The Grand Circle is a region in the Southwest United States which contains the largest concentration of national parks in the USA. The grand circle incorporates part of Utah, Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and a small part of Nevada. It incorporate well know destinations such as the Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, Zion National Park and Monument valley. There are quite a few lesser known destinations as well. One of these is Moab. Moab is a small town located between Arches National Park and Canyonlands national park and it is worth spending a few days there to explore both these parks.
Arches, especially is very photogenic, the landscape is made out of red sandstone and erosion has caused the formation of some dramatic natural arches. The Arches landscape has featured in various movies, probably the most famous of which is in the opening scenes of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. Some of the most famous arches are Delicate Arch, Double Arch and Landscape Arch.
Canyonlands is a much larger park than Arches, nearly 5 times the size, however it is not as easily accessible. It does offer some good photography opportunities. Like Arches it also has natural Arches as well as vista’s overlooking the various canyons that make up the park.
Moab itself is a quaint little town and it makes the prefect base, there is also plenty to do for family members who aren’t into photography, as there are plenty of hiking, mountain biking, wild water rafting. I was last in Moab 5 years ago and stayed in the Aarchway inn, which was pleasant enough, but nothing special.
For Moab hotel reviews and prices please click here.
Mesa Arch, Canyonlands National Park. Photo by Snowpeak
Delicate Arch, Arches National park. Photo by Alan Vernon
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Tags: arches national park, canyonlands national park, landscape, moab, utah
