Dinosaurs once roamed the rocks and prehistoric earthscapes of the southeastern corner of Utah, from Moab to the San Juan River, an area that now awaits adventure-seeking families. Arches and Canyonlands are down the road from one another; together they form a landscape where the earth's crust reveals itself in layer upon layer of sedimentary rock, stacked and swirled into strange spires and pinnacles. Spring and fall are the best time to visit, as summer temperatures can top one hundred degrees.
Trails lead off from the eighteen-mile main park road. One of the best for young children is the walk to Sand Dune Arch; it is short and flat but thrilling. At one point, you squeeze through a crevasse so narrow, your shoulders barely fit. Youngsters also enjoy the quick hike around Balanced Rock, a huge boulder (the size of 1,600 cars) that teeters atop an eroding stone pedestal. A highlight for children is viewing the dinosaur tracks along the "Potash" road (Highway 279); along this same route are also a number of Indian petroglyphs. Lin Ottinger Tours (801— 259—7312) and Tag-A-Long Tours (800—453—3292, 801—259—8946) both lead guided tours of the park's backcountry by jeep while Pack Creek Ranch (801—259—5505) offers horseback tours into the park.
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