Arches was the first of the Utah Mighty Five National Parks opening in April of 1929. The Timed Entry entrance is just 5 miles north of downtown Moab. I tried to secure a timed entrance 1 day prior to my trip to Moab but there was nothing available. Fortunately, I noticed a footnote stating timed entrance is not needed before 7 am or after 4 pm. I entered the park at 6 am with no gate attendants anywhere. I made my way to Balanced Rock for a sunrise photo waiting over an hour for the light. Apparently this is a popular option as people poured into the park during this pre-dawn hour. It was very cool early so I was able to leave Barron in the truck for very short hikes to several photo locations. The longest for me on this morning was the Delicate Arch upper viewpoint which was a half-mile steep climb. The scenic drive from the Visitor's Center to Devils Garden is 17.6 miles each way and is packed with turn outs and parking lots for photo opportunities and hikes. Arches is a must see and ranks third for me of the Mighty Five behind Zion and Bryce Canyon.

There are 2 entrances to Canyonlands National Park; The Needles District and the Island of the Sky District, both with Visitor's Centers. I planned to do both. Day One I went to the Needles District which is closest to Monticello. Travel North on 191 from Monticello 14 miles and turn West at Church Rock on 211. No timed entry is needed at Canyonlands. I planed to visit Island of the Sky the next day after the morning at Arches but 2 miles from the entrance I came to the line with a 1.5 hours wait time. I turned around and returned to Monticello and will visit Island of the Sky next time. The Needles is in the southeast corner of Canyonlands and is less crowded than Island of the Sky. It is said there is better back country hiking at The Needles. The scenic drive is fantastic and packed with turn outs and parking lots for photo opportunities and hikes. If you have a four wheel drive vehicle there are even more places you can access. I have a two wheel drive truck so I stayed on the paved roads. Even if you are able to access Island of the Sky, The Needles District is well worth the trip. Stunning Views!