Utah Bound

Arches National Park is a massive destination—with massive opportunity. But don’t let that overshadow the stops along the way.

Days: Five
Roundtrip: 745 miles
Must-Have Souvenir: Photos of Delicate Arch (above)

On the Road:

Spend time in the vapor caves at the Yampah Spa in Glenwood.
Hanging Lake’s trailhead is difficult to find, so check out the blog at hikingincolorado.org, including directions and tips.
Canyon Bikes rents bikes with a shuttle drop off at the east end of Glenwood Canyon so riders can enjoy the 16-mile ride along the Colorado River.

In Moab:

You deserve a treat after all that hard work. You’ll love the locally made gelato served up at Moab Coffee Roasters on Main Street.
Devils Garden Campground is one of the better spots to set up shop. It’s a post-apocalyptic setting filled with friendly campers and it offers potable water, picnic tables and flush toilets.

Head up I-70 in the morning and grab lunch at the Buffalo Inn in Idaho Springs. Don’t get uncomfortably full because you’ll be taking a hike. Hanging Lake is just east of Glenwood Springs, and it’s a solid one-hour hike up to a breath-taking view of a glass-clear lake with waterfalls. It’s a rewarding jaunt and a very “Colorado” experience. Once you get back on the road, don’t worry, you won’t be driving too much longer.

Head to the Glenwood Hot Springs, where you’ll soak in one of the giant pools and let the kids try out the slides; stay at the Glenwood Lodge and you’ll receive unlimited access to the pools. Try out the Riviera Restaurant or Rib City Grill for dinner; both come highly recommended by the locals. The next morning, keep heading west to Moab.

You have two choices: Arches National Park or Canyonlands National Park…or both. Let Moab be your headquarters or pick one of the parks. Either way, there is adventure and activity all around you. Head out early one morning to hike to Delicate Arch, one of the most recognizable arches anywhere.

Take a drive through Island in the Sky or camp out in Chesler Park within Canyonlands. Or head out mountain biking on The Slickrock Bike Trail. When you turn around to go back home, don’t forget to stop in Grand Junction for a hike at Colorado National Monument and then tubing down the Colorado River (there are plenty of drop in spots). Stop for dinner at the Rockslide Restaurant & Brewery.

Road Trips – And Countless Adventures on the Open Road