Hello everyone. I am planning my first trip to Utah for the end of May. I wanted to come earlier but job would not permit it. I have 6 full days to spend in the area. I want to visit Canyonlands NP, Arches NP, and Dead Horse Point SP. I will be driving up from Texas. Can you suggest lodging or any other hints to make my trip enjoyable. Thanks in advance.
Squaw Flats campground in the Needles District of Canyonlands is fantastic. Site #26...VERY nice.
Posted by Bill O'Dell on April 9, 2010 at 11:44 PM
I've typically found the Super 8 in Moab to be the least expensive lodging there, and have always been satisfied with it, but that was then and this is now, so you may want to double check on current prices. It also has a Dennys adjacent, which can be soothing and handy after a long day. If you are planning to come across I-40 and up highway 191, there are also some pretty cool spots in the four corners area, including Canyon De Chelly, Monument Valley, and House on Fire Ruin that would not be far off your route. Having said that, you can easily spend much more than 6 days right in the Moab area without running out of great spots, so I guess I'd say look over photos of all the spots in the area before your trip and decide which ones appeal to you the most before you plan your itinerary. In case you're not familiar with Laurent Martres book "Photographing the Southwest-volume 1- Southern Utah", I'd highly recommend it, especially if its your first time to the area. Personally, I happen to prefer Dead Horse, Arches, and the Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands over the Needles section, especially if you are on a limited time schedule, but your mileage may vary. Enjoy!
You may enjoy photographing ancient rock art sites around the Moab area during the middle of the day when the light isn't optimum for photography elsewhere. This online brochure from the BLM titled 'Moab Area Rock Art' provides maps and directions to four areas with concentrations of petroglyphs to enjoy.
The Apache Motel in Moab is relatively inexpensive, not a chain and is well away from noisy Main Street, yet close enough to walk anywhere in town.
Posted by Joe Rogers on April 10, 2010 at 12:23 AM
Kevin,
Not sure where in Texas you are coming from, but, I live in Vernon, near Wichita Falls and Moab is at least two full days of driving, maybe more, so tack that on to your time. Last fall I stayed in the Super 8 and it was fine...but you had better call ahead, motels book solid early on. Because of the many locations in and around Moab I would base out of there and photograph in the areas you mentioned. Add Fisher Towers to your list and areas along the Colorado river. If you get a chance to go home the southern route you might stop by Monument Valley to scout the area for future trips. In Utah there are long distance between many locations and I would rather stay in one place (Moab) and save the others for another time. If you are like me, once will not be enough.....email me if you need addition information. I would second the Martres book.....it is invaluable.
Joe Rogers
Posted by Bill Pelzmann on April 10, 2010 at 12:25 AM
The Martres book will give you plenty of ideas.
What will you be driving? If you have 4WD and clearance, I highly recommend spending a few days camping along the White Rim Trial in Canyonlands. Overnights on the trail require a permit which you should probably get in advance.
Posted by Darren Huski on April 10, 2010 at 5:58 AM
Kevin-
I do that drive from DFW regularly. I typically leave on a Friday night and drive to Tucumcari. From spending the night there, you can be in Moab the next afternoon for sunset. Dels on the main drag in Tucumcari (big plastic cow on roof) is a great place to eat.
The town of Cuervo (between Tucumcari and Santa Rosa) is a great ghost town to photograph.
For lodging, I prefer to camp and have stayed in the Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands. Its quiet and 40 miles out of town but great for the nice Canyonlands (Mesa Arch, Grandview Point, etc) and Dead Horse Point locations. Note to bring all your water as there is none there at Canyonlands Willow Flat CG.
I actually prefer Canyonlands to Arches (too crowded) but YMMV.
For motels in Moab, I thought they all looked like regular chains, Holiday Inn Express seemed the newest. The Gonzo Inn is a really cool artsy place my wife and I stayed at. Brett Edge is probably the resident Moab expert to ask.
I'd also day trip the La Sal Mtn loop road into the high country. Very scenic, be sure to get upto Warner Lake, lots of aspen there.
Great location. Get there fast and stay as long as you can, lots to see in Moab area.
Thanks for everyone's input. I have the Martres Book Photographing the Southwest Vol. 1 Southern Utah. I am coming from South Texas. I am driving a 4 door Z71 4WD. I did not know about the ghost town in Cuervo or the rock art. I plan on returning back through Pueblo, Colorado to visit family. These bits of information will help me to maximize the enjoyment of my trip. Thanks again for sharing.
Discussion
7 repliesIt will help you plan and make the best use of your limited time in all of the locations you wish to visit.
You may enjoy photographing ancient rock art sites around the Moab area during the middle of the day when the light isn't optimum for photography elsewhere. This online brochure from the BLM titled 'Moab Area Rock Art' provides maps and directions to four areas with concentrations of petroglyphs to enjoy.
The Apache Motel in Moab is relatively inexpensive, not a chain and is well away from noisy Main Street, yet close enough to walk anywhere in town.
Not sure where in Texas you are coming from, but, I live in Vernon, near Wichita Falls and Moab is at least two full days of driving, maybe more, so tack that on to your time. Last fall I stayed in the Super 8 and it was fine...but you had better call ahead, motels book solid early on. Because of the many locations in and around Moab I would base out of there and photograph in the areas you mentioned. Add Fisher Towers to your list and areas along the Colorado river. If you get a chance to go home the southern route you might stop by Monument Valley to scout the area for future trips. In Utah there are long distance between many locations and I would rather stay in one place (Moab) and save the others for another time. If you are like me, once will not be enough.....email me if you need addition information. I would second the Martres book.....it is invaluable.
Joe Rogers
What will you be driving? If you have 4WD and clearance, I highly recommend spending a few days camping along the White Rim Trial in Canyonlands. Overnights on the trail require a permit which you should probably get in advance.
I do that drive from DFW regularly. I typically leave on a Friday night and drive to Tucumcari. From spending the night there, you can be in Moab the next afternoon for sunset. Dels on the main drag in Tucumcari (big plastic cow on roof) is a great place to eat.
The town of Cuervo (between Tucumcari and Santa Rosa) is a great ghost town to photograph.
For lodging, I prefer to camp and have stayed in the Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands. Its quiet and 40 miles out of town but great for the nice Canyonlands (Mesa Arch, Grandview Point, etc) and Dead Horse Point locations. Note to bring all your water as there is none there at Canyonlands Willow Flat CG.
I actually prefer Canyonlands to Arches (too crowded) but YMMV.
For motels in Moab, I thought they all looked like regular chains, Holiday Inn Express seemed the newest. The Gonzo Inn is a really cool artsy place my wife and I stayed at. Brett Edge is probably the resident Moab expert to ask.
I'd also day trip the La Sal Mtn loop road into the high country. Very scenic, be sure to get upto Warner Lake, lots of aspen there.
Great location. Get there fast and stay as long as you can, lots to see in Moab area.