Arches and Canyonlands
National Parks
Arches: Est: 1971 Acres: 76,359 2023 Visitation: 1,482,045 Visitation Rank: 21/63
Canyonlands: Est: 1964 Acres: 337,598 2023 Visitation: 800,322 Visitation Rank: 28/63
When you first stand in front of the impossible arch formations, your one thought will be, “How?” The answer is water and ice eroding the soft sandstone over 15 million years, but the science is no less breathtaking than the view. Arches is a playground of rock formations towering impossibly overhead as you hike, scramble and climb. Canyonlands, also carved by water, offers expansive views over stunning vistas, as well as hiking and boating opportunities through incredible canyons and rock formations. Moab is an adventure capital, and Arches and Canyonlands are the stars of the show.
The nine-day Arches and Canyonlands itinerary begins with sunset at Dead Horse State Park. The trip includes the most memorable hikes in Arches, including opportunities to climb and play under the arches and fins of rock. You’ll begin Canyonlands with a scenic drive to all the best viewpoints and short hikes along the rim. You’ll spend several days boating flat and white water through the canyons. Finish up the trip with hiking and camping under the stars deep in the heart of canyon country.
Travel tips include airport, lodging and camping information, as well as links to current conditions and travel alerts. The “Short on Time? Don’t Miss” section identifies three days that are highlights. Trip extensions listed include additional hiking options. Also included is Information on extended rafting/camping trips in the region, as well as a listing of some mountain biking trails.
New: Looking for a shorter introductory overview itinerary? A new 3 day in-park itinerary is now also included in this Guide.
"Looking at back at this guide, I am reminded what a wealth of incredible information you are for traveling national parks!!!! These guides are beautiful and were invaluable on our Grand Canyon trip…. We would have totally missed one of our favorite parts of the trip… boating on Lake Powell, just magical! Thank you!"
Barbara, Knoxville TN
"Todd has an unrivalled passion for our National Park System. His Olympic Guide offers a granular level of detail that allows you to know exactly what to expect when
you are hiking by yourself or with your family. You could spend hours and hours researching your own trip, or you could just follow in his footsteps and never be disappointed."
Jon, New York City
"Acadia was very user friendly with plenty of places to stay and to eat. We loved the water days that Todd mixed in so we could rest our legs between hikes. There were lots of beautiful family moments scrambling on rocks and putting our toes in the ocean. Also, I was pleasantly surprised by how beautiful Baxter State Park was. What a little gem of a park!"
Carrie, Pagosa Springs CO
"Although I've spent heaps of time in Yosemite, I still found plenty of helpful tips and hidden gems in this guide. The detailed trail maps and accompanying summaries are particularly useful. It's nice to know the trail distances and elevation changes before you head out!"
Lawrence, Austin TX
"Thanks VERY much for your guides. They were very helpful. Both Bryce and Zion were spectacular. In Zion we did just about every easy hike you suggested. Bryce was spectacular, and we saw almost every lookout on your list. We couldn't hike there due to time constraints. But, we always knew that two days wasn't enough for both parks and will plan to return another time."
Alex, San Diego CA
“I always get nervous planning trips, but this guide helped me feel more confident. I was able to find all the easy hikes which were perfect for my young kids. I knew the kids could handle the elevation gains that Todd spelled out on his topo maps. That was so helpful! Sometimes easy or moderate mean different things to different people, and this guide made it crystal clear. Todd’s maps are written out in precise detail, which took my stress level down considerably!”
Heidi, Smyrna GA
"Absolutely amazing insight to Yellowstone from someone who clearly loves the outdoors. Step by step planning details for trip preparation, organizing dates, drive times, 'what to bring' and fun activity lists! Very insightful on customizing your trip whether it’s a few days or an extended trip. Todd specifies the do’s and don'ts and precautions to take. Hikes are broken down in detail with maps in this handy printable guide!"
Ranjit, Austin TX
"The hikes and sites in Todd's guide made for a very memorable week. There is so much to do in the Great Smoky Mountains... it's a bit overwhelming to try and sort through it yourself, so very nice to find that someone has already done it for you! We saw some amazing spots and took some photos we'll cherish. The day on Douglas Lake was amazing as was the bike ride around Cades Cove. I highly recommend!!"
Chuck, Pigeon Forge TN
"Looking at back at this guide, I am reminded what a wealth of incredible information you are for traveling national parks!!!! These guides are beautiful and were invaluable on our Grand Canyon trip…. We would have totally missed one of our favorite parts of the trip… boating on Lake Powell, just magical! Thank you!"
Barbara, Knoxville TN
"Todd has an unrivalled passion for our National Park System. His Olympic Guide offers a granular level of detail that allows you to know exactly what to expect when
you are hiking by yourself or with your family. You could spend hours and hours researching your own trip, or you could just follow in his footsteps and never be disappointed."
Jon, New York City
"Acadia was very user friendly with plenty of places to stay and to eat. We loved the water days that Todd mixed in so we could rest our legs between hikes. There were lots of beautiful family moments scrambling on rocks and putting our toes in the ocean. Also, I was pleasantly surprised by how beautiful Baxter State Park was. What a little gem of a park!"
Carrie, Pagosa Springs CO
"Although I've spent heaps of time in Yosemite, I still found plenty of helpful tips and hidden gems in this guide. The detailed trail maps and accompanying summaries are particularly useful. It's nice to know the trail distances and elevation changes before you head out!"
Lawrence, Austin TX
"Thanks VERY much for your guides. They were very helpful. Both Bryce and Zion were spectacular. In Zion we did just about every easy hike you suggested. Bryce was spectacular, and we saw almost every lookout on your list. We couldn't hike there due to time constraints. But, we always knew that two days wasn't enough for both parks and will plan to return another time."
Alex, San Diego CA
“I always get nervous planning trips, but this guide helped me feel more confident. I was able to find all the easy hikes which were perfect for my young kids. I knew the kids could handle the elevation gains that Todd spelled out on his topo maps. That was so helpful! Sometimes easy or moderate mean different things to different people, and this guide made it crystal clear. Todd’s maps are written out in precise detail, which took my stress level down considerably!”
Heidi, Smyrna GA
"Absolutely amazing insight to Yellowstone from someone who clearly loves the outdoors. Step by step planning details for trip preparation, organizing dates, drive times, 'what to bring' and fun activity lists! Very insightful on customizing your trip whether it’s a few days or an extended trip. Todd specifies the do’s and don'ts and precautions to take. Hikes are broken down in detail with maps in this handy printable guide!"
Ranjit, Austin TX
"The hikes and sites in Todd's guide made for a very memorable week. There is so much to do in the Great Smoky Mountains... it's a bit overwhelming to try and sort through it yourself, so very nice to find that someone has already done it for you! We saw some amazing spots and took some photos we'll cherish. The day on Douglas Lake was amazing as was the bike ride around Cades Cove. I highly recommend!!"
Chuck, Pigeon Forge TN
"Looking at back at this guide, I am reminded what a wealth of incredible information you are for traveling national parks!!!! These guides are beautiful and were invaluable on our Grand Canyon trip…. We would have totally missed one of our favorite parts of the trip… boating on Lake Powell, just magical! Thank you!"
Barbara, Knoxville TN
"Todd has an unrivalled passion for our National Park System. His Olympic Guide offers a granular level of detail that allows you to know exactly what to expect when
you are hiking by yourself or with your family. You could spend hours and hours researching your own trip, or you could just follow in his footsteps and never be disappointed."
Jon, New York City
"Acadia was very user friendly with plenty of places to stay and to eat. We loved the water days that Todd mixed in so we could rest our legs between hikes. There were lots of beautiful family moments scrambling on rocks and putting our toes in the ocean. Also, I was pleasantly surprised by how beautiful Baxter State Park was. What a little gem of a park!"
Carrie, Pagosa Springs CO
"Although I've spent heaps of time in Yosemite, I still found plenty of helpful tips and hidden gems in this guide. The detailed trail maps and accompanying summaries are particularly useful. It's nice to know the trail distances and elevation changes before you head out!"
Lawrence, Austin TX
"Thanks VERY much for your guides. They were very helpful. Both Bryce and Zion were spectacular. In Zion we did just about every easy hike you suggested. Bryce was spectacular, and we saw almost every lookout on your list. We couldn't hike there due to time constraints. But, we always knew that two days wasn't enough for both parks and will plan to return another time."
Alex, San Diego CA
“I always get nervous planning trips, but this guide helped me feel more confident. I was able to find all the easy hikes which were perfect for my young kids. I knew the kids could handle the elevation gains that Todd spelled out on his topo maps. That was so helpful! Sometimes easy or moderate mean different things to different people, and this guide made it crystal clear. Todd’s maps are written out in precise detail, which took my stress level down considerably!”
Heidi, Smyrna GA
"Absolutely amazing insight to Yellowstone from someone who clearly loves the outdoors. Step by step planning details for trip preparation, organizing dates, drive times, 'what to bring' and fun activity lists! Very insightful on customizing your trip whether it’s a few days or an extended trip. Todd specifies the do’s and don'ts and precautions to take. Hikes are broken down in detail with maps in this handy printable guide!"
Ranjit, Austin TX
"The hikes and sites in Todd's guide made for a very memorable week. There is so much to do in the Great Smoky Mountains... it's a bit overwhelming to try and sort through it yourself, so very nice to find that someone has already done it for you! We saw some amazing spots and took some photos we'll cherish. The day on Douglas Lake was amazing as was the bike ride around Cades Cove. I highly recommend!!"
Chuck, Pigeon Forge TN
"Looking at back at this guide, I am reminded what a wealth of incredible information you are for traveling national parks!!!! These guides are beautiful and were invaluable on our Grand Canyon trip…. We would have totally missed one of our favorite parts of the trip… boating on Lake Powell, just magical! Thank you!"
Barbara, Knoxville TN
"Todd has an unrivalled passion for our National Park System. His Olympic Guide offers a granular level of detail that allows you to know exactly what to expect when
you are hiking by yourself or with your family. You could spend hours and hours researching your own trip, or you could just follow in his footsteps and never be disappointed."
Jon, New York City
"Acadia was very user friendly with plenty of places to stay and to eat. We loved the water days that Todd mixed in so we could rest our legs between hikes. There were lots of beautiful family moments scrambling on rocks and putting our toes in the ocean. Also, I was pleasantly surprised by how beautiful Baxter State Park was. What a little gem of a park!"
Carrie, Pagosa Springs CO
"Although I've spent heaps of time in Yosemite, I still found plenty of helpful tips and hidden gems in this guide. The detailed trail maps and accompanying summaries are particularly useful. It's nice to know the trail distances and elevation changes before you head out!"
Lawrence, Austin TX
"Thanks VERY much for your guides. They were very helpful. Both Bryce and Zion were spectacular. In Zion we did just about every easy hike you suggested. Bryce was spectacular, and we saw almost every lookout on your list. We couldn't hike there due to time constraints. But, we always knew that two days wasn't enough for both parks and will plan to return another time."
Alex, San Diego CA
“I always get nervous planning trips, but this guide helped me feel more confident. I was able to find all the easy hikes which were perfect for my young kids. I knew the kids could handle the elevation gains that Todd spelled out on his topo maps. That was so helpful! Sometimes easy or moderate mean different things to different people, and this guide made it crystal clear. Todd’s maps are written out in precise detail, which took my stress level down considerably!”
Heidi, Smyrna GA
"Absolutely amazing insight to Yellowstone from someone who clearly loves the outdoors. Step by step planning details for trip preparation, organizing dates, drive times, 'what to bring' and fun activity lists! Very insightful on customizing your trip whether it’s a few days or an extended trip. Todd specifies the do’s and don'ts and precautions to take. Hikes are broken down in detail with maps in this handy printable guide!"
Ranjit, Austin TX
"The hikes and sites in Todd's guide made for a very memorable week. There is so much to do in the Great Smoky Mountains... it's a bit overwhelming to try and sort through it yourself, so very nice to find that someone has already done it for you! We saw some amazing spots and took some photos we'll cherish. The day on Douglas Lake was amazing as was the bike ride around Cades Cove. I highly recommend!!"
Chuck, Pigeon Forge TN
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