Canyonlands or Arches (Moab: camping, garden, license plates)

[NickMan7]

My partner and I are planning a 5-6 day trip to Canyonlands or Arches over the Christmas weekend for some camping and mountain biking. I am fully aware of winter weather conditions and, being an avid outdoorsperson from Colorado, am fully prepared in the event of adverse conditions.

Can anyone who has ever camped in either park personally recommend a camp area? Naturally, we'll search around for what we want, but we might as well get some opinions to aid in our research.

Appreciated.

[dreameyes]

I think December would actually be a very nice time of year to be down there. I remember taking a trip down there once in jan. and the weather was very mild (I thought....I am from Canada though.....lol) I have never been to Arches although my husband has. I haven't camped there but been to Canyonlands and it is spectacular. If you're in that area I would also check out Dead Horse Point. The view is amazing.

[NickMan7]

Originally Posted by dreameyes

I think December would actually be a very nice time of year to be down there. I remember taking a trip down there once in jan. and the weather was very mild (I thought....I am from Canada though.....lol) I have never been to Arches although my husband has. I haven't camped there but been to Canyonlands and it is spectacular. If you're in that area I would also check out Dead Horse Point. The view is amazing.

Thanks for the suggestion. We do plan to check out Dead Horse Point and, in fact, is on our list of first visits.

We'll definitely be watching the weather forecasts closely just before we go, but we're also prepared in the event we can't do what we want to. It'll be nice just to get away for a few days.

[cinnabon]

I am not a total expert on this, but having been to both, for what you are looking for, Canyonlands may be a better option. Arches is much more accessible by car, and offers a lot of short hikes, where much of Canyonlands is back country and can only be explored by off roading or camping. There may be remote areas in Arches as well, but I'm guessing Canyonlands offers more of what you are looking for.

[just4kelly]

Moab has mild winters in December. Usually very little snow. The best place to came is probably along the Colorado river. However, it is cold at night no matter what. Make sure you have warm sleeping bags! and lots of hot coffee.

[stycotl]

i actually like to do my camping outside of the national parks. in that area, you are only a stone's throw away from the san rafael swell, goblin valley, crack canyon and a bazillion other places that will be quieter and cheaper than within the parks themselves. just pack up and enter the parks in the morning. if you really want to stay in the parks, there is an nice campground in arches right before you get to the devils garden loop trail.

[NickMan7]

Thanks for all of the suggestions!! I know the days should be mild and the nights cold, so we plan on having lots of hot morning drinks and plenty of warm gear. My partner is not as "outdoorsy" as I am, so he'll complain, no doubt. I am just looking forward to getting out and exploring a fraction of the beautiful land that Utah encompasses.

We'll likely spend 2 or 3 nights in the Canyonlands area (I've noted that the camping is better here) and spend the rest of the time checking out other areas in the vicinity. We don't want to rush through anything, but at the same time, we don't want to spend our entire time in one place.

If anyone has any other suggestions, keep 'em coming. I tack everything onto our list!

[Aerorick]

I'd consider Arches more of a day trip than an extended camping and hiking site. Most of the short trails to the structures begin from the roadway that snakes through the park. The exception being Delicate Arch. That's the one on the Utah license plates. That hike can be a challenge for some folks but well worth it. 5-7 days would seem to be plenty of time to experiance both parks especially since they are fairly close to each other.

[Miami_Dan]

Originally Posted by NickMan7

My partner and I are planning a 5-6 day trip to Canyonlands or Arches over the Christmas weekend for some camping and mountain biking. I am fully aware of winter weather conditions and, being an avid outdoorsperson from Colorado, am fully prepared in the event of adverse conditions.

Can anyone who has ever camped in either park personally recommend a camp area? Naturally, we'll search around for what we want, but we might as well get some opinions to aid in our research.

Appreciated.

__________________________________________________ _____
Canyonlands has some camping just outside of the park. There is only one site of 15 units or so deep inside the park.

Arches has many, but you have to make reservations. I arrived at the beginning of peak season for both and had to race around Canyonlands to find any spots (scratch the 5am wiating line at Arches).

Also there is no mountain biking in the National Parks, except for Canyonlands down old mining roads...boring

So to answer your question - there are many inexpensive campsites (a bit run down, some) along the Colorado river. I found the best place to be directly across from the infamous "Slickrock" in Moab. Though primitive it gave me quick access to Moab and other MTB trials.

Check out my website photo write ups and photos of the area (no, this is not an ad).

a.>MOAB, UT 5/23 - 5/31/08

and or

b.> 2008 RTIR ALBUMS

What a great place. Enjoy your trip!