Start your morning off early with a trip to see the sunrise at Mesa Arch in Canyonlands National Park. Then move on to the other major viewpoints in the park, like Grand View Point and the Green River Overlook. If you’re looking for adventure, take a 4x4 tour of the White Rim Trail or hike the Whale Rock Trail.

Arches National Park, just a few miles away, is great in the afternoon (even in the midday heat) as trails are short and several scenic views can be enjoyed from the car. Don’t miss the hike to Delicate Arch, the massive towers in Park Avenue, and a wander through the Devil’s Garden.

Wrap up your first day with a scenic sunset cruise down the Colorado River. Tours often include a cowboy-style dinner and a lesson in the history and geology of the Colorado Plateau. If you’re traveling with kids, you may also enjoy the ranger-led stargazing programs offered in the national parks.

Spend your second day in Moab on an array of outdoor adventures: To make the most of your time and pack in a range of activities, opt for two half-day tours or book a tour that includes a combination of two or more adventures. Choose between mountain biking, canyoneering, and hiking excursions.

A half-day white-water rafting trip is the perfect way to keep cool in the midday desert sun. Alternatively, you could take a 4x4 tour or a scenic flight, go skydiving, or explore one of the scenic areas outside the parks, like Corona Arch, Onion Creek, or Fisher Towers.

Spend your final evening in Moab browsing the galleries, cowboy craft shops, bookstores, and gear shops on Main Street. For dinner, choose from a huge range of restaurants, from high-end bistros to brew pubs, pizza joints, and Mexican grills. Nightlife is minimal in Moab, but a handful of bars host live music and local acts on the weekend.