Covering 76,679 acres, Arches National Park, located in eastern Utah, is situated alongside the Colorado River. The park is home to more than 2,000 natural sandstone arches, making it the world’s highest density of natural arches. In addition to the arches, it also features a wonderland of red rocks.
Today, Arches National Park is one of Utah’s most popular tourist destinations. Visitors enjoy various activities while exploring the park and its unique geological formations. Hiking, stargazing, photography, and sightseeing are just a few of the available activities in Arches National Park.
Scenic Drive Arches National Park
The Arches Scenic Drive is a 19-mile-long road that runs from Highway 191 to the Devil’s Garden trailhead, located at the park’s back. This road passes through some of the most scenic areas in the park. Covering the distance takes about thirty minutes, but allow about 2.5 to 3 hours for this drive. There are several viewpoints that you will want to stop and take in the stunning scenic surroundings.
Guided Tours Around the Park
Some companies offer guided tours around Arches National Park. These four-wheel driving tours save you the hassle of driving around in your vehicle. Terms come with experienced guides who share insightful information about the park. These tours cover all the primary locations and lookout points within the park and are worthwhile if you have limited time and want to cover the main points of interest in a short period.
Canyoneering in Arches National Park
Consider canyoneering if you’re up for something more adventurous at the Arches National Park. Many sandstone walls are cross-hatched with narrow passages, making them perfect for canyoneering. Necessary permits are required for canyoneering inside the park. They can be obtained online or at the visitor center, provided you follow all regulations for this adventure sport. The Fiery Furnace and Lost Spring Canyon are popular spots.
Sunset Photography at Delicate Arch
The prime attraction of the national park is the Delicate Arch, which draws people from around the world. The trail is a busy one, so expect crowds in the area. The 3-mile-long round-trip hike covers sandy trails and Slickrock. You need to watch out for a few steep drops, but the view from there is unmatchable! The late afternoons and evenings are great for sunset photography, but if you want to avoid the heat and the crowds, head out for an early morning hike.
Hiking in Arches National Park
One of the best ways to explore the park is by hiking. Devil’s Garden Trail is the best hike in Arches National Park. The walk showcases eight of the park’s best arches, including the Landscape Arch, the Tunnel Arch, and the Pine Tree Arch. Certain parts of the trail offer a challenging hike, but the views of the arches make up for the effort you put in during your walk.
Stargazing Through the Night
The vast open expanses of the Arches National Park offer great stargazing opportunities. Try to time your visit to a new moon night so you can spot the stars and the Milky Way. Head further north to get a better view of the clear night sky. A few spots within the park are noted for stargazing, including Panorama Point, Balanced Rock Picnic Area, the Windows Section, and the Garden of Eden Viewpoint. Rangers lead stargazing programs in the spring and fall; sign up for these programs at the visitor center and enjoy stargazing through a telescope with guided talks by the park rangers.
Getting There
Arches National Park is located five miles north of Moab, Utah. Most visitors stay at least one night in the town of Moab. Canyonlands National Park is a convenient day trip from Moab, which can be completed in approximately 45 minutes. The city offers numerous hotels and dining options, as well as a variety of outdoor recreational activities in the surrounding area. The Arches NP visitor center is open every day except December 25.