample locations where you can boondock and visit the area. There are locations where you can boondock with big rigs and other locations that work better for small camper vans. For a complete overview of your boondocking options, check out our Boondocking in Moab Article.
Packing List for Canyonlands and Arches
Unless you are visiting in the dead of winter, you should be prepared with cool hiking clothes and lots of water. We hiked to Delicate Arch towards the end of October, and we were still sweating by the end and drank a ton of water.
Here are some of our top recommendations for things to bring with you when hiking the Windows Hike in Arches National Park.
Camelbak
We have been hiking with Camelbak backpacks lately, and they are awesome. My kids each carry their own, so they can get a drink when they want. This style of backpack makes it really easy to carry your water, and there is still room for some sunscreen and small snacks.
Puffy Jacket
Although it is warm during the day, the desert gets cold at night. If you’re visiting outside of July and August, we recommend bringing a light jacket. If you’re hiking at night, you will want a light jacket. Plus, it is perfect to have if you walk around downtown Moab at night or do some stargazing in the park.
Hiking Shoes
Having hiking shoes with strong ankle support is a great item to bring to Arches National Park. These boots will help protect your ankles, and also helps provide very valuable traction while hiking. This traction is important when climbing up and down parts of the trails and climbing over rocks.
Sunscreen
The sun is hot in Moab, even in the Spring months, like April, and Fall. It is always important to be prepared with adequate sun protection, including sunscreen and hats.
Insulated Waterbottles
We have switched almost all of our water bottles over to this insulated style of water bottle. We got tired of having warm water on our hikes. The insulated waterbottles are a bit heavier, so if that’s a concern for you, we have found it great to leave one in the car, so you have some cold water for after your hike.
We will usually take two or three with us and then leave one in the car for the end of our hike.
▶ SHOP Insulated Water Bottles
FAQ: Arches vs Canyonlands
Which is better, Canyonlands or Arches?
In general, when comparing Arches vs Canyonlands, Arches will get more votes as being better. This does not mean you should not visit Canyonlands, but you may want to spend more time in Arches than Canyonlands if you are short on time. We would also agree that Arches is a better visit, but if you want to explore the wilderness by 4×4, then Canyonlands is a better option.
Keep in mind, a visit to either park is one of the best things to do in Moab, so you can’t lose no matter which park you choose.
Is Canyonlands as crowded as Arches?
Canyonlands is not as crowded when comparing Arches vs Canyonlands, but don’t mistake this to mean that Canyonlands is not crowded. Canyonlands can and will still be crowded. This is because if arches close due to overcrowding or they didn’t get a reservation time, all of those people will head over to Canyonlands.
We were visiting Canyonlands around 11 am towards the end of October, and we had to wait an hour to get in because of the long line to get into the park.
We later realized this was about the same time that they had closed Arches due to the park being full.
Is Canyonlands National Park the same as Arches?
Canyonland is not the same as Arches, and they are not that similar. These two parks are only 30 minutes or less apart, but there are some big differences when looking at Arches vs. Canyonlands. Arches is full of beautiful sandstone arches created over millions of years, and Canyonlands is a Canyon that was created by the Colorado River over many years. This means they have distinctly different features.
Can I do Canyonlands and Arches in one day?
Yes, you can visit both parks in one day, but you should have a realistic expectation that you might not see all of the popular sights or visit all the popular hikes. If you have one day to visit and want to see both, we recommend spending a little more time in Arches than in Canyonlands.
Which is better, Bryce Canyon or Arches?
Bryce Canyon and Arches are very different national parks. We love both of them. One major difference between the two is that Arches is surrounded by Moab and Canyonlands. This means there are a lot of other activities close by.
If you are just strictly comparing Bryce and Arches and not the surrounding area, we would probably pick Bryce Canyon. We enjoyed the hikes a little more in Bryce Canyon than in Arches. This could be a bit controversial because Arches is a super cool park.
Which park is better, Zion or Arches?
These two parks are vastly different, and it can depend on your tastes when deciding which is better. You could look at it as comparing if an apple or an orange is better. Both are good, and sometimes we like Arches better, and sometimes we like Zion better.
As a whole, if you are taking younger kids, we think Arches would be the better option. Zion has some amazing and very famous hikes, but a good number of the hikes are not hikes that everyone would feel comfortable taking their kids on.
The hikes and views in Arches are easier to see with younger kids. You should also keep in mind there is little to no vegetation in Arches. Zion has more trees, streams, and waterfalls.
How far is Moab from arches national park
Moab is only 8 to 10 minutes from Arches National park. The drive is about 5 miles. This can vary depending on where in Moab you are driving from. However, it is not going to be a significant difference because Moab is not that big.
How far is canyonlands from Moab
Canyonlands is about 35 minutes from Moab and is 30 miles away.
Conclusion: Arches vs Canyonlands National Park
We hope you have enjoyed learning the differences between these two spectacular national parks. If you are interested in Canyonlands vs Arches for kids, our descriptions above about the two parks still ring the same in terms of bringing your kids.
Both of these parks are great, and we have enjoyed both of them with young kids. You are going to love exploring them both. The only problem you may run into is having enough time to see them both in the way you want to. Both have spectacular views and offer great hikes.
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