Arches National Park

The scorching desert sun sat against a bright blue backdrop at midday illuminating the red earth below. We paused to rest thankful for the shade provided by the towering arches. This was a huge contrast from the early morning hours when clouds tailed us on the trails. To top off the afternoon we were surprised by a dark sky, heavy winds and a vibrant rainbow that followed once the storm was over. Arches National Park was astonishing and we spent the day hiking, taking shade underneath the magnificent rocks and witnessing a beautiful display that only mother nature herself could provide.

midday break underneath double arch

Hiking Park Avenue

Rainbow over Arches NP

Don’t Miss These Sites

Although you will see a lot while driving through Arches there are many sites worth stopping for and hiking to in order to get the full experience. Here’s a rundown on some of the hikes/sites we enjoyed the ones you can’t miss out on!

  • Park Avenue Trail (1.0 mi each way)
  • Balanced Rock Trail (0.3 mi)
  • Windows Area Trail (1.0 mi)
  • Double Arch Trail (0.5 mi)
  • Garden of Eden
  • Panorama Point
  • Devils Garden Trail (7.2 mi)
  • Tunnel Arch
  • Pine Tree Arch
  • Delicate Arch (3.0 mi)/ Delicate Arch Viewpoint (0.5 mi)
Park Avenue Trail
Park Avenue Trail
Cool chasms inside the trail
Cool chasms inside the trail
Trees twisted by time
Trees twisted by time
Crazy views on the trail- Park Avenue
Crazy views on the trail
Three Gossips seen on the Park Avenue Trail
Three Gossips seen on the Park Avenue Trail
Moab Fault
Moab Fault
Great views driving through the park
Great views driving through the park
Landmarks on the Landscape
Landmarks on the Landscape
Gorgeous mountains in the background
Gorgeous mountains in the background
Balanced Rock
Balanced Rock
Panorama of Arches
Beautiful views all around!
North Window
North Window
Taking a midday break
Taking a midday break
South Window
South Window
Making our way to double arch
Making our way to double arch
Double Arch
Double Arch
Amazing red rocks against a bright blue sky
Amazing red rocks against a bright blue sky
Relaxing after our hike
Relaxing after our hike
Well deserved break
Well deserved break
Not a bad view from double arch
Not a bad view
Pine Tree arch Trail
Pine Tree arch Trail
Manu at Pine Tree Arch
Tiny Manu at Pine Tree Arch!
Jack Rabbit along Devils Garden Trail
Jack Rabbit along Devils Garden Trail
Baby bunny on the trail
Baby bunny on the trail
Tunnel Arch
Tunnel Arch
Made it to the Delicate Arch viewpoint
Made it to the Delicate Arch viewpoint
Delicate Arch
Delicate Arch
Amazing views of Delicate Arch at sunset
Amazing views of Delicate Arch at sunset
storm clouds forming in arches
The clouds were creeping up on us
Rain, sun and astonishing colors!
Rain, sun and astonishing colors!
Rainbow in the afternoon
Yes, that’s a double rainbow…
Natural light show
Natural light show
After the storm
The sky after the storm
Arches National Park- Such a great way to experience nature!
Arches National Park- Such a great way to experience nature!

Tips

  • Entrance Fee $25 USD per car
  • Save money with the annual pass! Click here for more info.
  • The park is open 24 hours. Be sure to visit the park at night for celestial views.
  • There are no concessions inside the park. Pack a lunch and enjoy it along with the views
  • Summer can be very hot with temperatures above 100 F. Bring at least 1 gallon of water per person/day
  • Moab is the closest town to the park (5 miles away) with full services- Try Sweet Cravings Bakery + Bistro for a hearty breakfast.
  • Be patient during high season as the entrance station will be packed with visitors. It is best to arrive early.
Welcome to Utah
Welcome to Utah
Arriving at Arches National Park
Arriving at Arches National Park
Arches visitor center
Inside the visitor center