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 Silverton, Colorado
In this guide, we’re sharing everything you need to know to plan the perfect visit—including the Old Hundred Mine Tour, where to eat, hikes to do, and helpful tips to make your trip unforgettable. We recently set out on a 6-day road trip through Colorado, and Silverton was a must-see along the way. If you’d like to see the ACTUAL mine tour, check out our YouTube video! About Silverton, Colorado Nestled in the heart of the San Juan Mountains, Silverton is a charming historic mining town that was established in 1874. Its growth skyrocketed in 1881 when the Denver & Rio Grande Railway rolled into town, forever changing its future. Today, Silverton still holds onto its old soul, with many original 19th-century buildings still standing tall and most of its streets remaining unpaved, giving visitors the distinct feeling of stepping back in time. While you could breeze through with just a coffee or a quick bite before heading north on the Million Dollar Highway, we highly recommend spending at least a few hours here. From scenic hikes to fascinating museums and mine tours, Silverton offers more than just a pretty backdrop—it’s a living slice of Colorado history. Here are some of the best things to do in Silverton. Tour the Old Hundred Gold Mine Hands down, the Old Hundred Gold Mine Tour was one of the most fun and unique experiences we had in Silverton—and absolutely worth every penny! For just $30 per adult, $15 for kids 5-12, and children 4 and under are free (seniors 60+ cost $28), you hop aboard a vintage electric-powered mine train that takes you 1/3 of a mile deep into the heart of Galena Mountain, which towers over 13,000 feet high. Heads up—you will get a little water dripping on you, but they provide these yellow raincoats with hoods to keep you dry. Once inside, you’ll walk through the old tunnels, learn all about historic mining techniques, and watch live demonstrations of original 1930s mining equipment (they’re LOUD, but super cool to see in action!). What made the tour even more special was our guide—a real former miner, who brought the history to life with personal stories and deep knowledge of the mining world. His passion made it feel less like a tour and more like a journey through time. 🎉 Bonus activity: After the underground adventure, you’ll get to pan for real silver, copper, gems, and gold, and you get to keep whatever you find! We found several .999% silver balls! Lukas was enthralled with this experience, spending an hour panning, and taking home one of the bags they provide for free full of little gemstones. It was the highlight of the experience for him since he loves gems so much! 🗓️ A few quick tips: The tour is summer-only and runs hourly. No reservations are not taken, but the drive out will take you at least 10-15 minutes from Silverton so plan accordingly so you make it for the tour you want. If you only have time for one thing in Silverton, make it this! Walk Around Town One of the best ways to soak in Silverton’s charm is simply by wandering around town. This tiny historic mining town is packed with original buildings, many proudly displaying the year they were built—giving you a glimpse into life in the late 1800s and early 1900s. The main drag, Greene Street, was once the unofficial dividing line in town. On one side lived the law-abiding, church-going citizens—on the other? Well, things got a bit rowdier. Just a block away sits Blair Street, Silverton’s former red-light district. Once home to dozens of saloons and brothels, today it’s lined with shops and eateries—but it still holds tight to its wild west roots with unpaved streets and rustic storefronts that transport you back in time. If you’re a fan of frontier history and small-town charm, don’t rush through Silverton. Give yourself time to wander, imagine the town’s wilder days, and enjoy the preserved character that makes this place so unique. Go For a Hike The Silverton area is surrounded by some of the most epic hikes in the San Juan Mountains, offering stunning alpine lakes, panoramic mountain views, and unforgettable backcountry adventures. Below are a few must-do trails to consider—but keep in mind: these are popular hikes, so start early and remember to Leave No Trace to help preserve these wild places. Ice Lakes Basin 📏 8.6 miles | ⬆️ 3,070 feet elevation gain Arguably the most famous hike in the San Juans—and for good reason. While it was closed for a time following a 2020 wildfire, Ice Lakes Basin is now open and as breathtaking as ever. This trail leads to three brilliant blue alpine lakes, framed by jagged peaks and wildflowers in the summer. It’s still free to hike (for now), but due to its popularity, there’s ongoing discussion about requiring permits—so treat this trail with care and respect to help keep it accessible. Columbine Lake 📏 8.3 miles | ⬆️ 2,933 feet elevation gain This challenging trail rewards hikers with jaw-dropping mountain views and a surreal, turquoise-blue lake at the top. It’s quieter than Ice Lakes but still popular, and the trailhead parking is limited. If you arrive late, you may need to park near the bridge and walk to the trailhead—another reason to get an early start. Highland Mary Lake Trail 📏 4.9 miles | ⬆️ 1,414 feet elevation gain Don’t be fooled by the shorter distance—this is still a solid alpine hike! Along the way, you’ll pass serene high-elevation lakes and take in views that rival the longer hikes. The final stretch of the road to the trailhead can be rough, so 4WD is recommended. If you’re in a lower-clearance vehicle, consider parking 0.7–1 mile away and walking in. Whether you’re chasing turquoise lakes or towering peaks, the hikes near Silverton are pure mountain magic. Just be sure to pack plenty of water, check weather conditions, and hit the trail early