drue.powers Loc: Red Oak, IA

My wife and I are planning a trip to the Moab area in September. Any ideas for must see and/or photograph besides Arches?? Any suggestions would be appreciated. I'm looking forward to getting out of Iowa for a few days!!

zug55 Loc: Naivasha, Kenya, and Austin, Texas

Canyonlands National Park is equally scenic. From Moab, you can reach the Island in the Sky portion of the park quite easily. Most of it is on the mesa top so you have great views from many points. On the way there stop at Dead Horse Point (State Park) for one of the most iconic vistas. The Needles portion of the park is very interesting as well--access is south of Moab. There are some interesting hiking trails in the Needles portion.

BobT Loc: southern Minnesota

You might want to check out Dead Horse State Park, and the ghost town of Cisco both nearby, and both worth visiting if you have the time.

Rich1939 Loc: Pike County Penna.

If you’re traveling by car; a bit north of Moab on US191 is a side road to the east, #128. This road follows the Colorado River and there are many scenic opportunities along this route which are very similar to those found in Monument Valley. If I’ve stirred your curiosity, plug this into Google Maps and use the street view. 38.683440, -109.423180

If you do go there, don't miss Castle Valley

bastro

We also love going into Mon la Sal. Completely different experience. Haystack mountain, beautiful ponds and lakes, meadows. Fisher towers is an other-worldly area, what I imagine it would look like on Mars. On the way to Fisher is a canyon trail with a unique arch at the end. It used to be called "Negro Bill" trail, but last time we were there the name was changed. Negro Bill is on the road to Sorrel ranch resort, Fisher is on the same road but a few miles after Sorrel. Pictures to follow if I can figure it out...

Rich1939 Loc: Pike County Penna.

I thought I'd add a couple of pictures. These are both screen captures from web cams. The first is from the Red Cliffs Lodge web site the 2nd from a webcam in Castle Valley.

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Rich1939 Loc: Pike County Penna.

"Great minds think alike"
We're both referring to the same area, Fisher Towers is just a bit further east.

bastro

Exactly! Also, don't miss the Hidden valley hike and the amazing petroglyphs at end (still can't find my pictures!). The books make the start of the hike sound terrible, but it's really not bad (we're low 60s and did fine).

drue.powers Loc: Red Oak, IA

Hey, thanks for the input! I'll be making notes over my next break. Looks like we made a good decision of location to enjoy!!

Rich1939 Loc: Pike County Penna.

For anyone who is following this post, there is a fantastic “loop trip” in this area that will take about 5- or 6-hours driving time. (Depending on your right foot.)
Starting at Moab travel south on US-191 to UT-46 on the left. This road will take you to Paradox Co, Bedrock Co and then Co #141 just before Naturita Co. Turn left at 141 and go towards Gateway Co. Up to this point you will be traveling in very picturesque, sparsely occupied country that looks like Hollywood designed it. From your turn onto 141 the road follows the San Miguel and Dolores rivers and while the first 10 miles or so are more of what you have been seeing it then starts getting dramatic. You will be driving through red rock canyons that seem to have photo opportunities every few FEET! This scenery continues almost to Gateway. (There is a resort there now, but I have no experience with it.)
From Gateway continue on 141 through some more Hollywood country to Grand Junction. At GJ take I-70 west to the route 128 Cisco exit (about 45 mins). That part is boring, sorry. Once on 128 you will enter an area that reminds you of Monument Valley with many more photo ops. as you follow the Colorado river back to US191 and Moab. (See an earlier post for two web shots)

BrentHarder Loc: Southern California

#2 is KILLER!!!! wow!!!

Rich1939 Loc: Pike County Penna.

I wish I could claim it!!
The next time I get to go there I will be looking for something similar.

Rich1939 Loc: Pike County Penna.

I sure hope some of this will help guide you to a fantastic vacation. I know there are different strokes for different folks, but to my mind the whole area is a treat with with something cool around every corner.

steve49 Loc: massachusetts

All information I will be using. I head to Moab in 2 weeks, looking forward to checking some of this out.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

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