Moab, Arches, and Canyonlands Recommendations

[jerryfreak]

My wife and I are going to camp for two nights outside of Moab before the fest this year.  We'll likely camp at one of the BLM campgrounds on Highway 128 and spend a day at Arches and another at Canyonlands.  Does anyone have any must-do hikes, sights, and/or places to eat/drink?  Thanks in advance!

 Listening to: stupid conference call at work

[Hooch]

If you have a high-clearance vehicle you can off-road into Canyonlands from the end of hwy 279 (the first major left turn after crossing the river heading north out of Moab) which will eventually take you to the White Rim Trail.  Turn right at that intersection to get to the main road through Canyonlands.  It's a great trip!

[Bevin]

I have really enjoyed Hatch Point CG and Windwhistle CG, and the whole area near the Needles overlooks.  It's not down in the canyon but it's south of Moab and close to the south entrance to Canyonlands, and it feels remote and uncrowded.  There aren't really any established trails but that also means there aren't any OHVs buzzing around constantly.  Hatch Point is a particularly sublime place to camp.

[Bevin]

Hey, Hooch, get back to work.   

[Hooch]

You are NOT the boss of me, Bevin!!! 

[barrywcarry]

Arches is full of amazing sights, but for good or bad, many of them are short walks from a parking lot.  Meaning lots of people.  Devil's garden is a great way to get away from (most of) the crowds if you have some time. 
http://www.everytrail.com/guide/devils-garden-and-the-primitive-trail

For any disc golfer, Base Camp Adventure Lodge is a life-list destination.  There are lots of other activities there too. 
http://camelotlodge.com/



 Listening to: The Lone Bellow

[ShatteredArm]

I did the same thing two years ago.

Fiery Furnace is really cool, but you need to get a guided tour.  I went through one of the local outfitters rather than the park rangers, and it yielded a much smaller, more fun group than the ranger-guided tours.  The hike out to Double O arch is really nice.

Corona Arch is a nice hike, too, and I saw very few people when I went.

Also really enjoyed the drive out to Dead Horse Point and Canyonlands.  Both are excellent places to enjoy the sunset.

[hooterroll]

All of above is golden. Squaw valley loop trail is a dandy also. Wherever you roam always side on over -cautious. It's gonna be hot!! Real hot!!! And there is very limited water resources on most trails. Get an early start.. By early, I mean be mobile before 6 am. Especially if your heading to needles district. From Moab lodging, you could be looking at a good 90 + Minute drive to various trail heads. If you do Arches , much easier short hikes with great pay offs but more people. You're in for a treat no matter where you go, there's also some great box canyons. / access roads etc just outside of Moab that are a great spot for star gazing after your amazing day in the parks. Enjoy.

[jerryfreak]

Thanks to all for the recommendations... keep them coming if there are other tips to be shared.