1. Hike the Devils Garden Loop in Arches National Park
This 7-mile hike offers spectacular scenery. Make sure you bring along good hiking shoes, plenty of water, and a picnic lunch. As you drive through the park, take time to meander into the Windows section (don't miss Double Arch), and if you have kids (or are a kid at heart), stop and play at Sand Dune Arch. For an adventure, try a moonlight hike to Delicate or Double Arch.

2. Go Jeeping in Canyonlands National Park
This park is full of natural wonders, breath-taking overlooks, and fabulous trails that you've got to see to believe. Canyonlands is extremely vast, spreading over some 527 sq. miles. For that reason, we recommend a 4-wheel drive vehicle so you can cover as much terrain as possible.

3. Try Out One of the World-famous Mountain Biking Trails
Some of our favorites:
Klondike Bluffs (physically easy / technically moderate) 15.6 miles (out and back) of vast desert scenery and views of Arches; some slickrock, sand, and dinosaur tracks.
Kane Creek Springs (physically easy / technically moderate) A good trail in the heat of the summer due to the narrow canyons and natural springs along the trail. Also stop and see the Indian writing along the way.
Gemini Bridges (physically easy / technically moderate) 13.7 miles mostly downhill. Drop your vehicle off at the bottom and arrange for a shuttle to the top for about $10 per person.
Slickrock Bike Trail (expert) 13 miles of pure slick rock, a playground for "hot-doggers." If you're worried about skill level or just want to say you've been there, try the 2.1-mile practice loop.

4. Experience a Rock Art Adventure
Sunflower Hill, in conjunction with a local tour guide and rock art aficionado, has prepared a self-guided rock art tour along scenic Kane Creek. View the Moab Mammoth, the Birthing Rock and hundreds of other intriguing petroglyphs. Just minutes from the inn, you can experience a fascinating variety of rock art in a short amount of time. Spend a few hours or a few days. See the Innkeeper to borrow a copy of the Kane Creek Rock Art Adventure Guide.

5. Hike to Delicate Arch (probably the most famous arch in the world)
This 3-mile round-trip hike is fairly vigorous, so wear the proper shoes and take plenty of water. Because of its high elevation and the spectacular panoramic views from the area, we recommend this hike in the evening at sunset. As the sun sets to the West, the slanting rays light up the red arch creating a magnificently vibrant display of color. A great night hike for a ful moon.

6. Go Rafting Down the Mighty Colorado River
Or better yet, prearrange with a tour company to provide you with inflatable kayaks (called "duckies"). Most river rafting companies have plenty of these, and they can be arranged at no additional cost simply by asking. Duckies are easy to use, don't require previous experience, and are a lot more fun when doing the standard daily river trip (mostly calm water). Canyon country's watery routes offer incredible scenery, a closer look at wildlife, and a somewhat more "refreshing" approach to touring.

7. Drive Scenic Byway 128 & the Lasal Mtn. Loop Road
This 67-mile drive offers a spectacular transition of scenery from red-rock desert to beautiful national forests as you climb to an elevation of 8,800 feet. You'll see Fisher Towers, Priests and Nuns Rock, Castle Rock, and gaze from a bird's eye view on the Moab Rim and Canyonlands area. Enjoy a gourmet picnic lunch along side the beautiful and pristine Oowah Lake. This drive is particularly scenic during the first and second week of October when the aspen and oak leaves change colors.

8. Take the Fiery Furnace Guided Hike in Arches Nat'l Park
This vigorous 3-mile hike loops through a maze of narrow canyons and unusual rock formations. It is very popular and limited slots fill up quickly, so you'll want to plan ahead for this one. You must sign up in person at the Arches Visitor Center and watch a short video presentation. Due to the nature of this area, it can only be accessed with an experienced guide. Guided hikes usually depart at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. (you must arrive at the trail head at least 15 minutes before departure). Time and time again, our guests tell us how much they enjoy this activity--finding it both visually and intellectually stimulating.

9. Experience the Sights Along the Potash Road
Two miles North of Moab, Highway 279 (the Potash Road) winds down along side the Colorado River as it flows toward Cataract Canyon. Once a high traffic area for Indians and dinosaurs, this stretch of highway is full of spectacular views and many surprises. Large, well-marked panels of Indian rock art and ruins can be seen as well as some dinosaur footprints. Further down the canyon you'll see a sign and parking lot for Corona Arch. This 3-mile round trip hike is well worth the effort. You'll climb a metal ladder, experience a fantastic echo reverberating off the cliff walls, and behold two incredible arches.

10. Hike to Morning Glory Bridge in Negro Bill Canyon
About 3 miles up Scenic Byway 128, a narrow canyon opens up to the south. You'll see a small gravel parking lot just off the highway where the trailhead begins. The 4-mile round-trip hike involves many stream crossings and an occasional swimming hole, so wear sneakers and dress appropriately. Keep your eyes open for wild plums, colorful lizards, and little lobster-like creatures in the stream called "crawdads." In the event of an afternoon thunderstorm, drive along the first 5 miles or so of Hwy. 128, and you'll witness a truly amazing site as numerous waterfalls appear and cascade from towering cliffs into the Colorado River several hundred feet below.

Copyright © 2004 Sunflower Hill, Inc. All rights reserved.