Private Two-Day Tour to Arches & Canyonlands National Park from Salt Lake City
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
2 days
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness—able to handle several short hikes and one moderate 3-mile hike with ~480 ft elevation gain
Overview
A compact, private two-day sweep from Salt Lake County to Moab that pairs Island in the Sky and Dead Horse Point with Arches’ famed rock arches. Expect sunrise vistas, short interpretive hikes and expert local guiding to maximize time in the parks.
Private Two-Day Tour to Arches & Canyonlands National Park from Salt Lake City
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The van pulls off Highway 6 as the first light catches a rib of red sandstone and the group steps into a widened sky. On a private two-day sweep from Salt Lake County to southeastern Utah, the landscape announces itself in sections — low sagebrush and mesas giving way to canyons that stare back. Your guide eases the pace, pointing out a slickrock rim or a fossil-rich band, and the day becomes a series of small discoveries: a shallow slot where wind cut a line through time, a lone juniper clinging to an exposed ledge.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Book timed-entry windows early
Arches requires timed-entry passes in peak months; confirm availability with your operator before finalizing travel plans.
Hydrate for the desert
Bring at least 1 liter of water per hour while hiking in summer; refill options are limited between Moab and park facilities.
Layer for wind and cold
Rim exposure can be much colder than town—pack a windproof jacket and a warm midlayer for mornings and evenings.
Protect fragile soils
Stay on designated trails to avoid damaging cryptobiotic soil; even small detours can have outsized ecological impact.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Desert bighorn sheep
- Golden eagle
History
This region bears traces of Ute and Puebloan cultures; modern roads skirt land shaped by an ancient seabed and a buried salt layer that drove the formation of arches and canyons.
Conservation
Trails and timed-entry systems manage visitor flow; avoid stepping on cryptobiotic soil and pack out all trash to protect slow-recovering desert ecosystems.
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Adventure Hotspots in Moab
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Water reservoir or 1L bottles
Sustained desert heat and limited refill points make carrying ample water essential.
summer specific
Sturdy hiking shoes
Traction on slickrock and short scrambles is important—trail runners or low-cut boots work well.
Windproof shell and warm midlayer
Temperatures swing widely on exposed rims, especially at sunrise and sunset.
spring specific
Wide-brim hat & sunscreen
High sun and reflective sandstone increase UV exposure during midday.
summer specific