Arches National Park
Time Needed: full-day
Experience Type: national park, outdoor adventure, scenic views
Arches National Park is a wonderland of natural stone formations, boasting over 2,000 arches set against a backdrop of red rock and desert sky. Sunrise and sunset bring these sandstone sculptures to life. Timed entry tickets are required from Recreation.gov in peak season.
Must-Do Checklist
- Hike to Delicate Arch – See Utah’s most famous arch, which glows spectacularly at sunrise and sunset. Note that this is the park’s busiest hike, and the parking lot fills up fast.
- Explore the Windows Section – A short hike allows access to such arches as North Window, South Window, Turret Arch, and Double Arch. You can scramble under some arches.
- Drive Arches Scenic Drive – Wind through the park’s scenic 18-mile (one-way) main road, stopping for overlooks and pull-offs to revel in the striking views.
- Go on a ranger-led hike to Fiery Furnace – From late-spring to early-fall, rangers lead this challenging hike across maze-like terrain. Reserve tickets ($16 per person) at Recreation.gov.
- Enjoy stargazing – Moab has some of the darkest skies in the U.S. Top stargazing spots in the park include Balanced Rock picnic area, the Windows Section, and Panorama Point.