Colorado Plateau
Subregion

Colorado Plateau

America's red rock wonderland of canyons and mesas

The Colorado Plateau stretches across four states like a geological playground painted in rust and amber. Here's where the earth shows off — carving slot canyons so narrow you can touch both walls, stacking sandstone into impossible arches, and sculpting mesas that rise from the desert floor like ancient fortresses. This isn't just scenery you drive past. It's terrain that demands you get out, hike in, and crane your neck at formations that took millions of years to perfect. And the best part? Most visitors stick to the famous spots, leaving plenty of red rock solitude for those willing to venture a bit further.

Explore Cities

Bryce Canyon

Bryce Canyon

Moab

Moab

Zion National Park

Zion National Park

Explore the Region

Map showing 3 destinations
Cities
3 destinations

Colorado Plateau Itineraries

Zion Serenity: Premium Adventure Day

Zion Serenity: Premium Adventure Day

Weekend · $$$$

Moab serves as the region's adventure basecamp, with everything from budget motels on Main Street to glamping sites under starry skies. The town sits perfectly between Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, though expect higher prices during peak season— a basic hotel room runs $200+ in April. For a quieter vibe, try Blanding, Utah, where you'll pay half the price and still reach most attractions within an hour. Page, Arizona works well for exploring Antelope Canyon and Lake Powell, while Cortez, Colorado gives you access to Mesa Verde's cliff dwellings. But here's a local secret: camp at BLM sites outside these towns for free, spectacular sunrise views, and the kind of silence that makes city dwellers nervous.

Money-Saving Tips

  • 1.Buy an America the Beautiful Annual Pass for $80 — it pays for itself after visiting 3 national parks
  • 2.Camp at free BLM sites instead of paying $30+ for developed campgrounds
  • 3.Shop for groceries in larger towns like Moab or Page before heading to remote areas
  • 4.Fill up your gas tank whenever you see a station — prices jump $0.50+ per gallon in remote areas
  • 5.Visit during shoulder seasons (April-May, September-October) for lower accommodation prices
  • 6.Pack plenty of water and snacks — convenience stores in small towns charge premium prices
  • 7.Book accommodations well in advance for peak seasons to avoid price gouging

Travel Tips

  • •Always carry more water than you think you need — desert air dehydrates you faster than expected
  • •Check weather and road conditions before heading to remote areas, especially in winter
  • •Download offline maps — cell service disappears quickly outside main towns
  • •Start hikes early to avoid afternoon heat and crowds at popular spots
  • •Respect cryptobiotic soil crusts — they take decades to form and minutes to destroy
  • •Pack layers — desert temperatures can swing 40 degrees between day and night
  • •Tell someone your hiking plans when exploring remote areas alone
  • •Bring a headlamp even for day hikes — slot canyons can be surprisingly dark

Frequently Asked Questions

April through May and September through October offer the best combination of pleasant weather and manageable crowds. Daytime temperatures stay in the 70s-80s, perfect for hiking, while nights cool down comfortably. Summer gets brutally hot (often 100°F+) and winter can bring snow that closes high-elevation roads.

Explore Colorado Plateau

Things to Do in Colorado PlateauWhen to Visit Colorado Plateau3 Days in Colorado Plateau7 Days in Colorado Plateau

Ready to explore Colorado Plateau?

Get a personalized itinerary in seconds with Takeoff.

Free on iOS. No credit card required.