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Arches National Park offers a unique and otherworldly experience with its vast collection of natural sandstone arches, stunning red rock formations, and constantly shifting light. The park’s captivating beauty attracts photographers, who eagerly seek to capture its mesmerizing landscapes during the magical hours of sunrise and sunset. However, Arches National Park is not solely reserved for photography enthusiasts.
Moab, Utah, is where you’ll find this amazing park, located about 5 miles northwest of the town. It offers a fantastic experience with its 26 miles of picturesque roads and hiking trails suitable for all fitness levels. You can opt for shorter walks like the ones to Balanced Rock and the Double Arch, which take around 20 minutes. For those seeking more adventure, there are also challenging routes such as the Fiery Furnace and the ascent to Delicate Arch. And when you want to take a break from earthly wonders, just gaze up at the night sky. The Colorado Plateau, where the park is situated, provides some of the darkest skies in the contiguous United States, allowing you to enjoy breathtaking views of the Milky Way.
When it comes to visiting Arches National Park, the ideal time is either April through May or September through October. During these months, you’ll experience pleasant daytime temperatures ranging from 60 to 80 degrees. It’s worth noting that summer can get scorching hot, with temperatures exceeding 100 degrees. This intense heat can make exploring the park’s trails quite uncomfortable. Late summer brings the risk of violent storm cells and flash floods, so it’s important to stay aware and prepared. If you prefer a quieter visit, winter can be charming, with fewer crowds. Just keep in mind that occasional snow and ice may make the trails slippery. While there are no ranger programs offered during that time, the visitor center remains open every day for your convenience.
Here are some of our recommended things to do near Arches National Park. Take your pick!
If you’re looking for a more thrilling way to explore Arches National Park, consider booking a four-wheel drive tour instead of a leisurely self-guided driving tour. These tours will take you off the paved roads and into the park’s rugged terrain, …
The Arches National Park is known for its incredibly dark skies, making it a perfect spot for stargazing. In fact, it was recognized as an International Dark Sky Park in 2019 by the International Dark-Sky Association. This means that when night …
At Arches Visitor Center, located just a mile inside the entrance, you can begin your park adventure. Many recent visitors found the exhibits both inside and outside the center to be informative, providing valuable insights into the park’s history, …
One of the most famous attractions in the park is a remarkable 128-foot boulder delicately balanced on a slender rock pedestal. Despite its appearance, the boulder is securely connected to its eroding pedestal made of Dewey Bridge mudstone. For a …
Just outside of Arches National Park, there’s a popular attraction that you won’t want to miss during your park visit. It’s a moderate 3-mile roundtrip hike starting from the parking lot, which is about 10 miles away from the park entrance. Along …
The state of Utah has a truly remarkable natural treasure known as Delicate Arch. This incredible arch is widely recognized as the most famous one in the world. Its impressive opening measures 46 feet in height and 32 feet in width, making it the …
Deep within the park, at the end of the main road, lies the magnificent Devils Garden area. It is known for its enormous sandstone spires and abundance of arches. One of the highlights in this area is the renowned Landscape Arch. Additionally, …
Double Arch is the park’s tallest arch, standing at a height of 112 feet. It is also the second-longest arch in the park, measuring 144 feet in length. The good news is that this remarkable natural formation is conveniently located and easily …
The Fiery Furnace is a thrilling destination for adventure seekers. It consists of narrow passageways surrounded by towering sandstone walls. Exploring this place can be challenging because it’s easy to get lost in the maze-like structure. Due to …
The incredible Landscape Arch, situated in the stunning Devils Garden area, holds the title of being the longest arch in North America. Spanning a remarkable distance of 306 feet, this natural wonder is definitely worth a visit. To reach the arch, …
Welcome to Park Avenue, a captivating destination just 4 miles away from the park’s entrance! As you embark on your scenic drive through Arches, make sure to stop by this remarkable spot. Here, you can take a stroll along Park Avenue, which got its …
Located approximately 16 miles north of the visitor center, you can easily access two remarkable arches from the parking lot off of Arches Scenic Drive. As you begin your walk from the lot, a trail will guide you through narrow slot canyons towards …
Welcome to the Windows Section of the park! This area is approximately 2 square miles and is known for its magnificent arches, such as North Window, South Window, Turret Arch, and Double Arch. It’s considered one of the most picturesque parts of the …
John Wesley Wolfe arrived in this area in 1898 and decided to settle on a plot of land spanning 100 acres. Together with his son, they managed over 1,000 cattle and struggled to make a living. Initially, they resided in a basic cabin for close to …