I visited Canyonlands National Park and was completely blown away by the massive red rock canyons and endless panoramic views. The overlooks were stunning, especially at sunrise, and the hiking trails gave a real sense of adventure and peace. What I didn’t love was how few shaded areas there were — the heat can get pretty intense, and some trails felt a bit poorly marked. Still, it’s an incredible and unforgettable place that’s absolutely worth the trip if you love wild landscapes and open skies.

Absolutely gorgeous! The views are breathtaking and the natural landscape looks like a dream. Don’t skip out on this park if you are nearby. It was 100% worth the visit. If you can enjoy the night sky and stargaze. We were able to see the Milky Way. It was beautiful!

Suprisingly pretty empty when i went! Amazing hiking with overlooks and cliffs and windy canyons. Spent a weekend here, saw most of what you can see(rushing through things) and it was so incredible.

This is a beautiful park. The canyons are spectacular, and vast, though not as colorful as the Grand Canyon. You can see a lot from your car, but for the full experience hit some of the hiking trails.

So beautiful! So glad we came. No charge to go in park due to government shut down. Visitor center was still open. Porta potty bathrooms available at Visitor center. We went on a clear Saturday around 10 am. Park was a little busy, but not overwhelming. We were the only ones on path to Whale Rock. Definitely check out mesa arch. Pretty easy hike and worth the walk.

This is a large park. I recommend a full day to see it. There is a lot of hiking/walking to the main points. There is also two entrances to the park. The first one is up on the north end by Moab and Dead Horse State Park. This is where the Island in the Sky visitor center is located. Almost every stop after you park there is a short walk to the view. The Mesa Arch is a short hike. On a decent trail. I would plan on taking water and planning on a hour. Even if you are not in great physical shape you can do this. It is well worth it. On the south east side of the park is the other entrance to the needles. You will loose internet access to maps on your way there. I would recommend taking a few photos of maps before going, unless you already have the park map the road is on that to the park.

Astounding views at every turn in the road! Lots of trails of varying difficulties. Some trailheads were absolutely crammed with cars, nothing new there. Overall a wonderful place to visit.

Best vacation we have ever had!!! Food was amazing and really took care of our special food needs. The drinks were super. The staff so welcoming.

Exceptional experiences well beyond what any other dude ranch’s provide with trips to Mesa Verde, whitewater rafting, mountain biking, human foosball, trap shooting, ATV’s and spectacular stars at night with no light pollution. The dude ranch activities were exceptional however, Robert’s passion, hospitality and cooking were even more exceptional.

Our family had an amazing experience! The staff work as a team to make sure everyone has a great week. You can adjust your activities throughout the stay, and choose from a huge range of options which are all included. We prioritized horse back riding but still got in rafting, ATVs, mountain biking, kayaks and more. Unbelievably, the kids never even went in the pool as there were so many other more exciting options (laser tag, paintball, trampoline, feeding animals, running around the ranch, crafts, etc). The food was great, and they went out of their way to make sure everyone got taken care of. The accommodation was clean, comfortable and very functional. Robert and team have clearly thought hard about guest experience and perfected a horse centered family summer camp. Every detail is considered. Every person working there is a star at their role, whether its wrangling, working in the dining area, or as a kids counselor. We can't wait to go back.

It was amazing. The staff was the best and Robert and his staff’s cooking was amazing. Brooke,Olivia,Will, Loura, Carlos, Sarah, and Caroline were amazing people who were extremely kind. I would highly recommend this to anybody and it was a great family vacation.

I want to live here like Jack Torrance: forever. We wanted a vacation where we didn’t have to worry about meal or activity planning and man did Majestic deliver. Our kids (13, 10 and 6) all had a fabulous time. Every day was packed with choices for different mini-adventures and we tried just about all of them. The meals were excellent. If I lived here and they were a restaurant I’d come just to eat. Staff was A+. Friendly, helpful, accomodating. One highlight was playing baseball with the other families. Even though I coach I forgot how much fun it is to just play a game. Felt like a kid again…that’s priceless. Not the cheapest vacation but I felt we got more than our money’s worth, to the point where I hope this place is still around in a few years because it seems like a steal. Hope they make it last. I hope to be back again someday.

My family visited in 2019 in it was by far one of the best family vacations we ever planned. I have two boys, they were 9 and 13 at our visit and they still rate this experience over any theme park we ever visited. This place is “overnight camp” for the entire family and everyone can find something they enjoy. From the breakfast bell in the morning, to our tired heads hitting the pillows at night, we had memories EVERYDAY! Some days were family activities, some days were “everyone did their own thing”. White Water Rafting, Mesa Verde, Horseback riding the trails, fishing, canoeing, electric bikes, archery, shooting, swimming, relaxing, line dancing, wine tasting, movies under the stars, electric “bull” riding, human foosball, family kickball, duck races, bonfires, the memories are endless. The counselors are more than willing to help with little kids, to make sure Mom/Dad get to do what they want too… Teens find other teens to hang with. The food was amazing, and even accommodated a couple very picky people in my family. Not one person on this ranch wouldn’t do anything to make your stay better. I would highly, HIGHLY, recommend this Majestic Dude Ranch, you will NOT be disappointed.

Omg this place is magical!!! We had the most wonderful time at the Majestic Dude Ranch. Jamie and Robert were so accommodating and helpful. My daughter loved the horses and the sweet cows. The playground and trampoline were a huge hit as well. The food was absolutely perfect and the company could not be better. Can't wait to come back to this gem.

The tour is definitely worth it and Mesa Verde is a great park with tremendous cultural heritage. My only complaint would be that the park service guide talks continuously, so there is no time for reflection or a chance to just soak up the site. Would be nice if they left a little time for folks to be able to look around in quiet and just “be there” to imagine what it was like 700 years ago. (For clarity, there is no way to view the Balcony House except on a guided tour.)

Overall a cool experience. It’s a big tour group and you don’t really get to explore anything other than just listening to the ranger talk and then taking some photos. Really neat to see and if this is something you’re into you’d probably love it. Climbing the ladders if you’re not used to the elevation can definitely gas you out! They weren’t really hard to do and I wouldn’t say anything was challenging but it’s a little scary climbing up with someone in front of you and thinking they may fall on you… lol. It was nice and sunny when we did it, I would not want to go while things are wet. If you look up balcony house in google maps you can go there and that’s the area you will meet you’ll see a shaded area towards the trail head.

Awesome place to take the kids. Make sure you get the reservation. Bring sunscreen, and some water. The walk there is not strenuous but if you are not mild to moderately active you may have a hard time going up the ladders. But the main thing is reserve online before for the guided tour or else you won't be able to go. Such an awesome place

This is potentially the most strenuous tour on the Mesa Verde Park. It is best in the afternoon due to sun placement. You will climb up a forty foot ladder, go through a door and crawlspace about the side of a large picture frame. If you are willing to take the challenge, you will have experienced something most visitors never see. The site is impressive and the tourguide was outstanding.

It was a wonderful fun adventure climbing, crawling and climbing through the ancient ruins. Our Ranger guide did an exceptional job telling us about the Puebloan culture and ruins

This tour is amazing. The tour guide was very knowledgeable and helpful. If you're afraid of heights, and can't climb ladders this is not your tour.

I really liked the tour. You have to drive close to 40 mins from the entrance of the park. Ranger Frank was really nice in explaining the details and the background of Mesa Verde. He was eleborative and briefed us about what we can expect at the start of the tour. It is amazing to see how people used to live hundreds of years back.

🌄 Absolutely Worth the Visit – Cliff Palace is a Must-See! 🏺✨ If you’re visiting Mesa Verde, Cliff Palace is THE highlight you can’t miss! It’s truly a step back in time – standing in front of those ancient cliff dwellings is absolutely surreal. You must see it with your own eyes to believe it. 🎟️ TRAVELER TIP: Make sure to buy your $8 ticket in advance on recreation.gov — it’s the only way to access the site and tours book up fast! The tour is ranger-guided and filled with fascinating facts about the Ancestral Puebloans who built this breathtaking structure. 🚗 It’s a 20-mile scenic drive from the park entrance to Cliff Palace, so plan accordingly. I recommend the early morning tour – not only is it cooler and more shaded, but the lighting makes the views even more magical! 💧 No hiking trails around this area, and no water nearby, so come prepared with your own refillable bottle. 🚻 Bathrooms near the site were very stinky during our visit – just a heads-up! 🏞️ The visitor center, however, was a pleasant surprise: super clean, with great exhibits, awesome souvenirs, and seriously delicious food! Great spot to recharge before or after the tour. ⛰️ Whether you're a history buff or a nature lover, Cliff Palace is a unique adventure that’s 100% worth it. Just plan ahead, come early, and soak it all in!

Definitely worth the tour reservation fee. I would say the reservation is a requirement because most tours are full and will not be able to accept walk-ups. We went the end of September, so it was warm, not hot. We were expecting cold and rainy, but the forecast change that morning. We arrived early ended up listening to the one ranger and almost discourage people from going on the tour due to a variety of possible health issues. We did not receive the same speech from our tour guide, just basics regarding being able to climb the ladders. I would recommend a good pair of shoes, as there is sand on the rock stairs on the way down and up. My wife is definitely afraid of heights, but has very little issue in climbing any of the ladders, so this should not dissuade you in going. The history is interesting, and should almost be reverent in realizing we are more alike as humans than we are different. I was wondering about the lighting for photography. We wanted an earlier start, and we didn't have to fight with half shadows. But I am still wondering if the late afternoon shadows provide added texture to the photos in general... Thoroughly enjoyed our tour at Cliff Palace.

Reservations required! You can go to recreation.gov and tickets are $8/person. There are also restrooms and water available at this trailhead. I’m afraid of heights, and did just fine with the ladders on this tour, so don’t worry too much about that. Cliff Palace is the largest cliff dwelling in North America and I loved learning about the history of the ancestral Pueblo peoples. Mesa Verde in general is such a unique place, and a must stop if you’re in the area.

Was a cool experience to be able to see how people lived in the cliff dwellings. You don’t really get to explore or take photos, just kinda listen to the ranger talk about the history and walk through. It was a nice experience, but wasn’t overall exciting.

Beautiful view of Cliff Palace. We took a visit mid-November and it was crowd-less which was nice. It’s a long drive to these views but worth it, bring snacks and a lunch. Stop at the visitor center, get your passport book stamped and then head into the park.

Absolutely worth the $8/person tour! Must be able to climb ladders and walk up/down steep steps! Definitely wear good hiking/active shoes

This was my favorite tour of the 3 we did. If your can only do one, this is the one! Ranger Jay was so knowledgeable and engaging. I was never bored listening to her speak! The exit out of the dwelling was really cool and a fun experience with ladders and ancient stairs climbing between boulders

This was so great to see! We didn't hike all the way down because we had little kids and it was hot outside but we got close enough. So awesome. I'm so glad we came! There is a bathroom not too far from here. And a museum, an old post office, and a ranger station.

To see this was our main reason for visiting the park. wasn't able to see it up close because the trail is closed but there is a nice observation area just across from it for good photos and the trail head is near the gift shop/museum. I highly recommend a visit to this NP!

Make sure you thoroughly research any national parks you're going to before taking to Google maps to post negative reviews because you can't bother to see on the NPS website that this location has been closed indefinitely for 7 years due to safety concerns. Even from a distance, this is still pretty spectacular to see. There's a pretty great overlook just behind the museum and offices - it's a little steep, but it is paved, and only a few hundred feet from the road. We were hiking the Petroglyph Point Trail and thought maybe there'd be a better vantage point down in the canyon, but (at least in July) the trees are almost too dense to see anything especially well.

You can view the Spruce tree house from distance behind the museum. I wish if I could go there but they have closed the trail and do not allow any visitors to go near Spruce tree hiuse due to safety concerns. There are no tours for this place but it is amaong to see the structures :)

Closed until 2019 due to efforts to the NPS's efforts to stabilize and protect this treasure, but it was open when I last went and it was wonderful, and had the added bonus of being the largest major ruin you could visit on a self-guided tour. Currently, there is a good view of the ruins you can access. Don't miss it.

I enjoyed watch a sudden thunderstorm over the Spruce Tree House, there were two instant waterfalls next to the Spruce Tree House and right over it. You instantly realized why the ancient natives selected this place for dwelling, maybe easy access to rain falls and water collection? I even caught a lightning on my video, it was awesome! Cheers!

Do the guided tour! You get to walk down to the ruins, and hear so much of the story of the lives of the people who lived there. So much knowledge, and facts you don't get on your own. The bus takes you there and back, and it's worth a day or half day of exploring!!

This was a fun hike. It's a loop (start by going to the right). We did this in the middle of February. It starts out paved for a short while, then a bit muddy, followed by an intermittent dry with rocks and boulders to approximately 2" of snow. The beginning is more challenging until you get to the turn and head back. The trail is clearly marked with ribbons on the tree. You climb up staircases made of rocks and over some boulders. The hardest point is at the turn. If you are not the fittest for hiking, start left and when you get to the point turn-around. Or perhaps just walk the paved area and view the village from the benches. There is plenty of parking, a museum, and clean bathrooms. Don't forget, veterans, and they're entire car load, can enter the park for free, with proof of service.

Decent hike in terms of the actual walking and terrain, but the views as you walk and the ultimate payoff in terms of the petroglyphs are a little underwhelming. Better hiking options elsewhere in the park

Not the easiest trail, but definitely worth it. Don't forget water! If it's even a little sunny, the combination of altitude and the fact you're in the desert make it less pleasant. Lucky for us, it clouded over just as I was starting to hate my life choices. As others have noted, it's best to hike this counter-clockwise, following the signs into the canyon, then returning to the mesa top after finding the petroglyphs. Overall, trail's just under 2.5 miles long.

This trail is awesome. Be sure to do it counterclockwise. Starts in the canyon...if you're starting on the Mesa...turn around and walk into the canyon, then start the trail. Be aware of loose rocks. I wish I could hike this trail more often.

One of the best trails to hike in Mesa Verde! The hike is listed as strenuous and there were lots of climbing up and down and steep inclines. However, the views were just breathtaking and makes all the blood sweat and tears all worth it. Definitely make sure to have enough water especially on hot days. The trail is about a 2.4 mile loop. Half of the loop is relatively flat and not rocky. The other half is all the steep inclines and rocky terrain.

FANTASTIC hike - and definitely some aspect of strenuous to it.. highly recommended that you follow the trail counterclockwise - ie start from the Spruce Tree House and descend down from there - don't start walking on the flat plateau first! The incline and steep steps at the halfway point by the petroglyphs were MUCH easier to go up than to try to climb down from the plateau!

Starts out fun but quickly gets icy, some parts are scary with ice and a massive drop next to you. If you're going in the winter months bring spikes for traction. I am not the most experienced hiker and this gave me some scares along the hike especially near the end. Would not recommend for beginners although sights are amazing.

Highly recommend this hike! It’s 2.4miles (3.9km). There is a “right way” to go around the trail. Start by going down toward Spruce Tree House. There are numbers around the trail. If you find the lower numbers first then you are going the right way. There is a decent amount of climbing. I recommend doing this one earlier in the day when it’s not so hot.

Fantastic hike! Only one building and area with strong petroglyphs. Fun rock scrambles, tight squeeze in one area, lots of stairs. Great "hard" hike. Awesome caves and places with shade in the beginning if you start by going down into the valley from the museum.

Four corners monument was out of my way but on my list. Was a little bit busy not bad. $8 per person worth a one time thing.

We were just passing through the area and needed a place to stop for lunch. There were picnic tables and the signs around the visitor center said open, but everything was barred up and did not look very welcoming so I'm not sure how people were getting tours. Anyway you can see Chimney Rock from the side of road and it's pretty interesting. There is some information there to read about the site to learn a little more.

Thank you, Veronica, Jasmine, and Rickie for our full-day tour. We appreciate all of the pre-trip planning you helped us with, and we had a great day with Rickie. He validated what we had learned from prior reading and expanded our knowledge even further. The sites in Mancos Canyon were phenomenal teaching stops. Walking just under the rim in Lion Canyon was fantastic—I wish the trail could be longer! Rickie, we appreciate all of your teaching.

Drove by here Nov 3 but everything was closed up. It looked deserted and it not see any signs saying when it reopens. It’s worth it to pull over in the pullout and walk up to the centre to read the sign boards. Beautiful site and I’m sure the tours would be amazing. Gave it a 3 only because nothing was open….

A must do. If Mesa Verde National Park is on your travel itinerary, add at least the half day tour here. You’ll want to call ahead to confirm. Tours start at 9am- arrive at 8:30a to check in. Our tour guide was Wolf, one of only 2 guides here. You’ll gain an understanding of the culture and experience the past in a completely different and arguably better way than the way folks at the National Park do it. The sites are stunning and well worth it!

It was gorgeous! We stayed on the paved road as it was directed due to this being a sacred site. But even with three miles out this was a fantastic place to look at! Wish we could have gone closer but we have to respect the rules. Breathe taking view regardless! And the mountains across from the ship rock were gorgeous as well

My mother and I were lost trying to find Four Corners and we stopped here to ask directions. The lady in the visitors center was very helpful!

I like to eat lunch and visit with locals; hanging around the visitor center looking for some historical information I met a small family group of Navajos. I am familiar with the Navajo people especially non traditional members and talk about sobriety. There was a traditional mother and a few members of various ages and traditional dress. A young man who was drinking some alcohol which was ok. She asked me who I was and I told her I was a Scholar and was studying Native American History. The young man blurted out what do you think you can learn about us from books. The woman shamed him sternly and slapped him soundly on his head. I was with out breath. She scolded him. Show respect. This man is educated and you are a drunken fool. The man crying apologized. I told him Show me your faith and quit drinking. I learned it is so. Nothing really gets learned from a book. A learned about clans and maternal authority in books. I never understood it. This story is true as a fact. But I learned that day what an unlearned Scholar I was.

Wow, what a wonderful asset to the community and to us all. A beautiful facility. Much more importantly, a kind, welcoming, expert staff. Much appreciated. Disciple James

What an incredible experience. This place if full of history and prior civilizations.

Beautiful displays, and very helpful staff, really helped with my decision on a route and timing to cross the mountains.

Wonderful welcome center! Very friendly and full of information about the surrounding areas.

Very informative and helpful ladies who were pleased to answer my tourist questions.

Friendly lady at the front here. She was great help. And I was surprised at how much magazines and brochures are available here. It's a lot, not just for the local area!!!! Thank you!

This location is beautifully maintained and has beautiful displays. There are fun activities for younger kids to enjoy while exploring. Outside there is a path you can follow that's half a mile out, as well as some picnic tables.

The museum has great exhibits and the two movies are great too. The staff are knowledgeable, friendly and helpful. There's also the pueblo nearby as views of the reservoir.

Whether you go to visit Mesa Verde NP, this is an absolute must see. What we think we know, this museum helps to answer how, where and when The Pueblo People lived. Beautiful examples of Archeology and artifacts found. I was surprised by the multitude of langusges spoken. And, it connects Modern Native Americans and their migration paths. Absolutely fantastic historical museum. Many thanks to the staff and all who helped to contribute. Tip: If you suffer from elevation adjustment drink lots & lots of water & emergence drink. Avoid caffeine & alcohol. Send friends your own photo album.

Incredible area for ancient puebloan history and ruins! Bring plenty of water for hiking and 4WD with high clearance if you plan on camping in the backcountry here - no permit necessary at several campsites! Very friendly and knowledgeable staff and volunteers at the Visitor Center!

Amazing experience! Lots of interactive exhibits and information about the ancient Puebloan peoples! We weren't able to go to the cliff Palace but you can buy tickets, and I'd advise you do that in advance!

Museum was great, well done, very nice volunteer. Lots of artifacts. But the ruins were missable, as was the reservoir view.

What a surprise to find this Visitor Center and Museum. The facility is beautiful and the staff were so knowledgeable and friendly. We learned a lot and made plans to visit the many sites in the area. The walking path to the site was perfectly sloped and easy to walk. I personally liked the art on display in the Lowry Room.

My family and I visited and were blown away. Antonio was very attentive and provided amazing suggestions for tasting. We met the owner and he was beyond hospitable and friendly. The wines were extraordinary and we are having several bottles shipped home. This was well worth the drive and time spent. We will visit again!

Nice little vineyard across from Sand Cayon TH. Freindly staff and good pizza! Loved the outdoor vibe. The wines were decent, though we felt they were a bit lean-bodied and fairly straightforward in flavor; plus hardly any if them from Colorado!..

So lovely! Customer service was above and beyond and I was so surprised how good the wine was!! Who would have thought in Cortez! Everything was top notch, from the wine to the pizza to the charcuterie board. Side note... I'm always nervous bringing my kids to typically adult places, but everyone was friendly and accommodating and I never felt unwelcome. Thanks! Can't wait to try more of your delicious wines.

Absolutely lovely winery! This little gem is secluded and quiet and full of personality! Antonio, the lovely gentleman who helped us, was very knowledgeable and friendly. We spent an afternoon tasting and snacking on charcuterie, hummus, and quiche. We played a game of cards on the patio and enjoyed the day! Beautiful location!

We dropped in after a hike around the Sand Canyon. It was lovely. Incredible view and delicious wine. The Chardonnay was a stand out, and we were able to have a quick chat with John (the owner) who had loads of interesting stories to share and gave us a good laugh. We loved it!

What a beautiful place to visit, fantastic wine 🍷 and great customer service that makes you feel like family. I was very fortunate to be able to attend this years end of harvest dinner party and it was absolutely extraordinary!!!

Who knew Colorado would have amazing red wines?! Kudos to the vintner who has created unique and flavorsome wines. The scenery is just gorgeous here. Harvest was underway and Ian was kind enough to walk me through the process and answer all my questions...with an added bonus of getting hiking tips for the surrounding areas. Definitely worth the stop if you're traveling through the area. Update 2023: I travel to the Colorado area every October from the East Coast and I make sure to find my way to Sutcliffe Vineyards, no matter what part of the state I find myself in. I had the unique opportunity to watch the annular solar eclipse here this year. John, the owner, is a true gem and I enjoy talking to him and hearing about his interesting and varied life. The wines are simply outstanding. I traveled here this year specifically for my favorite varietal, Petit Verdot, and it exceeded my expectations--absolute heaven in a glass. Thank you, Antonio, for your kindness and stellar service during my visit.

Just Wow. These are some awesome sites to visit. The different sites are spread out but each is unique. You will be driving some dirt roads but they are not too bad. The history you see is phenomenal. The pueblo ruins are a site to see. It's amazing what they did over a thousand years ago by hand.

Incredible area for ancient puebloan history and ruins! Bring plenty of water for hiking and 4WD with high clearance if you plan on camping in the backcountry here - no permit necessary at several campsites!

Beautiful stop on our trip. The gift store and learning center was closed on Sunday but they had the most wonderful, knowledgable volunteers there. Mr. And Mrs. Westphal! They pulled a bunch of info for us and shared some of their favorite places to go. Beautiful walking path to the top with signage available about plants and various information. Nice benches and picnic stops along the way. Very educational about pueblos and kivas. Highly recommend this stop!

Some of the coolest best hiking in the entire area. It is a Hidden Gem that no one really knows about, you can see amazing Rock formations, cactus, painted lizards. There are many archaeological sites, kind of like a mini Mesa Verde. Go in the spring and then in the fall, it's too hot in the midsummer.

Interesting area to visit & learn a little more about history. It is past several farms and down a gravel road & at one point we were wondering if we were lost but Google Maps took us right to it. It's free to visit & has bathrooms but they are the ones with a hole in the ground & no water.

This specific site is remote unpaved road access. Visitor center is on another location.

It was quite the adventure climbing up on snowy and ice paths, but despite the treacherous walk up…the view was to die for!

This was a FABULOUS hike. Wore me out but well worth it. Spectacular sights all the way around. Crossing it canyon was an adventure too. I love everything about this place. The air conditioned visitor center felt so good after an hour and a half in the hot sun.

Great little hiking loop around the upper end of the canyon with some close and not-so-close views of architecturally unique towers and dwellings. While we did enjoy coming out here at least once, we felt more impressed by Chimney Rock and Aztec Ruins as they felt far more interactive and personal.

Out in the middle of nowhere land. BUT, such amazing examples of the talents of the ancient ones in building housing and water gathering. Rugged and hostile in the summer. Cold and difficult in the winter. Walking tour around the perimeter approximately 2 miles. Well worth the effort. Absolutely an amazing place!

The Square Tower loop trail at Hovenweep NM is an easy trail with multiple Ancestral Pueblo buildings along this canyon mostly within sight of each other. I love the one within the boulder since it's unique. I attended one of the ranger talks about it while I was there which was informative.

Very neat place to see pueblo ruins. Along the cliffs. A 2 mile loop allows you to see the whole pueblo. The 2 mile loop involves climbing down and up the canyon. Well done trail. Even has benches to rest. You will be in full sun with little shade.

This place is amazing. I hiked into Painted Hand Pueblo and Cutthroat pueblo. Absolutely breathtaking. I was able to take some amazing photos and it was so quiet and peaceful. There were no crowds. I saw six other people combined at both places and there were only a dozen or so people at the Visitors Center, including park employees, while I was there. This is a must see for anyone interested in the Ancestral Puebloan peoples... Or even if they are not.

It was a bit disappointing. You a lot of walking to not see very much. I don't think its anything like the descriptions you read where it says its the best ruins anywhere. I've seen better. Much better.

The visitor center of Blanding was a nice location in town. The workers were very nice and were able to be helpful when asking for directions. They do have an assortment of choices when it comes to maps and books, as well as souvenirs for those just going through. Overall, it’s a good spot in town to get the best information!

There are tons of non commercial NPS and Utah state maps and brochures for natural attractions around the area. The woman on staff was incredibly knowledgeable and helped steer us to excellent places in Natural Bridges and routes we would otherwise not have known. She drew on the maps, made notes, and estimated mileage. The center & restrooms are clean. A great place to stop to plan sightseeing or get more info about a plan already made.

When traveling between Arches/Canyonlands and Natural Bridges/Monument, you must stop here. This is the nicest visitor center we've come across in our decades of road trips. They have immaculately clean restrooms, a nice exhibit space, loads of maps, brochures, and guidebooks, and one of the nicest and helpful visitor center hosts we've met. She gave us a lot of great tips for our trip in the area.

This was a wonderful surprise on our way from Moab to Page AZ! Lots of free and for sale maps offered, some local artifacts, clean bathrooms and a very nice and helpful lady with travel advice. Outstanding - thanks!

Very knowledgable and friendly staff who gave excellent hiking and camping recommendations. A great place to go to-- I've never enjoyed a visitor's center experience as much as I did this one! Blanding is a gem!

Very clean bathrooms. easy to get in and out of with a trailer. Free maps and some souvenirs to purchase. Friendly staff. Nice picnic area green grass for the dogs.

Very nice spot to stop, its getting a new roof but large outdoor space playground, restrooms were clean. Good information, cool things to see.

Very nice museum and adjacent outdoor display. We loved the gift shop, which by the way, does not only offer very cool merchandise of Edge of the Cedars, but also from Goosenecks State Park. The collection of artifacts is beautiful and the short introductory film very informative. Entrance fee is only $ 5.00 per person. It was a plus for us to be able to take our dog to the outdoor exhibit, and the lady behind the counter was super nice. We had a great experience.

This is a great museum and not at all what I expected! They have multiple types of exhibits from a video, to a photo gallery, to displays (including an extensive pottery room), to actual ruins, it has everything! There’s a nice little gift shop as well. We spent a couple of hours there and didn’t even get to read everything.

Must see stop. Very nice collections, exhibitions and film. You can go in back to see a real ruin. Our favorite part was reading testimonials from people who discovered artifacts.

Excellent museum.. so many relics from all over the 4 corner area

Wonderful museum with inside and outside exhibits. Learn more about local ancient cultures.

Great museum, perfect for kids. The tour felt informative and well mapped. Everything on display was really cool. The museum director had some fascinating insights on ceramic lineages and modern ceramic impressions. Bring your friends!!

Fascinating llmisrim.onnan unassuming town Who knew they had a first rate museum about ancient people and their culture? I sure didn't, but was fortunate to run into someone who recommended it. I'm glad they did because we learned so much about the artifacts, especially pottery, the housing (kivas versus pits), the tools, the petroglyphs, etc, both in the exhibit indoors (don't miss the second floor!) and the outdoor one which allows you to climb a ladder down into an underground kiva. They also have a small but excellent museum shop with lots of goodies, including books , t-shirts, jewelry made by indigenous people, etc. All in all, a very positive experience, made me want to learn more!

Very knowledgeable staff (thank you Robert!) and lots of good brochures, guides and the like. Small museum as well makes it a worthwhile stop!

There was the cutest little replica of the town when it became a township in the early 1900s. The lady working there was the nicest person and told us about the town and shared knowledge. The kids loved her and gave her a hug when we had to leave.

Today, June 5, I stopped in for information and the loveliest gentleman on duty was absolutely wonderful. He was so helpful and courteous!!!

We stopped in to ask about The Needles District of Canyonlands and was greeted by JIM. he was super helpful with directions, maps, local trails, things to do and made a fabulous recommendation for lunch (Gustov's Mexican Restaurant.) Everything he suggested was wonderful. He is a wonderful ambassador foe Monticello and the surrounding area. Thanks so much Jim and Monticello. We had a fabulous day.

The parking needs fixed the Ev space will get trapped in spot if handicapped space is used. but neat place.

We popped in for a quick look around and we were surprised. This is a great spot to learn about Monticello. Most of all we enjoyed talking with the lady who was working at the museum, she was great, we will stop in to see her again.

I pulled into the visitor center on a Tuesday afternoon and accidentally locked my keys in the car. Jim who was working that day was very gracious and called around and had aSean and George were there within minutes and opened my door, no charge! I am so grateful for the kindness shown to a weary traveler. Thank you gentlemen for proving small town hospitality is alive and well!

This was an amazing place!! So glad we finally took the time to stop. What a beautiful canyon! Newspaper rock was amazing, could stay there and look at it for a long time. For sure one of my favorite stops. Well worth to trip!

This is a don't miss stop on your way to the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park. One of a kind area to observe a wide variety of petroglyphs ranging in age. It was just a few steps from the parking lot to see this wonder. There are bathrooms here and another trail off into the wilderness. Spend over 30 mins looking at all the different marks. Very cool and easy stop.

Petroglyphs are images carved or pecked into the surface of the rock. This site is located in San Juan County, along Utah State Route 211. The images are believed to be created by ancestral Puebloan people living, farming, and hunting along the Puerco River between 650 and 2,000 years ago. Fascinating

Pretty cool petroglyphs South of Moab and North of Monticello Utah. In Bears Ears National Monument. There is no fee or reservations required. A group of people were leaving just as we arrived and we were there by ourselves for several minutes before some others arrived. Just off Hwy 211, there is a small parking lot with a few motorhome or longer vehicle parking and about 15 normal sized stalls. The walk is about 100 ft from the parking lot and very easy to access.

Such a cool thing to see. Drive the back way to/from Monticello on the Forest Service Rd and add an easy extra bit of sight-seeing to your trip. We saw lots of wildlife.

We stopped at Newspaper Rock State Historical Monument on the drive out to Canyonlands National Park Needles District. Located about 15 miles west of state route 191 on the Indian Creek Corridor Scenic Byway (SR 211) in Bears Ears National Monument. There was a nice size parking area with plenty of parking and we stopped there to have a picnic lunch. The newspaper rock was an amazing display of ancient carvings and one of the largest known collections of petroglyphs. The surrounding area was absolutely stunning as well. A must see if you are visiting the Needles District.

This was a neat stop on our way to Canyonlands NP. This had more petroglyphs than Arches. It was also less crowded, which is always a plus with me!!!!! No cost to see too!

It's a roadside attraction and very cool. The story of how it came to be is very interesting! Short little tour of the house but you cannot take pictures in there, it's worth a stop and to do. Outside, the property had lots of thing art and things to check out which was very pretty. They have a general store and a trading post. We got there right as the petting zoo was closing, so bummed we couldn't check that out!

Such a fun stop if you’re passing through the area. The Trading Post had a great selection of unique and handcrafted items. There are surprises around every corner as you stroll around the property (be sure to look for Big Foot), and there are fun activities perfect for breaking up a long drive. Be sure to tour the house… Austin is a fantastic guide!

My daughter and I were there yesterday. There's nothing to see there at all. A couple of souvenir shops, a restroom, and a small zoo with its characteristically distinctive smell. We paid about $20 for two and a bucket of chopped vegetables for the prisoners 🥹. The camel was quite friendly and happily ate almost the entire bucket. There are also a few goats, llamas, donkeys, bison, and a few birds. If you're looking for something to entertain the kids on your trip, this is the place.

Pretty cool spot and tour was worth the small price. Got to learn some cool history from my guide. Also 2 amazing sculptures outside.

What a cool stop! We did the short tour through the house…worth the $8-9. The art on property was also cool. They once ran a restaurant out of the hole and it would have been nice to get something to eat while visiting.

This Hole N The Rock is fun, quirky, and a great photo op. Why would you have a 5000 sq ft house built here? No idea because I didn’t go on the tour. We took a bunch of photos and bought an $8 magnet though.

Fun little stop on the side of the road! Had a zoo and cute little shops. Also restrooms! I’ve heard the house tour was awesome but we were short on time.

Erinn helped us out at the visitors center. She encouraged my friends and I to do the junior ranger program and it ended up being a highlight of our Canyonlands trip. She swore us in as junior rangers with her own inspiring words that made us feel so loved, and I hope to remember them forever. Erinn is so passionate about the parks. She taught us about different animals, their purpose, and how to respect them. WE LOVE ERINN SO MUCH!! ❤️❤️

Nice little visitor center with a gift shop and museum at the entrance of the Needles section of Canyon lands NP. Very informative and friendly staff. Good place to buy some souvenirs and learn about the park before going further.

Great helpful staff. Loved the area, so beautiful. You need to add Needles District signage. Island in the Sky has their own sign.

Wow. I enjoyed the Needles area more than the Island in the Sky area. I heard other people say the same thing. The drive into Needles is similar to a smaller Zion Canyon, Vermillion Cliffs and some Monument Valley all rolled into one. Great views and easy hiking trails. One of the best things was almost no people visit this side since it's about 50 miles for Moab but well worth the drive.

Jonathon Jessup, one of the rangers there was extremely helpful with trail planning including a color coded map! Thanks Jonathon. I also met 2 EMT's from this area. Emily and Austin were amazing, very supportive and informative. Thanks guys.

Very informative. They offer masks for those that don’t have one. Decent restrooms. WiFi is ok, can’t download offline maps. There is a self serve water refill. Passport book items and stamps are located outside the store.

Nice visitor center. There’s a small museum with some informational displays about the area. Good selection of souvenirs and gifts in the store.

Erinn helped us out at the visitors center. She encouraged my friends and I to do the junior ranger program and it ended up being a highlight of our Canyonlands trip. She swore us in as junior rangers with her own inspiring words that made us feel so loved, and I hope to remember them forever. Erinn is so passionate about the parks. She taught us about different animals, their purpose, and how to respect them. WE LOVE ERINN SO MUCH!! ❤️❤️

Nice little visitor center with a gift shop and museum at the entrance of the Needles section of Canyon lands NP. Very informative and friendly staff. Good place to buy some souvenirs and learn about the park before going further.

Great helpful staff. Loved the area, so beautiful. You need to add Needles District signage. Island in the Sky has their own sign.

Wow. I enjoyed the Needles area more than the Island in the Sky area. I heard other people say the same thing. The drive into Needles is similar to a smaller Zion Canyon, Vermillion Cliffs and some Monument Valley all rolled into one. Great views and easy hiking trails. One of the best things was almost no people visit this side since it's about 50 miles for Moab but well worth the drive.

Jonathon Jessup, one of the rangers there was extremely helpful with trail planning including a color coded map! Thanks Jonathon. I also met 2 EMT's from this area. Emily and Austin were amazing, very supportive and informative. Thanks guys.

Very informative. They offer masks for those that don’t have one. Decent restrooms. WiFi is ok, can’t download offline maps. There is a self serve water refill. Passport book items and stamps are located outside the store.

Nice visitor center. There’s a small museum with some informational displays about the area. Good selection of souvenirs and gifts in the store.

Extremely fun adventure would recommend. It is very visually challenging but really worthy. Definitely if it it your first time driving ATV warmup at Fins and Things

Best trail we’ve run to date. Every bit as challenging as the ratings say, but soooo much fun. Very manageable if you want to make it easy (moderately) and insanely difficult if you’re up for it. Took us nearly six hours because we stopped a lot to look around.

Amazing views and it was an adrenaline rush from start to finish! We rented 2 seater stock RZR 1000s and they were great on this trail. We didn’t do the more difficult obstacles like hells gate or the escalator. The RZR did fine with Mickeys hot tub though. Hells Revenge and Poison Spider Mesa were our two favorite off road trails in Moab.

Awesome trail! Took our four runner up it, 3 inch lift, basically stock. Most parts of the trail were easy to traverse, we didn't make it up hells gate, maybe next time! Ended up joining up with a bunch of guys from Wisconsin, sorry friendly, definitely more fun being with a group, and much safer!

One of my favorite trails in Moab. Lots of obstacles, some easy, some hard, some with a pucker factor of 10! Great place to test your skills - and don't forget to try Hell's Gate and the escalator!

Fun place to wheel and the views are spectacular

Fun trail to run, we bypassed some of the obstacles like Mickey’s hot tub and Hell’s gate, probably will come back to run those when we are with a group, definitely recommend this trail!

The Grandstaff Trail to Morning Glory Arch is a must do but don't underestimate it. We went not long after some flooding on the creek and much of the trail was wiped out and it required some route finding. The rock scrambling towards the end is not for everyone. There are also about 10 creek crossings so prepare for wet feet.

A nice hike! Dog friendly, but the sand gets really hot. So, if you bring your pup, I would have some booties for their feet or be prepared to carry them if their feet burn (like we did😂). Ours loved playing in the gorgeous river that you’ll cross several times to get to the end (don’t need to take shoes off but water shoes are beneficial), but be sure to check alerts online to be certain it’s safe to drink, as some algae can be toxic and kill dogs. There is LOTS of poison ivy, but it’s easy to avoid if you recognize it and they have signs showing you at the start. It grows usually in the shade close to the river (three dark green leaves pointing downwards). The end is worth it, but again watch out for the giant poison ivy tunnel right before the arch. PS. Stay on the path / river! If you see *HARD crusty sand, don’t touch it!!! It is key to keeping the ecosystem alive and well, but people often step on it and cause it to erode, killing plants.

Pretty moderate hike. Be sure to keep an eye on where exactly the trail is. The weather was great for me. You do have to cross the creek a couple times, but it's nothing crazy. Maybe if there's a higher water level it would be more difficult. Otherwise it is a easy to moderate hike. The end is so pretty and you can sit beneath the bridge for a nice snack!

Amazing hike. My dog loved it. Plenty of shade and good hike for all levels. Lot of streams too for dogs to play in. The kids will enjoy this hike as well.

Great hike with some technical spots like stream crossings & scrambling

An absolute gem in Moab. Technically this area is not part of Arches of National Park. An arch located at the end of the trail. Due to severe erosion, the pathway is not as straightforward. There are some signs that point in the right direction but are sporadic. We followed footprints to help us move into the right direction.

Absolutely the best hike for kids around and less crowded than almost other classic hikes. Limited parking available on both sides of the road. Get there early or be patient.

I visited Canyonlands National Park and was completely blown away by the massive red rock canyons and endless panoramic views. The overlooks were stunning, especially at sunrise, and the hiking trails gave a real sense of adventure and peace. What I didn’t love was how few shaded areas there were — the heat can get pretty intense, and some trails felt a bit poorly marked. Still, it’s an incredible and unforgettable place that’s absolutely worth the trip if you love wild landscapes and open skies.

Absolutely gorgeous! The views are breathtaking and the natural landscape looks like a dream. Don’t skip out on this park if you are nearby. It was 100% worth the visit. If you can enjoy the night sky and stargaze. We were able to see the Milky Way. It was beautiful!

Suprisingly pretty empty when i went! Amazing hiking with overlooks and cliffs and windy canyons. Spent a weekend here, saw most of what you can see(rushing through things) and it was so incredible.

This is a beautiful park. The canyons are spectacular, and vast, though not as colorful as the Grand Canyon. You can see a lot from your car, but for the full experience hit some of the hiking trails.

So beautiful! So glad we came. No charge to go in park due to government shut down. Visitor center was still open. Porta potty bathrooms available at Visitor center. We went on a clear Saturday around 10 am. Park was a little busy, but not overwhelming. We were the only ones on path to Whale Rock. Definitely check out mesa arch. Pretty easy hike and worth the walk.

This is a large park. I recommend a full day to see it. There is a lot of hiking/walking to the main points. There is also two entrances to the park. The first one is up on the north end by Moab and Dead Horse State Park. This is where the Island in the Sky visitor center is located. Almost every stop after you park there is a short walk to the view. The Mesa Arch is a short hike. On a decent trail. I would plan on taking water and planning on a hour. Even if you are not in great physical shape you can do this. It is well worth it. On the south east side of the park is the other entrance to the needles. You will loose internet access to maps on your way there. I would recommend taking a few photos of maps before going, unless you already have the park map the road is on that to the park.

Astounding views at every turn in the road! Lots of trails of varying difficulties. Some trailheads were absolutely crammed with cars, nothing new there. Overall a wonderful place to visit.

This is a great spot for a hike with amazing views. About 3.5 miles round trip and just over 700 feet of climbing. The hike is fairly easy if you take your time. Plan for 2-3 hours. The trail is easy to follow. Parking is abundant but can get crowded. Bring plenty of water.

FEAR OF HEIGHTS? TRY AT OWN RISK. Exceptional, roughly 2hr hike, can be challenging. Very worth a try, soooo beautiful, everyone was vibing at the arch. Saw mule deer on trip down.

This hike kicked my ass but it was beyond worth it!!! Amazing view of the arch once at the top, it's a good 2-3 hr round trip depending on your speed and how much time you spend with stops and enjoying the view. Went for the sunrise during October it was mid 40's at 5:30am so dressing in layers was needed!

From the parking lot, it takes about 35 minutes at a fast pace, and around 45 minutes if the kids are walking—assuming they have good stamina. There’s some sand on the trail, so it can be a bit slippery. Make sure to look back for a moment while going up—the view is absolutely beautiful. The trail is relatively easy overall, but kids should be careful of slipping.

This is the most recognizable landmark in all of Arches National Park. It is also the symbol that appears on the Utah license plates and even U.S. stamps. It is also one of the most visited and hiked sites in the entire park. This freestanding natural arch stands 52 feet in height with an opening of 46 feet high and 32 feet wide. This geological wonder was formed over millions of years by wind and water erosion acting on the Entrada Sandstone base layers and the Moab Member of the Curtis Formation, which forms the bridge. The arch’s name term “Delicate” comes a January 1934 article, which described it as “the most delicately chiseled arch in the entire area.” Finally, be cautious moving around the arch especially near the bowl area below the arch and yes, people have fallen with the last fatal event occurring in November 2019.

If you want a beautiful place to get away from all of the craziness and rigorousness of scheduling and overloading yourself go to arches. Enjoy the colors and the architecture of the natural landscaping all around you it is absolutely stunning. The views are absolutely breathtaking. It's worth every minute of your time!!! Pack in some food to snack on, lots of water, great hiking shoes, and warm clothing. Pack an extra set of socks maybe even an extra shirt to change cuz you'll sweat!

This was our second visit to Arches National Park. Last time we didn’t see everything, and this time was almost the same. In June it was extremely hot — I didn’t make it to Delicate Arch, with too little water and too little brain for 3.5 miles over rocks in full sun. This time we were prepared: hiking shoes, lots of water, hats, sunscreen. But the wind was strong, almost blowing hats away! October 2025, two adults and two kids (ages 4 and 9) went straight to Delicate Arch. The parking lot was full, so we had to wait, but it was worth it. The trail is narrow and high in places — definitely scary! Almost at the arch, about 4 meters above the ground, with a bunch of hats below (fortunately, no heads — just joking). Five minutes before, rescuers evacuated an injured person on a stretcher on one large wheel — huge thanks to them! The arch is impressive, though not as breathtaking as Landscape Arch (more on that later). We didn’t all reach the arch itself — the line was long and the kids were busy trying to “fly off” with the hats. All in all, Delicate Arch is checked off our list!

It's a magnificent place. A stunning natural rock formation. It takes 5-10 minutes to reach. You'll walk for 5 minutes over slightly uneven terrain. It's a breathtaking view. I recommend visiting in March-April or September-October. It's important to come in the right season to avoid the heat. Unbelievable 🦎👍

Nature's beauty. One of the best Arch in the national park. It ks a short walk frlm the parking or even from the Windows trail. You can climb on rocks to get up close to the arch. It is a beautiful formation. There are lot of photo spot out here.

This is one of the most famous arch in the whole Arches National Park, it is the connection of two arches in orthogonal position. If you stand underneath it, you will able to see the sky was divided into three pieces, amazing

Pro tip: Often the lower parking lot here has more spots and easier access to the double arch. This is probably the most picturesque and beautiful place in the park due to its location and ease of access. You can actually climb inside the hollow structure and marvel at its enormity and scale. Pay attention to the bottomless pit (in the pictures) board to learn how this place came to be. Very interesting 🤔 There is another viewpoint from the top of the left arch but it's risky to climb and despite looking like an easy task, quite slippery and difficult to get down from.

Really beautiful and easy hike to see the double arch. It does get harder to hike all the way to the base of the arch, but still not bad (just uneven and a little more of a climb). The lower parking lot by this arch usually has parking, the upper lot closer to the north and south window usually is full. There’s no water refill station but there are vault toilets by the upper parking lot. We’ve seen a lot of the arches and this is a really epic one for the short hike! Worth seeing for sure!

The double arch is a great arch to visit with small kids and older folks. There is a short path that leads you from a parking lot to the Double Arch, and it is not strenuous at all. It shares a parking lot with the landscape arch as well. Restrooms available! 4 stars instead of 5 because it was very crowded.

Definitely worth the stop and walk up to this one! Really unique architecture as it feels like a circle or cups like arch with all the separate arches holding it together. Minor rock climbing involved in this one getting to the top, getting downs a little more tricky so be careful. Lots of other arches near by and another amazing arch trail at the top of the parking lot!

This place is awesome! $20 a car to get in. The Visitor center is cool. It has amazing views, a walking path and the gift shop has all kinds of goodies that aren't terribly expensive. Bathrooms are outside around the side of the building. After that follow 313 to the end. Here there are several places to stop and take photos. There is a building in the center with bathrooms in it. There are also several picnic shelters. You can also get married here. There are 5 different spots. We thought Cliff Side was the best but it was also the most difficult to get to and there is no wall just cliff so be careful especially with kids. There is also 25 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails. I haven't tried them yet but when I do I will update this review. Have fun!

This is a great park!! I think the views at the overlook at the end of the road are better than Capital Reef with the bend in the Colorado River and salt ponds, also with shaded areas for eating and restrooms. There are a handful of hiking and biking trails. Great visitor center with a short nature trail and overlook. Well worth the $20 entrance fee.

We visited the Dead Horse National Park. It was just beautiful! We drove up to the top point and enjoyed a picnic lunch under an overhang with cliff seating and benches in the shade. The restroom was clean and beautifully tiled walls. We saw the place where the Thelma & Louise car was driven off the cliff for the movie too!

This state park offers great views of Colorado River canyon. The views are quite open, you can see far way and a bend of the river (similar to Horseshoe Bend). You can watch both sunrise and sunset of the canyon. As there is no camping site in nearby Cayonland National Park, this state park can be used for camping after visiting the Canyonland National Park, they both offer great views of the canyon and Colorado River. The camping sites here are well maintained, very clean. Some sites are not car assessable, you need park the car in nearby parking spot and carry all you camping stuff to the site. It was very windy in April and we felt that the tent could be blew away any time during the night. Strongly recommended.

Underrated mini Grand Canyon that’s much less busy! We stayed in a yurt in the campgrounds and it was fantastic. There was Ac in the unit and a little sky light in the middle! Saw the most amazing starry sky! Very close spectacular drive to arches as well!

Visitor Review – Dead Horse Point Dead Horse Point is a must‑see near Moab—jaw‑dropping views that feel like stepping into another world. The highway twisting like a wild serpent until suddenly the canyon opened up. My jaw dropped as red cliffs glowed like embers above the Colorado River. At the rim, I felt like an explorer—arms wide, wind in my hair. Surreal, unforgettable. 👉 Highly recommended: Dead Horse Point writes its own adventure. Don’t miss it.

This location holds a special place in my heart since I have rafted the bend many years ago. I would put this as a quick stop over if you are in the Moab area but not somewhere I would go out of my way to go to. To me it is worth the entrance price since roughly same view you could get from Horse Shoe bend and more accessible (Horse Shoe bend is prettier with the colors but in summer the hike is miserable). Very pretty in morning but to get some deep shadows for photography.

Absolutely beautiful! The hike was relatively easy but I would recommend coming early (around sunrise) because it gets a little crowded. The view was stunning and I would definitely go again!

No fault to the arch itself but the crowds are insane at sunrise. It’s all people who have professional camera and they are all lined up in front. They only stayed for one minute after the sun rose but need not get in their way because they will yell at you like they did this one lady stating: “No No No! YOURE IN THE FULL SHOT!” If you don’t get there at 4:00am- you won’t beat them. Nonetheless, the views from around the arch are spectacular and worth staying after they all leave to explore around the area.

Beautiful pretty simple hike to reach the Mesa arch. The view there was stunning! It is very stop though, so be careful with your kids.

Mesa Arch isn’t just a viewpoint—it’s an experience. Tucked into the Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands, this modest-looking arch becomes something extraordinary when the sun rises behind it. If you get there early, you’ll see the underside of the arch glow with fiery orange light, framing a vast canyon and distant peaks in a way that feels almost unreal. The hike to the arch is short and easy—just about half a mile round trip on a well-marked trail. But despite its simplicity, the reward at the end is immense. You walk up to it and suddenly, the entire world seems to open up through that stone window. It’s one of those places where time feels like it slows down. People speak in hushed tones, cameras click softly, and everyone is just…watching. Watching the light change, the shadows dance, and the canyon come alive beneath the arch. It can get crowded at sunrise, but there’s a quiet reverence among those who make the early trek. It’s not just about the photo (though you’ll want to take plenty)—it’s about being there, in that moment, witnessing something timeless. Mesa Arch may not be the biggest or the longest, but it holds something special. It’s one of those rare places that stays with you, long after you’ve walked back to your car.

We didn't carry too much hope in seeing the mesa arch sunrise due to the cloudy night. The hike was a short and easy 10 minutes walk under the moon. We waited there till the official sunrise hour. Due to the cloud cover, there wasn't a beam of sunrise. We insisted another 30 minutes, everything changed.

One of the highlights at Canyonland national park. It is a short walk towards the Arch from the parking lot. It is beautiful and it makes a great picture spot. There are places where you can sit on the rock and enjoy the view during the day.

Well worth the trip just for this experience alone. Amazig and sunrise with the glow underneath the arch short 0.6mi trail to and from the arch is easy. Gets crowded and not that much parking with everyone parking along the road.l and a wait to take photos. There's also a restroom in the parking lot.

Nice small park. Spaces are level but pretty tight. Shower house is not real private with short walls and wooden walls. It's an okay place to stay. Would stay again.

With all national parks i think it is always good to stop in the visitors center. Here you can get your stamp see some info about the park and if necessary ask the helpful rangers any questions that you may have. They also list any ranger lead activities for the day. Don't forget to cross the street to see the overlook

Love all the national parks, but Canyonlands is the nearby but less busy neighbor to Arches. Some fun hikes, lots to see, especially Mesa Arch is just amazing and there are so many panoramic lookouts.

The ranger was very friendly and helpful. A potable water faucet was conveniently located just outside the visitor center, the only spot for drinking water for anyone camping there. During our early September visit, they offered nearly daily day and night sky programs.

Great place to get your bearings. I mean, the place is massive, massive. The visitor center offers you insight to the trails/weather etc. they also have a gift shop and toilets.

This is where you check-in to start your multi-day White Rim Road adventure. The young man explaining the geology of the area with samples of rock and player casts was quite nice and informative.

Island in the Sky Visitor Center is a great stop in Canyonlands National Park. My wife brought the kids to collect Junior Ranger badges. The staff was friendly and asked fun questions, making it a great experience.