Arches National Park, located in the state of Utah, preserves over two thousand naturally occurring sandstone structures. Most park visitors spend a day sightseeing many of the more famous arches and structures, including the Delicate Arch. The park is open year-round from 8AM to 4:30PM, with extended hours from spring through fall.
Entrance fees to Arches Park are very reasonable. For only ten dollars, an entire vehicle can enter the park for the full seven days. Individuals walking in, or riding motorcycles or bicycles pay just five dollars for a weekly pass.
Camping facilities are available within the park. Devil's Garden Campground is open year-round. It provides many camping amenities, but does lack showers. Amenities include charcoal pits, flush toilets, and potable water. Campsites cost ten dollars per night and will accommodate up to ten individuals. Reservations are available, but an extra booking fee of nine dollars will be assessed.
Getting to Utah Arches National Park is easy. If you are planning your trip by plane, you will want to land in either Grand Junction, Colorado, or Salt Lake City, Utah. From the airports, you would need to drive to Arches Park, which is located north of Moab along highway 191.
One of the most famous structures in Arches Park is the Delicate Arch. The arch stands at just over eighty feet high, resting on top of a sandstone formation. The Delicate Arch Trail is one of the most traveled in the park. It is a well-defined path and easy accessible for even those hikers with little hiking experience. The trail takes approximately three hours roundtrip, but you should plan on spending some time at the arch itself, so the entire hike could take a bit longer.
Some of the most popular Arches National Park pictures are taken at Delicate Arch. Another opportunity for taking excellent Arches National Park picture is along the Devil's Garden trail. This trail will take you past Tunnel Arch, Landscape Arch, Black Arch, Wall Arch, Private Arch, as well as through Fin Canyon. There are certainly plenty of opportunities for photogenic moments along this trail! The trail is approximately four hours roundtrip. It is considered moderately easy, so if you are a beginner or have any trouble with trails, you may want to take this one easy. Don't forget that you can always turn back!
If you are planning on spending several days in the area of Arches Park, you may want to consider visiting some other sites nearby. One such visit you may want to consider is Canyonlands National Park. Also located in Utah, Canyonlands preserves an area of canyons and mesas that have formed over the millennia. The Colorado and the Green Rivers divides Canyonlands into several districts, each with its own characteristics. With its landscape of beautifully colored sandstone, this park will enhance your visit to Arches Park by providing even more beautiful scenery.
Visiting Arches Park is a breathtaking experience, and one that you must experience firsthand to truly respect and understand. For many, visiting Arches Park is a lifelong memory of tranquility.