Arches National Park Visitors Guide
Renown as being the world’s largest concentration of natural sandstones arches, this 76,518 acre park in Utah is known for its 2,000+ arches. You will find awe inspiring sandstone fins, sky scraping pinnacles, and rocks perched as though they are tumblers in a circus act. The many trails and paths, some of which are even paved, make this a family favorite.
If you are going to be at Arches for only a few hours then suggested activities are to drive the scenic drive, being sure to stop along the way to hike some of the easier paths like the Park Avenue Trail and those found in the Windows Section of the park.
Whole day activities would include the scenic drive (its 36 miles round trip) and hiking the Double O Arch, Tower Arch, Delicate Arch and Landscape Arch as well as signing up to trek a ranger guided tour into the Fiery Furnace. The Fiery Furnace is a special 2-3 hour hike offered from mid-March through October; it often requires participants to use both hands and feet along the way as scrambling through narrow ledges above narrow drop off is necessary. These trips fill up quickly, so it is best to sign up a day or two in advance.
If you are fortunate enough to have several days to explore this magnificent park, then there are several “must do” activities. Some of these are the Fiery Furnace walk, the Primitive Loop which is part of the Devil’s Garden region, The Three Gossips, Courthouse Towers, and the Garden of Eden.
Camping is available year round, and there are 50 sites which will accommodate up to 10 people. Reservations are necessary, and should be made at least 4 days in advance but can be made as early as 180 days in advance.
Photo Credits: Banner picture from Arches National Park by pspechtenhauser; Family playing in Arches NP by Vicki Watkins; Arches photo with mountains in background by Bruce Tuten |
