In search of the Milky Way

 

Moab, Hanksville and Torrey on https://darksitefinder.com/map/?i=/%234/39.00/-98.00 

Pennsylvania, (where we went to see the Milky Way during a new moon in 2025) on dark site finder.  The darkest it gets is purple.  In southern Utah there is purple around the cities, 

Glenwood Springs, CO

 

Dead Horse, Canyonlands, Goblin

 

5 hours of driving if stay in Torrey near Capitol Reef, or 4 hours if staying in Hanksville. 

Tuesday - Deadhorse, canyonland, Goblin: (5 hours driving if we stay in Capitol Reef [Torrey], 4 hours if we stay in Hanksville.  Hike 60,30,60,60 = 3.5)

4a wake

5:30-6:10 drive to DeadHorse Point 

6:10-7:30 hike around the rim

7:30-8:00 drive to Mesa Arch

8:00-8:30 walk around

8:30-8:40 drive to Grandview Point Overlook trail in Canyonland

8:40-9:40 hike

9:40 eat in the car or drive 1 hour to Tamarisk Restaurant 1710 E Main St, Green River, UT, American fare with veggie options.

10:00-12:15 drive to Goblin Valley State Park

12:15-1:15 hike Valley of the Goblin (Google Earth calls this Goblin Overlook), or do this Wed at dawn if ATV place doesn’t open until 8a

1:15-1:50 drive to Hanksville (36 min) for dinner at Stan's Burger Shak, or 2:45 Torrey (1hr 28 min)

Moab/Arches

Only 1 h 46 min of driving for the Arches day.  Rest up next day.

 

"If you miss timed entry for Arches, focus on nearby Canyonlands National Park (Island in the Sky district) for incredible views without timed entry, explore Dead Horse Point State Park, drive the scenic byways around Moab like the La Sal Mountain Loop, hike shorter trails or viewpoints outside timed hours (before 7 AM or after 4 PM) at Arches, visit the Moab Giants dinosaur park, go rafting on the Colorado River, or explore the Manti-La Sal National Forest. The town of Moab itself also offers breweries, wineries, and shops. "

But if you get into the park by 7a, as long as you don't leave the park, you can see all you want, you just can go back in until after 4p

Moab to Arches drive is 9 minutes, 5.2 miles.

Moab to Grand View Point overlook and trailhead is 1 hr 2 min, 44 mi.

Grand Junction, CO to Grand View Point overlook and trailhead is 2 hr 15 min, 135 mi.

National & State Parks

Canyonlands National Park (Island in the Sky): Just minutes from Arches, offers stunning canyon vistas and is not on a timed-entry system for its main district.

• Dead Horse Point State Park: Famous for its dramatic overlooks of the Colorado River, requiring a separate state park pass.
• Goblin Valley State Park: A bit further, but offers unique hoodoo formations. 

Scenic Drives & Views

• Arches Scenic Drive (Early/Late): Drive the 18-mile road before 7 AM or after 4 PM to see viewpoints like Courthouse Towers, Balanced Rock, and The Windows without needing a timed entry.
• La Sal Mountain Loop: A beautiful drive through forested mountains with cooler temperatures. 

Hikes & Trails (Outside Timed Entry)

• Mill Canyon Dinosaur Trail: An 8-mile trail with dinosaur tracks.
• Short Walks in Arches (Early/Late): Try Balanced Rock (2.2 mi loop) or the Windows Section if entering during the permitted hours.
• Colorado Riverway Recreation Area: Offers trails along the river. 

Other Activities in & Around Moab

• Moab Giants Dinosaur Park: See dinosaur skeletons and tracks.
• Colorado River: Go rafting, kayaking, or stand-up paddleboarding.