With so much to see in Moab and the surrounding area, it can be overwhelming trying to decide how best to organize the time you have available on your vacation. Auto Touring Utah Route UT313 is the fourth in a series of adventures for those new to exploring Moab. I would suggest doing these drives in the suggested order. However, depending on what your particular goals are or the time of year, you may want to mix and match.
UT313 Canyonlands Island in the Sky and Deadhorse Point State Park
The drive out to the Island in the Sky District of Canyonlands National Park on Utah Route 313 is likely the most popular scenic drive in Moab, Utah. Most people don't realize how large Canyonlands National Park is and that it is divided into three districts. The districts are Island in the Sky (most visited), Needles (my favorite), and Maze (too far from Moab). On your drive, once you climb out of Sevenmile Canyon, there is a parking area on the right where it is possible to view Monitor and Merrimack Buttes. From the viewpoint, you are a mile or two away from these huge desert landforms, but the vantage point from the roadside pullout is impressive. If you have a Jeep or UTV you can drive right up to them as shown in the above photo. Access is via Sevenmile Rim Jeep Trail. There are multiple UTV and Jeep rental companies in Moab, Utah, such as High Point Hummer.
Just before UT 313 splits away from the Sevenmile Canyon and starts climbing, look for a small pull-off on the right shoulder. In the past, the pullout was gravel, but has recently been paved for better access. Located directly across from the split in the canyon, take a short trail to the rock cliff on the right. You should be able to locate the Intestine Man directly in front of you. This roadside attraction now features an interpretive sign explaining rocking art in the area and dates this rock art panel to 7,000 years old. The Intestine Man is one of my favorite pictographs in the Moab area and only takes about ten to fifteen minutes to observe. If you look closely, you can see that his intestines are actually a snake. Across the road and high in an alcove is another interesting piece of rock art named Snake in the Mouth. To visit this one requires a little more planning. You can read more at Snake in the Mouth Hike.
The next point of interest is Dead Horse Point State Park. Spoiler alert: The view from Dead Horse Point is better than the viewpoints in Canyonlands National Park. If you only have time for one, I would go with the state park. I think the view is best in the winter, as the snow creates a good contrast with the red rock. It is important to know that if you visit in the winter, it can be very cold due to the wind blowing over the lip of the canyon. If possible, try to visit the park in the morning for the best light angles.
When you finally reach Canyonlands National Park, you will want to take the 0.6-mile round-trip hike to Mesa Arch. This is likely the most famous arch in the Island in the Sky area. Its image is famous worldwide and is one of the main attractions of the Moab area. The best time to view this arch is early morning so you can catch the sunrise. Mesa Arch perfectly frames the La Sal Mountains and Washer Woman Arch.
It is important to note that there is no food available in Canyonlands National Park, so bring a picnic lunch or a lot of snacks. Dead Horse Point State Park does offer seasonal concessions. There are too many individual things to see in the national park for them to all be listed here. Be sure to inspect the brochure you receive at the entry gate and pick out what you want to see, don't miss Grand Viewpoint. If you have a capable vehicle, any modern SUV or truck should be ok, consider returning to Moab via the Shafer Switchbacks, this would make for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure just be sure to take it slow and be careful, this route is a great intro into off-roading. A right hand turn at the bottom of the switchbacks marks the start of the world famous White Rim Road.
Comments