HIKING ARCHES NATIONAL PARK
Arches National Park
Situated in eastern Utah, Arches National Park is known for it's abundance of natural red sandstone arches. With almost 2,000 arches scattered throughout the park, as well as numerous unique geological formations, Arches National Park is one you do not want to miss. Here is a quick guide to visiting Arches National Park...
Visiting Arches National Park
Located on the Colorado River, 6km north of Moab and 379km south of Salt Lake City, it is the perfect stop during an American Southwest road trip. Arches National Park is open year round, 24 hours a day, with the best time to go being April-May and September-October (when the weather isn't too extreme). It costs $10 per vehicle to enter the park, with the pass lasting for 7 days.
The pillars, balanced rocks, monoliths and arches were carved by wind, water, and ice into the incredible features we get to experience today. Two ancient red sandstone, the Entrada and the Navajo, make up the layers of rock that make up these famous features - the most famous being Delicate Arch...
Delicate Arch
Arches National Park
Delicate Arch is a 20m freestanding natural arch and it the most recognised landmark in the park. To view it you will need to park at the Wolfe Ranch parking area and hike a 2.4km elevated trail. Yes, the hike is tough, especially if you are visiting on a hot day (which is most days) so make sure you bring plenty of water, sunscreen and a hat. Once you turn the last corner and Delicate Arch is standing over you, the pain from the hike completely goes away. After taking way too many photos, you will take the same 2.4km trail back to the carpark. We suggest giving yourself 2-3 hours to experience the arch.
Arches National Park
Arches National Park
Other Notable Features
Besides the must-see Delicate Arch, there are also other features we highly recommend you experience (many without the tough hike).
Balanced Rock: A large balancing rock, the size of 3 school buses!
Courthouse Towers: A collection of tall stone columns.
Devil's Garden: A series of rock fins that have been broken out of the earth due to erosion. Just a warning, The Devil's Garden Trail is 11km long so you will need to ensure you give yourself enough time and water to complete this one. There are a number of incredible arches to see too, so it is very much worth it.
Fiery Furnace: A collection of sandstone canyons. If you are up for hiking here it is suggested you go with a ranger-guided tour.
Landscape Arch: This is the longest arch in the park, with a span of 88m.
Arches National Park
Arches National Park
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Arches National Park
Arches National Park
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