You’ve picked the perfect basecamp for adventure. Moab sits at the crossroads of some of the Southwest’s most jaw-dropping landscapes, each one just a short drive away. Whether you’re chasing that golden-hour glow at Delicate Arch, standing on the edge of a thousand-foot drop at Dead Horse Point, or discovering ancient tracks in the sandstone, you’ll find each destination offers something completely different. The hardest part? Deciding where to go first.
Arches National Park: Moab’s Iconic Day Trip for Sunrise and Sunset
Just five miles north of downtown Moab, Arches National Park delivers some of the American Southwest’s most dramatic sunrise and sunset vistas—and you’ll reach the entrance gate in under ten minutes. The 18-mile scenic drive unfolds natural wonders like Delicate Arch, glowing crimson at sunset, and The Windows Section, where morning light ignites sandstone fins against snowcapped La Sal Mountains. Golden hour transforms red Entrada rock into vivid orange, while low-angle rays carve deep shadows that emphasize every arch and canyon wall. Winter offers crisp air and extended contrast throughout shorter days; summer grants longer golden hours for visiting multiple viewpoints. On the summer solstice in 2026, the park will enjoy nearly 15 hours of daylight, providing ample opportunity for extended exploration and photography sessions. Civil twilight extends your photography window beyond official sunrise and sunset times, giving you extra ambient light to capture Balanced Rock, Park Avenue, and sweeping overlooks.
Canyonlands Island in the Sky: Mesa Arch and Sweeping Canyon Views
Forty-five minutes northwest of Moab, Mesa Arch in Canyonlands National Park delivers one of the Southwest’s most spectacular sunrise shows. This sandstone arch glows brilliant orange as it frames the canyons below and distant La Sal Mountains. You’ll share the rim with photographers, but the view’s worth the crowd.
The easy 0.6-mile loop trail takes just 30 minutes through pinyon-juniper terrain before revealing the arch perched on a sheer cliff edge. The arch itself measures 27 feet in length and sits directly on the canyon rim’s ledge. Here’s what makes it essential:
- Dramatic framing: The arch creates a natural window over 500-foot drops and layered canyons
- Minimal effort: Island in the Sky’s paved access makes sweeping panoramas achievable in half a day
- Multiple perspectives: Combine Mesa Arch with Grand View Point for thorough canyon vistas
Arrive early—sunrise crowds gather fast.
Dead Horse Point and Potash Road: Colorado River Overlooks West of Moab
From Island in the Sky’s sweeping panoramas, drop down to river level—or at least get 2,000 feet closer. Dead Horse Point State Park sits 45 minutes northwest of Moab on a dramatic mesa rim. You’ll stand 5,900 feet high, staring straight down at the Colorado River’s horseshoe bend far below. This overlook ranks among the world’s most photographed vistas—red cliffs, towering buttes, and deep canyon shadows create stunning sunrise and sunset shots. Eight miles of rim trails offer multiple viewpoints, while the Intrepid Trail System delivers 17 miles of singletrack for mountain bikers craving slickrock thrills. The park stays open year-round, roughly 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., with campgrounds, flush toilets, and potable water available. Legend tells of mustang herds that once roamed this promontory, where cowboys used the narrow 30-yard neck as a natural corral—one band of wild horses reportedly died of thirst here, giving the point its haunting name.
Corona Arch, Dinosaur Tracks, and Hidden Gems Off the Beaten Path
While Arches National Park commands the spotlight, Corona Arch delivers jaw-dropping drama without the permit hassles or crowds. This massive sandstone span sits just 10 miles west of Moab along Potash Road, accessible via a moderate 2.4–3-mile round-trip hike. You’ll scramble across slickrock benches, clip along brief cable assists, and climb a short ladder before standing beneath one of the region’s largest arches. The trail begins at elevation 3,990 feet and climbs to 4,470 feet, gaining 480 vertical feet along the route.
Bonus discoveries along the trail corridor include:
- Pinto Arch perched high on the canyon’s north rim
- Bowtie Arch’s unique dome-like skylight formation
- Dinosaur tracksites preserving Jurassic-era footprints on roadside slabs
For solitude seekers, Longbow Arch offers quiet petroglyphs and additional track viewpoints. The entire Potash Road corridor rewards curious explorers with hidden alcoves overlooking the Colorado River.
La Sal Mountain Loop and Scenic Byways for High-Desert Variety
The La Sal Mountain Loop Road delivers one of Utah’s most dramatic elevation swings in a single afternoon drive. You’ll climb 5,500 feet from dusty red-rock canyons into cool alpine forests of aspen and pine, with temperatures dropping 30°F along the way. This 60-mile paved loop takes about three hours, starting six miles south of Moab on US‑191.
You’ll pass through Castle Valley, where Castleton Tower and other sandstone monoliths punctuate the skyline. High overlooks reveal sweeping vistas of 12,000-foot La Sal peaks, Canyonlands mesas, and Moab Valley below. The route connects with Scenic Byway 128 along the Colorado River, adding sheer red cliffs and river canyon views. Late spring through fall offers the best driving conditions, with early morning or late afternoon providing cooler temperatures and dramatic lighting. Side roads lead to Warner Lake and Oowah Lake for hiking and camping opportunities.
Conclusion
You’ve got an incredible playground right at your doorstep in Moab! From sunrise at Delicate Arch to sunset over Dead Horse Point, every day trip delivers jaw-dropping views and unforgettable adventures. Whether you’re chasing hidden arches, tracking dinosaur prints, or cruising scenic mountain loops, there’s always something new to discover. So grab your camera, pack plenty of water, and get out there—Moab’s red rock wonderland is waiting for you to explore!
