Arches National Park
Mike and I were in a pretty good rhythm at this point – visit a park in the morning, drive or do something indoors during the day, and then visit a park in the late afternoon and evening. This helps avoid the heat and the summer crowds.
After Canyonlands, we headed to Moab which is where Arches National Park is located too. As we drove by in the afternoon, it was pretty obvious that Arches is one of the most popular parks in the country. The line just to get in the entrance station was close to hundred cars. Woof.
So Mike went biking for the rest of the day while I hung out in Moab. I’ve actually been trying to make a few dollars here and there and have been using an app called Field Agent. Mostly I secret shop various companies and get paid a little bit. It’s not a ton of money, but at least the ones I did in Moab made me audit a couple bars and get a beer! So, that’s fun.
Anyway, the next morning we went to Arches; in case you didn’t realize how this park got it’s name, this park has over 2000 rock arches here. The park is on top of a salt bed from 300 million years ago, then debris from other areas was deposited on top. The salt under pressure moves, which resulted in huge domes. Faults, erosion, and water/ice then created the arches.
We were feeling pretty tired after Canyonlands, so we did the old persons version of park visiting i.e. overlooks and scenic points rather than hikes. Despite us being exhausted at the time, looking back now I am a little disappointed that we didn’t do anything more extensive.
We arrived around sunrise and drove the main road to The Windows section to see the North and South Window, Turret Arch, double arch and then Balanced Rock. My junior ranger booklet had a fun thing was different than any other place I’ve been too – it had you do yoga poses to make you look like the various rocks!
We then drove to the Delicate Arch viewpoints. Delicate Arch is the largest free standing arch in the park, and is definitely the arch that everyone thinks of when they think of this park.
We then did a short hike to Landscape arch, one of the world’s largest arches – it’s span is 306′ from base to base, and parts of it is only 11’ thick! It was a little underwhelming to be honest. You know how if someone tells you about a movie and says it’s the best thing in the world and you’ll never stop laughing? It tends to not live up to those expectations. This arch was the same because it’s hyped up as the best arch ever.
Then we went to get my junior ranger badge and met Ranger Christian! He is a French interpreter for the park. He works as a river guide as well, and actually was going to leave the NPS soon to river guide full time. It was a hard decision for him because the park is getting busier every year, it’s harder to work both now. Ranger Christian’s number one tip – 95% of the park is untouched by visitors. Going off trail is not allowed, but you’re always allowed to follow waterways! If you do this, you’ll get in the backcountry at the park and explore parts that have virtually been untouched.
Recommendations
- Do your hikes, especially the longer ones, at sunrise and then after 3pm to stay out of the heat and sun.
- This is a wonderful park, no denying it. However, if you hate crowds, go to another Utah national park to see less visited arches. Every Utah park is filled with rock formations, which include arches.
- Do the junior ranger program – It’s a unique, very fun one! It spices it all up!
- No pets at this park – leave your puppers at home.
