Embark on a self-driving adventure through the stunning landscapes of Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. Marvel at gravity-defying formations, explore red vistas, and uncover the legends of the West.
Embark on a self-driving adventure through the stunning landscapes of Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. Marvel at gravity-defying formations, explore red vistas, and uncover the legends of the West.
- Arches Visitor Center - Our adventure into the astounding Arches begins just before the park’s entrance and visitor center. We’re about to see stunning natural monuments, unlikely rock formations, and alien, ancient landscapes.
- moab fault overlook - Moab’s Fault is a six million-year-old crack in the earth’s crust. As we continue driving,…
- Arches Visitor Center - Our adventure into the astounding Arches begins just before the park’s entrance and visitor center. We’re about to see stunning natural monuments, unlikely rock formations, and alien, ancient landscapes.
- moab fault overlook - Moab’s Fault is a six million-year-old crack in the earth’s crust. As we continue driving, we’ll see this fault and learn about the geologic pressures that have formed the landscape of Arches.
- La Sal Mountains Viewpoint - The La Sal Mountains are the second-highest mountain range in Utah. Their highest peak, which you can see toward the center of the range, is almost 13,000 feet tall. We’ll pause our drive through Arches to admire the mountains and learn about the Spanish settlers who pushed out the Ute and Paiute tribes.
- Three Gossips - As we continue driving through Arches, we’ll pass the iconic Three Gossips formation.
- Courthouse Towers Viewpoint And Trailhead - This brings us to another vista point, where we’ll see the Organ, Courthouse, Sheep Rock, and more.
- Petrified Dunes Viewpoint - We’ll also pass the Petrified Dunes and Great Wall. As we drive, we’ll learn more about the Ute and Paiute mythologies of this harsh and alien landscape.
- The Windows Road - This brings us to another popular Arches spot: the Windows! These striking examples of erosion are a must-see while in Arches.
- Cove of Caves - Look down the trail and you’ll see one of the park’s most striking sights. That collection of arches and almost-arches is the Cove of Caves.
- Panorama Point - We’ll pass Panorama Point — keep this in mind if you plan to return at dark for stargazing. Since there’s very little light pollution obscuring the night sky here, you’ll see an astonishing number of stars once the sun sets. Depending on the time of year, you may even get to see the entire Milky Way! As we continue our drive, we’ll learn about how to stargaze like the Paiute.
- Delicate Arch - Now we’re at THE most famous spot in Arches: Delicate Arch. A quick hike brings us right up to this gorgeous - and improbable - formation.
- Salt Valley Road - This is one of the park’s quieter attractions. Like Cache Valley, Salt Valley was formed by the collapse of many sandstone domes. The broken pieces of rock littering the ground are leftovers from that collapse.
- Fiery Furnace - Our drive continues past the Fiery Furnace: a network of narrow canyons & passages amid towering red cliffs at Arches National Park.
- Sand Dune Arch - As we drive, exploring more arches, we’ll learn more about the Paiute myths behind them, the Spanish and Mormon settlers who tried to survive in this land, and the people who were able to preserve this stunning landscape as a national park.
- Devils Garden Trailhead - Our drive through Arches ends at the Devil’s Garden, where a final hiking trail leads to Landscape Arch and beyond. Our tour through the mythology and geology of this epic land is now over.
- Monitor and Merriamac Rock Formations - Look to the right. All you can see at the moment are tall rock walls. That’s because we’re near the floor of Sevenmile Canyon. As we continue to drive, we’ll emerge from the canyon and be able to see two very distinct features in the distance to the right – the Merrimac and the Monitor.
- Big Mesa Viewpoint - Coming up on your right is Big Mesa Viewpoint. Pause for a quick look at some stunning scenery. The enormous mesa looks like it was plonked down here by accident, and then forgotten.
- White Rim Road - In such a beautiful landscape, you can’t escape the lure of exploring off the beaten path. But watch out! If you do go off the path, you might be trampling on soil that’s alive. You might think I’m joking, but throughout Canyonlands, Arches, and Moab is something called a biological soil crust.
- Dead Horse Point State Park - Dead Horse Point — it’s a creepy name, isn’t it? According to local legend, wild mustangs used to be corralled here to be broken in the early 1800s. Once all the desirable horses had been broken and claimed by the cowboys, the undesirables were left to go free.
- Island in the Sky - Stop by the Visitor Center coming up ahead. It’s a great place to grab supplies, use the bathroom, and fill up your water bottles. As you’ve already seen, this park doesn’t have much infrastructure, and being dehydrated out here is no joke.
- Shafer Canyon Overlook - This overlook offers views from three sides. It may be a bit daunting if you’re afraid of heights since there’s nothing between you and the Canyon. However, the incredible view is worth it.
- Lathrop Canyon - A lot of natural landmarks and trails in Canyonlands are named by or after cowboys and ranchers. In fact, Ned Chaffin’s father and one of his brothers had a spring named after them.
- Mesa Arch - “Ahead, pull over for Mesa Arch. This is a must-do at Canyonlands.
Once you’ve parked, walk along the short trail to the arch.
As you walk, notice the juniper and pinyon trees around you. These are popular in Canyonlands so keep an eye out for them elsewhere too.”
- Green River Overlook - The Green River Overlook offers some of the most unique views of Canyonland’s Island in the Sky District. You’re able to see the Green River continuing its work on the canyon walls. The river is the largest stream in Utah at 730 miles. The name probably comes from the green soapstone that can be found along its banks.
- Aztec Butte Trail - What makes this trail special? Simple: the granaries left here by Native peoples. They’re visible from the base of the last hill if you just keep your eyes open. These granaries are hundreds of years old, so be careful when approaching.
- Upheaval Dome - Remember how the park’s rocks have been formed in layers? In most of the park, these layers haven’t been disrupted since their formation. What you see is what was deposited, all those hundreds of millions of years ago.
- Candlestick Tower Overlook - In the distance, do you see three giant candles sticking out of the landscape? That’s Candlestick Tower! Doesn’t this sandstone formation look like a layered birthday cake, topped with candles? * The bottom layer is white, the middle a reddish-brown, and the top is red.
- Murphy Point Trail - The trail that leads to Murphy Point Overlook is quite easy, adding up to 3.5 miles roundtrip. While the hike itself doesn’t offer much in the way of scenery, the overlook provides a stunning view of Stillwater Canyon and the Green River.
- Buck Canyon Overlook - Here you’ll see spectacular views of Buck Canyon and the La Sal mountains. The short trail is paved, making it one of the most accessible places in the park. There’s also a rail that stands between you and the canyon, so if you are scared of heights, this overlook is perfect for you.
- White Rim Overlook Trail - This is a great place to rest and enjoy a quick meal! There are only eight tables, so be sure to claim one if there are any available.
- Orange Cliffs Overlook - We’re now at the end of the Canyonlands National Park tour. I hope you’ve enjoyed the journey! If you enjoyed the tour, check out our other tours of nearby Arches, Bryce, Zion, and more!
- Grand View Point Overlook - We’re now at the end of the Canyonlands National Park tour. I hope you’ve enjoyed the journey! If you enjoyed the tour, check out our other tours of nearby Arches, Bryce, Zion, and more!
- Easy-to-use app: download Action’s Tour Guide App onto your phone
- Great value: purchase per car, not per person. More affordable than bus or guided tours!
- Perfect narrator: nothing can beat listening to a great voice. Proven with tons of rave reviews!
- Offline maps: no signal, no problem! Works perfectly without cellular or wifi.
- Comprehensive…
- Easy-to-use app: download Action’s Tour Guide App onto your phone
- Great value: purchase per car, not per person. More affordable than bus or guided tours!
- Perfect narrator: nothing can beat listening to a great voice. Proven with tons of rave reviews!
- Offline maps: no signal, no problem! Works perfectly without cellular or wifi.
- Comprehensive route and stops: See it all, miss nothing, leave no stone unturned!
- Go at your own pace: Start anytime, pause anywhere, enjoy breaks for snacks and photos freely!
- Hands-free: audio stories play on their own based on your location. Easy to use!
- Engaging storytelling: Uncover unique tales, history, and facts for a memorable journey!
- Attraction passes, entry tickets, or reservations
- Attraction passes, entry tickets, or reservations
Purchase only one tour per vehicle, not per person. Everyone listens together!
Experience the beauty of the high desert with this combo tour of Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. Marvel at gravity-defying formations at Arches, take in the sweeping red vistas of Canyonlands, and hear the fascinating legends behind each park as you tour. Go on…
Purchase only one tour per vehicle, not per person. Everyone listens together!
Experience the beauty of the high desert with this combo tour of Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. Marvel at gravity-defying formations at Arches, take in the sweeping red vistas of Canyonlands, and hear the fascinating legends behind each park as you tour. Go on unforgettable hikes through the harsh elegance of these classic Western landscapes. Discover nature in its most unexpected form. Make memories you’ll never forget.
After booking, check your email to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action, enter your unique password, and access your tour. These steps require good internet/Wi-Fi access. From there, follow the audio instructions and the route.
New, extra validity — now yours for an entire year! Use multiple times over multiple trips!
This isn’t an entrance ticket. Check opening hours before your visit.
- How to access: Once you book a tour, you’ll get a confirmation email with instructions. Follow the instructions right away: • Download the separate app • Enter the password • Download the tour • MUST DO while in strong wifi/cellular.
- How to start the tour: Open Action’s separate audio tour guide app once onsite. • If there is just one tour, launch it. • If multiple tour versions exist, launch the one with your planned starting point and direction. • Go to the starting point. (Note: no one will meet you at the start. This tour is self-guided). • The audio will begin automatically at the starting point. If you face audio issues, visit the FAQ. • Stick to the tour route & speed limit for the best experience.
- Amazing Savings: why pay for an expensive, crowded, and limited bus tour — priced per person! — when you can have ONE amazing audio guide on your OWN phone for your WHOLE group?
- Flexibility and Convenience: • Use the tour app anytime, on any day, and over multiple days. It’s perfect for tailoring your exploration and revisiting your favorite spots on future trips. • Start and pause the tour whenever you like, taking breaks and exploring side excursions at your own pace, free from the constraints of a group.
- Comprehensive Tour Experience: •The app provides a full itinerary, travel tips, narrated audio stories, scripts, images, videos, and recommendations for additional activities. • Enjoy a private experience without the crowds, ideal for personalized stops and photo opportunities.
- Ease of Use and Accessibility: • The app is hands-free and activates stories via GPS, offering support through call, chat, or email. • There is no need for a continuous cell or Wi-Fi connection as the GPS map works offline.
- Memorable Keepsakes: • Utilize the app’s images to create a photo book or share on social media, ensuring you have high-quality, crowd-free memories from your trip.
- Preparation: • After booking, download the app and the tour using a strong Wi-Fi connection. • Review the tour at home before your trip for a better experience.
- Starting the Tour: • Open the app upon arrival at your destination. • Select the appropriate tour based on your starting point. • Head to the starting location; the audio will begin automatically. • Follow the suggested route and adhere to the speed limit for an optimal experience. • By following these instructions and taking advantage of the app’s features, users can enjoy a personalized, flexible, and in-depth exploration of their destination at their own pace and convenience.
- Minimum Mobile OS Requirement: iOS 14 or later / Android 9 (Pie) or later. It is compatible with iPad models that have a GPS chip.
- CarPlay and Android Auto are not yet supported. Connect your phone via Bluetooth, USB, or Aux for audio. Use phone speakers if needed.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.