Arches, Canyons & A Soaked Escape 😬

If you didn’t already know, Samuel and I had a short stint living in Utah! Even though our time there was brief, it quickly became one of those places that leaves a lasting mark. With landscapes so surreal they feel like movie sets, Utah captured our hearts fast. Honestly, it started to feel like home.

It’s towering red rock formations to expansive desert views that shift color with the sun. We were constantly looking for reasons to wander beyond the major cities.

So, when my parents (Sophia’s) came to visit, we knew we had the perfect excuse to head south. We wanted to explore some of Moab’s most iconic natural wonders.

Arches National Park and Capitol Reef National Park.

We all agreed: these parks make you feel like you’ve landed on another planet. Their deep orange hues, unique formations, and surreal beauty were unlike anything we’d seen before. Yes, Utah has mountains, but the high desert offers a different kind of magic—something you truly have to see to believe.

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Trails We Explored in Arches National Park

Our day in Arches was a mix of short & long hikes, scenic drives, and jaw-dropping views. these are the routes we followed, and the sights you don’t want to miss:

• Balanced Rock Viewpoint & Trail – Easy (0.3 mi roundtrip).
  A quick stop to see one of the park’s most famous formations up close.
• Delicate Arch Viewpoint Trail – Moderate (0.5 mi roundtrip).
  Great for those who want a peek at the famous arch without doing the full hike.
• Delicate Arch Trail – Moderate to Strenuous (3.2 mi roundtrip).
  This one’s a leg-burner, but 100% worth it. The view of Delicate Arch in person is unforgettable.
• Double Arch Viewpoint & Trail – Easy (0.6 mi roundtrip).
  One of our favorites—walking under these massive arches feels like stepping into a fantasy world.

Trails We Explored in Capitol Reef National Park

Capitol Reef doesn’t always get as much hype as Arches, but we loved how peaceful and vast it felt. It’s a bit more off-the-radar, which means fewer crowds and more room to soak it all in (well… more on that soaking in a second 😅).

• Cohab Canyon Trail – Moderate (1.7 mi one way).
  Winding through sandstone canyons with sweeping views of Fruita and the cliffs beyond.
• Frying Pan Trail – Strenuous (2.9 mi one way, connects to Cohab).
  A challenge, but the views from the ridgeline made every step worth it—until the storm hit.
• Scenic Drive – 7.9 mi of breathtaking desert vistas (enjoyed by my parents!)
  They took the leisurely route while we attempted the more rugged terrain.

We’d just reached the top of the canyon, admiring the dramatic views below, when we felt the first few raindrops. No big deal, we thought nothing of it… until it was a big deal. Within minutes, a sprinkle turned into a full-on desert storm!

Cue us sprinting downhill, behind a group of Boy Scouts who clearly had the same idea. From a distance, we spotted lightning crackling in the sky, and suddenly, that scenic overlook didn’t feel so safe anymore.

By some miracle, we made it down soaked, muddy, and laughing through it all, and we were rescued by my parents, who had just finished their scenic drive (👏 impeccable timing). We climbed into the rental car, dripping wet… sorry about the seats. 😬

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This quick trip through the Arches and canyon parks of Utah reminded us just how wild and unpredictable nature can be—and how worth it the adventure always is. It was great enjoying the vast landscapes, flash storms, and family bonding moments, it’s the kind of trip you talk about for years.

If you’re venturing for the hikes, the views, or the spontaneous storms, Utah’s national parks never disappoint.

Want to know how we ended up in Utah and made our way back to Texas? Read more in our previous blog post. 👉🏼 Miles, Memories & Mushu