Arches and Canyonlands Self-Guided Driving Audio Tours Bundle (2 Tours)

Things to do on the Tour Include:

• Arches Visitor Center

  Our adventure into the astounding Arches begins just before the park's entrance and visitor center. We're about to see stunning natural monuments, unlikely rock formations, and alien, ancient landscapes.

• Three Penguins

  As soon as we begin our scenic drive through Arches, we'll see our first formation: the Three Penguins. The ancient Ute and Paiute peoples who once called these lands home didn't see penguins though- they saw ancient spirits watching over the land. As we drive, we leave about the formations and their significance to the tribes.

• Moab Fault

  Moab’s Fault is a six million-year-old crack in the earth’s crust. As we continue driving, we'll see this fault and learn about the geologic pressures that have formed the landscape of Arches.

• Spanish, Mormons, and Park Avenue

  Our drive through Arches brings us to the Park Avenue formation - a towering vista of rock carved by the slow erosion of wind and water. Here we'll examine the Four Formations that make up the crust of this landscape and better understand the vast forces at play.

• La Sal Mountains Viewpoint

  The La Sal Mountains are the second-highest mountain range in Utah. Their highest peak, which you can see toward the center of the range, is almost 13,000 feet tall. We'll pause our drive through Arches to admire the mountains and learn about the Spanish settlers who pushed out the Ute and Paiute tribes.

• Three Gossips

  As we continue driving through Arches, we'll pass the iconic Three Gossips formation.

• Courthouse Viewpoint

  This brings us to another vista point, where we'll see the Organ, Courthouse, Sheep Rock, and more.

• Petrified Dunes

  We'll also pass the Petrified Dunes and Great Wall. As we drive, we'll learn more about the Ute and Paiute mythologies of this harsh and alien landscape.

• Balanced Rock

  Balance Rock is one of the park’s most iconic attractions, and for good reason. It looks like a huge boulder balanced precariously on a thin spindle.... and held together by concrete? Nope - it's all natural, and it's all one single rock.

• Garden of Eden

  The "garden" is the expanse of small rocky structures visible to one side as we continue our drive. The tiny arches that dot the landscape almost look like they’re growing!

• The Windows

  This brings us to another popular Arches spot: the Windows! These striking examples of erosion are a must-see while in Arches.

• Double Arch and the Cove of Caves

  You've probably already seen Double Arch - from Indiana Jones! Explore this unusual formation as you relive some iconic movie moments.

• National Park Status & Panorama Point

  Look down the trail and you’ll see one of the park’s most striking sights. That collection of arches and almost-arches is the Cove of Caves.

• Cache Valley & Flash Floods

  We'll pass Panorama Point — keep this in mind if you plan to return at dark for stargazing. Since there’s very little light pollution obscuring the night sky here, you’ll see an astonishing number of stars once the sun sets. Depending on the time of year, you may even get to see the entire Milky Way! As we continue our drive, we'll learn about how to stargaze like the Paiute.

• Salt Valley

  This is one of the park’s quieter attractions. Like Cache Valley, Salt Valley was formed by the collapse of many sandstone domes. The broken pieces of rock littering the ground are leftovers from that collapse.

• Fiery Furnace

  Our drive continues past the Fiery Furnace: a network of narrow canyons & passages amid towering red cliffs at Arches National Park.

• Sand Dune Arch

  As we drive, exploring more arches, we'll learn more about the Paiute myths behind them, the Spanish and Mormon settlers who tried to survive in this land, and the people who were able to preserve this stunning landscape as a national park.

• Conclusion

  Our drive through Arches ends at the Devil's Garden, where a final hiking trail leads to Landscape Arch and beyond. Our tour through the mythology and geology of this epic land is now over.

• Monitor and Merriamac Rock Formations

  Look to the right. All you can see at the moment are tall rock walls. That’s because we’re near the floor of Sevenmile Canyon. As we continue to drive, we’ll emerge from the canyon and be able to see two very distinct features in the distance to the right -- the Merrimac and the Monitor.

• Big Mesa Viewpoint

  Coming up on your right is Big Mesa Viewpoint. Pause for a quick look at some stunning scenery. The enormous mesa looks like it was plonked down here by accident, and then forgotten.

• Plateau Viewpoint

  Coming up on your left is a turn out for Plateau Viewpoint. Pullover if you want photos of some spectacular views! There’s also a handicap accessible toilet and an information panel on anthropological work in the area.

• White Rim

  In such a beautiful landscape, you can’t escape the lure of exploring off the beaten path. But watch out! If you do go off the path, you might be trampling on soil that’s alive. You might think I’m joking, but throughout Canyonlands, Arches, and Moab is something called a biological soil crust.

• Basin Overlook Parking

  Despite being relatively small, there’s a lot to do here. First, what might catch your eye is the overlook itself, which has a view of the Colorado River. There’s also a cafe to reenergize.

• Dead Horse Point State Park

  Dead Horse Point — it’s a creepy name, isn’t it? According to local legend, wild mustangs used to be corralled here to be broken in the early 1800s. Once all the desirable horses had been broken and claimed by the cowboys, the undesirables were left to go free.

• Island in the Sky Visitor Center

  Stop by the Visitor Center coming up ahead. It’s a great place to grab supplies, use the bathroom, and fill up your water bottles. As you’ve already seen, this park doesn’t have much infrastructure, and being dehydrated out here is no joke.

• Shafer Canyon Overlook & The Neck

  This overlook offers views from three sides. It may be a bit daunting if you're afraid of heights since there’s nothing between you and the Canyon. However, the incredible view is worth it.

• The Neck

  The area we’re traveling over is known as the Neck. Why? Well, remember that this Island in the Sky District of Canyonlands is a huge mesa surrounded by lowlands. Well, there’s a strip of land that connects this mesa to other mesas — just like a natural bridge!

• Lathrop Trailhead

  A lot of natural landmarks and trails in Canyonlands are named by or after cowboys and ranchers. In fact, Ned Chaffin’s father and one of his brothers had a spring named after them.

• Mesa Arch Trailhead

  "Ahead, pull over for Mesa Arch. This is a must-do at Canyonlands. Once you’ve parked, walk along the short trail to the arch. As you walk, notice the juniper and pinyon trees around you. These are popular in Canyonlands so keep an eye out for them elsewhere too."

• Green River Overlook

  The Green River Overlook offers some of the most unique views of Canyonland’s Island in the Sky District. You’re able to see the Green River continuing its work on the canyon walls. The river is the largest stream in Utah at 730 miles. The name probably comes from the green soapstone that can be found along its banks.

• Aztec Butte Trailhead

  What makes this trail special? Simple: the granaries left here by Native peoples. They’re visible from the base of the last hill if you just keep your eyes open. These granaries are hundreds of years old, so be careful when approaching.

• Whale Rock

  "In front of you is perhaps the world’s largest whale. Don’t see it? The whale’s head is on the left side of the rock. There’s an easy one-mile hike that takes you up along the whale’s back. When you get on top of this cetacean, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views of the Upheaval Dome."

• Upheaval Dome

  Remember how the park’s rocks have been formed in layers? In most of the park, these layers haven’t been disrupted since their formation. What you see is what was deposited, all those hundreds of millions of years ago.

• Candlestick Tower Overlook

  In the distance, do you see three giant candles sticking out of the landscape? That’s Candlestick Tower! Doesn’t this sandstone formation look like a layered birthday cake, topped with candles? * The bottom layer is white, the middle a reddish-brown, and the top is red.

• Murphy Point

  The trail that leads to Murphy Point Overlook is quite easy, adding up to 3.5 miles roundtrip. While the hike itself doesn’t offer much in the way of scenery, the overlook provides a stunning view of Stillwater Canyon and the Green River.

• Buck Canyon Overlook

  Here you’ll see spectacular views of Buck Canyon and the La Sal mountains. The short trail is paved, making it one of the most accessible places in the park. There’s also a rail that stands between you and the canyon, so if you are scared of heights, this overlook is perfect for you.

• White Rim Overlook

  This is a great place to rest and enjoy a quick meal! There are only eight tables, so be sure to claim one if there are any available.

• Orange Cliffs Overlook

  We’re now at the end of the Canyonlands National Park tour. I hope you’ve enjoyed the journey! If you enjoyed the tour, check out our other tours of nearby Arches, Bryce, Zion, and more!

• Grand View Point

  We’re now at the end of the Canyonlands National Park tour. I hope you’ve enjoyed the journey! If you enjoyed the tour, check out our other tours of nearby Arches, Bryce, Zion, and more!