Hi adventurers! My name is Daniel Visnyay. I was born and raised in Hungary. In this travel guide I will outline some of the best experiences in Arches National Park, Utah. Before I do so, allow me to introduce myself.
Ever since I was a child, I have been in love with the American culture, way of life and diverse landscapes. My first travel experience was to the United States back in 2014 where I spent the entire summer working up in Maine in something like a “rich kids summer camp” alongside my friends.
I had the greatest time of my life, especially when we decided to explore the entire East Coast with the money we made there. After that there was no question that I was going to come back to the United States for more!
The following year I got hired for an internship program through my university that was in partnership with this huge 5-star hotel resort in Colorado Springs. It was The Broadmoor Hotel. I spent three years (non-consecutively) working there, making money and exploring the US.
I met my fiance there six years ago and we inspired each other to wander around the world together. I guess I have never looked back since then!
Two Epic Trips to Arches National Park – Summer & Winter
My first time to Arches National Park was back in 2016. We visited during a road trip I took with friends. Unfortunately, we only spent one day there because our schedule was a bit cramped. We squeezed way too many stops along the way in a matter of a couple days. So that was bad planning.
But in early 2020, when we decided to take another road trip in Utah, there was no doubt that we would go back to Arches. We had to explore more of this epic national park. Arches National Park is one of those must-visit kinds of places in the United States – so obviously that inspired us to visit twice.
Both trips turned out to be a blast! One time we visited in summer and the next time in winter. In either season, you will discover a spectacular place!
Favorite Sights of Arches National Park – Delicate and Double Arch
My favorite place at Arches National Park (hands down) is Delicate Arch. Naturally, I mean that’s pretty much the main reason why people visit the park. We watched as the sun went down by the arch and spent some lovely and enchanting time there. However, I also loved how vast, wonderful and gigantic the Double Arch was. Those are definitely my two favorite sights.
5 Best Things To Do in Arches National Park
- Hike to Delicate Arch for sunrise or sunset: The sun rises behind the arch which is great for photography. The sun sets in the opposite direction – giving beautiful, vibrant and warm tones on the arch.
- Visit the Double Arch: Like I mentioned above, the Double Arch is enormous and jaw-dropping in stature. This arch is located with other amazing arches in the Windows area of Arches National Park.
- Stay after dark for stargazing: Arches is one of the best places in the world for stargazing because of the clear skies, lack of light pollution and altitude. If you’re a photographer, try to capture the Milky Way!
- Hike the Park Avenue Trail: This exceptionally cool and reminiscent walk takes you to three opening scenes where Indiana Jones was shot. It’s a one mile hike that follows the bottom of a canyon leading you to massive monoliths. Park Avenue Trail is a great introduction to the park.
- Discover the treasures of Devils Garden: This is a longer, harder hike but it’s definitely worth the effort as you pass by some awesome scenery and eight different arches – including the popular Landscape Arch. Not only will you find arches but also many cool spires and fins.
Best Memory from Arches
My best memory from my trips to Arches was when we were trying to hike up and then down Delicate Arch. We came across a massive layer of ice as it was cold the night before. People were holding onto the rock walls as they were trying to pass a narrow path and not slide down the cliff.
I almost died as I was reckless enough to try passing the narrow path with little caution. I tripped up and just got my balance back, instead of falling down this bank! It was a close call but luckily I survived to tell the tale.
Need to Know Before you Go
The closest and most convenient place to stay when visiting Arches is Moab. However, I can’t give any recommendations on hotels as we usually travel on a budget and just pick one of the cheapest motels. But those are excellent in Moab too. So if you are not big on hotels, just go with that!
I recommend taking the scenic drive once you hit Arches. That’s the best way to explore the park. If you’re going in summer during peak time, expect to see many people. It’s always best to visit in winter or spring. During summer, bring plenty of water as the temperature gets sky high.
Other Great National Parks in Utah
A bonus experience while in Utah is to visit Canyonlands National Park which is close to Arches. We visited this park while exploring Arches in 2020. Canyonlands gives you a different, larger and deeper kind of experience with those famous cliffs and boulders. It’s definitely a must-see!
The other close place is Dead Horse Point State Park. It’s accessible and beautiful with that horseshoe formation as the river cuts through the canyons. Utah is probably the most diverse state and possibly my favorite.
Other spots include: Monument Valley, Bryce Canyon National Park, Zion National Park, Bonneville Salt Flats and Lake Powell. Some are extremely close to each other while others require a longer trip. But I have visited all of them and believe me – I wouldn’t skip any of them for a million dollars!
