"A Wonderland of Red Rocks & Arches" Arches National Park by annk

Arches National Park Travel Guide: 609 reviews and 1,552 photos

More than 100 million years of erosion has created this desert area that has the greatest density of natural arches in the world. It lies on an underground salt bed that is responsible for the unusual rock formations of arches, spires & monoliths so prevalent in the area. Extreme temperatures in addition to water, ice and salt movement have created the rock sculptures.

We visited in October, temperatures were cool and there were no crowds. I'd highly recommend visiting in the spring or fall months as the summer can be brutally hot!

The tips will be a tour starting from the beginning of the park to the end of the 24 mile drive. Did not see everything but at least touched on some of the highlights and sites close to the road. In order to fully appreciate and view the 1000's of arches one must backcountry hike. We didn't have the time or gear since we planned on visiting Canyonlands, Dead Horse & the surrounding scenic drives in 5 days. Plus I had to deal with not having a valid drivers license on me. It was paid for but not received yet in the mail and I totally forgot about it and left for my trip. But that's another story which made the trip quite a memorable experience.

A Wonderland of Red Rocks & Arches - Arches National Park

Visitor Info:

Visitor's Center - just inside park entrance, open 8 am to 4:30 pm
Fees:
By bike or foot - $5 (7-day pass)
By car - $10 (7-day pass)
Paved roads - 24 miles one way
Closest town - Moab 5 miles
south
Picnic areas - 3
Campgrounds - 1

Fast Facts:

1929 - became a National Monument
1971 - became a National Park
No. of categorized arches:over 2000
World's largest arch-Landscape arch spanning 306 ft.
Park Size - 76,519 acres
Precipitation - less than 10 inches a year

Pros and Cons

Pros:Fantastic rock formations, contrasting colors, close to Moab
Cons:Can get very hot and crowded in summer months

Last visit to Arches National Park: Oct 2004
Intro Updated Jan 20, 2005
Add to Trip Planner (?)
Report Abuse

Reviews (17)

Devil's Garden - Pine Tree Arch Things to Do (16)

Heading back to the parking lot from Landscape Arch, there are 2 arches that are easily accessible with direction signs... more travel advice

The longest natural arch in the world Things to Do (16)

With a span of 290 ft., the Landscape Arch is considered to be the longest natural arch in the world. It is an "arc... more travel advice

Devil's Garden trailhead - Arches National Park

Devil's Garden - first steps on the... Things to Do (16)

The beginnng of the trail leads you through numerous spires and shear walls of stone some on both sides. Off the trail... more travel advice

Approaching the end of the road... Things to Do (16)

At the end of the 24 mile paved road is the Devil's Garden Trailhead, campground, pit toilets, an ampitheater, and... more travel advice

Hotels (1)
Just one campground

Been to Arches National Park?
Share your travels with the world!

Travelogues (1)

Written Jan 20, 2005

4 photos

More Images

1 - 1 of 1

Comments (9)

Reply
- Report abuse
richiecdisc Jul 24, 2005 at 4:40 AM

I know you don't like camping anymore, Ann but this is one park where it's really worth roughing it. I think it was the best organized campsite I've ever had the pleasure of setting a tent up in. Too bad the Wolfe Ranch ain't still open! Great shots.
Reply
- Report abuse
matcrazy1 Feb 13, 2005 at 9:36 AM

Amazing pictures of strange rock formations, I personally liked a lot. Haha, Best Western is always a good choice, right? Thanks a million for the beautiful postcard :-)
Reply
- Report abuse
Waalewiener Feb 4, 2005 at 9:25 PM

What a beautiful park this is Ann Arches ,arches and more arches ,and the colours are awsome .You sure have been to many National Parks Ann ,and more to go in western Canada .
Reply
- Report abuse
keida84 Jan 21, 2005 at 10:50 AM

Traveling Arches NP was one of the highlights of my teenaged year. It was breathtaking.
Reply
- Report abuse
ZanieOR Jan 19, 2005 at 10:14 AM

I loved Arches NP! My one visit there was very brief by a combination of almost out of gas, cranky kids, summer crowds, extremely hot temperatures and no place to stay. Thanks for the arches photos and tips.
Reply
- Report abuse
tropicdiver Jan 7, 2005 at 5:55 PM

Now, here's some place I hope to get to eventually. I would be in Photo Heaven.
Reply
- Report abuse
Easty Dec 14, 2004 at 10:26 AM

Nice Start!!! Great information on the details of the rock formations throughout the park.
Reply
- Report abuse
mrclay2000 Nov 21, 2004 at 7:33 AM

I remember all the other names but the Tower of Babel is new to me. Nice "Rocky Balboa" type triumphant photo near the arches!
Reply
- Report abuse
zrim Nov 11, 2004 at 1:13 PM

Good start. I've got to get back there in reasonable weather, July is not the time to be in Utah's deserts.