Adventures in Utah’s Red Rocks Area

The Red Rocks region of Utah offers some of the most awe-inspiring landscapes in the American West. Encompassing Carbon, Wayne, and Grand counties, this area is a haven for adventurers seeking everything from ancient rock formations and deep canyons to world-renowned national parks. Whether you want to hike through surreal rock landscapes, explore hidden canyons, or experience the thrill of river rafting, the Red Rocks area has it all. Here’s a guide to the best adventures across these three counties.

Carbon County Adventures

Top Adventures

Goblin Valley State Park: Goblin Valley is like stepping onto another planet. The valley is filled with thousands of unique rock formations—called “goblins”—created by millions of years of erosion. These bizarre, mushroom-shaped rocks make Goblin Valley a prime destination for hiking, photography, and even off-trail exploration. Kids and adults alike love scrambling around these formations.
Nine Mile Canyon: Often called the “world’s longest art gallery,” Nine Mile Canyon is famous for its well-preserved Native American petroglyphs and pictographs. Along this 40-mile stretch, you’ll find ancient rock art that dates back over a thousand years, providing a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the Fremont and Ute peoples.
Price Canyon: Located just outside the town of Price, it is a scenic drive and hiking destination known for its dramatic cliffs and lush forests. This area is ideal for camping, fishing, and enjoying the great outdoors, surrounded by the canyon’s towering rock walls.
Outdoor Adventures: Carbon County is a hub for outdoor enthusiasts, offering various activities like hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and rock climbing. With its diverse landscapes—ranging from lush forests to rugged canyons—there’s something for everyone to explore and enjoy.

Places to stay

SureStay Plus Hotel by Best Western: Located in Price, this hotel offers amenities like a 24-hour pool, fitness center, and an on-site restaurant. It’s ideal for a comfortable stay near local attractions like Nine Mile Canyon.
Nine Mile Ranch Bunk and Breakfast: Located near the famous Nine Mile Canyon, this bed-and-breakfast offers rustic cabins, campsites, and bunkhouses with historical tours of the nearby rock art and landscapes.
North Springs Shooting Range Campground: For RV travelers, the range offers nearby campgrounds and unique attractions like outdoor shooting ranges and reenactment areas.

Guiding services

Nine Mile Canyon Tours: Offers guided tours through Nine Mile Canyon, known as “the longest art gallery in the world” due to its extensive collection of Native American petroglyphs. Guides provide insights into the history and geology of the area.
Utah State University Eastern Prehistoric Museum: Located in Price, this museum occasionally offers guided excursions to archaeological sites and educational programs on the area’s prehistoric cultures.
Carbon Corridor: Provides visitor information on guided outdoor experiences around Carbon County, including rock art tours and the Price River Valley area.

Wayne County Adventures

Top Adventures

Capitol Reef National Park: Capitol Reef is one of Utah’s most underrated national parks, offering stunning red rock cliffs, winding canyons, and a unique geological feature called the Waterpocket Fold. Popular hikes include the Capitol Gorge and the Hickman Bridge Trail.
Scenic Drives through Wayne County: Highway 24 through Wayne County is one of Utah’s most picturesque routes for those who love a scenic drive. Passing through Capitol Reef and the surrounding areas, you’ll encounter red rock vistas, panoramic canyon views, and hidden valleys that beg for exploration.
Boulder Mountain: Boulder Mountain is an alpine retreat from the desert heat. It’s perfect for hiking, fishing, and camping. The mountain’s many lakes and forests make it a peaceful getaway for those seeking adventure and tranquility. In the fall, the aspen forests turn vibrant gold, making it a prime time to visit.

Places to stay

Capitol Reef Resort: Just outside Capitol Reef National Park, this resort offers a mix of accommodations, from luxury cabins and teepees to glamping tents with dramatic desert views.
Broken Spur Inn & Steakhouse: Located in Torrey, this inn is perfect for a ranch-style stay with comfortable rooms, a steakhouse, and proximity to Capitol Reef’s stunning rock formations.
Austin’s Chuckwagon Motel: This retro-style motel in Torrey provides comfortable lodging, a general store, and a café. It’s a cozy base for exploring Capitol Reef and the surrounding area.

Guiding Services

Capitol Reef Adventure Company: Offers guided jeep and hiking tours throughout Capitol Reef National Park, with options to explore lesser-known areas and popular trails.
Backcountry Outfitters: Provides guided horseback riding tours and multi-day backcountry trips in the rugged and remote areas around Capitol Reef.
Redrock Adventure Guides: Specializes in guided hiking and canyoneering tours within the Capitol Reef region, with routes suitable for beginners and experienced adventurers alike.

Grand County Adventures

Top Adventures

Arches National Park: Arches National Park is one of the most iconic destinations in the Red Rocks area, with over 2,000 natural stone arches, stunning pinnacles, and giant balanced rocks. Arches is a photographer’s paradise, especially during sunrise and sunset when the rocks glow a deep red.
Canyonlands National Park: Canyonlands National Park is a vast, rugged expanse of canyons, mesas, and buttes carved by the Colorado River. Island in the Sky provides some of the best overlooks in the state, while The Needles is perfect for hiking through unique rock formations and towering spires.
Moab: Moab is the adventure capital of Grand County and a hub for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re into rock climbing, mountain biking, hiking, or off-roading, Moab has it all. Moab also offers excellent dining and shopping options for visitors who want to unwind after a day of adventure.
Colorado River Recreation: For water lovers, the Colorado River offers a thrilling way to experience the Grand County landscape. You’ll get to experience towering canyon walls and hidden rapids, all while floating through some of the most scenic parts of the region.
Dead Horse Point State Park: Dead Horse Point State Park offers one of the most breathtaking views in the entire state. Perched 2,000 feet above a gooseneck in the Colorado River, the overlook provides panoramic views of Canyonlands National Park and the surrounding desert. The park also offers hiking and biking trails to explore this dramatic landscape.

Places to Stay

Red Cliffs Lodge: Nestled along the Colorado River, this lodge offers rustic cabins with beautiful river views, a winery, and an on-site museum.
Sorrel River Ranch Resort and Spa: A luxury resort offering modern amenities and Western charm with activities like horseback riding, river rafting, and hiking excursions around the area’s natural landscapes.
Hoodoo Moab Curio Collection by Hilton: A boutique-style Hilton property in the heart of Moab with modern rooms, an outdoor pool, and dining options. Hoodoo Moab offers upscale comfort near the town’s attractions and national parks.
Moab Springs Ranch: Moab Springs Ranch features luxurious bungalows and townhomes with private patios, a spring-fed pool, and a private park, providing a comfortable retreat after exploring the parks.
Under Canvas Moab: For a glamping experience, Under Canvas Moab offers luxury safari-style tents with amenities like private bathrooms and wood-burning stoves. It’s located just 7 miles from Arches National Park.
The Gonzo Inn: A vibrant boutique hotel with Southwestern decor, The Gonzo Inn is pet-friendly and offers unique suites, a pool, and a central location close to Moab’s main street.
Homewood Suites by Hilton Moab: Ideal for extended stays, Homewood Suites offers spacious suites with kitchenettes, an indoor pool, and a fitness center, all within walking distance of Moab’s shops and restaurants.
Aarchway Inn: Family-friendly and affordable, Aarchway Inn provides cozy rooms, an outdoor pool, and playgrounds, with easy access to Arches National Park and other local attractions.

Guiding Services

Moab Adventure Center: Offers a variety of tours, including white-water rafting, jeep safaris, scenic flights, canyoneering, and national park tours in Arches and Canyonlands.
Navtec Expeditions: Provides guided tours for river rafting, 4×4 adventures, and canyoneering in Canyonlands and Arches National Parks, as well as the Maze District.
Deep Desert Expeditions: Specializes in guided hiking and photography tours around Arches, Canyonlands, and the La Sal Mountains, offering custom experiences and night photography options.

Emery County Adventures

Top Adventures

Goblin Valley State Park: Explore the surreal landscapes of Goblin Valley, where unique hoodoo rock formations create a whimsical atmosphere. Hiking and photography are popular here as you wander through this alien-like landscape and enjoy the stunning sunsets.
Cleveland Lloyd Dinosaur Quarry: Step back in time at the Cleveland Lloyd Dinosaur Quarry, where you can view real dinosaur fossils in their natural setting. The quarry is a fascinating site for kids and adults, offering tours and educational programs about paleontology.
Huntington Canyon: Huntington Canyon is a haven for outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and camping. The area features beautiful trails, scenic drives, and tranquil waters, making it an excellent destination for nature lovers.
Joes Valley Reservoir: Joes Valley Reservoir is a popular spot for fishing, boating, and water sports. Its clear blue waters and stunning mountain backdrop make it a great place for a family picnic or a relaxing day by the water.
San Rafael Swell: The San Rafael Swell is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream, with its rugged canyons, towering mesas, and hidden slot canyons. Adventure seekers can hike, camp, and explore the region’s remote beauty. Popular spots include Little Wild Horse Canyon, a family-friendly slot canyon hike, and the Wedge Overlook, known as the “Little Grand Canyon” of Utah.
Spring Canyon: Located near Helper, Spring Canyon offers excellent opportunities for hiking and exploring abandoned coal mining towns. This lesser-known gem is rich in natural beauty and historical intrigue, making it a perfect spot for those looking to escape the crowds.

Best Places to Stay

Goblin Valley State Park Yurts: Stay in unique yurts within Goblin Valley, offering easy access to the park’s surreal hoodoo formations. It is an excellent choice for a one-of-a-kind camping experience.
The Greenwell Inn: Located near the Cleveland Lloyd Dinosaur Quarry and Huntington Canyon, this inn provides comfortable accommodations in a central location.
Joe’s Valley Cabin: Located near Joe’s Valley Reservoir, this cabin is a perfect base for fishing, boating, and bouldering adventures.

Best Guiding Services

Emery Outdoor Adventure: Specializes in guided trips through the San Rafael Swell, Little Grand Canyon, and Goblin Valley, perfect for hikers, campers, and photographers.

Plan Your Adventure in Utah’s Red Rocks Area

From the alien-like formations of Goblin Valley to the endless adventure opportunities around Moab, the Red Rocks region of Utah is a true wonderland for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether hiking through ancient canyons, climbing red sandstone cliffs, or rafting down the Colorado River, this area offers unforgettable experiences that showcase Utah’s wild beauty. Pack your bags, grab your camera, and embark on the adventure of a lifetime in Carbon, Wayne, and Grand Counties!