The Arches National Park is Just outside of Moab, Utah, which is a perfect little town to stay in if you are going to Dead Horse Point, Canyonlands, or the Arches.
Arches National Park
The Arches National Park
Arches National park gets its well deserved named from having 2,000 documented arches! Founded in 1929 as a National Monument thanks to President Hoover and later changed to a National Park thanks to President Nixon in 1971!
The most well known arch is Delicate Arch. The longest arch is Landscape Arch, 306 feet long! And the tallest arch is Double Arch, 112 feet tall!
I’ve been fortunate enough to visit this National Park two separate times! Both times my travel partners and I could only stay for a few hours before heading over to Canyonlands or Dead Horse Point. Single day adventures are not recommended for trying both National Parks and/or the state park. Fully encourage you to take your time to enjoy each significant places for their beauty and wonders!
Quick Information
- Pets are not allowed on any hikes. Only at campgrounds, scenic drives, and parking lots. They must always be leashed.
- Watch your step! Cryptobiotic soil is an important part to the eco system here in the desert. They are living organisms that help retain water and provide nutrition to nearby plants. They take 50 years to fully grow back.
- Yes there are snakes here so keep your eye open when walking by shadowed bushes where they like to cool off.
- Speaking of heat it gets HOT here, into the 100ºF. So bring lots of water, hats that provide shade, sunscreen and did I mention water?
- Sunsets and sunrises are obvious ideal times for photographers so everyone is probably thinking the same thing as you about getting a good shot of one of the arches, so I would suggest you get there as early as possible to claim a spot!
HIKING
SAND DUNE ARCH
This short hike is not on a rocky trail but like its name suggests, sand. You will walk through natural alleyways with multiple snap worthy stops! This area stays shaded for most of the day so if you are looking for a place to cool down and see some sand between your toes then check it out!
Sand Dune Arch 0.3 miles.
BALANCED ROCK
Short walk of 0.3 miles on a paved walkway and easily accessible for wheelchairs! Here you can see a large rock balancing on a stem like structure that will with time erode and topple over!
PARK AVENUE
Here you will see a beautiful canyon of structures of all different sizes, colors and uniqueness. Several have clever names like The Tower of Babel, The Three Gossips, and The Organ to name a few.
OTHER HIKES
DELICATE ARCH
There are 3 different hikes involving the Delicate Arch
The Lower Delicate Arch view point
This is a 10 min walk or so from the parking lot. Here you can see the Delicate Arch in the distance. If you continue forward you will go to another view point a little bit closer.
The Upper Delicate Arch View Point
The hike is 30 or 40 minutes long. The arch is a lot smaller than I personally expected. I thought it would be bigger or I would be closer to the arch from this spot but I was mistaken unfortunately. But as you can see in the picture below, the people are tiny compared to the arch once you are up close and personal with it!
Now if you’re wanting to hike TO the Delicate Arch you will need to get back on Delicate Arch Road.
Wolfe Ranch Trail Head
This trail is 3 miles long and is considered difficult. Keep in mind this trail has no shade so bring lots of water and stay hydrated! It will take about 3 hours to complete this trail
While you’re here at Wolfe Ranch you can see Ute petroglyphs dating back anywhere between the 1650’s and the 1850’s.
Other Hikes
- Skyline Arch 0.4 miles
- Double Arch 0.5 miles
- The Windows 1 miles
- Courthouse Wash Rock Art 1 miles
- Lanscape Arch 1.9 miles
- Broken Arch Loop 2 miles
- Tower Arch 2.6 miles
- Double O Arch 4.1 miles
- Primitive Trail 7.8 miles
- And Fiery Furnace has no trail.
DRIVE N HOP OUT
Driving through the Arches is what the majority of people do if you are not a huge hiker but love breathtaking sights. There are plenty of stops as you drive and I would encourage you to actually stop and get out of your car and feel the sun against your skin and the sandstone under your feet.
Garden of Eden
Here you can see a lot of neat pillars and close to a lot of other stops! Like the Double Arch trail head!
Courthouse Towers
I think this is a great stop to see how massive these structures are!
La Sal Mountains
Here is a total MUST for me! You can view so many structures from all different angles with the beautiful mountains in the background. There are signs that tell you what each formation is named.
Ending thoughts
I must say I really enjoyed the Arches and I do feel like I will have to go back and visit again and spend a full day or two to fully enjoy its beauty.
If you are looking for more ideas for things to do in Utah, check out this 101 things to do in Utah blog post by Local Adventurer. They have really helpful insights on so many places all over the world!
If you have had the pleasure of visiting The Arches National Park then please let me know what your favorite hike and photo spot is!
Stay safe and stay hydrated!
Until next time friends!
-Dash
This is on my bucket list! What a beautiful place to visit with your family! Thank you for the awesome information.
Im glad you enjoyed the information! Enjoy with your family soon I hope!
So enjoyed reading about your adventure😁
Im glad you enjoyed!