Charlie’s First National Park Trip

Arches and CAnyonlands

Dead Horse Point State Park - State park right outside Canyonlands Island in the Sky District.
Hittle Bottom Campground - South of Arches on a road that follows the Colorado River, there are a bunch of campsites along this river, this is just one of them.

Upheaval Dome - short hike that gives an overlook view
Grand View Point - another short hike that gives you an overlook of the river below, you should also be able to see the White Rim Trail
Mesa Arch - great sunrise spot, but prepare to have an onslaught of other people after this spot was made famous as a Windows screensaver
Whale Rock - short hike on top of a huge rock, also a good sunrise spot
Aztec Butte - hike to some granaries and ancient settlement sites, it takes you on top of a nearby mesa and provides good 360 views.

Delicate Arch - this is a classic, it is on the Utah license plate. It is also the most popular hike in the park. It is 1.5 miles each way and there is no shade, make sure to bring shade and water for the little guy.
Devil’s Garden - you can make this a short little hike, to some nearby arches, or you can go a bit further to Double O Arch, or do a complete loop. I have not done the complete loop, so don’t know trail conditions, but the out and back to Double O is quite nice.
Balanced Rock - very short hike, quick photo op
Panorama Point- More of a photo op, but a good view
Double Arch and Windows - Both very very short hikes, but great at sunset. These will also be packed with people.

Sandcreek RV Park in Torrey - Mariah Underhill’s aunt and uncle run this spot. There are also tons of other spots in and around the Torrey area, and you aren’t too far from Capitol Reef
Hell’s Backbone Grill - This is a bit further south in the town of Boulder and it is phenomenal food! Great for breakfast or dinner, check about reservations

Goosenecks Overlook - short hike that takes you to an overlook above Sulphur Creek
Cassidy Arch - One of the more popular hikes in the park, this is also a spot that people rappel from, maybe once Charlie is a bit older
Chimney Rock - This is a bit of uphill, but takes you to a spot where you can overlook Fruita and get a good spot of the surrounding area.
Navajo Knobs - 9.4 miles round trip, but you can turn around at any point. It also takes you by Hickman Bridge which is the most popular hike in the park
Sulphur Creek - This starts right behind the visitor center. You can walk to the visitors center to the third of three waterfalls.
Lower Calf Creek Falls - This is in Grand Staircase Escalante, but is about 3-miles each way and is a good stopping point if you are driving down to Bryce Canyon
Temple of the Sun and Moon - This is a drive to a view of two cool formations, make sure to also check out Glass Mountain. Ask at the ranger station about the road before going.

Sunrise and Sunset Point - Good overlook spots to look down on the Bryce Amphitheater
Bryce Point - On the opposite side of the amphitheater from sunrise and sunset, also probably the best sunrise view in the park.
Queen’s Garden/Navajo Loop - this takes you down into the hoodoos and gets you up close with everyone, it is also a very popular hike.
Peek-a-Boo Loop - like Queen’s Garden this takes you down into the hoodoos, but is much less popular. There are also horse tours that usually take this route.
Yovimpa Point and Natural Bridge - Drive the park road out to Yovimpa Point, and stop at the different spots like Natural Bridge along the way.