When you are staying in Moab, you should plan half a day for Canyonlands National Park as well. You will find that especially Mesa Arch is beautiful in the mornings, when the sun illuminates the arch from behind.

Our trip took us up to I-70 and down Highway 24 through the San Rafael Desert. There was some wind blowing, so that the desert sand was blowing along with the wind, pretty much like a sand storm.

At the Goblin Valley State Park you will see rock formations called "Goblins". They are rather small and look somewhat cuddly.

You will be able to walk down into the Goblin Valley and walk at the base of the Goblins. It is really a strange experience, especially if there are not too many tourists around. You easily get lost in the Goblins, as they are arranged in a maze-like pattern.

Another view of Goblin Valley State Park, Utah.

And the last shot of the Goblins.

Next stop on our tour was the Capitol Reef National Park. Along the main highway you will find historic petroglyphs, carved into the red rocks.

Capitol Reef National Park has not always been a protected park. Prior to becoming a park, it was used by settlers, who planted apple trees in huge orchards. This tradition is still going on (right behind the visitor center), even if it has little commercial value today.

We recommend to take the scenic drive down from the visitor center. Then you will also come across this gorgeous location close to the "slickrock divide".