➟ Wake up and leave Moab around 1.5 hours before sunrise because it's about an hour's drive from Moab to the Mesa Arch parking lot.
Mesa Arch:
Catching the sunrise at Mesa Arch is something everyone on a southwest road trip should add to their bucketlist. The early morning light makes the arch and the canyon behind glow as if it's on fire & is mesmerizing to see.
You’ll want to arrive 30-45 mins before sunrise to give you time to hike to the arch & get a good spot with the view because it will be crowded!
It's an easy 0.7 miles hike.
➟ Drive 6 miles to...
Island in the Sky Visitor Center:
Grab a map, go to the toilet & head to the viewpoint across the street from the Visitor Center.
Coordinates: 38.459871, -109.819514
➟ Drive 0.6 miles to...
Shafer Canyon Overlook:
This is a scenic viewpoint that offers breathtaking views of the Canyonlands and the surrounding landscape. Visitors can access the overlook by driving to the top of the Shafer Trail, which winds its way down into the canyons below.
➟ Drive 6.9 miles to...
Candlestick Tower Overlook:
This spot offers panoramic views of the Candlestick Tower rock formation and Green River. You'll have to stop on the side of the road, there's no proper parking. You can access the overlook by hiking a short trail from the parking lot.
➟ Drive 2.3 miles to...
Buck Canyon Overlook:
This overlook offers stunning views of the surrounding canyons and rock formations. Visitors can access the overlook by driving to the top of Buck Canyon Road, which winds its way through the park. The Buck Canyon Overlook is known for its breathtaking views of the red rock formations and the surrounding landscape and is a great place to stop for a picnic.
•This viewpoint doesn't involve much walking.
•Parking is limited
➟ Drive 2.2 miles to...
White Rim Overlook Trailhead:
The trailhead provides access to the White Rim Overlook, a scenic viewpoint that offers panoramic views of the surrounding canyons, rock formations, Colorado River, Monument Basin, and La Sal Mountains. It's a short 1.8 miles hike.
➟ Drive 1 mile to..
Orange Cliffs Overlook:
This overlook offers panoramic views of the Orange Cliffs, a series of striking rock formations that are made up of sandstone cliffs that are stained orange by iron oxide deposits.
➟ Drive 0.2 miles to..
Grand Viewpoint:
This is the most beautiful viewpoint in the Island in the sky. You can choose to enjoy this viewpoint or go on a short but great hike. The trail is only 1.8 miles and showcases spectacular panoramic views as you follow the canyon's edge.
•Parking is limited so make sure to arrive early or late afternoon. If you can't find parking, you can park at Orange Cliffs Overlook and just walk 0.2 miles.
•There are toilets at this stop.
➟ Drive 7.6 miles to...
Green River Overlook:
One of our favorite Overlooks! Don't miss this one. It offers beautiful views of the Green River without much effort.
