There’s something about the desert. Maybe it’s the way the sky stretches wider than your worries. Maybe it’s the way the rocks glow like embers at golden hour. Or maybe it’s just that sweet sense of being completely somewhere else—off-grid, off-clock, and fully alive.
Moab was exactly that kind of magic.
We kicked off the day with full hearts and empty stomachs at Jailhouse Café, an iconic little breakfast spot with flower boxes out front and vintage charm inside. It’s the kind of place where the coffee comes quick and the menu has zero fluff—just the real, comforting stuff you want after waking up in red rock country. We both ordered their signature Eggs Benedict (when in Moab, you go bold) and they did not disappoint. Perfectly poached, buttery hollandaise, fluffy English muffin—my mouth is watering just thinking about it. Jailhouse is an institution for a reason.
Before the national parks took center stage, we made a spontaneous stop at one of Moab’s most bizarre and beloved roadside attractions: Hole N' The Rock.
Now this place is pure Americana chaos in the best way. A 5,000 square foot home—carved into the side of a giant sandstone rock. Yes, carved. Like, blasted and chiseled out over 20 years by a couple named Albert and Gladys Christensen (you’ll learn all about them in the tour). There’s also a mini zoo, a collection of everything, and a gift shop that feels like a vintage fever dream. Quirky? Absolutely. But weird in the kind of way that makes a road trip feel right. If you love oddities, roadside history, or just a break from the ordinary, don’t skip this stop.
With full bellies and roadside wonder in our rearview mirror, we headed out to Dead Horse Point State Park—and wow. The name is harsh, but the views are anything but. Sweeping canyons, cliffs that plunge deep into shadowed valleys, and the Colorado River winding like a green ribbon below. It’s like standing on the edge of the world, but with bathrooms and trail maps. If you don’t have time for the full Canyonlands experience, Dead Horse delivers jaw-dropping views in a more manageable bite.
But the real showstopper of the day? Arches National Park.
We rolled in as the sun climbed high and the heat started cooking the pavement, so we stuck to shorter hikes—small but mighty ones that still gave us those unreal red rock moments. Every bend in the road feels like stepping into another planet. Natural arches tower like sandstone cathedrals, glowing amber and orange under the sky. It’s wild how alive the rocks feel out there.
One trail we loved was Sand Dune Arch—a shady, tucked-away trail that winds through narrow slot canyons before opening into a sandy wonderland beneath an arch. It felt like discovering a hidden playground. The contrast of cool shadows and warm sand underfoot was such a relief after all that sun. Highly recommend it if you're looking for something fun, scenic, and low-effort on a hot day.
After soaking up the wonders of Arches, we headed back toward town and made a little pit stop along the Colorado River near Moab. The plan? Cast a line, kick back, and see if we could snag a fish to add to our memory reel.
The reality? One cast. One pull. One broken pole.
Apparently, the river had other plans (and some serious current). We laughed until our stomachs hurt, tossed the broken pole in the back, and called it a lesson in humility—desert-style.
With the sun starting to dip low, we hit the road again, pointing the van west toward Capitol Reef National Park. But instead of checking into a formal campground, we went full nomad and found a roadside camping spot just outside the park—one of those "is this legal?" kind of pull-offs that ends up being exactly what you needed. No reservations. No hookups. Just stars, a soft breeze, and the kind of quiet that sinks into your bones.
Moab Road Trip Recap (Steal This Itinerary)
🥚 Start with breakfast at Jailhouse Café:
Trust me—get the Eggs Benedict. Sit outside if the weather’s nice and soak up the sleepy morning vibes.
🪨 Stop at Hole N’ The Rock:
Weird, wonderful, and wildly worth it. Take the tour, snap a selfie with the giant camel sculpture, and wander the gift shop like you're on a scavenger hunt.
🏞 Dead Horse Point State Park:
Sweeping desert vistas with way less foot traffic than the national parks. Take your time at the overlook—it’s soul food.
🌵 Arches National Park:
Even if you only have a few hours, you can still see major icons. Sand Dune Arch is a favorite for good reason. Bring water, sunscreen, and your wide-eyed wonder.