While our neighbors in Colorado have been getting pummeled with one snowstorm after another it’s been rather beautiful at the condo in Moab. This coming week it looks like temperatures in the high 40s to mid 50s with sunny skies as far as the eye can see. This makes those beautiful colors in the red rocks pop out even more than usual especially with the sun still low in the sky.
Reservations are filling up for the months of March, April, May and June. However, there is still some good availability if you come during the week instead of on the weekend. Our favorite time to visit Arches and Canyonlands National Parks is Monday through Thursday when there are smaller crowds.
We highly recommend that you arrive at the park entrance either before 8:30 AM or after 4 PM. You can take your chances anytime in between. However, some of the longest lines to get into the parks generally take place between 9 AM and 1 PM. Please keep in mind that both of these national parks are rather primitive.
You’re not going to find much of anything in the way of services, food, gas or anything else you would normally expect to be able to purchase. You can sometimes buy sandwiches and snacks in one corner of Canyonlands. But, you won’t find anything other than books, maps and a few souvenirs at the Arches visitor center.
Make sure that you start your day very prepared and fully self-contained. That means packing all of the food and water that you will need for the entire day along with extra clothing. Fill up the gas tank, put on sunblock and let someone know where you’re going if you are planning to travel off road.
If you are staying at the condo in Moab you will drive right past City Market and the accompanying gas station on your way to both Arches and Canyonlands. They have a great deli which makes yummy sandwiches and has all the fixings you need for a delightful picnic. With such a great variety to choose from you will be sure to enjoy a wonderful day in the great outdoors surrounding Moab