Arches National Park
By Kai Rambow
This park leaves a positive impression on almost everyone. It’s naturally beautiful, fascinating and mesmerizing. Arches, like the Grand Canyon, is appropriately named. There are over 2,000 amazing natural stone arches in this park. Some are simple; others are simply stunning.
Reservations Required
There are too many visitors to numerous places in the world. Arches is very popular and is further burdened with only one road leading in and out. Reservations have been introduced. The system works well.
Even if you have an annual or lifetime pass, you will require a timed reservation. Only so many cars are permitted per hour. This regulates the flow of traffic. If you show up for your reservation 10 minutes early, by the time you reach the park ranger, it should be time. I could not pull up my reservation on my phone, but the ranger was able to pull it up on her computer using my name. The system works really well and the fee, $2, is nominal.
Dates are released three months before. As you might expect, summer is very busy. Meaning it is more challenging to secure an entry time. I was late, but since it was later in the season and had a much easier experience securing entry times. The park was also a lot less crowded.
Critical Research in Advance
To really enjoy Arches, it is essential to do research in advance. What do you definitely want to see? Is it best to see a particular arch in the morning or towards sunset? How strenuous is the hike? For example, the Double Arch can be seen from the parking lot and is a relatively short hike to get up close. Dr. Google is very helpful and available 24/7.
Decide what you want to see and use remaining time to see other arches and points of interest. You can also get an overview at the map in the visitor center.
Delicate Arch
Described as the most famous arch in the world, it certainly is one of the most iconic. It’s on the Utah license plates. Everybody wants to see it in person. It is most popular at sunrise and sunset.
To get to the arch the trail is a mile and a half long. It is described as a “strenuous” hike. Rangers can tell you the difficulty of any hikes you want to do. Dr. Google can as well.
Enjoy the Journey
Take your time and enjoy the drive and any hike that you do. If you plan on two days at Arches that should give you plenty of time to explore the park and see everything.
Tips for a Great Trip
Nearest Airports: Salt Lake City is the closest major airport. Expect about a four hour drive. If you’re on a road trip, your plans might look different.
When to Go: The latter part of October turned out to be perfect. Crowds gone. Hiking is relatively easy due to more moderate temperatures.
What to Wear: Hiking boots are a must. Trails can look easy, but you can easily slip even on smooth surfaces. Sunscreen, sunhat, sunglasses, and water are important. You’re at altitude (4,000 feet) and the sun will be more intense.
Where to Stay: Moab is literally a 10 minute drive away. There are plenty of hotels and restaurants here. Green River is an alternative, however it is a 60 minute drive. There are quite a few hotels here, slightly cheaper.
Visitor Center: Just after you enter is the Visitor Center. It’s a great stop to get an orientation before you start driving in the park. Look for the map with pictures to identify where you want to go.
Also use the restrooms. Facilities are very few and far apart. I’ve been here twice. Would I plan a trip here again? Absolutely. Arches National Park.