A Complete Guide to Visiting Arches National Park
In this guide, we’re sharing everything you need to know to plan an unforgettable trip to Arches National Park—including the best hikes, when to go, where to stay and eat, and what to explore in the charming town of Moab. We recently visited Arches on a Southern Utah road trip, and the red rock landscapes left us in total awe. From iconic natural arches to epic hikes and stunning desert sunsets, Arches is one of the most photogenic and accessible national parks in the country. Whether you’re planning a family vacation or a quick weekend adventure, this blog will help you make the most of your visit! If you want to see what it’s like in Arches National Park, check out our YouTube video! About Arches National Park Arches National Park, located in eastern Utah just outside Moab, is home to more than 2,000 natural stone arches—more than any other place on Earth. These arches, along with towers, pinnacles, and fins, were sculpted over millions of years by wind, water, and erosion in the high desert climate. The park spans over 76,000 acres and offers visitors a chance to explore dramatic landscapes filled with brilliant red rock, sweeping canyons, and views that seem straight out of a movie. Fun fact: many classic westerns were filmed in the Moab area, and Arches continues to be a favorite location for photographers, adventurers, and families alike. Established as a national park in 1971 (though it was a national monument before that), Arches is a must-see destination for anyone looking to explore Utah’s famous “Mighty 5.” Before embarking on your adventure, please review the Leave No Trace principles to ensure you leave every place better than you found it, so that others can enjoy these beautiful places for many years to come! These seven principles include planning ahead and preparing, hiking and camping on durable surfaces, disposing of waste properly (pack out what you pack in!), understanding campfire rules and always fully extinguishing your fires, respecting wildlife, and being considerate of other visitors. The Different Areas of Arches National Park While Arches is a relatively small national park compared to others, it packs a lot into its scenic 18-mile main road. These are the main areas to explore, each with unique formations and accessible trailheads: 1. Park Avenue & Courthouse Towers First major stop after entering the park Tall stone walls resembling a city skyline Park Avenue Trail: 2-mile round trip walk through the canyon (great early morning light) 2. La Sal Mountains Viewpoint Epic panoramic view with contrast between red rock and snow-capped La Sal Mountains 3. Balanced Rock One of the most iconic features, viewable from the road Easy 0.3-mile loop around the formation 4. The Windows Section Home to North & South Windows, Turret Arch, and Double Arch Family-friendly hikes under 1 mile, fantastic for sunrise or sunset Great for photography and stargazing 5. Delicate Arch Area The park’s most famous feature, featured on Utah license plates Three viewpoints: Lower Viewpoint (wheelchair-accessible) Upper Viewpoint (short climb) Delicate Arch Trail (3 miles round trip, moderately strenuous hike up slickrock) 6. Devils Garden Home to Landscape Arch, the longest natural arch in North America Additional arches along the loop: Tunnel, Pine Tree, Navajo, Double O, Private Arch Total hike: 7.9-mile loop (you can do as much or as little as you like) 7. Fiery Furnace A maze of narrow sandstone canyons Requires a ranger-led tour or special permit Not recommended for young kids or anyone uncomfortable with tight spaces When to Visit Arches National Park 🗓️ When Is the Best Time to Visit Arches National Park? 🌼 Spring (March–May) Best weather: 60s–80s°F Wildflowers bloom, especially in April Popular season, so reserve permits and lodging early ☀️ Summer (June–August) Extremely hot: temps can exceed 100°F Start hikes early (sunrise) or explore scenic drives midday Bring at least 1 gallon of water per person per day 🍂 Fall (September–October) Cooler temps, fewer crowds Fall colors in the nearby La Sal Mountains Great time for night photography and stargazing ❄️ Winter (November–February) Quiet season with fewer visitors Occasional snow adds magical contrast to red rocks Roads can be icy; some trails may be closed or slippery 📝 Timed Entry Permits From April 1 to October 31, you need a timed-entry reservation between 7 AM and 4 PM. Book your entry on Recreation.gov. Getting To and Around Arches National Park Closest Town: Moab, Utah By Car: Arches is 5 miles north of downtown Moab off US-191. The park road is steep at the entrance and winds through viewpoints and trailheads. No public transportation or shuttle system, so you’ll need your own vehicle. Closest Airports: Canyonlands Field (CNY) – 18 miles from Arches (limited service) Grand Junction, CO (GJT) – 110 miles, ~2-hour drive Salt Lake City (SLC) – 230 miles, ~4-hour drive 🛞 Rental cars are available at all airports. A high-clearance vehicle is not required for Arches, but helpful if you plan to explore nearby off-road routes. Where To Stay Near Arches National Park ⛺ Inside the Park Devils Garden Campground The only campground in Arches Open year-round; reservations required March–October 51 sites, some with RV hookups $25/night; book early—it sells out quickly! 🏨 Hotels in Moab Hyatt Place Moab – Modern, family-friendly, great pool Hoodoo Moab by Hilton – Upscale, walking distance to downtown Aarchway Inn – Closer to park entrance, spacious rooms 🛖 Lodges & Resorts Red Cliffs Lodge – On the Colorado River, horseback rides, winery on-site Sorrel River Ranch – Luxury cabins, spa, farm-to-table restaurant 🏠 Vacation Rentals Modern Desert Escape – 2BR, backyard patio, 10 mins to Arches Cozy Adobe Casita – Studio with views and Southwestern decor Adventure Basecamp – 3BR, fenced yard, hot tub, pet-friendly How Much Time Do You Need at Arches National Park? You can see the major highlights in one full day, but ideally, plan for 2–3 days to hike more trails, photograph arches at sunrise/sunset, and avoid mid-day
A Complete Guide to Visiting Ouray, Colorado
Photo by Jesse Gariepy In this guide, we’re sharing everything you need to know to plan the perfect visit to Ouray—including Box Canyon, the Ouray Hot Springs, the iconic Perimeter Trail, where to stay, where to eat, and all the charm of its historic downtown. We stopped in Ouray during our epic Colorado road trip and immediately understood why it’s nicknamed the “Switzerland of America.” About Ouray, Colorado Photo by Jesse Gariepy Nestled in a dramatic box canyon and surrounded by the towering San Juan Mountains, Ouray is a tiny mountain town full of character and natural beauty. Originally established as a mining town in the 1870s, Ouray still retains its 19th-century charm, with beautifully preserved Victorian buildings, a slow-paced vibe, and endless access to outdoor adventure. Whether you’re here for the healing hot springs, the epic hiking trails, or the charming downtown lined with old storefronts and mom-and-pop shops, Ouray offers the perfect balance of relaxation and rugged exploration. Where to Stay in Ouray Whether you’re splurging or traveling on a budget, Ouray has great options: Twin Peaks Lodge & Hot Springs – Walkable to everything and includes access to its own hot springs—perfect for families. Hotel Ouray – A beautifully restored 1890s building in the heart of downtown. Charming and cozy. Box Canyon Lodge & Hot Springs – Nestled against the hillside with private hot tubs fed by natural mineral water. A peaceful, rustic escape. Amphitheater Campground – For a more rugged experience, camp just above town with panoramic views and easy access to hiking. Stroll Through Historic Downtown Downtown Ouray is as picturesque as it gets—think old wooden storefronts, ice cream shops, galleries, outfitters, and an opera house that’s still in use. Walking Main Street feels like stepping back into the Old West. Shops range from outdoorsy gear spots to quirky souvenir boutiques. Don’t miss Ouray Alchemist, a combination pharmacy, museum, and curiosity shop with a fascinating private collection of medical oddities and remedies dating back to the 1800s. 🎶 In the summer, you might catch live music at the park or special events that bring the whole community together. Box Cañon Falls and Nature Center Photo by Jesse Gariepy One of the most awe-inspiring sights in Ouray is Box Canyon Falls, a roaring 285-foot waterfall that thunders through a narrow quartzite gorge. You can reach the falls via a short but scenic walk that includes a suspension bridge with epic views and a tunnel that takes you right into the canyon. Admission is only a few dollars, and it’s worth every penny. You’ll also learn about the local geology and ecology from the educational displays near the visitor center. 🗓️ Quick Tip: The falls are especially powerful in spring and early summer Photo by Jesse Gariepy Relax at the Ouray Hot Springs Photo by Jesse Gariepy After a day of adventuring, there’s no better way to unwind than a soak in the Ouray Hot Springs Pool. This beautifully maintained facility offers several geothermally heated pools with varying temperatures—perfect for both kids and adults. The pools are surrounded by mountain views that make the experience feel almost surreal. There’s a lap pool, a shallow kids’ area, and even waterslides for those wanting a little more fun. 💧 Good to know: The water is odorless (no sulfur smell!) and contains over 13 minerals known for their therapeutic benefits. Photo by Jesse Gariepy Hike the Perimeter Trail If you’re looking for one hike that shows you all of Ouray, this is it. The Perimeter Trail is a roughly 6-mile loop that encircles the town, offering stunning views of waterfalls, forests, rocky canyons, and the historic buildings of Ouray from above. The trail passes popular landmarks like Cascade Falls, the Ice Park, Box Canyon, and even the Ouray Hot Springs—so you can hit multiple highlights in one go. 🥾 Quick Tip: Start early to beat the heat and crowds, and bring plenty of water. Grab a bite to eat in Silverton You won’t go hungry in Ouray! Here are a few standout spots: The Smokehouse – The Smokehouse at Ouray Riverside Resort is a must-visit dining destination in Ouray, Colorado, offering a delightful blend of smoked meats, hearty breakfasts, and scenic mountain views. Located at 1700 Main Street within the Ouray Riverside Resort, this eatery is open to both resort guests and the general public. Photo Credit: Ouray Riverside Resort Maggie’s Kitchen – Maggie’s Kitchen is a beloved local eatery known for its hearty, handcrafted burgers and welcoming atmosphere. The menu features a variety of options, including elk, buffalo, and veggie burgers, all served with your choice of fries, onion rings, or slaw. The restaurant offers a casual, kid-friendly environment with an outdoor porch that’s also dog-friendly. Guests are even encouraged to leave their signatures on the walls, adding to the unique charm of the place. Photo Credit: Ouray/Ridgeway Restaurant Guide Brickhouse 737 – Brickhouse 737 offers an upscale dining experience with a focus on farm-to-table cuisine and creative cocktails. The restaurant prides itself on using locally sourced ingredients to craft dishes that are both innovative and comforting. The intimate setting, featuring exposed brick walls and captivating artwork, makes it an ideal spot for a romantic dinner or special occasion. Photo Credit: Nomnomabroad Mouse’s Chocolates & Coffee – Mouse’s Chocolates & Coffee is a charming shop that has been delighting visitors since 2001 with its handmade chocolates, truffles, and house-roasted coffee. One of their signature treats is the “Scrap Cookie,” a delightful concoction made from bits of various