By Last Updated on October 20, 2021
I don’t know about you, but when I was in Moab, I never wanted to stop looking at those gorgeous red rocks, the sun seemingly lighting them from within.
Luckily, we found a vacation rental in Moab that was enveloped by the red rocks that encircled our complex. From the sunset that made the red rocks look otherworldly to the moonrise that made them glow, we got to enjoy the magnificent landscape around us long after we left Arches and Canyonlands.
Three Bedroom Condos Perfect for Families
Rim Village is a small neighborhood full of three bedroom, two bathroom single-story condo homes. It was the perfect fit for our multigenerational group that included myself, my father, two of my aunts, my cousin, his wife and toddler.
There were so many of us that we opted for two units that were a short walk around the block from each other. Although we all could have fit in one with some bed sharing and couch sleeping, we decided we’d be more comfortable in two units.
Although we slept in separate units, we spent most of our time together visiting and making dinner in one of the units, and there was plenty of room for us in the open concept living room, dining room and kitchen. We also cooked dinner on the grill and enjoyed some adult beverages out on the patio, which was also spacious. Perhaps the best part was having the enclosed patio for the toddler to run around without worrying he was going to run out in the street!
Enjoy Views The Views From Your Vacation Rental
This neighborhood has views for days! Seriously, I had trouble choosing photos for this post because there were so many amazing ones from sunset to the rise of the full moon while we were there.
Have a family member who isn’t planning to trek into Arches or Canyonlands? The views here just don’t stop. From the living room windows to the kitchen windows, bedroom windows and even the patio…you can enjoy the amazing landscape without ever leaving the condo!
Roomy Three Bedroom Condos
The exterior of the condos in this neighborhood all look pretty uniform, so I assume the floorplans are as well. Both our unit and the other one our family rented had the same layout. However, they were decorated differently, so you might find one is more your style than another.
The furnishings in our unit were very high quality. From the buttery soft leather couches you could cuddle into in front of the fire to comfy mattresses and beautiful photographs of the surrounding area, it was the perfect place to unwind after a big day at Arches or Canyonlands.
The master was enormous and had lots of floor space even with a king size bed, large dresser, nightstands and fireplace. The mattress was perfect after a long day hiking, and I slept soundly without being disturbed by any outside noise (the whole complex was wonderfully quiet).
It also had a master bathroom that could only be described as cavernous! It had a large walk-in shower, two sinks and a separate water closet. There’s also a great walk-in closet if you’re the type who unpacks your suitcase to hang items.
The other bedrooms were also large and easily accommodated a queen in the second bedroom and two twins in the third bedroom. Those bedrooms share a spacious bathroom with a tub/shower combo.
Our patio had a nice six-seat glass table and chair set and a gas grill. We did notice some of the other condos have hot tubs on the patio.
Arches and Canyonlands National Parks
Of course, one of the best things about these condos are their proximity to downtown Moab and both Arches and Canyonlands National Parks.
I’m a travel writer; I’ve been many to many beautiful places. I’m not exaggerating when I say that Arches and Canyonlands left me speechless.
Every time I thought I’d snapped the photo that would go up on my travel wall at home, I rounded a corner and took another photo that took its place in my mind as the most incredible shot. I’ve never seen landscapes like the ones in these two national parks, and I say that having been in at least a dozen other national parks over the past decade.
My best advice for Arches is go early and go often. We were there in May, and the gates closed every morning well before 9 a.m. They reopen as people leave, but get there early if you can. Otherwise, the ranger advised we come later in the afternoon or early evening after the crowds have died down.
Arches is open 24 hours a day, so plan to go after different times of day to observe how the light changes as the sun moves overhead. We weren’t able to go at night this trip, but the ranger told me it would be better to come back when there wasn’t a full moon. Next trip, we’re checking the moon cycle before we choose our dates so we can come and do some star gazing amidst the arches.
A 4×4 guided tour also came highly recommended from a friend to reach more remote areas of the park, so I’m booking it for next time!
I was equally blown away by Canyonlands. Having been to the Grand Canyon, I wasn’t expecting to to measure up…but, I have to say, I thought Canyonlands was even better than the Grand Canyon.
First, there were far less people at the overlooks in Canyonlands when we were there than was my experience at the Grand Canyon. Second, it felt more vast to me, and it was amazing to see just how far it stretched in the distance before you hit the mountains headed into Colorado.
Another great thing about Canyonlands was that it didn’t require any hiking to see some amazing landscapes. There are several different zones in Canyonlands, and we chose Island in the Sky because we were under time constraints and needed something we could mostly drive through without having to hike to the overlooks.
We did the entire drive to the end at Grand View Point Overlook, stopping at all the spots marked on the way. According to the timestamps on my photos, it took about an hour and fifteen minutes each way, so about two and a half hours to drive the whole thing, including stopping to gawk and take photos. There’s even an arch on this drive (Mesa Arch) if you didn’t get enough of these geographic wonders over at Arches.
Want someone else to drive so you can focus on seeing everything? Check out this half-day guided tour.
There were great views from the car as we drove through, and only short walks from the parking lot to views like the one above. This is great if you’re traveling with people with limited mobility (and no, family, I don’t mean you! You were all rock star adventurers!).
To be honest with you, Moab wasn’t on my travel bucket list. I went because my family already had a trip planned, and I got to tag along.
However, I was so blown away that I’ve already planned a trip back next year with my husband and mother-in-law, both of whom have never been. Now I know exactly where to stay, and I can plan more time in Arches at different times of the day and night. I cannot wait!
Ready to book your Moab trip? Snag our rental we loved here!
Linda
November 13, 2021Beautiful. I’m going!
Noreen Kompanik
February 7, 2022It really is a gorgeous place!