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Bucketlist Bri

Bucketlist Bri

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How to Spend 2 Epic Days in Moab Exploring Canyonlands & Arches National Parks

Last Updated: July 18, 2022 · Southwest, USA

Moab is an awesome adventure travel destination in the stunning state of Utah. Home to the wild Canyonlands National Park, mind-blowing Arches National Park, and a portion of the refreshing Colorado River, Moab is where you could easily hang out for a few days and never tire of the red rock landscape. We spent 2 days in Moab on our road trip across the American Southwest and we already wish to go back!

Driving into Arches National Park for our sunset hike to Delicate Arch!

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links that may earn me a small commission should you decide to click through and make a valid purchase (at no extra cost to you). Thanks so much for your support!

There are many things to do in Moab that a 2-day itinerary won’t fully cover, but it’s a good amount of time nonetheless. With 2 days in Moab, you can at least dedicate one day to discovering Canyonlands National Park and its many breathtaking vistas and trails, and the other day to explore the world’s largest collection of mesmerizing natural arches in Arches National Park.

On top of Moab’s two national parks, the Colorado River cuts through the outskirts of the town, tempting anyone in search of some respite from the desert sun to enjoy a dip in its cool waters. We saw many kayakers and swimmers during our 2 days in Moab and we wish we had both the time and the energy to enjoy more of all that Moab offered! With that said…

Here’s my recommendation for what to see and do in Moab in two days!

Save money on US national park entry fees with an America The Beautiful 2022-2023 National Park Pass!

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Table of Contents show
The Perfect 2 Days in Moab Itinerary
Getting to Moab
Where to Stay in Moab
Day 1 in Moab: Canyonlands National Park
Day 2 in Moab: Arches National Park
Other Fun Things to Do in Moab in 2 Days
Off-Roading in a Jeep
Rafting on the Colorado River
Dinosaur Museum
Shopping & Eating in Downtown
Biking

The Perfect 2 Days in Moab Itinerary

Two days in Moab isn’t a TON of time to spend here, but it’s like I said — two days is a good amount of time to get introduced to all that Moab has to offer.

You might be wondering if you’ll have enough time to combine Arches and Canyonlands National Parks in just one day, but I wouldn’t recommend doing that. The driving time alone to get to Canyonlands and Arches from downtown Moab takes an effort and you’ll miss out on some of the best views and hikes.

Instead, what I recommend doing when you only have 2 days in Moab is to dedicate one day to each national park: one day in Canyonlands and the other day in Arches. After all, it’s because of these two parks that most people come to explore Moab!

With that said, we were surprised at how much MORE Moab offers. Especially if you love adventure travel, Moab offers plenty of activities to keep you entertained for a few days.

Since Moab features two National Parks, make sure you buy an America The Beautiful park pass and save money! (The card pays for itself if you plan to visit two or more national parks within one year).

Getting to Moab

Moab is in eastern Utah just before the Colorado border. The closest international airport is in Salt Lake City, UT which is a 4-hr drive away.

Denver’s airport is a 5 1/2 hour drive away. We reached Moab in one day by crossing southern Utah through Monument Valley after spending 3 days in Sedona, AZ.

Where to Stay in Moab

Delicate Arch at sunset!

Moab is a fairly small desert town but luckily there are plenty of places to stay. Unfortunately, accommodation in Moab isn’t very budget-friendly.

Because Moab is the gateway to 2 National Parks plus the Colorado River, it is a big adventure travel destination for both US and international travelers which makes prices kinda steep.

We were able to snag 2 nights at the semi-budget Inca Inn Motel on the edge of downtown (around $60/night) and it was perfect for our trip. Just somewhere easy and comfortable where we could rest our sore bodies after a day of hiking. It was the cheapest we could find on somewhat short notice without having to camp out of our car in a BLM campground.

If you have a more flexible budget, these other hotels in Moab look awesome and have amazing reviews: Red Cliffs Lodge ($$$), Sunflower Hill Inn ($$$), Aarchway Inn ($$+)

Day 1 in Moab: Canyonlands National Park

Canyonlands National Park in Moab, UT

Did you know Canyonlands National Park is Utah’s largest park? You might also be surprised that Canyonlands is actually divided into three different sections: Island in the Sky (the one you’ll likely visit from Moab), the Needle, and the Maze.

The Island in the Sky district, towering 1,500 ft above the canyon floor on a mystifying plateau, is where most travelers go to see the many amazing pull-outs and overlooks of Canyonlands. It takes 30-40 minutes to drive from Moab to reach Canyonlands (Island in the Sky).

How much time you need in Canyonlands really varies based on how much you intend to hike, how many viewpoints you want to see, and if you want to go off-roading.

Shafer Trail, Canyonlands National Park
Shafer Trail, Canyonlands National Park

If you are up for an exciting adventure, head to the Island of the Sky in a 4WD, high-clearance vehicle or jeep so that you can return to Moab via the Shafer Trail (pictured above – you can also start from Moab and end in Canyonlands).

The Shafer Canyon Road features daring, dirt roads that feature massive switchbacks, scary steep cliffs, ancient petroglyphs, and a chance to see wildlife. Popular landmarks are the White Rim Road and the Musselman Arch.

Mesa Arch, Canyonlands National Park, Moab
mesa arch in canyonlands national park
mesa arch viewpoint

If you want more of a “relaxed” adventure at Canyonlands National Park, then drive the scenic paved road (20 miles), check out the many pull-out vistas, and choose a small hike. The most popular short hike in Canyonlands is none other than the famous Mesa Arch hike (pictured above).

Sunrise is the best time to go if you are wanting to photograph the arch. But beware you will be alongside an army of photographers with their tripods!

The Mesa Arch hike itself is short and sweet – it’s a 0.5-mile loop that takes only 25-30 minutes to visit in total. If you plan to visit for sunrise, don’t forget there is a 45-minute drive from Moab.

Upheaval Dome is another good option for a shorter hike to enjoy while exploring the Island of the Sky.

Day 2 in Moab: Arches National Park

Delicate Arch at sunset in Arches National Park, 2 days in Moab

Do you know where Arches National Park got its name? Of course – for all its arches! But did you know that Arches National Park has over 2,000 documented natural sandstone arches – the largest concentration anywhere in the world?

When you have 2 days in Moab, you’re definitely going to want to spend an entire day exploring Arches. Not only are there a dozen or so epic hikes to do here, but just driving through the park is a sight in itself. Unlike Canyonlands where you kinda need to hop in and out of your car, Arches puts on a whole show you can enjoy right from your car window.

Delicate Arch at sunset
Delicate Arch instagram bucketlist bri

But as usual, the best bits are hidden waiting to be explored and discovered on your own two feet. One of the many amazing natural wonders of Arches National Park is the picturesque Delicate Arch. But to reap the reward of this view, you’ll need to hike 3 miles round-trip and power up some steep slick rock!

The best times to visit Delicate Arch are sunrise or sunset. Again – prepare to get there early in both cases to get the best seat in the house where you can set up your tripod/camera while enjoying the view.

Other icons to visit during a full-day adventure is Landscape Arch (spanning 300+ feet!), Double Arch inside Devil’s Garden (feature two tall arches with unique windows), and Balanced Rock. These, plus many more hikes, are worth checking out!

With only 2 days in Moab, it’s unlikely you’ll get to do more than 2-3 hikes in Arches, but that just means you’ll have to plan another trip!

Other Fun Things to Do in Moab in 2 Days

Colorado River in Moab, UT

Off-Roading in a Jeep

If you want the thrill of adventure and have a free afternoon during your 2 days in Moab, then I highly recommend doing a guide off-road jeep tour on the Hell’s Revenge Trail that overlooks Arches NP. There are many other off-road trails to do and most offer self-drive tours. You could also go on your own in a 4WD. Either way, the Hell’s Revenge trail is considered “nature’s roller coaster” and is an epic activity to include in your 2 day Moab itinerary!

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Rafting on the Colorado River

If you aren’t a fan of hiking and you want to spend your 2 days in Moab a little differently, then you should consider taking a half-day rafting adventure on the Colorado River. There are a few places where you can raft, canoe, or kayak. Check out Moab Kayaking Trips for class I-II rapids and Moab Rafting for self-guided and multi-day trips.

Dinosaur Museum

The Moab Giants Museum & Dinosaur Park was closed when we went due to the pandemic, but it is one of the top things to do in Moab under normal circumstances (check here for updates). It is where you can witness over 130+ full-sized dinosaur recreations and their tracks around Moab as you walk along the historic half-mile dinosaur trail.

Shopping & Eating in Downtown

Moab has a quaint little downtown district to explore. Start your shopping spree at 100 South St all the way to 100 North – there are a handful of local shops, art galleries, and trendy boutiques lining these two blocks.

Downtown Moab

If you love unique art and artisanal items, head inside Moab Made. Every purchase directly supports a local artist! Tumbleweed is another regional arts shop that features bright, colorful artisan goods. If you love outdoor and adventure gear, then you’ll find Desert Wild Moab to be so cute too.

For places to eat, historic downtown Moab has just about everything you could crave. There is an awesome Moab Food Truck Park right off the main street in downtown to check out. We ate at the insanely good Quesadilla Mobilla yellow food truck right on the corner of that street. I highly recommend the Sweet ‘N Spicy with a side of lime sour cream!

Quesadille Mobilla food truck in Moab, Utah

There’s also a couple of great cafes for your coffee and iced frappe fixes – we loved Coffee Roasters and were tempted by the Jailhouse Cafe for its famous breakfast. For dinner, we couldn’t help but eat twice at Pasta Jay’s on the corner. It was just too good to pass up a second time. I can’t vouch for any of their dishes other than the ravioli entrees (cause I ordered them both times lol) but seriously – the Green Chile Ravioli simmered in an anaheim green chile and cream sauce was excellent!

Biking

There are several epic biking routes in Moab that traverse the red rock landscape. Some skirt the Colorado River while others take you through the national parks. We wanted to bike the Potash Road that follows the river but ended up feeling too tired from hiking all week. I highly recommend renting a bike while spending 2 days in Moab; especially if you visit in the spring or winter when the days are more pleasant.

So, there you have it! If you have only 2 days in Moab then you have a difficult choice to make between spending two full days in each national park or spending half-days and then including extra activities such as biking, rafting, or off-roading into your afternoons.

There is so much to do and see in Moab that two days will have you leaving wanting more!

Don’t have your America The Beautiful Park Pass yet?

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By: Bri · In: Southwest, USA · Tagged: Hiking

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I’m Bri, an adventurous digital nomad living abroad full-time since 2015. It is my hope to inspire you to live a life of adventure, seek out meaningful experiences, and travel slowly and mindfully!

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Tips from a long-time nomad ⬇️✨ 💻 WORKIN Tips from a long-time nomad ⬇️✨

💻 WORKING ONLINE
While not all nomads/remote workers have online-specific jobs, it’s the easiest way to sustain an income for full-time or long-term travel. Here are some jobs you can do as a digital nomad!

• Blogging (This is what I do full-time!)
• Content Creation / Brand Sponsorship
• Virtual Assisting
• Social Media Management
• YouTube or Podcasting
• Graphic / Web Design
• Coding / Development
• Photography / Videography
• Freelance Writing (How I started)
• Marketing / Amazon FBA / Ecommerce

📍PICKING YOUR DIGITAL NOMAD DESTINATION
There are many countries out there offering digital nomad visas, but you don’t even need one to just travel as a tourist and stay in-country for 30, 60, 90, or 180 days. Nomads go everywhere as long as there’s a Wi-Fi connection, some countries you may consider are Portugal, Mexico, Costa Rica, Thailand, Vietnam, Croatia, Canada, Colombia, Indonesia, Brazil, and beyond! Even lesser-known places such as Namibia are starting to offer nomad visas to entice long-term travelers to visit.

🏡 FINDING HOUSING ABROAD
Read my blog post for the full guide on this, but basically, check local Facebook groups for renting local housing for extended stays and then use Airbnbs for shorter stays or to negotiate longer contracts with the owner. There are even more “nomad rental websites” these days to make finding accommodation even easier. Don’t overlook co-living/working spaces too like Selina where the digital nomad community tends to congregate.

💛 EXPLORING LOCALLY/RESPONSIBLY
As always, be mindful and respectful when you visit these communities. Many small towns are struggling with rapid growth and overdevelopment so be mindful of your choices of where you stay, how you spend your money, and who you support.

My best advice + detailed guides are all on the blog, free for you to use! Let me know if you have any questions about digital nomad life! 

Lastly, don’t overthink it. Moving countries isn’t as intimidating as you may think! It’s become second nature for us now after several years! 🐈‍⬛💃🌎✨
I’ve had the wonderful opportunity to discover t I’ve had the wonderful opportunity to discover this incredible country beyond the resorts and beaches, having lived temporarily in 5 out of the 32 Mexican states (Nayarit, Quintana Roo, Chiapas, Oaxaca, and now Baja California Sur) as a digital nomad who’s been slow traveling/living in and out of Mexico since 2018. 

There is so, so much cultural and natural beauty in Mexico — I wish more people could experience this country for themselves and not through the eyes of the media.

***Please visit Mexico as a digital nomad (or tourist in general) responsibly and mindfully. Stay local, eat local, drink local, shop local, support local. Leave No Trace and be conscious of your choices and impact!*** 

Here are the cities/towns we’ve slow traveled/lived in for extended stays.

• Oaxaca City — a colorful, historic open museum rich in indigenous culture and gastronomy 
• San Cristóbal de las Casas — an endearing pueblo mágico in the Chiapas Highlands
• La Paz — the capital city of BCS teeming with marine life, diving, fish tacos, and desert vibes
• San Pancho — an eco-conscious town in Nayarit famous for its sunsets and community
• Tulum — no introduction needed (and I wouldn’t go back here as a nomad due to overdevelopment)

Other great cities/towns/destinations for digital nomads are:

• Guadalajara (state of Jalisco)
• Santiago de Querétaro (state of Querétaro)
• San Miguel de Allende or Guanajuato City (state of Guanajuato)
• Playa del Carmen (state of Quintana Roo)
• Valladolid or Mérida (state of Yucatán)
• México City/CDMX (state of México)
• Sayulita (state of Nayarit)
• Puerto Vallarta (state of Jalisco)
• Puerto Escondido (state of Oaxaca)

I’d love to know what you think about Mexico and where you’ve been in the comments! 🇲🇽💛

And for the detailed guide of 13 places to live/visit, read my blog @bucketlistbri .com (just type in “places to live mexico” in the quick search bar if you can’t find the post under my “Mexico” category).

#mexicomagico #digitalnomad #visitmexico #livingabroad #fulltimetravel #mexicotravel #mexicodestinations #nomadadigital #nomada #mexicomaravilloso #slowtravelling #mindfultravel
PSA: Your anxiety, problems or (bad) habits will f PSA: Your anxiety, problems or (bad) habits will follow you around the world until you face them no matter how much you travel or move countries 🙃 

I know I’m not the only one that feels restless at times and idolizes moving to a new region/country/continent to shake my feelings of anxiety or self-doubt or fear! (Also, I tend to think about moving to another country even when I just moved to a new one 😅)

I know because I have lived abroad for 8+ years. I used to try to drown out my icky feelings and past traumas with lots of alcohol but now I carry them with me like I do my mismatched socks — they add to the quirkiness and remind me I don’t have to be, and am not, perfect. 

And that life is more interesting that way, anyway. 

Anddd that most importantly, whenever I get lost, I can and will be found again — I just may look and think differently after new adventures but I am still loved and never lost forever 🧦 ✨💛 

In sum, whether you travel full-time or not, take care of yourself ✨💛

#nomadness #nomadlife #lifeofadventure #livingabroad #fulltimetravel #offbeattravel #remoteworklife #homeawayfromhome #slowtravelstories #mentalhealthawarness
The 4 core ingredients to a recharged Bri: 💛 P The 4 core ingredients to a recharged Bri:

💛 Paul
😻 Yoda
🌍 Traveling & adventuring
👩🏼‍💻 Blogging & writing

Among other things like nature, photography, reading, animals, journaling, art, playing Zelda/games, dancing/music, culture/languages, enjoying rly good food and drinks! 😋 

What about you? What recharges you?? 

#rechargemysoul #blogging #adventures #writing #soulfulliving #mindfulliving #mindfultravel #nomadcouple #creativeliving
1 WEEK COSTA RICA ITINERARY👇🦋✨ 🌋 ARENA 1 WEEK COSTA RICA ITINERARY👇🦋✨

🌋 ARENAL // LA FORTUNA (2 days)
- Hike in the Arenal Volcano National Park
- Indulge in a local chocolate/coffee tour (s/o to @northfieldscafe)
- Go on a wildlife safari float (s/o to Raúl for pura vida vibes!)
- Lounge in natural hot springs (highly recommend the budget-friendly Relax Termalitas in Fortuna)
- Visit La Fortuna waterfall
- Check out the Butterfly Conservatory

🦥 QUEPOS // MANUEL ANTONIO (2-3 days)
- Take a guided or DIY tour of Manuel Antonio National Park
- Chill out on the Espadilla beach
- Explore the cute towns
- Watch for wildlife in the trees!

🌿 MONTEVERDE // SANTA ELENA (2 days)
- Visit/hike in the Monteverde Cloud Forest
- Go ziplining
- Birdwatching on a canopy tour
- Monteverde coffee tour
- Do a nature night walk

My sister and I surprised our mom with this bucket list trip on her birthday, and we had a blast! 🥹

Send this itinerary to someone you know who has always wanted to go to Costa Rica 🦋💛✨🌿🦜🐒

#costarica #bucketlisttrip #puravida #costaricaitinerary #lafortuna #manuelantonio #monteverde #ecotourism
Swimming with the biggest fish in the world is a q Swimming with the biggest fish in the world is a quite a humbling experience, and one that’s been at the top of my bucket list for ages! 🥺

Right now is prime whale shark season in La Paz in Baja California Sur, Mexico, so Paul and I made sure to go before we jetted off to see family for the holidays! I’m still in awe of these gentle giants and the fact that we got to swim alongside them!

Read all about the best whale shake tours in La Paz + ethical whale shark tourism in my latest blog post! Link in bio 💛

Send this to a friend who loves whale sharks! 🐳🦈

#whalesharks #lapaz #bajacaliforniasur #ethicaltravel #responsibletravel #ecotourism #golapaz #mexicotravel #bucketlist #seaofcortez
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