Castle Valley UtahATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Castle Valley, Utah.
1. Castleton Tower
ICONIC SANDSTONE MONOLITH
Castleton Tower, also known as Castle Rock by locals, is a 400-foot sandstone tower that rises high above Castle Valley and serves as the area's number one attraction. The tower rests on a 1,000-foot cone of looser rock and stands as a dramatic landmark visible throughout the valley. While hiking to the base is possible, only experienced rock climbers should attempt to scale any part of the tower or its base.
2. Priest and Nuns
DISTINCTIVE ROCK FORMATIONS
The Priest and Nuns are unique rock pinnacles that tower above the cliffs marking Castle Valley's northeast border. These distinctive formations, similar to the sacred rock icons found in Monument Valley, create a dramatic skyline against the desert landscape. The formations showcase the constant geological processes that have shaped this immense scenic wonder over millennia.
3. Adobe Mesa
PANORAMIC HIKING DESTINATION
Adobe Mesa offers some of the finest hiking opportunities in the Castle Valley area with trails that reward explorers with outstanding views of the valley below. The mesa stands as one of the prominent geological features that form Castle Valley's striking landscape. Visitors can experience the natural beauty of the high desert environment while taking in panoramic vistas of the surrounding terrain.
4. La Sal Mountain Loop
SCENIC MOUNTAIN DRIVE
The La Sal Mountain Loop is a scenic drive that takes visitors from Castle Valley into the La Sal National Forest, opening up to spectacular vistas below. This drive showcases the dramatic contrast between red rock desert and alpine mountain environments that makes this region so unique. The journey offers numerous photo opportunities and access points to outdoor recreation in the mountains.
5. Colorado Riverway Recreation Area
RIVERSIDE ADVENTURE HUB
The Colorado Riverway Recreation Area provides access to one of the most scenic stretches of the Colorado River as it winds through red rock canyons. Visitors can enjoy rafting, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding on the river's gentle sections or more challenging rapids. The recreation area also features picnic spots and viewpoints that showcase the river's dramatic setting.
6. Slickrock Bike Trail
WORLD-FAMOUS MOUNTAIN BIKING
Slickrock Bike Trail is one of the most acclaimed mountain biking trails in the world, located just a short drive from Castle Valley. The trail offers 10.5 miles of challenging riding across petrified sand dunes and ancient seabeds that have been transformed into smooth sandstone. Bikers are treated to both technical challenges and breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
7. Porcupine Rim Trail
PREMIER BIKING EXPERIENCE
Porcupine Rim Trail offers some of the most acclaimed mountain biking found in Utah, accessible via Highway 128 from Castle Valley. The trail features technical sections, thrilling descents, and spectacular views of Castle Valley and the Colorado River corridor below. Both hikers and mountain bikers can enjoy this trail, though it's particularly renowned in the mountain biking community for its challenging terrain and scenic rewards.
8. Arches National Park
NATURAL STONE ARCHWAYS
Arches National Park is home to over 2,000 natural stone arches and numerous other incredible rock formations, located within an hour's drive of Castle Valley. The park's iconic Delicate Arch, Landscape Arch, and Double Arch draw photographers and hikers from around the world to witness these geological marvels. Visitors can explore the park via scenic drives, short walks, or longer hiking trails that showcase the unique desert environment.
9. Canyonlands National Park
DRAMATIC DESERT CANYONS
Canyonlands National Park preserves a colorful landscape of canyons, mesas, and buttes carved by the Colorado River and its tributaries, all within an hour's drive from Castle Valley. The park is divided into four districts: Island in the Sky, The Needles, The Maze, and the rivers themselves, each offering distinct experiences and perspectives on this vast wilderness. Visitors can enjoy scenic drives, hiking, mountain biking, four-wheel driving, and river activities depending on which district they explore.
10. Dead Horse Point State Park
ICONIC CANYON VIEWPOINT
Dead Horse Point State Park features a dramatic overlook 2,000 feet above a gooseneck bend in the Colorado River, creating one of the most photographed scenic vistas in the American West. The park offers miles of hiking and mountain biking trails along the mesa top with various overlooks providing different perspectives of the canyon. Visitors can enjoy the park's dark sky designation for stargazing, camp in modern facilities, or simply take in the breathtaking views that have appeared in numerous films and advertisements.
11. North Window Arch
PHOTOGENIC NATURAL WINDOW
North Window Arch is one of the most accessible and photographed arches in Arches National Park, a short drive from Castle Valley. The arch forms part of the Windows Section where visitors can see multiple arches within a relatively small area via easy hiking trails. Sunrise and sunset bring spectacular lighting conditions that transform the red sandstone into a glowing natural wonder popular with photographers.
12. Moab Museum of Film and Western Heritage
HOLLYWOOD'S DESERT CONNECTION
The Moab Museum of Film and Western Heritage celebrates the region's significant contribution to cinema, particularly Western films that have used the dramatic landscape as a backdrop. Exhibits showcase memorabilia, photographs, and information about the many movies and television shows filmed in and around Moab and Castle Valley. Visitors can learn about how this unique landscape has shaped American cinema and popular perceptions of the American West.
13. Round Rock
SCENIC HIKING AREA
Round Rock offers excellent hiking opportunities in the Castle Valley area with trails that provide outstanding views of the valley below. The distinctive formation is part of the impressive skyline that makes Castle Valley so visually striking. Hikers can enjoy the natural desert beauty while experiencing the geological wonders that have made this region famous.
14. Castle Valley Winery
LOCAL DESERT VINEYARD
Castle Valley Winery produces unique wines in one of America's most dramatic vineyard settings, nestled beneath towering red rock formations. The winery specializes in crafting wines that express the distinctive high desert terroir of southeastern Utah. Visitors can enjoy tastings while taking in spectacular views of Castle Rock and the surrounding landscape.
15. Red Cliffs Lodge
RIVERSIDE DINING EXPERIENCE
Red Cliffs Lodge houses the Cowboy Grill restaurant where diners can enjoy Southwestern cuisine while overlooking the Colorado River and Castle Valley's dramatic red rock landscape. The lodge is situated on a working ranch and vineyard, adding to the authentic Western experience. Visitors can combine a meal with wine tasting at the on-site Castle Creek Winery or explore the lodge's movie museum which showcases films made in the area.