The desert is one of the most unforgiving landscapes. The dry heat, the wind, and the sand create an adventure that is surely for those who are not faint of heart.
(However)
It is one of the most beautiful, inspiring, and unique places to find yourself in.
This is Arches National Park.
Between balanced rocks and wind carved spires, between sandy dunes and curved arches, this is a national park worth putting at the top of your lists to see. The park brings thousands of people out every year to Moab, Utah, to have a glance at the wonders of the landscape in the middle of a rose-colored desert.
I could of spent days here, exploring the beauty of the diversity in nature. The massive fins of rock that shot out in the distance was just the beginning of what is to be discovered in Arches National Park. My mind was spinning from trying to take it all in.
Have a look at a short travel guide that will give you an brief overview of what you cannot miss on your journey through the red rock mecca.
Discovering Arches National Park: A Short Travel Guide
Getting There
- Arches National Park is easily reached by flying into Salt Lake City, Utah and taking a short three hour drive to the destination. A car is most definitely needed to see the park, as most sights are seen by driving.
Where to Stay
- I can only recommend highly to stay at Moab Under Canvas, where you have the choices of teepees or luxury tents, for an incredible “glamping” experience. You get to stay out in the desert only moments away from Arches National Park, under the open skies of Moab. Read the full review here.
Where To Eat
- Food is definitely not limited here with an array of choices from diners to breweries. Moab Diner for lunch or dinner, Jailhouse for breakfast/brunch, and Desert Bistro are some great choices for while there. While out hiking, be sure to stop by the local grocer to stock up on sandwiches, snacks, and water.
What to See
There is plenty to see in Arches National Park, and most can be done by car or you can choose a few hikes to experience the park. The main sites to not miss are:
- Delicate Arch
- Double Arch
- Landscape Arch
- North and South Windows
- Fiery Furnace (Ranger guided tour necessary)
- Double O Arch
- Garden of Eden
For the best hikes, and what would be suit your time and fitness levels, I would refer to this link for helpful information. I personally didn’t have time to take any hikes, and the heat was pretty intense. The next time I will definitely want to sign up for the Fiery Furnace tour with a ranger.
Purchase Travel Insurance
PS — Are You Booking a Trip Soon? Use My Booking Checklist!
These are the sites I use most to book my own trips. Using the links below is a great way to support Bon Traveler’s travel journalism at no extra cost to you. If you need help organizing your itinerary, get my free travel itinerary template here.
1. Book Your Accommodations
I use Booking.com for hotels and Airbnb for vacation rentals. They have the biggest inventory and consistently offer the best rates.
2. Book Your Rental Car
Self-driving is the best way to explore most destinations. I use Discover Cars for our rental cars, select full coverage insurance, and opt for a reputable company like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt.
3. Book Your Tours & Experiences
I use Viator, Airbnb, and Get Your Guide to find the best tours and experiences. They are my favorite tour search engines. I always check all three as their inventory varies depending on the destination.
4. Book Your Private Transfers
For easy, reliable private transfers, I use Welcome Pickups. It’s my go-to for arranging a driver in advance — whether it’s an airport pickup, a hotel-to-hotel transfer, or a day trip. The experience is seamless, with English-speaking drivers and upfront pricing, so you can travel stress-free at every stage of your trip.
5. Get Cell Data for Your Trip
I use Holafly for international cell data. Their unlimited data eSIMs are easy to install, activate instantly on arrival, and let you skip local SIM cards and expensive roaming fees.
6. Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
I never leave the country without travel insurance. It provides comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong (ie. illness, injury, theft, or cancellations).
My favorite companies that offer the best coverage and rates are:
- World Nomads (best for all-around)
- Safety Wing (best for frequent travelers)
Xx,
Jessica
1 Comment
I want to take a road trip here to badly! I love that you included places to eat!!