Moab: Arches, Canyonlands & Dead Horse Point Day Trip

Summary

Arches and canyons in one day with real desert quiet

You’ll walk beneath arches older than memory, hear stories from locals who know every trail turn, and feel small in the best way staring out from Dead Horse Point. With pickup from your Moab hotel and lunch included, this day trip lets you soak up Utah’s wild beauty—and maybe take home some red dust in your shoes.

What’s the experience like?

I still remember the way the light hit Park Avenue when we first rolled up—like someone had just turned up the color dial on the whole world. Our guide (I think his name was Dave? Or maybe Dan—I’m terrible with names) handed out cold water and pointed at these walls that looked like they could swallow a city. He told us stories about how this part of Arches took millions of years to shape, but honestly, all I could think about was how my shoes filled with red dust every time I moved. It felt good, though. Like proof you’d actually been somewhere.

We wandered under Double Arch—way bigger than I expected, and there was this echo if you laughed at just the right spot. Some kids tried it; everyone smiled. The air smelled like hot stone and juniper. Our group wasn’t huge, which made it easy to ask questions or just hang back and watch the shadows move across the sand. At Sand Dune Arch, I tried to squeeze between these narrow rocks (almost got stuck—don’t wear a big backpack). The guide knew all the little shortcuts and where to find shade when it started getting warm.

Lunch was simple—a picnic spread near Dead Horse Point, nothing fancy but after hiking around, even an apple tasted better than usual. That overlook… I mean, you see photos of Canyonlands but standing there with wind in your face is different. Someone pointed out a tiny road twisting down below; apparently old miners used it ages ago. We watched clouds drift over the Green River bend for a while before heading back through Moab, still picking sand out of my socks. If you’re thinking about a day trip from Moab that covers Arches, Canyonlands, and Dead Horse Point—this is how I’d do it again.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Arches and Canyonlands Parks

• Start tour in Moab, Utah
• Travel entire Arches Scenic Drive
• View and photograph Park Avenue
• View and photograph Balanced Rock
• Hike Turret Arch and North and South Windows
• Hike and photograph Double Arch
• Hike all arches in Windows Section
• View Broken Arch from the road
• Visit Canyonlands National Park overlooks
• Look out over Green River
• Hike to famous arch in Canyonlands
• View Colorado River overlook at Dead Horse Point
• View spectacular canyon and old mining road

Top questions

How long does the Moab Arches Canyonlands Dead Horse tour last?

The tour lasts one full day with morning pickup between 7:00–7:15 am from your Moab hotel or 6:55 am from their office.

Is lunch included on this Moab day trip?

Yes, a light picnic lunch along with snacks and water refills are included during the tour.

Does this tour include entry fees for Arches or Canyonlands?

The tour includes Dead Horse Point entry fees but not park entry for Arches or Canyonlands; bring your park pass or buy one on arrival.

Are pickups available from my hotel in Moab?

Yes, hotel pickup in Moab is included as part of your booking.

What should I bring for this Moab parks tour?

Bring a filled water bottle (ice recommended in summer), comfortable shoes for walking, sun protection, and your national park pass if you have one.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels; hikes are moderate and there are plenty of stops to rest or take photos.

Can I bring my service animal on this tour?

Service animals are allowed on this tour according to their policy.

What parks are visited during this day trip from Moab?

You’ll visit Arches, Canyonlands (Island in the Sky district), and Dead Horse Point State Park all in one day.

What’s included

Your day includes morning pickup at your Moab hotel or their office downtown, entry fees for Dead Horse Point State Park (but not national park passes), timed-entry reservation for Arches access so you skip waiting around at gates, plus a light picnic lunch with snacks and water refills—just remember to bring your own bottle filled with ice if it’s hot out.