Explore Red Rock Country
The brilliant Red Rock Country between Green River and Moab exemplifies the power of water on this high desert landscape: whittled arches, carved canyons, high bluffs, and large expanses of slickrock reveal the work of water and erosion and provide some of the most breathtaking views and adventures in the entire world. World-famous Arches and Canyonlands National Parks wait to be explored, the Colorado River remains to be rafted, and many hills, gullies, and terraces await your mountain bike. There's so much to do, so plan your time wisely:
- Arches National Park scenic drive, Delicate Arch hike, Sand Hill fun, Crystal Geyser
- Mountain Biking along Klondike Bluffs or Moab Brands, Arches scenic drive, Landscape Arch hike, Crystal Geyser
- One-day Westwater rafting excursion, Crystal Geyser
- Mountain Biking along Klondike Bluffs or Moab Brands, Sego Canyon rock art, Crystal Geyser
- Canyonlands National Park scenic drive, Zip line, Crystal Geyser
- Mountain Biking along Klondike Bluffs or Moab Brands, Zip line, Crystal Geyser
Family Fun and Leisurely Exploration
Arches National Park
Arches boasts some of the most unique rock formations in the world. It is, of course, named after the more than 2,000 natural stone arches found throughout the park. The most famous are Delicate Arch (featured on Utah license plates) and Landscape Arch, the longest natural arch in the world. Arches is a relatively small National Park, but there is plenty to see and do. The scenic drive alone offers spectacular encounters with red-rock monoliths and distant vistas of the surrounding landscape. For an even more immersive experience, plan on getting out of the car and hiking one of several trails. Backpacking permits are also available.
43 minutes, 47 miles to the park entrance
Canyonlands National Park
Canyonlands National Park provides a veritable wonderland of plateaus, water-carved canyons, mysterious formations, and quiet landscapes. The park is divided into three districts: The Island in the Sky (bounded by the Green River to the west and the Colorado to the east), The Needles (to the southeast) and the very remote Maze district (to the southwest). The Island in the Sky is the most accessible of the three as well as the closest to Green River. The park is far less crowded than neighboring Arches, and if you go for a hike you may only see one or two other individuals. Drive to several spectacular overlooks or hike to an arch or to the mysterious Upheaval Dome.
1 hr 12 minutes, 54.7 miles to the trailhead
Sand Hill
Just across the highway from the Arches park entrance is a 100 foot high sand hill that's calling you and your kids to roll, sled, or bike down. It's a low key--if dirty--roadside attraction.
43 minutes, 47 miles to the hill
Sego Canyon Rock Art
Sego Canyon contains robust and well-preserved rock art from three different Native American cultures, some of the best rock art in the Southwest, plus a ghost town about a mile and a half further into the canyon.
30 minutes, 29 miles to the rock art panel
Adventurous Excursions
Westwater River Rafting
The Green and Colorado Rivers boast some of the best whitewater in the country, and Westwater on the Colorado provides a thrilling one-day rafting excursion for the adventurer. Both Holiday and CRATE guide services take trips down Westwater in the spring and summer and provide a safe and thrilling experience of these class IV rapids.
Mountain Biking
Great mountain biking awaits in the red rock landscape between Green River and Moab. Plenty of easy to advanced loop trails can fill up half or all of your day along the Moab Brands or Klondike Bluffs bike trails. Didn't bring a bike? Get in touch with Poison Spider Bicycles in Moab for a rental.
28 minutes, 29 miles to Klondike Bluffs trails 44 minutes, 42 miles to Moab Brands trails
Raven's Rim Zip Line Adventure
Need more high adventure? Look to Raven's Rim Zip Line for a unique perspective on the desert landscape. These trips include 4WD off-road excursions, zip lining fun, and a suspension bridge walk.
44 minutes, 49 miles to Raven's Rim offices
Done Exploring?
Head back to Green River, get something good to eat, then be sure to check out Green River's storied sunsets at Swasey's Beach or Crystal Geyser.