Southeast Utah
Arches and Canyonlands National Parks cover a large area, and the scenery is so spectacular, you won't want to rush. In addition to the national parks, there's also family rafting on the rivers and ancient rock art sites for kids to explore. The most convenient place to stay, unless you camp inside the parks, is the town of Moab.
Tip: Cairns - Cairns are short piles of stones that mark the trails in Arches and Canyonlands. In this area, trails go over slickrock or through pinon pines and juniper trees, and cairns show the way. It's fun for everyone in the family to find the next cairn on the trail as you hike along, sort of like a treasure hunt. Just don't play with the rocks or disturb the cairns - these are essential trail markers.
