Wait! Before you Read, I have an Updated Post on Arches National Park that has a lot better information and reflects the current Timed-Entry Changes!

Arches National Park 3 Day Itinerary – Click HERE

Arches National Park amazed me with over 2000 natural stone arches and vastness. Here are my tips to get the most out of your visit:

• GO EARLY. We went during peak season and luckily got there earlier because we were still running on Michigan time. I recommend going early, one, because of the mass amount of crowds that come pouring in, and, two, because of how hot it gets as the day goes on.
• Prioritize your hikes. We initially thought we would spend all day hiking around seeing these fabulous arches – NO. Direct sun and 90 degree temps zap your energy so quickly, plus hiking in sand is extremely challenging. We ended up seeing 2 arch formations and I truly feel that was enough. (I will list these hikes further down)

• Wear a hat. Seriously, y’all, that sun was blazing. Maybe its just because I’m from Michigan, but there was hardly any shade and yet I saw almost nobody wearing hats.

What Hikes To Do:

Honestly, driving through the park you really get to see so much of what makes Arches so different from other National Parks, and with the comfort of your AC. I recommend driving through the park first and then stopping at your hiking spots on the way back. Less traffic this way.

1. Delicate Arch. This is the arch the park is known for (Pictured above) and is absolutely incredible. I truly believe you could see this arch and nothing else and walk away completely satisfied.
   • Largest standing free arch in the park
   • 3 miles round trip, out and back trail
   • 480 ft elevation gain

We packed a lunch and ate with the view of the arch. It was pretty epic. On the way back there was an opening in the wall (the final stretch before seeing the arch) that we were able to climb up and snap this shot of the arch in the background: (with selfie-stick and fisheye lens)

2. Landscape Arch. Definitely not as impressive, and hard to get a decent picture, but it gives you a feel of how the arches can vary so much.

• Largest arch on the PLANET.
• Easy hike with some portions having a paved path
• 1.56 miles round trip, out and back trail

Where to Stay: 

Since we arrived late from Colorado, we knew that the camping in the National Park would be full. Here are the options:

1. Camp in Arches. But don’t plan on this unless your itinerary allows you to make reservations. Arches has ONE campground with only 50 sites.
2. Camp outside of Arches.
   1. Sand Flats Recreation Area. (This was my favorite camping spot of the trip)
      • $15 a night
      • No amenities
      • AMAZING VIEWS.
   2. Other Campgrounds
3. Stay in Moab. Hotel, Motel, Airbnb, B&B. Moab has become quite the tourist attraction and has plenty of accommodations (make reservations) if you prefer amenities.

Where to go from Moab:

After seeing Arches National Park there are plenty of places to continue your trip. You can head to Canyonlands National Park (We decided to relax instead of going there) or continue on to Bryce Canyon National Park.

Sunset at Sand Flats in Moab, Utah