Arches National Park
In its name, this national park is full of… Arches! It makes sense why the Utah license plate is the famed “Delicate Arch” as there are more than 2,000 magical arches in this park. The geological phenomenon of the arch had a very similar effect on me as Bryce Canyon National Park; I just wanted to stop and stare and take it all in. I enjoyed this red rock desert-like scenic park twice while living in Utah.
Tips for Exploring Arches National Park
In the peak season months (April - October), you will need to get a ticket to enter the park (this is in addition to the National Park Pass or the $30 fee to enter the park). Do this ASAP as the time slots fill up pretty quickly. I recommend the earliest time slot to avoid the desert heat and to get parking spots. Another option is to get there BEFORE 7am, when the park rangers begin guarding the entrance. We did this in April to avoid the line to get into the park, and since we did not get the park pass in time.
Bring lots of water, sunscreen, a hat, hiking shoes, trekking poles. I also recommend bringing/wearing microspikes if there is snow still on the ground (there was when I went in March). Ice and snow on sandstone make a slippery trek!
Bring your lunch or plan to go to Moab as there is no restaurant or snack bar in this park.
The visitors center is in the beginning of the park, and there are no other check points on the one main road. However there are vault toilets at most of the popular trailheads.
What to Do
Delicate Arch Trail
This is the iconic hike that if you are able, is a must-do! Overall this trail is moderately challenging, there and back 3.2 miles in total, and the end is extremely challenging if you are afraid of heights. Beware in the winter months as the end of this hike can be dangerous. When I went in March I did not feel safe to hike, but in April, it was just fine. When you come to Arches National Park (hopefully early), make this your first stop as the parking lot fills up quickly! If it is full, come back later.
Landscape Arch Trail
All the way at the end of the park is the easy Landscape Arch Trail, which is 1.9 miles there-and-back. This arch was made larger in 1991 when rock fall from under the arch was witnessed by hikers. The onlookers said it sounded like a bunch of popping and cracking, and at one point like a lightning strike. See the video here.
Double Arch Trail
This short and easy 0.6 mile there and back walk features two arches connected together on one side. It is humbling to stand under this arch!
The Windows
The Windows was a fun little jaunt to take fun pictures and see the view from the “window.” This is in the same parking area as the Double Arch Trail.
Where to Eat
Trailhead Public House and Eatery
I got into the hotel very late at night (around 1am), and had a long talk with the front desk staff on where to eat. He used to be a chef and has been to almost all of the places in town for eating and drinking. He highly recommended we go to Trailhead Public House and Eatery as it has the freshest quality food. When in Utah, you must get fry sauce, so we ordered french fries and fry sauce as an appetizer. This was one of my favorite sauces that I tried in the state. I recommend all of the food, we were all very happy with our dishes.
Il Posto Rosso
This same hotel staff recommended Il Posto Rosso, which is a restaurant in a hotel in downtown Moab. That was one of the best brunches I’ve ever had, and the coffee was amazing. We were very much pleased with this place! The classy and chic touches to this restaurant really add to the overall feel.
Where to Stay
Moab Valley Inn
There are many hotels to choose from, I am sure any of the options in downtown Moab are good choices. We always go for a cheap rate but decent quality. The Moab Valley Inn did just that. It even had a pool and free breakfast in the morning.
Sand Dune Arch