The Best Hotels Near Canyonlands National Park, Utah

Sleep under luxury canvas and beneath a canopy of some of the clearest night skies in the continental United States. Lying just 7mi (11km) north of Moab near Utah’s famed Arches National Park and Canyonlands, this beautiful resort is tucked between two world-class climbing, mountain biking and hiking destinations. The glamping provision includes a king-size bed, a wood burner and even an optional overhead window to gaze up at the stars. And relax.

If there’s one thing the American West does well, it’s ranches – and this resort offers a large private park, ponds, pools, a flowing waterscape, hammocks and shade, a heated swimming pool and hot tub, a campfire circle and spectacular sunset views. The accommodation comes in the form of beautifully appointed townhouses or bungalows. The ranch is very proud of its eco credentials, too, maximizing the use of recycled, sustainable and green-sourced materials.

Part of Hilton’s luxury Curio brand, the Hoodoo Moab offers views of the city’s red rocks and is just minutes from Arches National Park with its aforementioned hoodoos. Canyonlands National Park is 30mi (50km) away, and there are also things happening on your doorstep – the hotel is a block away from Main Street, with its restaurants, bars and shops. It also features an outdoor pool, a full-service spa and interior design that draws inspiration from the surrounding Western landscape.

River? Ranch? Resort? Well, this sounds promising… and the Sorrel River Ranch Resort lives up to its promise. An exclusive 240-acre (100ha) riverside oasis circled by the majestic landscape of Utah’s iconic arches, canyon-lands and red rock mesas, this place gives its guests a luxurious experience, including custom-built cabins, some with river views, others with open fireplaces and hot tubs under the striking (hopefully not literally) red rock.

They really took the red rock theme of the surrounding countryside here and ran with it – in a good way. The Marriott-owned SpringHill Suites boasts two pools and even a kids’ canyon – which is safer than it sounds. The modern, beautifully appointed bedrooms offer TVs with premium movie channels and Netflix, sofa areas, a mini-fridge and microwave, while outside your rooms you will find a gym, mini-mart and a complimentary breakfast.

There’s everything you need in this sleek, well-appointed hotel, minutes from Arches National Park and Sand Flats Recreation Area. The spacious and modern rooms – some with spectacular views of the red mountains – have flat-screen HDTVs, safes, desks, coffeemakers, microwaves, mini-refrigerators, ironing amenities and hair dryers. You’re an easy drive away from Canyonlands, too, or if you like your views wetter, take a picturesque journey along the Upper Colorado River Scenic Byway.

Just 1mi (1.6km) from downtown Moab, with easy access to hiking, biking and all-terrain vehicle paths spread across the park’s 76,518 acres (31,000ha) – although you’re not obligated to cover all of it – this beautifully finished hotel almost looks as if it’s embedded into the red rock. Beyond the inviting communal areas – which feature a stylish lobby with panoramic views, a beautiful outdoor pool with hot tub, and even a bike repair room – the rooms have everything you need, and some stunning vistas, too.

This recently renovated, family-run, all-American motor inn proudly boasts “a small town feel with big access to all the natural wonders of the area,” including the Needles district, Arches, Natural Bridges, Monument Valley and Valley of the Gods. The traditionally furnished accommodation provides everything you need for a base to launch yourself into the ridiculously other-worldly landscapes that surround you. Set in the close-knit community of Monticello, you’ll be immersed in local hospitality.

So you want quaint, mom-and-pop and all-American? The Grist Mill Inn is nestled next to the Abajo Mountains in San Juan County and surrounded by more than 20 national parks, state parks, monuments and other iconic attractions. The rooms are traditional and well-appointed, and the grilled breakfast is generous to the point where you won’t want to walk anywhere afterwards.

The ever-reliable La Quinta brand supplies dependability, comfort and an excellent base from which to explore the wonders of Utah. The comfortable, modern rooms offer all the usual amenities, plus there is a well-equipped gym, an outdoor pool beneath the imposing red rocks, a mini-mart for all your midnight snacking and a breakfast buffet included in your room booking, so you can fill up on complex carbohydrates before the big hike – or the big sit by the pool.