“Mother Nature is a master sculptor and in no place is that more evident than at Arches National Park.”
Stefanie Payne
We were just leaving Monument Valley. It was hot, and we were going to be about 4 hours earlier than expected to arrive at our campsite. We were tired, and we thought about setting up camp and taking an afternoon nap. We decided that if we wanted to pull off somewhere and had free time on the road trip, we should explore it. Well, this happened to be one of the best spontaneous detours of our journey. We were driving through Moab, and I casually said to my sister, “Want to go check out Arches? We have time to burn.” One of the best decisions of my life.
Why You Should Visit Arches National Park
Growing up in California, I started camping and generally getting outdoors at a young age. My dad and sisters would head out into the forest (not a campsite. We’re talking middle of nowhere) and spend the weekend. I have a great appreciation for nature. I’ve been to some of the most beautiful places in California. We drove through the entry gate to Arches and began to head up the hill. I can honestly tell you; I was left speechless with the pure beauty unfolding in front of my eyes.
It seemed surreal. There is no way that something on this planet could be so wonderful. I was in awe. If you’ve ever seen the Disney Movie Cars driving through this park, you will quickly realize where they came up with the setting. It looks straight out of a movie. Something so beautiful and peaceful that it absolutely couldn’t be real. Alright, enough of my soapbox. Let’s get into the details.
The park isn’t giant. We only had around five hours of sunlight, and we almost saw everything there was to see. We were in the peak travel season. Everywhere we had been so far had been packed with people. Arches, however, was relatively empty. The road in the park had a few cars now and then. The parking lots had plenty of open spots. The viewpoints rarely had cars parked in them. I don’t think this park is on the list of many people to visit, but it is easily in my top five National Parks I have visited.
Things to do in Arches National Park
Hiking at Arches National Park
Like most of the places in my blogs, they all have fantastic hiking. Most of the trails here are relatively easy. The park does a great job of allowing you to see all the sights from the road, but in my opinion, you’re out in nature, so you should explore it. We drove around and found some great trails to hike. The first trail we did was “The Windows” trail. This hike took us to some massive arches; “windows” to the desert beyond. I highly recommend this trail.
It’s short and easy, although it is not handicapped-accessible. We wanted to do the delicate arch trail and the devil’s garden trail. These are both on my list to do when I come back. Delicate Arch is one of the more popular arches, and this little arch on the hill is quite picturesque. Devil’s Garden Trail leads you through a canyon and up to some more arches… I think you are starting to find out how this place got its name. From the pictures I’ve seen, this is a trail you don’t want to miss. Ultimately we finished our day on the Skyline Arch trail and decided to hang out and watch the sunset here.
Camping at Arches National Park
There are a few campgrounds throughout the park for those that want to make their adventures last a couple of extra days. We traveled during covid, and unfortunately, we could not camp within the park as the campsites were all closed. This was a blessing in disguise. We stayed in Goblin Valley. Check out the Goblin Valley blog for more info.
Biking at Arches National Park
A few elect to bike the road instead of drive the road. The road throughout the park is classified as a scenic drive. What better way to experience it than at your own pace with the wind in your face? Keep in mind that there are no trails where bikes are permitted in the park. Desert soil is very fragile, and disrupting the ground in any way will damage the whole desert ecosystem. Stick to the roads and do your part to keep the desert thriving.
Where To Stay at Arches National Park
There are plenty of options in and around Arches National Park
Hotel – If you’d rather stay in an air-conditioned room, the city of Moab is right outside the park entrance. There are restaurants, grocery stores, etc. It’s not your typical desert town. It’s well-stocked, and there are some fun little places to explore. You also have a few hotel options to choose from if this option is more of your preference.
Camping – If you’d rather ditch the city for some outdoor peace, there is plenty of camping available in the park. If you are reading this in the days of 2020 Covid, check the park website to check and see any restrictions. If you are reading this and society has made it out of 2020, you’ll want to camp under the stars in this fantastic park. As always, you can make your camping reservation at www.recreation.gov.
The Desert Is Calling Me Back
We were only in the park for a handful of hours, but the call of the desert is still ringing in my ears. There is still so much for me to see and explore, and I can’t wait to go back and experience more of it. I’m an avid hiker, and I cannot wait to see what other trails I can explore throughout this unique part of nature.
If you plan a trip through the Utah desert, do yourself a favor, and make a stop at Arches National Park. You will not be disappointed. The best time to see the Delicate Arch is at sunrise, and you can get some great pictures. Early morning there are fewer of us tourists.
Thank you again for reading, and I’ll catch you on the next post!
TL;DR
This place is one big place to explore—plan to hike… a lot. There are strenuous hikes. There are easy hikes. Choose what is suitable for you. Get out there and explore.
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Get More Info
Get more info from the source at https://www.nps.gov/arch/index.htm
Check out my other blog reviews of National Parks!
When you go back to Arches. I want to go too!
Of course! I don’t know when but it’s not that far!
Me too!! 😍
Of course!
Nice and totally AWESOME!
Don’t know if you’ve ever been there… but the stars at night were the best I’ve ever seen!