The number 1 mistake people make is not reading Edward Abbey's 'Desert Solitaire' before traveling to Moab. He puts it all in perspective. Bravo, Matt, these are all great points. I've been to Moab five times now and you are dead right about Dead Horse SP. I drove up at 8pm and they were still open and wanted full fare of $20. Same view in Canyonlands is free with my Senior Pass. And don't forget rafting the Colorado River, stargazing at the Parks, La-Sal Loop Rd. and mountain biking. PS. love your channel - clear, informative, and friendly.
Delicate Arch may be the most famous rock in the world. Before I retired from the oil patch, I traveled to many far and diverse places. To my surprise, travel agencies everywhere had photos of Delicate Arch in their windows. Decades ago, I hiked to Delicate Arch. Took a photo through the arch of Balanced Rock, and Chip off the Old Block. Yes it was long enough ago that the smaller balanced rock was still standing. Your advice to hike to Delicate Arch is good advice!
We’re staying just outside Moab this summer, june, staying at Castle Valley Inn bed and Breakfast in a cabin, for 3 or 4 days. Thanks for the great videos of area around. The view from the Inn looks gorgeous
Very good tips. I'll clarify a few things for your viewers. #1. You must pay if you use the parks...no matter what time you drive in (gate is open but they do have cameras.) 2. Shafer "TRAIL" is awesome but most rental places have GPS on their vehicles. No, washing it well won't trick them- come on now! The rental places in MOAB for sure told me they check. In fact, he told me that he and most other rental places will get a text message the minute their vehicle leave the paved road. The fines can be steep and if you get ANY damage on these trails (very easy to get rock chips and broken windshields on Shafter Trail) when you are off-road, your contract is voided. You can end up paying thousands out of pocket. If you rent from Twisted Jeeps, you are allowed to go off road...but still not damage the vehicle in any way. It can still get pricey if you do. Most car insurance won't cover off-road or "out of use" fees (daily fee you are charged when they are fixing it- or waiting weeks for parts and it can't be rented.) 3. DEAD HORSE STATE PARK is worth it. It's a stunning area. you can come back down via LONG CANYON- but you need good clearance SUV for the pass area and under the huge rock. Chicken Corners is another stunning trail. We do this one and Hell's Revenge in rented UTV's. Shafer requires a street registered regular vehicle (no OHV's.) 4. Hikers should explore MORNING GLORY ARCH down rt. 128 (not in either park.) 5. Biggest mistake to avoid, by far when in MOAB is NOT HYDRATING enough. Drink even when you are not thirsty. It is very dry and you will feel poorly if you do not do this. I like to add some pink salt and electrolytes to my water. Also, wear hats, long sleeves, sunglasses, etc.
I used to drive back and forth between Flagstaff & Grand Junction in the early 90s. Moab was such a sleepy little town back then and it's crazy to see how much it has changed, as well as the explosive growth in tourism at Arches. Utah might have been just a wee bit too successful in advertising their amazing parks to the world. I'd suggest people range a little further than just the Moab area to check out great spots like Gooseneck State Park, Natural Bridges National Monument and Valley of the Gods (which requires a reasonably high clearance vehicle). Eastern and southern Utah is so ridiculously beautiful as well as full of amazing history of ancient peoples. And bring extra water.
We are heading to Moab for the first time in April on on way to Alaska. Getting excited about it! We are camping there 6 nights which will give us 5 days to explore. Already have the days planned. Day 1 Canyon Lands Schafer switch backs, 2 Arches 3 Bronco Off Roadeo, 4 Hells Revenge, 5 Chicken Corners.
Your vid was helpful before I visited, but I enjoy watching it again now afterwards. You’re brilliant, everything is spot on. We will be back, no doubt! Wow, words do not accurately describe the beauty, pictures try but still do not do it justice.
I love it out there!!!! We’ve done hotels, boondock camping (both in the La Sal mountains and in the desert). If you don’t do a jeep tour off road in some way. It’s such beautiful country and I’ve had the pleasure of being there in both winter and summer. Been there four times total. Want to move out that way someday. Don’t forget the old mines too!!
I have visited Moab a few times and have stayed at Red Cliff Lodge twice. One thing I would like to add is if you are visiting Island in the Sky go take a look at Upheaval Dome. And take a drive on UT 279 and see petroglyphs and dinosaur foot prints. And maybe even the potassium evaporation basins.
Thanks! Considering Red Cliff Lodge next time. Any suggestions on time of year? I’d ask about room type or other RCL recommendations, but I know budgets make it all very subjective. (On that note, if you are a skier, check out Rustler Lodge at Alta. Wow! It was amazing. Not cheap, but amazing. I’ll be back there for sure next time again too!!!)
@@dandawson8128 I have always visited in July as it's the only time of year I can get time off from work. I have always stayed in King Suite with river view. I used to both ski an hike but due to my health I have had to give up on both
First thing I learned was , "Don't walk on the CryptoBiotic soil." Second was, "Don't eat fungus on a un-guided venture into the Feiry Furnace after signing your life away." That one, I learned the hard way. 🤣🍄. Used to camp on the river and go mountain biking during mud season after the ski resorts closed. Broke my collar bone on Gemini Bridges trail. Lot's of great memories. I also recommend Slickrock Bike trail, It's a must. Porcupine Rim for the experts. Cheers. Great video.
We finally made it back in June, loved it more than any other trip we’ve made. We took a Sunset Hummer Tour, amazing time. Our number one thing not to do, is drive The Shafer Trail downhill in a Dodge Ram, OMG, it scared the daylights out of us. 🇺🇸🌵🏴
Thanks for the great video. Starting to plan for our Utah trip for next fall. Between Kanab & Idaho Falls....any snow issues in early October? Might do last week of Sept, 1st week of Oct. We'll have our F150. Shafer Road good that time of year? I'll check out ur website!
I did that loop yesterday on a whim and was amazed! Went back and forth on sr-128 following the river, then turned down the castle valley road. Just awesome.
One tip you left out…carry wag bags and privacy pop up! It’s so gross when people use this pristine environment as a public restroom, leaving TP or worse behind. (Pardon the pun.)
Maria, it’s past March now, but YES I would highly recommend going in March. We just returned from a trip there over spring break and it was ideal. Bring a jacket as avg temps are high 30’s to 60’s, but for us it was mid 30’s to high 40’s, not too bad. The KEY however is it was before the reservation requirement that begins in April. Also, if you’re going to Arches and Canyonlands, hit Arches on a weekday and save CY for the weekend. That was not our strategy, but it turned out to be brilliant as the line for Arches was over an hour to get in as we drove by Saturday morning on the way to CY, it was thankfully about 5 minutes for us on Friday. We did a lot of things right, but one thing I would recommend is to get a hiking permit in advance for the Fiery Furnace trail.
You missed mountain biking, white water rafting, canyonearing ,sky diving, hot air ballooning, dirt biking, ATV driving, rock climbing, slacklining, BASE jumping, stand up paddle boarding and more. We get a couple of million visitors per year to visit the parks (as your excellent video shows), but an equal number who come for the adventure sports and probably never visit the parks. Have fun and come back for some real adventures!
Dead horse State Park has some great beginner level mountain biking if people want to give that a go without committing to the much more difficult trails in the area.
it really pisses me off when people walk on the arches, or on any place they're not supposed to in nature. these things have been here, been forming, for millions of years. and they think they're entitled to just stomp all over it. no respect. thanks for mentioning it, but i feel like your point is a little what's the word, made moot? because of your recommendation of the jeep tours. those drive all over rocky terrain and plants. arguably doing more damage than people on foot could ever do.
Hello, will Arches and Canyonlands be open on Feb. 20th? Also, how are the ATV rentals then? Any recommendations on where to go (White Rock Sand Dunes)? Hard to get info here.
Arches/Canyonlands are open year round. I would assume ATV's are rented year round as well. Once you find an ATV rental place, they should have lots of information on where to ATV around there. Good luck.
The number 1 mistake people make is not reading Edward Abbey's 'Desert Solitaire' before traveling to Moab. He puts it all in perspective. Bravo, Matt, these are all great points. I've been to Moab five times now and you are dead right about Dead Horse SP. I drove up at 8pm and they were still open and wanted full fare of $20. Same view in Canyonlands is free with my Senior Pass. And don't forget rafting the Colorado River, stargazing at the Parks, La-Sal Loop Rd. and mountain biking. PS. love your channel - clear, informative, and friendly.
Thanks for the support.
Delicate Arch may be the most famous rock in the world. Before I retired from the oil patch, I traveled to many far and diverse places. To my surprise, travel agencies everywhere had photos of Delicate Arch in their windows.
Decades ago, I hiked to Delicate Arch. Took a photo through the arch of Balanced Rock, and Chip off the Old Block. Yes it was long enough ago that the smaller balanced rock was still standing. Your advice to hike to Delicate Arch is good advice!
We’re staying just outside Moab this summer, june, staying at Castle Valley Inn bed and Breakfast in a cabin, for 3 or 4 days. Thanks for the great videos of area around. The view from the Inn looks gorgeous
Very good tips. I'll clarify a few things for your viewers.
#1. You must pay if you use the parks...no matter what time you drive in (gate is open but they do have cameras.)
2. Shafer "TRAIL" is awesome but most rental places have GPS on their vehicles. No, washing it well won't trick them- come on now! The rental places in MOAB for sure told me they check. In fact, he told me that he and most other rental places will get a text message the minute their vehicle leave the paved road. The fines can be steep and if you get ANY damage on these trails (very easy to get rock chips and broken windshields on Shafter Trail) when you are off-road, your contract is voided. You can end up paying thousands out of pocket. If you rent from Twisted Jeeps, you are allowed to go off road...but still not damage the vehicle in any way. It can still get pricey if you do. Most car insurance won't cover off-road or "out of use" fees (daily fee you are charged when they are fixing it- or waiting weeks for parts and it can't be rented.)
3. DEAD HORSE STATE PARK is worth it. It's a stunning area. you can come back down via LONG CANYON- but you need good clearance SUV for the pass area and under the huge rock. Chicken Corners is another stunning trail. We do this one and Hell's Revenge in rented UTV's. Shafer requires a street registered regular vehicle (no OHV's.)
4. Hikers should explore MORNING GLORY ARCH down rt. 128 (not in either park.)
5. Biggest mistake to avoid, by far when in MOAB is NOT HYDRATING enough. Drink even when you are not thirsty. It is very dry and you will feel poorly if you do not do this. I like to add some pink salt and electrolytes to my water. Also, wear hats, long sleeves, sunglasses, etc.
Wonderful clarifications! Thank you 🙏
I used to drive back and forth between Flagstaff & Grand Junction in the early 90s. Moab was such a sleepy little town back then and it's crazy to see how much it has changed, as well as the explosive growth in tourism at Arches. Utah might have been just a wee bit too successful in advertising their amazing parks to the world.
I'd suggest people range a little further than just the Moab area to check out great spots like Gooseneck State Park, Natural Bridges National Monument and Valley of the Gods (which requires a reasonably high clearance vehicle). Eastern and southern Utah is so ridiculously beautiful as well as full of amazing history of ancient peoples.
And bring extra water.
Thanks for the suggestions.
I didn’t have a sack lunch. I usually spend 20-25. Halfway between Arches and Canyonlands I found Moab Giants awesome sandwich
I was able to do Valley of the Gods in my Subaru Outback. Would have preferred a Jeep, but it was still doable.
We are heading to Moab for the first time in April on on way to Alaska. Getting excited about it! We are camping there 6 nights which will give us 5 days to explore. Already have the days planned. Day 1 Canyon Lands Schafer switch backs, 2 Arches 3 Bronco Off Roadeo, 4 Hells Revenge, 5 Chicken Corners.
Your vid was helpful before I visited, but I enjoy watching it again now afterwards. You’re brilliant, everything is spot on. We will be back, no doubt! Wow, words do not accurately describe the beauty, pictures try but still do not do it justice.
So nice of you to share that with us. We're glad you had a great trip.
Enjoy it..back about the early 70s we had the whole place. Houses were 20000.00 a piece. Have fun ...I did.
I love it out there!!!! We’ve done hotels, boondock camping (both in the La Sal mountains and in the desert). If you don’t do a jeep tour off road in some way.
It’s such beautiful country and I’ve had the pleasure of being there in both winter and summer. Been there four times total. Want to move out that way someday.
Don’t forget the old mines too!!
Thanks for the tips!
I have visited Moab a few times and have stayed at Red Cliff Lodge twice. One thing I would like to add is if you are visiting Island in the Sky go take a look at Upheaval Dome. And take a drive on UT 279 and see petroglyphs and dinosaur foot prints. And maybe even the potassium evaporation basins.
Thank you for the suggestions.
Red Cliff Lodge is like a dream.
@@ikmarchini It is.
Thanks! Considering Red Cliff Lodge next time. Any suggestions on time of year? I’d ask about room type or other RCL recommendations, but I know budgets make it all very subjective. (On that note, if you are a skier, check out Rustler Lodge at Alta. Wow! It was amazing. Not cheap, but amazing. I’ll be back there for sure next time again too!!!)
@@dandawson8128 I have always visited in July as it's the only time of year I can get time off from work. I have always stayed in King Suite with river view. I used to both ski an hike but due to my health I have had to give up on both
Don’t hate on Dead Horse Park, only place where you can get a good view of the potash ponds. 👍👍
First thing I learned was , "Don't walk on the CryptoBiotic soil." Second was, "Don't eat fungus on a un-guided venture into the Feiry Furnace after signing your life away." That one, I learned the hard way. 🤣🍄. Used to camp on the river and go mountain biking during mud season after the ski resorts closed. Broke my collar bone on Gemini Bridges trail. Lot's of great memories. I also recommend Slickrock Bike trail, It's a must. Porcupine Rim for the experts. Cheers. Great video.
Wow! What an adventure and thanks for the suggestions.
I’m going in Sept. Can’t wait! Def will be renting a Jeep to go off-roading on some of those OHV trails.
Good choice!
Thanks a lot,guys for your channel and for all what you do!
Our pleasure!
Great advice! Thanks
You bet!
Thanks for all the smart tips, we are taking 3 nights in Moab, I’m thinking we need 4 or 5!
Have fun!
We finally made it back in June, loved it more than any other trip we’ve made. We took a Sunset Hummer Tour, amazing time. Our number one thing not to do, is drive The Shafer Trail downhill in a Dodge Ram, OMG, it scared the daylights out of us. 🇺🇸🌵🏴
Thanks for saving my 20 bucks. I've contemplated wether to visit Dead Horse State Park or not. But you got me an answer.
Thanks for the great video. Starting to plan for our Utah trip for next fall. Between Kanab & Idaho Falls....any snow issues in early October? Might do last week of Sept, 1st week of Oct. We'll have our F150. Shafer Road good that time of year? I'll check out ur website!
Snowstorms are very rare the first part of October but it it's not impossible. All roads should be good at that time.
Isn’t the ticketing system for arches only from April to October?
As of now, yes.
@@WereintheRockies okay good because I’m planning a trip in March rn
Where would I go in Canyonland to see the same sight as you would in Dead Horse?
Almost all the viewpoints in Canyonlands will give you a similar view but Dead Horse is definitely the best because it's closer to the river.
INYO National Forest near Bishop Ca has a far greater film historical shooting usage frequency than Moab area. BUDD BOETTICHER, RAOUL WALSH etc ...
Any websites or trail guides you can recommend for atv trails? I’d love to take my can am but I’m not familiar with the trails. Thanks!
At this point, we haven't done much ATVing. I'm sure a quick google search can help you better than we can. Good luck!
What jeep company did you do ?
We did Dan Mick's Guided Tours and our parents used Coyote Land Tours.
Another mistake. Not doing the La Sal loop. The La Sal Mountains and Castle Valley
Agreed!
I did that loop yesterday on a whim and was amazed! Went back and forth on sr-128 following the river, then turned down the castle valley road. Just awesome.
Biggest mistake- not going! Trying to hit too many other parks. Plenty to do within the greater Moab area to last a week for sure.
Yes, there is so much to see and do!
@@WereintheRockies Agreed. We have been 6 times and barely seen anything. It's over 600000 mile²
One tip you left out…carry wag bags and privacy pop
up! It’s so gross when people use this pristine environment as a public restroom, leaving TP or worse behind. (Pardon the pun.)
YES! Thanks for sharing.
Will the America the beautiful pass get you into dead horse point for free?
No because it’s a state park
Would you recommend going in early March?
Thanks for watching. Read our article: wereintherockies.com/arches-best-time-to-visit/
Maria, it’s past March now, but YES I would highly recommend going in March. We just returned from a trip there over spring break and it was ideal. Bring a jacket as avg temps are high 30’s to 60’s, but for us it was mid 30’s to high 40’s, not too bad. The KEY however is it was before the reservation requirement that begins in April. Also, if you’re going to Arches and Canyonlands, hit Arches on a weekday and save CY for the weekend. That was not our strategy, but it turned out to be brilliant as the line for Arches was over an hour to get in as we drove by Saturday morning on the way to CY, it was thankfully about 5 minutes for us on Friday. We did a lot of things right, but one thing I would recommend is to get a hiking permit in advance for the Fiery Furnace trail.
Tip 1 stay on the trails, tip
2 if you are driving a UTV 15 mph and stay OFF THE SIDEWALKS with you’re UTVS
You missed mountain biking, white water rafting, canyonearing ,sky diving, hot air ballooning, dirt biking, ATV driving, rock climbing, slacklining, BASE jumping, stand up paddle boarding and more. We get a couple of million visitors per year to visit the parks (as your excellent video shows), but an equal number who come for the adventure sports and probably never visit the parks. Have fun and come back for some real adventures!
Yes sir!! Love the comment. Thanks!
Dead horse State Park has some great beginner level mountain biking if people want to give that a go without committing to the much more difficult trails in the area.
Thanks for the information
I am leaving today!
Have fun! Let us know how your trip goes.
🅿🆁🅾🅼🅾🆂🅼 🌟
DEPRESSING lol
it really pisses me off when people walk on the arches, or on any place they're not supposed to in nature. these things have been here, been forming, for millions of years. and they think they're entitled to just stomp all over it. no respect.
thanks for mentioning it, but i feel like your point is a little what's the word, made moot? because of your recommendation of the jeep tours. those drive all over rocky terrain and plants. arguably doing more damage than people on foot could ever do.
Thanks for watching 💗
Hello, will Arches and Canyonlands be open on Feb. 20th? Also, how are the ATV rentals then? Any recommendations on where to go (White Rock Sand Dunes)? Hard to get info here.
Arches/Canyonlands are open year round. I would assume ATV's are rented year round as well. Once you find an ATV rental place, they should have lots of information on where to ATV around there. Good luck.