While high expectations often lead to disappointment, that was not the case at Arches National Park . We had heard so much about the arid beauty of the world’s largest collection of sandstone arches located just five miles north of Moab, UT, that we feared we would be disappointed. But we weren’t.
We drove and hiked among the many of the more than 2,000 sandstone arches spread across the park’s nearly 77,000 acres. And marveled at the Balanced Rock, the Delicate Arch visible in the distance and the soaring pinnacles juxtaposed against snow-capped mountains in the distance. We arrived early to ensure we could get in. Visitors later in the day were turned away or had to wait in long lines. We drove and/or hiked to most of the most famous spots in the park over the course of a very full day in the park.
The Park Service has instituted a reservation system during the busiest times of the year to manage the crowds. So plan ahead. Carry lots of water. It’s hot and dry much of the year. (We visited in May.) And enjoy exploring a park unlike any other.
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