Aches National Park in Moab, Utah. This was one of our FAVORITE parks. We spent 2 full days exploring!
Arches National Park, located in eastern Utah, is renowned for its stunning natural sandstone arches, breathtaking landscapes, and a variety of outdoor activities. With over 2,000 natural stone arches, this park offers an unforgettable experience for nature lovers, hikers, and photographers alike.
Here’s a detailed two-day itinerary to make the most of your visit to this majestic park.
Day 1: Discovering Iconic Landmarks and Scenic Hikes
Morning
1. Visitor Center and Park Introduction
Start your day at the Arches National Park Visitor Center. Here, you can gather maps, check weather conditions, learn about the park’s geology and history, and watch an informative video about the park. This will give you a good overview and help plan your adventure.
2. Park Avenue Trail
Drive 2 miles from the visitor center to the Park Avenue Trailhead. This easy, 2-mile round trip hike offers stunning views of towering monoliths resembling a city skyline. It's a great introduction to the park’s unique rock formations.
Mid-Morning
3. Balanced Rock
Continue driving along the main park road to Balanced Rock, one of the park’s most iconic features. A short, easy loop trail around this 128-foot tall formation provides great photo opportunities.
4. The Windows Section
Drive further to reach the Windows Section, home to some of the largest arches in the park. Explore the North and South Window Arches, as well as the Turret Arch. This area is perfect for leisurely walking and photography.
Lunch
5. Picnic at the Windows Section
Enjoy a picnic lunch at the nearby picnic area, taking in the stunning desert views. Make sure to bring plenty of water and snacks to keep energized for the day’s adventures.
Afternoon
6. Double Arch
A short walk from the Windows Section parking area, Double Arch is an impressive, towering formation. This easy 0.5-mile round trip hike is well worth the visit for its sheer size and grandeur.
7. Delicate Arch Hike
Head to the Wolfe Ranch parking area for the iconic Delicate Arch hike. This moderately strenuous 3-mile round trip hike takes you to the most famous arch in the park. The trail includes some uphill walking and sections of slickrock, but the view at the end is incredibly rewarding. Take your time, it’s much more enjoyable when you aren’t pushing it.
Evening
8. Sunset at Delicate Arch
If you time your Delicate Arch hike to arrive just before sunset, you’ll witness the arch glowing in the warm evening light, making for spectacular photographs. Remember to bring a headlamp for the hike back.
9. Return to Moab for Dinner
After a day of exploring, head back to Moab, a charming town just outside the park, for dinner. Moab has a variety of dining options, from casual cafes to fine dining, to satisfy your post-hike hunger.
(At the bottom, I added info to a couple places we ate at.)
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Day 2: Exploring Lesser-Known Gems and Adventure Activities
Morning
1. Landscape Arch Trail
Start your second day early with a visit to the Devils Garden area. Hike to Landscape Arch, one of the longest natural stone arches in the world. This easy 1.6-mile round trip hike offers stunning views and photo opportunities.
2. Optional Primitive Trail Loop
For more adventurous hikers, continue on the Primitive Trail Loop from Landscape Arch. This 7.2-mile loop is more challenging, offering views of several more arches, including Partition Arch and Navajo Arch.
Lunch
3. Picnic at Devils Garden
After completing your hike, enjoy a relaxing picnic lunch at the Devils Garden picnic area. This is a great time to rest and refuel while soaking in the beautiful desert surroundings.
Afternoon
4. Sand Dune Arch and Broken Arch
Drive to the Sand Dune Arch parking area and take a short, easy hike to Sand Dune Arch. This hidden gem is nestled between sandstone fins and is a great spot for photos. From here, you can extend your hike to Broken Arch, a moderate 2-mile round trip that takes you through scenic terrain.
5. Fiery Furnace (permit required)
If you’re looking for a unique and adventurous experience, book a ranger-led tour or obtain a permit to explore the Fiery Furnace. This labyrinth of narrow canyons and towering fins requires some scrambling and route-finding, making it an exciting challenge for adventurous visitors.
Evening
6. Skyline Arch
On your way out of the park, stop at Skyline Arch for a quick and easy hike. This arch is perched high on a rock wall and is easily accessible from the road, offering another excellent photo opportunity.
7. Sunset at La Sal Mountains Viewpoint
End your day with a visit to the La Sal Mountains Viewpoint. This spot provides a stunning panoramic view of the park with the La Sal Mountains in the background. It’s a perfect location to watch the sunset and reflect on your adventures.
8. Dinner and Relaxation in Moab
Return to Moab for dinner. Treat yourself to a hearty meal at one of the local restaurants, and perhaps indulge in a well-deserved dessert. After dinner, take a leisurely stroll through downtown Moab, exploring its shops and galleries.
Additional Tips
- Hydration and Sun Protection: The desert environment can be harsh, so carry plenty of water, wear a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses.
- Early Starts: Begin your hikes early in the morning to avoid the midday heat and to experience the park with fewer crowds. (SO IMPORTANT, if you want to avoid the crowds)
- Photography: Arches National Park is a photographer's paradise. Sunrise and sunset provide the best lighting for capturing the park’s stunning landscapes.
- Safety: Stay on marked trails, be aware of your surroundings, and respect the park’s natural features. Avoid climbing on the arches as it can be dangerous and harmful to the rock formations.
Map of the Park : https://www.moabadventurecenter.com/downloads/archmap.pdf
By following this two-day itinerary, you’ll be able to explore many of the highlights and hidden gems of Arches National Park, creating unforgettable memories in one of America's most unique natural landscapes. Happy exploring!
WHERE WE ATE:
Food trucks -
The Moab Food Truck Park, located at 39 West 100 North in downtown Moab, Utah, is a vibrant hub featuring a variety of food trucks. It operates daily from 11 AM to 9 PM, although individual truck hours can vary. This park offers a wide range of cuisines including Italian, Mexican, Chinese, and American, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
The park has lots of picnic tables, shade sails, and occasionally features live music, making it a great spot for families and groups.
Some popular food trucks include Tacos El Gordo, known for its authentic Mexican tacos, Moab Rainbowls, which offers healthy smoothie bowls and avocado toast, and Fresh 2 Go, serving American classics like burgers and fries.
Overall, it's a perfect place to enjoy a variety of delicious foods in a relaxed outdoor setting.
Blu Pig -
The Blu Pig BBQ in Moab, Utah, is a popular spot known for its slow-smoked barbecue and lively atmosphere. Located at 811 S Main St, it offers a range of BBQ dishes including brisket, ribs, chicken, and pulled pork, along with Southern-style sides like mac and cheese, coleslaw, and cornbread
The restaurant features live blues music nightly, enhancing the dining experience. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, making it a great place for families and groups. If you're in Moab and looking for a place to enjoy hearty BBQ with a side of live music,
Blu Pig BBQ is a great choice.
Moab Brewery -
The Moab Brewery, is located at 686 S. Main Street in Moab, Utah, is a well-known microbrewery and restaurant that has been serving locals and tourists since 1996. It's the only brewery in Moab and features a wide selection of craft beers brewed on-site, including ales, stouts, and pilsners. The brewery also produces its own distilled spirits.
The brewery's restaurant is popular for its diverse menu that includes scratch-made dishes such as burgers, wings, nachos, and more. They emphasize pairing their food with their handcrafted beers for a complete dining experience. The venue is family-friendly, with a casual and lively atmosphere, often decorated with photos of local outdoor adventures Whether you're finishing a day of hiking, biking, or exploring the stunning landscapes around Moab, the brewery provides a welcoming place to relax and enjoy a meal and a pint.
La Michoacana Artisan & Moab Treasure - Cookie Monster
The La Michoacana Artisan & Moab Treasure is a delightful dessert spot located at 83 E Center Street in Moab, Utah. It specializes in artisanal ice cream, offering a variety of unique and traditional flavors such as matcha cheesecake, tamarind, and avocado. The shop is known for its high-quality, handmade ice cream and other treats like croffles (a croissant-waffle hybrid) and banana splits.
The establishment provides a welcoming environment with a small outdoor seating area, making it a pleasant place to enjoy your dessert while taking in the sights of Moab.
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