Canyonlands National Park

Perched on a massive level mesa with sheer sandstone cliffs dropping over 1,000 feet to the surrounding terrain, the Island in the Sky is the most accessible and frequently visited district of Canyonlands National Park. This "island" was formed by the relentless power of the Colorado and Green Rivers, which have spent millions of years carving deep into the Colorado Plateau, leaving this high-altitude wedge standing alone in the desert sky.

Dead Horse Point State Park

While Canyonlands is a vast National Park, Dead Horse Point State Park is its spectacular "neighbor" just down the road. Often considered one of the most beautiful state parks in the world, it sits on a narrow peninsula of rock 2,000 feet above a dramatic "gooseneck" bend in the Colorado River. Because it is smaller than Island in the Sky, you can experience its highlights in a single afternoon, though many visitors find the views here even more intimate and breathtaking. Travelers will spend the evening here for a sunset if desired.

Arches National Park

Located just outside of Moab, Utah, Arches National Park is home to the densest concentration of natural sandstone arches in the world. With over 2,000 documented arches ranging from tiny slivers to massive spans, the park is a surreal "geological playground" of vibrant colors and gravity-defying formations.

Wilson Arch

Unlike the famous spans found within the nearby national parks, Wilson Arch is a magnificent, free-standing sandstone arch located on public Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land. Its most defining characteristic is its accessibility—it sits directly adjacent to US Highway 191, about 24 miles south of Moab. For many travelers, it serves as a spectacular "welcome" or "farewell" to the red-rock country of southeastern Utah.

Newspaper Rock Recreation Site

Newspaper Rock State Historical Monument is a profound archaeological site that serves as a massive outdoor gallery for some of the finest rock art in the United States. Located along the scenic drive to the Needles District of Canyonlands, it features a 200-square-foot rock panel densely packed with symbols that represent over 2,000 years of human history and cultural transition.

Forrest Gump Point

Located on US Highway 163 near the border of Utah and Arizona, Forrest Gump Point is one of the most iconic roadside vistas in the world. It provides a stunning, straight-line view toward the towering sandstone buttes of Monument Valley, making the road appear as though it is plunging directly into the heart of the desert's most famous formations.

Mystery Valley

Located adjacent to the iconic Monument Valley, Mystery Valley is a secluded, backcountry gem within the Navajo Nation that offers a quieter and more intimate look at the region’s ancient history. Unlike its more famous neighbor, this valley is dotted with hidden arches, cliff dwellings, and ancient petroglyphs that are largely untouched by time.

Monument Valley

Yes, Goulding's Lodge offers a Sunrise Tour specifically designed to capture the valley as the first light hits the monuments. This tour is highly recommended for those who want to see the famous "golden hour" transformation without losing their entire day.