Day 54-55: Arches National Park + Moab
National Park #23
It seems fitting that our final park would be in an iconic location like Arches and the nearby adventure-town of Moab, Utah. It was a spectacular finish to one hell of an adventure.
Arches has exploded in popularity in recent years. Each year, nearly 1.8 million people flock to see over 2,000 natural sandstone arches high on the Colorado Plateau. Why are there so many arches here you ask? Well, we’re glad you asked.
If you want to really experience Arches, you’ll need to 1) get there early - we’re talking 7 AM or earlier early, and 2) have a plan. Figure out the 4-5 places you really want to see, and then just know that between 9 AM - 2 PM you’re gonna have to fight for parking at the most popular places.
Plan in hand, we headed out early to the most popular and well known of the arches, Delicate Arch. You know the one. It’s the one on every Utah license plate.
Also a possible gateway to the multiverse.
We then headed over to the Devil’s Garden, taking the long trail out to Dark Angel - which is not in fact an arch, but is a large obelisk shaped rock. It’s a fun climb out there, and along the way you’ll see Tunnel Arch, Pine Tree Arch, Landscape Arch, Partition Arch, Navajo Arch, and Double O Arch. On our way out, we also stopped at the Fiery Furnace and Balanced Rock and actually had very few issued finding parking.
We ran out of time on this visit, but you should also hit up The Windows while you’re there.
Of course, no trip to Arches would be complete without also spending time in nearby Moab. A whole town devoted to outdoor adventure and pretty solid foods.
Our recommendations:
Jailhouse Cafe for breakfast.
Milt’s Stop N’ Eat for an amazing burger or three. And Malts.
Thai Bella for some of the best Thai food we’ve ever eaten.
What you need to know:
Spent at least 2-3 days in and around Moab.
Plan in advance! Moab is pricey so book early and get creative if you want to stay over here.
Get to Arches early, at least by 7 AM (park is open 24 hours) and hit up the most popular places (Delicate Arch, Devils Garden, Windows) first. Have a plan, and spend the whole day exploring this amazing park.
It can be pretty cold here in the morning so pack accordingly. If it’s windy there will also be a lot of salt/sand in the air so bring sunglasses or other protection to shield your eyes.
Eat at Milts and Thai Bella.
Cell service is actually not awful in several parts of the park, and is great down at the Visitors Center at the base of the plateau.