If you have ever wanted to visit a place where red rock reaches for the Heavens, and defies gravity while doing it, then you need to head over to Arches National Park.
Bryan and I visited the Arches in mid-June and found the weather there just spectacular. We were in jeans and t-shirts due to rolling in on a motorcycle. Others were in shorts and short-sleeved shirts.
From what I’ve read, the best time to visit the Arches is early spring or late fall due to the beautiful weather for hiking and average daytime temperatures around 70 degrees. Summers can get brutally hot in the high desert. If you visit during summer, start your day early and bring lots of water. Be aware that afternoon showers are very common in the summer.
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There are over 2,000 arches in the park so this makes for some really great visuals as you are hiking. I’ve included a map I found on another site marking the location of many of the well-known arches you can hike to. We didn’t see them all. Honestly, I believe we were ill-prepared for this part of our adventure. I remember looking around at all of the formations and arches and just not knowing where to look first.
The Only 2 Hiking Trails We Hiked 🙁
The hiking trails range from easy to moderate and vary in length. We only walked the two. (I told you we were ill-prepared!)
The Double Arch Trail lets you explore the park’s tallest arch and is an easy quarter of a mile trail. Kids, and adults alike, can climb around inside the “bowl” of the arches and feel the beautiful sandstone underneath their hands.
The Windows Trail lets you stretch your legs in an easy mile loop that takes you under three arches. While looking through the “windows”, you’ll get gorgeous views of the surrounding area.
Map Credit: Adam, from Your Hike Guide
Where to Stay?
The city of Moab offers many great camping and hotel options for families visiting Arches National Park. Be sure to make reservations early when visiting during the busy season. These places can fill up fast!
Devils Garden Campground
Devils Garden Campground is the only campground at Arches National Park. You can reserve campsites for nights between March 1 and October 31. During this busy season, the campground is usually full every night. Between November and February, campsites are first-come, first-served. Phone and online reservations for both group and individual sites must be made through www.recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.
Private Campgrounds:
Canyonlands RV Resort and Campground
Moab Valley RV Resort and Campground
Backpacking
You can backpack at Arches in a small number of designated sites and zones. Backpacking at Arches is more challenging than other places. It requires off-trail travel and route finding. Get a permit at the visitor center.
Learn more about backpacking at Arches.
