Arches National Park is located in Moab, UT and is home to over 2,000 documented arches. The park has one main road that you enter from and drive 18 miles alongside Utah's natural beauty. During the drive there are pull outs along the way to see the major attractions. Each stop typically has a small parking lot, and some do have bathrooms and water stations. This drive is an in-and-out style road, so we'd recommend starting at the furthest point and working your way back to the entrance.
The iconic Delicate Arch.
TIPS FOR THE PARK
Consider purchasing the America the Beautiful annual park pass if you plan to visit multiple national parks in the year.
Stop at the visitor center and familiarize yourself with the National Park Service Park Map.
Plan your day in advance so you're not backtracking and hitting the crowds. It's important to know what you want to do so you can map out your route accordingly.
Reservations may be needed to enter the park, be sure to check the NPS Arches National Park website for additional details.
Get there early! The park fills up and making the trails and parking crowded.
Prepare for the weather and pack accordingly. It's critical to have good sun protection and good shoes to prevent slipping, blisters, etc.
Bring snacks and water - you can easily a spend a full day in these parks and there are limited food options within the parks.
Arches is pretty accessible to those of varying abilities. With the major spots located right off the side of the road, many attractions require low impact walks or simply drive up to.
Leave no trace!
WHERE TO STAY
Lucky for visitors, Arches National Park is located in Moab, UT which has a small downtown area to explore. It's a less than 10min drive to the park entrance. We'd recommend finding a hotel in the area to call home base. We stayed at the La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham. It was simple, affordable and in a good spot to both Arches and Canyonlands National Park.
WHAT TO DO
Hike - Explore the various walking trails hiking to arches.
Drive - Take the paved park roads and pull off in the various view points.
Camp - Reserve a campsite through the National Park Service and spend a night in Arches.
Horseback Riding - Third party companies offer g guided tour down around the park.
Climb - Check out the NPS website for requirements or work with a third party company.
SITES TO SEE
The Three Gossips can easily be seen as you drive along the main roads. To reach the base of the Three Gossips, visitors can drive the Courthouse Towers pullout and then hike there. It's only possible to rock climb up the Three Gossips, not hike, therefore most visitors will view this rock formation from the road only.
The Three Gossips chattin' it up.
Length: 1.8 miles
Difficulty: Moderate, high impact
Details: Hike down the trail into a canyon to have a clear view of Courthouse Towers, Queen Nefertiti, Queen Victoria Rock, and Three Gossips.
This is one of the first attractions that you will reach upon entering the park. The area has a trail to hike down into the canyon for a closer look at the various stops, however you are able to see most from the road. It is less crowded than some of the other major attractions within the park.
A view of Park Avenue.
Length: 0.3 mile
Difficulty: Easy, low impact
Details: A rare, natural rock formation which shows a single pillar rock structure with a large boulder balancing atop.
There is a nice parking lot located outside Balanced Rock. It tends to be a busier attraction on your way into the park. Consider what time you are arriving to the park and if you should do this spot on your way in or out.
Balanced Rock can be seen driving down the main highway.
There's also a parking lot and pull out area to take a photo.
North & South Window and Turret Arch
Length: 1 mile
Difficulty: Easy, low impact
Double Arch
Length: 0.6 mile
Difficulty: Easy, low impact
The windows were an easy hike with many paved walking trails to reach Double Arch, North Window, and South Window. These were some of the biggest arches we were able to see and it was not over crowded so there were plenty of places to take your time and enjoy the views. Originally, we were unsure if we were going to stop, but in hindsight it turned out to be a great spot. It's easy to navigate and would be safe for all ages, just be mindful of your step.
The view walking up to the North & South Windows.
Feeling so small under Turret Arch.
Length: 3 miles round trip
Difficulty: Difficult, high impact
Details: The most famous arch of the national park, it is considered the symbol of Arches National Park. This hike can be strenuous walking uphill and along steep cliffs, hike this trail with caution. The walkways can be slippery, be sure to wear high traction shoes.
You start by walking along a paved path, then it's a steep hike up before leveling off again. The ground can get dusty and slippery, so we recommend good traction shoes for best safety. When you reach the bowl area where Delicate Arch is. People tend to sit on the upper part of the bowl and walk around the upper rim until you the reach the Delicate Arch. Unfortunately, with a lot of visitors it's challenging to get an unobstructed view, so be considerate of what time you go.
We had a lot of fun hiking to the Delicate Arch, but it was harder than expected. The beginning is deceiving with the walkway, but the hike up is challenging. Be prepared and take it slow. Also, as you approach the Delicate Arch there are some very steep cliffs and safety concerns. If you are traveling with children or those who may be unsteady walking, this can become a bit scary. Be mindful before setting off on this hike.
Hidden Gem: When you head back, there's a great window shot to the Delicate Arch alongside the trail.
Devil's Garden Trail
Length: 8 mile loop
Difficulty: Moderate, low impact
Details: On this trail you’ll see Landscape Arch, Partition Arch, Navajo Arch, Double O Arch, Private Arch, Pine Tree Arch, and Tunnel Arch and Dark Angel.
Devil's Garden Trail felt like its own playground. The trail is accessible with wide paved paths starting at the parking lot. The arches are massive and located within, or at the top, of the red rock buttes. Since you are at the base looking up at the arch, it is a very safe trail for children and varying levels of accessibility. The loop is long, if you are approaching near sundown be mindful of the time - you wouldn't want to get stuck on the trail at sunset as it is quite long.
A view of Landscape Arch from the Devil's Garden Trail.
NEARBY
A local brewery in the heart of downtown Moab that offers a variety of local beers and American foods. Stop in after a long day outside for a nice meal and drink. Here you'll see many other visitors relaxing after their day at the park as it has a friendly atmosphere and plenty of seating.
Located in Downtown Moab, Dewey's Bar and Restaurant offers a wide variety of American foods. There is plenty of seating both at the bar and the tables. While we were there we enjoyed a Thanksgiving dinner! It was a really fun experience if you're in the area around that time.
After a quick 40 minute drive south east, you'll reach Canyonlands National Park. The park is divided into four districts - Island in the Sky, The Needles, The Maze, and the rivers that cut these areas into sections. The park has plenty of trailheads, overlooks, 4x4 driving trails, canyoneering, and much more. If you purchase the America the Beautiful annual park pass, it'll grant you access to both Arches and Canyonlands.
Commenti