Day 2 into the Moab, Utah trip, we set out to see Arches National Park.  Since we are visiting several National parks in one trip, it made sense to purchase the annual National parks passes.  We had planned ahead because reservations are required if visiting April 1-October 31 at Arches National Park.  Visitors are required to have a timed entry ticket to enter the park (accurate and up to date information on Timed Entry Reservation – Arches National Park (U.S. National Park Service). Several National parks limit the number of visitors to go through at once, and you have to go online to purchase timed entry tickets. 

Arches National Park has a variety of things to see including petroglyphs near Wolfe Ranch and over 2000 natural sandstone arches that attract visitors from around the world.  Some of these Petroglyphs date back as far as 6000 years ago. Some of these exposed rocks and formations are said to date back as far as 320 million years ago.  For more information about the Geology of Arches National Park visit Geology of Arches National Park | U.S. Geological Survey (usgs.gov)

Another important aspect of planning is checking for what parks allow pets, and if there are any restrictions regarding the locations where they are allowed. Patches could only go to certain parks and certain areas of those parks.  Research and plan ahead, as it might be wise to book boarding for your pet if you plan on doing extensive hiking on trails that don’t allow pets. We could not bring Patches to this particular park, as he isn’t allowed in the areas in which we were hiking.  Since temperatures can vary, and can get extremely hot, please do not leave your pet in your vehicle if temperatures are unsafe to do so.

We visited Delicate Arch, which is one of the biggest attractions to the park.  To get to this landmark, we hiked some, mostly uphill (both ways, in winter, without shoes…just kidding)…on the way to Delicate Arch, there was some uphill hiking.  Comfy shoes, layers of clothes, and water backpacks came in handy that morning.  We got out and hiked at several of the stops, taking in the spectacular views and unique landscape…..

After spending the first half of the morning at Arches National Park, we went back to the hotel, rested up for a bit. We decided to head towards Canyonlands National Park with Patches tagging along.  Both parks are in close proximity to Moab. 

One of the first rock formations we approached, had a dirt road ride to drive up to.  The rock looked like a natural playground, and we wanted to get out and let Patches do some exploring.  I started exploring with my camera while Patches and my husband were back at the truck.  Brett wanted to change into hiking boots.  As I was wondering off aways, I heard Brett yell for Patches to come back.  I turned around, and Patches was approaching quickly towards me, prancing proudly with a shoe in his mouth.  He had stolen one of Brett’s hiking boots.  Brett was holding on to the truck with one shoe on, and one shoe off.  I laughed, and grabbed the shoe from Patches and took it back to the truck. 

Patches and Brett hiked around, Patches’ fluffy tail wagging in the air, sniffing and exploring, just not too far away from his humans.  They climbed and played.  Posed for a few photos, and we were right back in the truck.  We drove through the park, Patches stayed in the truck where he wasn’t allowed, he was allowed out in areas that had walkways.  We saw more Petroglyphs in this park, the infamous “Bear Ears,” and finally came to a viewing point called the Needles.   Pictures cannot do this location justice.  The canyon is so deep and rugged landscape viewable for miles.  Canyonlands NP was one of our favorite places for this trip.  There are several dirt roads that are accessible with offroad vehicles that lead to breathtaking views and cows that block your path.  Just pay attention to the weather forecast, as rain can lead to getting stuck.  We hung around and watched the sunset in the park, and it was the most beautiful evening on our trip. Comment below with any advice you’d give travelers going to Utah. What places would you recommend visiting? Stay tuned for Part 3 of our Utah vacation, Zion National Park.