THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO ARCHES NATIONAL PARK

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO ARCHES NATIONAL PARK

If you’re planning a trip to Utah, odds are you’re aiming to spend some time in none other than Arches National Park. This park is full of jaw-dropping natural rock arches, some of them so delicate looking that you won’t be able to comprehend how they’re still standing. Check out this ultimate guide to making the most of your time in Arches National Park below.

Checking out other parks in the area as well? Check out my Ultimate Guide to Utah here as well as My Favorite Hikes in Utah here.

Arches is probably the most famous of the Utah National Parks due to the unbelievable natural rock arch formations throughout the park. Odds are you’ve seen images of the famous Delicate Arch (pictured below), but the park is also full of dozens of other arch formations, both big and small, for you to wander around under and amaze at. 

Arches National Park is located just outside of Moab, Utah, which is the main place to stay while exploring the park. There are a lot of awesome glamping opportunities near the park, Under Canvas being the crowd favorite that I’ve heard of so far. We sadly weren’t able to stay here since they book up quite early, so be sure to get your reservations in as soon as possible. Instead, we opted for an Airbnb in Moab of which there are plenty.

I went in August…basically, just don’t go then. While there weren’t many crowds, the heat was so unbearable that I felt like I was focused on rationing water on most of my hikes rather than looking at the views. I’ve heard a great time to go is in the Fall once it’s cooled down or even in the dead of winter because snow looks beautiful on the arches.

All of the National Parks in Utah come with an entrance fee, and if you’re going to be going to more than three parks during your time in the state, it’s cost-effective to buy the annual parks pass.

After waking up early for sunrise at Delicate Arch, we headed over to the Devi’s Garden Loop with 7 Arches at the far north end of the park. Like many of the other hikes on this trip, this trail wasn’t strenuous, but long and winding as the day grew hotter. Take a map or download the All Trails map of the trail to ensure you stay on track — there aren’t a lot of trail markers and it’s easy to get confused as you’re wandering around unmarked boulders.