There are few ways to arrive in Moab that are as memorable as aboard the Canyon Spirit. As the train winds its way through dramatic canyons, colorful cliffs, and the spectacular landscapes of eastern Utah, the journey becomes part of the adventure itself. By the time you step off the train, you’ve already experienced some of the most beautiful scenery in the American West.
But here’s something many visitors quickly discover: the adventure doesn’t end when the train stops. In many ways, it’s just beginning.
Moab is surrounded by millions of acres of public land, two world-famous national parks, scenic byways, hidden overlooks, and small attractions scattered across the landscape. Unlike many vacation destinations, the places you’ll want to visit aren’t concentrated in one location. They’re spread across the region, often separated by 20, 40, or even 80 miles of breathtaking desert scenery.
That’s why renting a vehicle from Canyonlands Jeep & Car Rentals is one of the smartest decisions Canyon Spirit guests can make. Having your own vehicle gives you complete freedom to experience Moab on your schedule, discover places most visitors never see, and enjoy the flexibility that turns a great vacation into an unforgettable one.
Why a Rental Car Gives You More Freedom
One of the greatest luxuries of travel is the ability to explore at your own pace.
When you rent a car, SUV, or Jeep, you decide:
- When your day begins
- How long you stay at each stop
- Where you eat lunch
- Which scenic overlooks deserve another photograph
- Whether you watch the sunrise in Arches or the sunset in Canyonlands
You’re never waiting for a shuttle, watching the clock on a guided tour, or wondering if you’ll have enough time at your favorite viewpoint.
Instead, your itinerary becomes exactly what you want it to be.
Maybe you spend an hour walking beneath Delicate Arch.
Maybe you stop every few miles because the scenery keeps getting better.
Maybe you discover a local coffee shop downtown before heading back out into the desert.
That flexibility is something no tour bus can offer.
Explore Arches National Park
Less than ten minutes north of downtown Moab lies one of America’s most famous national parks.
Arches National Park contains more than 2,000 natural stone arches, towering sandstone fins, balanced rocks, and some of the most recognizable landscapes in the Southwest.
With your own rental vehicle, you can spend as much or as little time as you’d like exploring.
Some of the park’s highlights include:
Balanced Rock
Just a short walk from the parking area, Balanced Rock is one of the first iconic formations visitors encounter. Towering nearly 130 feet above the desert floor, it’s an excellent introduction to the park.
The Windows Section
The Windows is one of the easiest and most rewarding areas of Arches. Multiple massive arches are connected by short walking trails, making it ideal for visitors of all ages.
Double Arch
Made famous in movies and photographs, Double Arch is larger than most visitors imagine. Standing beneath its soaring spans is an unforgettable experience.
Delicate Arch
No visit to Utah feels complete without seeing the state’s most recognizable landmark.
The hike requires some effort, but standing beneath Delicate Arch while overlooking the surrounding red rock landscape is something you’ll remember forever.
Park Avenue
If you’re looking for spectacular scenery without a long drive, Park Avenue features towering sandstone walls that resemble a city skyline carved from rock.
Experience Canyonlands National Park
While Arches often receives most of the attention, many locals will tell you that Canyonlands National Park is every bit as impressive.
Only about 35 miles from Moab, the Island in the Sky district offers enormous overlooks stretching hundreds of miles across southeastern Utah.
Unlike Arches, Canyonlands feels vast and quiet.
It’s a place where you can truly appreciate how immense the Colorado Plateau really is.
Mesa Arch
If you’re an early riser, Mesa Arch is famous for sunrise. Even during the middle of the day, the view through the arch into the canyon below is extraordinary.
Grand View Point
A short walk leads to one of the best panoramic views in Utah. Layers of colorful canyons stretch toward the horizon in every direction.
Green River Overlook
Watch the Green River wind through deep sandstone canyons while enjoying one of the park’s easiest scenic viewpoints.
Buck Canyon Overlook
Often overlooked by visitors, this pullout provides spectacular views with very few crowds.
Dead Horse Point State Park
Only minutes from Canyonlands National Park sits one of Utah’s most photographed locations.
Dead Horse Point overlooks a dramatic bend in the Colorado River nearly 2,000 feet below.
Many visitors consider it one of the most beautiful viewpoints in North America.
If you’re planning a trip to Canyonlands, it’s easy to combine both parks into a single unforgettable day.
Enjoy Scenic Drives Around Moab
One of the greatest advantages of renting your own vehicle is enjoying the drive itself.
Some of the area’s most spectacular scenery exists outside the national parks.
Scenic Byway 128
Following the Colorado River through towering red cliffs, Highway 128 is consistently ranked among America’s most beautiful scenic drives.
There are countless opportunities to stop for photographs, short hikes, or simply enjoy the peaceful riverside scenery.
Potash Road
Beginning just outside Moab, Potash Road follows the Colorado River beneath massive sandstone cliffs before reaching ancient petroglyph panels and dinosaur tracks.
Even visitors without four-wheel-drive experience can enjoy much of this remarkable route.
Castle Valley
This quiet valley offers spectacular views of Castleton Tower and the La Sal Mountains.
It’s a peaceful drive that feels worlds away from the busy national parks.
Discover Downtown Moab
After a day of exploring, downtown Moab offers plenty of opportunities to relax.
Browse locally owned shops, enjoy an ice cream while strolling Main Street, or choose from dozens of outstanding restaurants.
Whether you’re craving authentic Mexican food, wood-fired pizza, steaks, burgers, or southwestern cuisine, you’ll find something for every taste.
Having your own rental car means you can easily return to your hotel whenever you’d like without worrying about transportation.
Looking for More Adventure?
If your Canyon Spirit vacation has inspired you to explore beyond the pavement, Canyonlands Jeep & Car Rentals also offers Jeep Wrangler Rubicon rentals.
These specially equipped Jeeps open the door to some of Moab’s legendary backcountry destinations.
Popular self-guided routes include:
- Gemini Bridges
- Chicken Corners
- Long Canyon
- Onion Creek
- Hurrah Pass
- Shafer Trail (conditions permitting)
Every Jeep rental includes an exclusive trail guide featuring maps, directions, trail ratings, and local recommendations, making it easy for first-time visitors to confidently experience Moab’s incredible backcountry.
Convenience from Start to Finish
Canyonlands Jeep & Car Rentals makes exploring Moab simple.
Guests enjoy:
- Complimentary hotel pickup throughout Moab
- Fast Express Checkout with online paperwork
- Cars, SUVs, Jeeps, minivans, and passenger vans
- Friendly local experts ready to recommend attractions, restaurants, scenic drives, and hidden gems
Whether you’re staying for one night or an entire week, having your own vehicle allows you to experience far more than you could otherwise.
Build Your Perfect Moab Itinerary
Here is one example of how a rental car transforms your stay:
Morning
- Breakfast in downtown Moab
- Drive to Arches National Park
- Visit Balanced Rock, Double Arch, and The Windows
Lunch
- Picnic inside the park or return to town
Afternoon
- Scenic drive to Canyonlands National Park
- Stop at Mesa Arch, Green River Overlook, and Grand View Point
Evening
- Watch the sunset at Dead Horse Point State Park
- Return to Moab for dinner and a relaxing evening downtown
Without your own transportation, seeing all of these incredible destinations in a single day would be difficult. With a rental vehicle, it’s easy.
Continue the Adventure Beyond the Tracks
The Canyon Spirit delivers one of the most scenic rail journeys in North America, but the landscapes surrounding Moab deserve to be explored up close.
A rental vehicle gives you the freedom to create your own adventure, discover hidden viewpoints, linger at breathtaking overlooks, and experience the parks on your own terms. Whether you choose a comfortable sedan, a spacious SUV, or an iconic Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, Canyonlands Jeep & Car Rentals provides the flexibility to make the most of every moment in southeastern Utah.
When your train arrives in Moab, don’t let your adventure stop at the station. Rent a vehicle, hit the open road, and discover why millions of travelers return to Moab year after year. The greatest views, unforgettable experiences, and lasting memories are just a short drive away.