How to visit Arches and Canyonlands in One Day

Arches and Canyonlands are two of the most popular National Parks in the American southwest. Although they are located relatively close to each other, they offer very different experiences.

Arches is known for its more than 2,000 natural sandstone arches. Canyonlands, on the other hand, is characterized by its vast system of canyons, mesas, and buttes.

Ideally, you would spend a few days exploring each park, but that isn’t always practical, so that leaves the question “Can I visit Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park in one day?

The answer is yes because they are so close together, it is possible to visit both parks in one day, but you won’t be able to see everything. If you are short on time, follow this one-day itinerary to catch the highlights of Arches and Canyonlands in one day.

Where to Stay to see Arches and Canyonlands in one day

If you are wanting to see both Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park, a good location for overnight accommodations would be Moab, Utah.

Moab sits between Arches National Park and Canyonlands making it the perfect place to spend the night. There are many hotels and vacation rentals in the area that will allow you to see both parks in one day.

By staying in Moab the night before your adventure, you’ll be able to get to the parks early and make the most of your short time.

✅ Click here to check accommodations in Moab

Another great option for staying in Moab is to camp. There are a ton of great camping options in and around Moab. They range from luxury glamping to free dispersed camping. My favorite way to find all of the best campsites is by using the Dyrt.

✅ Try the Dyrt for free by clicking here

If sleeping in a tent isn’t your idea of a good time, you could rent a campervan or RV and explore Arches and Canyonlands that way!

✅Rent a campervan or an RV here

Canyonlands and Arches one-day itinerary map

Arches National Park

Arches National Park is a stunning example of the power of geology. The park is home to more than 2,000 natural sandstone arches, as well as a variety of other unique rock formations. The arches are formed when water seeps into cracks in the sandstone and expands, slowly eroding the rock. Over time, the weight of the rock causes it to buckle and form an arch.

The arches come in all shapes and sizes, from towering giants to delicate spans that look like they could collapse at any moment. In addition to the arches, the park also features Balanced Rock, a massive boulder that seems precariously perched atop a slender pedestal, and Park Avenue, home to enormous rock walls.

Arches and Canyonlands in One Day

Morning at Arches National Park

You should start your day at Arches National Park. Head there early (before 6 ) in the morning and you won’t have to worry about the timed entry ticket system. Plus, you’ll want an early start because you have a lot of adventures ahead of you today!

Aim to be at Arches to watch the sunrise. There are plenty of great spots you can choose for sunrise. Balanced rock is a great spot if you don’t want to hike.

Delicate Arch at Sunrise

I would recommend hiking the Delicate Arch Trail for sunrise. By doing this, you are seeing the most iconic Arch in Arches National Park first thing in the morning. You also will beat the enormous crowds that flock to the Delicate Arch hike throughout the day, and accomplish the toughest hike in Arches National Park right off the bat.

The Delicate Arch hike is 3.2 miles round trip, moderately challenging, and usually takes about 1.5 hours.

Delicate Arch is one of the most iconic natural features of Arches National Park. The freestanding sandstone arch is located in a remote area of the park, and it is only accessible by a moderately strenuous hike. Despite its name, Delicate Arch is actually quite sturdy, and it has been standing for centuries.

The arch has been weathered by wind and rain, and its orange-red coloration is due to the presence of iron oxide in the sandstone. Delicate Arch is a popular destination for both hikers and photographers, and it offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

After leaving Delicate Arch, you can enjoy Arches Scenic Drive, which is one of the best scenic drives in a National Park. Arches Scenic Drive is about 20 miles one way and takes you from Hwy 191 all through the park, seeing all of the major arches.

Since you are already at Delicate Arch, you are part way through the scenic drive, but that’s ok, you’ll pass everything on the way back out and can make stops along the way.

You can zip through Arches Scenic Drive in about 1.5 hours, but if you want to stop at most of the overlooks, and maybe spend a few minutes walking around some of the arches, you can plan on about 4-5 hours.

Depending on how long it took you to finish the Delicate Arch hike, you’ll need to determine how long you can spend on the drive. Aim for leaving Arches early afternoon so you have time to explore Canyonlands.

Arches Scenic Drive

Delicate Arch trail is off a spur on mile 12.5 of Arches Scenic Drive. Head back to Arches National Park Road to keep driving on the scenic drive. Here are the next stops I would recommend.

⭐️ Mile marker 15 – Fiery Furnace

Fiery Furnace is a must-see destination while in Arches National Park. Fiery Furnace is a popular destination for hikers at Arches National Park. The area is known for its unique rock formations, including fins, hoodoos, and arches.

The fin-like features are formed by layers of sandstone that have been eroded by wind and water over time. Hoodoos are tall, thin spires of rock that are formed when water runs down the sides of a rock face, carrying away loose sand and leaving behind a column of harder stone. Arches are created when two surfaces of rock meet at an angle and erode over time, forming a curved opening.

Visitors to Fiery Furnace can explore these unique formations on numerous trails that wind through the area. To go down into Fiery Furnace, you’ll need a permit or a ranger-led tour. You won’t have time for that with this itinerary though, so you’ll need to observe it from above.

⭐️ Mile 17.7 – Skyline Arch

Depending on your available time you can view Skyline Arch from the viewpoint, or make the short walk to see it a bit closer. It’s 0.4 miles round trip, and super easy.

Skyline Arch is one of the most iconic features of Arches National Park. The massive sandstone arch spans over 71 feet. The arch was formed over millions of years as water slowly wore away at the sandstone. Today, it stands as a testament to the power of erosion.

⭐️ Mile 18.8 – Devils Garden

Here is the end of the road, and where you will turn around to head back out of the park. You have another decision to make here. If you feel you have enough time, this large parking lot is where you can start your hike to Landscape Arch. There are about a dozen other arches in the Devils Garden area as well.

The Landscape Arch is one of the most photographed features of Arches National Park. This massive arch spans 306 feet and is one of the largest in the world. The Landscape Arch was formed over millions of years as water slowly eroded the sandstone.

The final step in its formation occurred about 50,000 years ago when a large piece of stone fell from the top of the arch, leaving the hole that we see today.

Although it is one of the youngest features in Arches National Park, the Landscape Arch is also one of the most popular, drawing thousands of visitors each year.

It’s time to head back the way you came, and stop at viewpoints along the way back to the Arches visitor center.

⭐️ Mile 10 – Windows District

The Windows District is one of the most popular areas of Arches National Park. The area is home to some of the most iconic features of the park, including the Delicate Arch and Double Arch.

The district gets its name from the numerous sandstone fins that have been eroded into window-like structures. These natural windows provide stunning views of the surrounding landscape, and they are a favorite spot for photographers.

Although the Windows District is a relatively small area, it receives a large number of visitors each year.

You can quickly walk through the windows loop and see a large concentration of arches including Windows Arch, Turret Arch, and Double Arch. The trail is about 1.2 miles and takes about 30 -45 minutes. You can also only do part of the trail to Windows at 0.7miles round trip.

⭐️ Mile 9.8 – Balance Rock

The massive sandstone formation stands 130 feet tall. According to NPS, The slick rock boulder of Entrada Sandstone sits attached to its eroding pedestal of Dewey Bridge mudstone. Balanced rock weighs over 3600 tons!

While Balanced Rock is a stunning sight, it is just one of the many remarkable geologic features found in Arches National Park.

⭐️ Mile 4.4 Courthouse Towers

The Courthouse Towers at Arches National Park are a must-see for any visitor to the area. The three red-rock towers rise majestically from the desert floor, providing a stunning backdrop for hikes and picnics.

While the Towers are named for their supposed resemblance to courthouses, they actually have a more interesting history. The Native Americans who once inhabited the area believed that the Towers were home to powerful spirits, and they would often leave offerings at the base of the rocks.

Today, the Courthouse Towers are a popular spot for rock climbing and photography, and they continue to inspire awe in all who see them.

⭐️ Mile 3.4 La Sal Mountain View Point

La Sal Mountain viewpoint is one of the most popular viewpoints at Arches National Park. On a clear day, you can see for miles in every direction, including the La Sal Mountains, which rise to 12,700 feet.

⭐️ Mile 0.3 Arches National Park Visitor Center

You’ll definitely want to stop at the visitor center on your way out of the park since it was closed when you got here. This is a great place to get your National Park Passport stamped, buy souvenirs, and learn more about the park.

This is also a good place to have a picnic lunch if you haven’t eaten already along the way. You could also head into Moab to eat, but it will take more time out of your day, so I find it better to pack a lunch.

⭐️ Mile 0.0 Arches National Park welcome sign

One last stop before you are officially “done” visiting Arches National Park. Take a picture by the welcome sign if you didn’t do it on the way into the park.

You are halfway through your quest to visit Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park in one day!

Canyonlands National Park

It’s less than an hour’s drive from the Arches visitor center to Canyonlands National Park. Following this itinerary, you’ll be driving for about 35 minutes. First, let us talk a bit about Canyonlands National Park.

Canyonlands National Park is divided into four distinct districts: the Island in the Sky, the Needles, the Maze, and the Rivers District.

The Island in the Sky district is characterized by its high mesas and sprawling views. Visitors can explore hiking trails, drive along scenic roads, and camp under the stars. Popular attractions in this area include Mesa Arch, Grand View Point, and Dead Horse Point State Park.

The Needles district is known for its red rock formations and diverse landscape. Hiking, camping, and mountain biking are popular activities here. Some of the most popular attractions in this area include Newspaper Rock and Slickrock Trail.

The Maze district is the least accessible part of Canyonlands National Park due to its remote location and lack of developed roads. However, this area is renowned for its backpacking and four-wheel-driving opportunities.

With deep canyons, towering Mesa walls, and unique rock formations, the Maze promises an adventure for those who are willing to venture off the beaten path.

The Rivers District is home to two major rivers: the Green River and the Colorado River. This area offers opportunities for rafting, canoeing, fishing, and hiking.

To make this itinerary work and visit both Arches and Canyonlands, you’ll only be exploring the Islands in the Sky District of Canyonlands National Park today.

Afternoon in Canyonlands National Park

You can start out your time in Canyonlands by taking a photo at the welcome sign, and then heading to the Island in the Sky visitor center. There is a picnic area here as well if you want to eat lunch here instead of at Arches.

⭐️ Mesa Arch

Mesa Arch is one of the most popular features in Canyonlands National Park, and it’s easy to see why. The arch is located on a mesa top, providing visitors with breathtaking views of the surrounding canyon country.

The arch itself is made from sandstone that has been deeply eroded by wind and water, giving it a unique shape. Each year, thousands of people come to Mesa Arch to enjoy the views and take pictures.

The walk to Mesa arch is under 1-mile round trip.

⭐️ Upheaval Dome

Upheaval Dome is a geologic mystery in Canyonlands National Park. The large, circular feature is unlike anything else in the park, and scientists are still trying to determine how it was formed.

Some believe that it is the result of a meteor impact. A meteorite with a diameter of about one-third of a mile hit the region now known as the Upheaval Dome approximately 60 million years ago, according to some geologists.

A major blast ensued from the impact, sending ash and debris into the air. The explosion created an unstable crater that partially collapsed at first. As the area surrounding Upheaval Dome settled down, rocks beneath the ground heaved upward to fill the gap left by the collision.

Another theory is called the “salt bubble”. Much of southeastern Utah and Canyonlands National Park is underlain by a thick layer of salt, formed by the evaporation of ancient landlocked seas. When pressure from tens of thousands of feet of overlying rock is applied to salt, it can flow plastically, much like ice moving at the bottom of a glacier.

Salt is also less dense than sandstone. As a result, over millions more years, salt can migrate up through rock strata as a “salt bubble,” rising to the surface and forming saline domes that deform the surrounding rock.

This is the most hiking you’ll do today while in Canyonlands, but its worth it. The trail is 1.3 miles round trip and is moderately challenging. Allot about 45 minutes to an hour to see Upheaval Dome.

⭐️ Green River Overlook

The Green River overlook in Canyonlands National Park is one of the most popular viewpoints in the park. The overlook is located on the north rim of the Island in the Sky mesa, and it provides stunning views of both the river and the canyons.

Although it is possible to hike to the overlook, the majority of visitors choose to take a scenic drive. The road to the overlook is paved and well-maintained, and it provides easy access for vehicles of all sizes. There are also several pull-offs along the way so that visitors can enjoy the views and take photographs.

⭐️ Buck Canyon Overlook

The trailhead is located near the visitor center, and the hike itself is relatively short and easy. However, the views from the top are simply stunning. From the overlook, you can see for miles in every direction, taking in the beauty of the Canyonlands.

⭐️ Grand View Point

Grand View Point is one of the best overlooks in Canyonlands National Park, and maybe in all of Utah. Located just a short hike from the Island in the Sky Visitor Center, Grand View Point offers stunning views of the canyons and mountains of the park.

The viewpoint is especially popular at sunset when the setting sun casts a beautiful glow over the landscape. However, Grand View Point is also worth visiting during the day, when you can see more of the detail in the rocks and vegetation.

This is a great place to end your day and watch the sunset. If you want to stay after dark, Canyonlands is a great place to stargaze.

If you have more time and energy, then you can choose some of the smaller hikes here, but I would suggest going to Dead Horse State Point for sunset and stargazing! It’s super close to Canyonlands, and has beautiful views from Dead Horse Point.

How far away is Canyonlands from Arches National Park?

Arches and Canyonlands are about 30 miles apart.

Which is better Arches or Canyonland?

Both parks are known for different things, and saying which is better is really a matter of preference. You’ll have to visit both and decide for yourself. Until you can do that, this post Canyonlands Vs Arches, may help you form an opinion.

Tips for visiting Arches and Canyonlands in one day

As I mentioned earlier, you’ll want to stay nearby to make this plan work. Stay in Moab, or find a campsite.

Be sure and download the GyPSy guide before you go! This audio tour is my favorite way to explore National Parks! The tour works even when you don’t have service, it tells you what you are seeing, and the history of the area. You won’t miss a thing with GyPSy in the car with you.

✅ Save money and buy a bundle GyPSy tour for Arches and Canyonlands!

Bring plenty of water and snacks. Once you are in the parks, there isn’t much shade. I love to bring a camelbak with me, along with some extra water in the car.

Download the free NPS app before you go. While you still have service navigate to both Arches and Canyonlands on the app and toggle the switch that allows you to access the information while you don’t have service. Service is bad in the parks, and this way, you’ll have access to the trails and maps.

Wear sunscreen and bring a hat! You will want sun protection. Don’t forget chapstick with SPF too!

Since you will be visiting 2 National Parks in one day, it makes sense to save money on your entrance fees. Both parks charge $30 to enter. Instead, I highly suggest purchasing the America The Beautiful Pass. This pass is $80, and grants you access to all 63 US National Parks + the other over 400 NPS sites+ US Forests for one full year. It is a huge money saver for us! You can purchase it ahead of time, so you don’t waste time on your one-day adventure.

Can I do Canyonlands and Arches in one day?

Yes, as you can see, you can successfully see Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park in one day!

If you are doing this in the winter, when there isn’t as many hours of daylight, you’ll have to cut some things out.

If you end up with even more time, don’t miss Dead Horse State Park. Its near Canyonlands, and honestly, one of my favorite Utah Parks. Check out the view from Dead Horse Point.

You can also hike more of the small hikes in the parks if you have any extra time.

Touring Arches and Canyonlands

There is no shortage of tours to help you see Arches and Canyonlands in one day if you don’t want to drive yourself around. Here are a few to choose from if you’d like to have a driver and or guide on your adventures.

If you’re short on time and want to see the best of Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, follow this itinerary for a jam-packed day of sightseeing. You’ll get to explore some of the most iconic landscapes in Utah’s national parks system!