Time always flies on vacation! On most trips, there are more things to do than time allows. It can be really hard to narrow down the to-do list!
In Moab, Utah, you can’t help but face this dilemma! Nestled near 2 National Parks, the Colorado River, and some of the best rock terrain in the nation, it is tough to decide what to include on the itinerary and what to save for another trip!
On our first trip to Moab, we spent time in Canyonlands National Park Islands in the Sky District. We wanted to visit the Needles District, but there just wasn’t time to make that drive.
On our most recent trip, we debated whether or not it was worth the 1 hour and 45 minutes drive one way to see the Needles. We decided to go for it and quickly found out that the answer is YES!
To reach the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park from Moab, head south on Hwy 191. Turn right (west) on SR 211. This is where the drive starts to get really interesting.
SR 211 is also known as the Indian Creek Scenic Byway. It joins highway US Hwy 191 about 40 miles south of Moab. This Scenic Byway is 18 miles each way and ends at the entrance to the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park. The highway winds among spectacular buttes and rock formations!
As you enjoy this scenic drive, don’t miss Newspaper Rock, one of the country’s largest collections of petroglyphs which is also a Utah State Historic Site. This amazing rock art is about 15 miles west of Hwy 191.
Once you arrive at the entrance to the Needles District, the possibilities are endless! And, there are far fewer people in this district than in Islands in the Sky. I think you’ll find a Moab day trip to the Needles along the Indian Creek Scenic Byway to be vacation time well spent!
Well if I just had read the sign I would have known the answer to that question!
Sent from my iPhone
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