Head Off-Road at Arches National Park

Explore Arches National Park

In the desert of the American West lies a magical place filled with stunning red rocks and clear blue skies. Home to more than 2,000 natural stone arches, Arches National Park lives up to its name and is one of the star attractions in Moab, Utah!

As one of Utah's "Mighty 5" national parks, Arches is a destination for viewing the country's most spectacular rock formations. Gravity-defying spots like Balanced Rock and Delicate Arch wow visitors, and massive pinnacles can be viewed throughout the park.

There are lots of ways to explore Arches National Park. Let's explore a few.

Hiking

An easy way to get close to the sights is on foot. Options range from easy hikes to treks that last for four hours or more. Good hiking options include:

• Balanced Rock: At just 0.3 miles and accessible to wheelchairs, Balanced Rock trail is one of the easiest trails in the park.
• Landscape Arch at Devils Garden: Running for 1.6 miles with an estimated time of 50 minutes, Landscape Arch will get the blood pumping. RESERVATIONS REQUIRED.
• Park Avenue: Two miles round trip, Park Avenue offers spectacular canyon views with moderate difficulty.

Remember to stay on the trails and use your best judgement when hiking. If it's wet or snowy, you may want to reschedule due to slippery rocks. And during the summer months, wear loose clothing and bring lots of water!

Scenic Drives

Parking can be difficult, but it's easy to see the sights at Arches National Park from your car. Over 18 miles of paved roads weave through the park, providing panoramic views of the park and stops along iconic sights like The Windows Section, Delicate Arch, and more. Unpaved roads offer even more opportunities for sightseeing, but may require high-clearance, four-wheel drive vehicles. Speaking of which…

Editorial credit: pixinoo / Shutterstock.com

Four-Wheel Drive Tours

The best way to see the natural wonders of this area is with an all-terrain vehicle (ATV). Several companies have contracts to provide four-wheel driving tours at Arches National Park. Check out the following to find the best tour for you:

• Adrift Adventures
• NAVTEC Expeditions
• OARS

Horseback Riding

Saddle up and travel the park by horseback! Outfitters in Moab offer daytime horse tours throughout the park, reaching places where cars can't go. Before you go, you'll want to read the National Park Service's rules for horseback riding.

Lodging Near Arches National Park

Make the most of your trip with a campsite close to Arches National Park. Our three Moab RV Resorts offer easy access to both Arches and Canyonlands National Parks.

Located within walking distance of downtown Moab, Sun Outdoors Moab Downtown is best recognized by the public Texaco gas station right off main street, which serves as the campground's general store and laundry facility. The entrance to the Canyonlands is located adjacent to the gas station. Enjoy shaded RV and tent camping sites, plus a selection of cute cabins to rent. Other amenities include a heated swimming pool with water feature and a playground for the kids.

If you head north on Main Street, you'll find Sun Outdoors Arches Gateway just outside of the downtown area. This resort offers pull-thru RV sites, covered and open tent sites, a selection of cabin rentals, and a vintage Airstream trailer. The amazing amenities include a general store, dog park, heated swimming pool and hot tub, bike wash and repair station, playground and much more!

About 15 minutes further north on Main Street is Sun Outdoors Canyonlands Gateway, boasting exceptional views and direct trail access to Arches National Park. Cool off at the pool and splash pad, check out the old western church movie prop, and enjoy the convenience of an on-site gas station. Plus, take your stay in spacious pull-through RV sites, furnished vacation rentals, or one of the cozy themed casitas!  

Full of adventure, Arches National Park is an ideal spot for your next vacation. If you agree, share this post on social media!

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