Moab, Arches & Canyonlands National Park holidays

Stay at the centre of Utah’s picturesque national parks and explore one of the most charming small towns in the USA. Filled with bars and restaurants, Moab offers everything from regional specialities to world-class gourmet. Stroll Downtown to discover a wealth of shops, galleries, microbreweries, taverns, and even nightclubs.

Experienced mountain-bikers should head straight for the famous Slickrock Trail, but beginners can also enjoy its three-mile test loop – or why not join the hikers and photographers at Bartlett Wash? Get off-road at the natural playground of Sand Flats, or hire an all-terrain vehicle and drive the dramatic switchbacks of the Shafer Trail Road. Splash down the white-water rapids of the Colorado River, or let the kids run down giant dunes. And, for some peace and quiet, take in the views from the Needles Overlook.

Discover the diverse landscape of Canyonlands, the biggest of Utah’s spellbinding national parks. It might be the looping rocks of Arches National Park that get all the Instagram attention – but Canyonlands has a different kind of beauty, that every Utah visitor should see.

You can follow the looping trail to the carved rock of Mesa Arch, and take a scenic drive to the rising sandstone spires of The Needles. And, at the isolated Island in the Sky, you’ll be able to witness views which even rival the Grand Canyon.

Marvel at the densely-packed petroglyphs of Newspaper Rock. Hike to the moonscape of Pothole Point. Or enjoy the challenging terrain and spectacular views of the Slickrock Foot Trail.

Venture out on a thrilling four-wheel drive to Colorado River Overlook where you can survey the desert all around you, or take the off-road challenge of climbing Elephant Hill.

Start your day with a drive or ride through the incredible canyon landscapes. Then, in the afternoon, let your adrenaline loose with an all-terrain vehicle adventure or white-water rafting. Grab dinner and drinks in Moab downtown in the evening, then head back to the parks for stargazing under the unspoiled desert sky.

You can hike through the magnificent free-standing formations of Arches National Park. When you reach the elevated perch of Delicate Arch, you’ll be able to see the inspiring beauty created by millions of years of erosion across the rocky plateau.

Travel the Potash Road to Thelma & Louise Point, a truly iconic movie location, with unforgettable views across the winding path of the Colorado River below. Hike, bike, drive, ride, raft, kayak, canoe, or simply soak up the scenery – day or night – in the beautiful Utah wilderness.

While the incredible landscapes and activities at Moab, Arches and Canyonlands National Park can be enjoyed all year round, spring and autumn offer the perfect conditions. From March to May and September to November, temperatures range from 15°C to 25°C, making the days perfect for hiking and other outdoor adventures.

Summer attracts large numbers of visitors, but some activities can feel more strenuous in the heat. The thermometer climbs over 30°C in June, and pushes towards 40°C in July and August.

Winter is short, only lasting from December to February. Cold temperatures drop towards freezing, and snowfall is not unknown. Winter is the time to experience peace and solitude in Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. Why not combine this area with a ski holiday on Utah’s northern slopes.