Arches National Park, Utah

 

MAJOR ATTRACTIONS:

 

Arches National Park is the place to go to see the greatest number of eroded sandstone natural arches in the world, numbering near 700.  You will find dazzling arrays of colors in the geological formations - pinnacles, fins, pedestals, boulders, balanced rocks, steeples, etc.

The Park is open year round, except for Christmas Day, with March through October being the busiest period.  Stock up on last minute supplies in Moab, 5 miles south of the park.  

Horseback riding is available by concessionaire -  inquire at Visitor Center.

GETTING THERE:

To get there, there being the southeastern corner of Utah, take I-70 until you reach Hwy. 191, then head south about 30 miles.  Those coming from the east on I-70 may wish to take Hwy. 128 out of Cisco, and drive about 48 miles to the park.  The 4-WD capitol of the world (my designation), Moab is located just 5 miles farther south.

MAP:  Click on Globe to go to Map of Arches National Park.  Provided by www.AreaParks.com Web site.

 

FEES:

Nothing is free, so have $10 per vehicle handy - it will cover any 7 consecutive day stay.  Individuals may enter on foot for $5, and stay up to 7 consecutive days.  
If you wish to camp in the park, bring another $10 per site during summer months and $5 when water is unavailable (November thru March 15)
A ranger guided tour of the Fiery Furnace will cost a little extra.

CAMPING:

Backcountry camping is allowed by permit, only.  Pick up a permit at the visitor Center.  There are no established backcountry campsites.  Camp well away from any road.  Absolutely NO fires are allowed.  When you see the damage done to Delicate Arch by some moron photographer seeking to enhance his photography with flame-generated lighting, and who, by the way is being prosecuted vigorously, you'll understand why.  Please practice Leave No Trace®, minimum impact hiking and camping.

Camping is available in improved campsites at Devils Garden Campground.  The campground is situated 18 miles from the park entrance, and has limited space (52 sites), so register at the Visitor Center as soon as you get there.  Fee is $10 per night.  Group sites may be reserved; call (435) 259-4351.  

OK, don't despair!  There are a good number of public campgrounds in Moab, and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has a campground just across the Colorado River, east of the Park.  Here are a few:

Slickrock - (435) 259-7660
Arch View RV - (435) 259-7854
Canyonlands Campark - (435) 259-6848
Moab KOA - (435) 259-6682
Pack Creek (435) 259-2982
Spanish Trail RV Park - (435) 259-2411

BASIC RULES & REGULATIONS:

1.  Pets must be on a leash at all times, and are not permitted on hiking trails.
2.  Wood gathering is not allowed.
3.  Bikes are allowed on paved roads, only.
4.  No hunting and absolutely no firearms are permitted.
5.  Do not disturb wildlife, which will include deer, fox, rabbits, Kangaroo rates, lizards, toads and the Western Rattlesnake.

TRAILS & THINGS TO SEE:

1.  Museum - Bookstore - located at park entrance.
2.  Guided Tours; Evening campfire Programs - inquire at Visitor Center.
3.  Fiery Furnace guided hikes; these hikes require up to 48 hour advance reservations, in person at the Visitor Center.  Visit the labyrinth of narrow sandstone canyons and fins.  The hike is about two miles in length, and takes about three hours - rated strenuous.
4.  Delicate Arch, probably the best known of Arches NP's sights, offers a window-like view of La Sal Mountains.  Landscape Arch is the longest natural stone arch in the world at 306 feet in length; pieces occasionally fall from the arch, activity that will eventually spell its demise.
5.  Wheelchair access exists for the Visitor Center, all toilets, Delicate Arch viewpoint and trail.  There is currently a single wheelchair accessible campsite at the Devils Garden Campground.

MIKE'S RECOMMENDED HIKES:

1.  Devils Garden - This 7.5 to 8.5 mile trek, which includes visits to attractions along the way, should take about 4 to 5 hours.  It includes a moderate elevation gain of about 300 feet, beginning at the trailhead (5,180').  Shorter hikes are possible, and a 2 mile version to Landscape Arch or a 4 mile trek to Double O Arch can be traveled. 

USGS Topo Maps:  Mollie Hogans and Klondike Bluffs.  Trailhead is located 19 miles from the Visitor Center, just beyond the campgrounds.  The trail will take you toTunnel Arch, Pine Tree Arch, Landscape Arch, Partition Arch, Navajo Arch, Wall Arch, Double O Arch, Dark Angel, Black Arch; don't miss the arches south of the campgrounds.  They are Skyline Arch, Broken Arch, and Sand Dune Arch.  You will also witness the spectacular maze of sandstone fins .  Landscape Arch is arguably the most sensational - it's incredibly, almost unbelievably long.  Sandstone never was more impressive.    

2.  Lower Courthouse Wash - This 6.3 mile trail will require that you either return the equal distance, or park a second car, or a bicycle, at the end of the trail.  I recommend that you use the shuttle method.  Park your second vehicle or bike where Hwy. 191 crosses Courthouse Wash, just north of the Colorado River, 1.8 miles from the park entrance, but outside the Park. There is a small parking lot just north of the wash.   The one way hike should take about 3.5 hours.  The trail begins at 4,120' elevation and ends at Hwy. 191 at 4,000' elevation.  

USGS Topo Maps:  The Windows Section, Moab.  The trailhead is situated 4.6 miles north of the Visitor Center, at signed Courthouse Wash.  Park about 100 yards north of the wash.  There is no real trail; you will be hiking in the wash, itself.  Some water wading will be required, so be prepared.  The wash (canyon) is quite beautiful, sprinkled with Cottonwoods and Willows, and teeming with frogs.  You will want to stick mostly to the streambed, so you will get your feet wet.   

 

Four Wheel Drive Roads:

1.  Four Wheel Drive Road - best traveled NW to SE, and not when wet or icy.  Leave the Tower Arch area and reach Balanced Rock.  About 10 miles in length.  Steep, rocky and sandy environment.  Recommended only for experienced 4WD drivers.
2.  Willow Flats Road - OK for relatively inexperienced 4WD drivers.  Runs from Balanced Rock area, west to park boundary and Hwy. 190.  4 miles in length.
3.  Tower Arch Road - OK for relatively inexperienced 4WD drivers.  1.5 miles in length.
4.  Cache Valley Road - OK for relatively inexperienced 4WD drivers.  Runs about .5 miles in east from the Delicate Arch area.

Stay on 4WD Roads!  Protect the beauty of Arches National Park.  Take plenty of water and have a good spare.

HOW TO CONTACT THE PARK:

Arches National Park
PO Box 907
Moab, UT 84532
(435) 719-2299
email:  archinfo@nps.gov
fax:  (435) 719-2305

 

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