Arches National Park in Utah is one of the country's most beloved national parks for good reason. The 76,519-acre park is home to more than 2,000 natural stone arches, hundreds of red-rock pinnacles, and dramatic formations in every direction.
I’ve been lucky to visit five times, and to me, entering Arches feels like stepping into another world. On each trip, I discover something new and fall in love all over again. But one of the best parts of Arches is that you don’t need a week-long vacation to experience its highlights. In one weekend, you can hike to the world-famous Delicate Arch, explore the nearby town of Moab, and spend the night watching the Milky Way.
I’m far from alone in adoring the park. Around 1.5 million people visit each year, and timed-entry reservations have recently been implemented during peak months. So plan ahead, and come prepared. Bring plenty of water, expect crowds, stay on trails, and don’t count on reliable cell service.
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Arches is Close to Lively Moab
One of my favorite parts of visiting Arches National Park is spending time outside of it. Moab is a little town about 10 minutes away from Arches National Park with dozens of restaurants, shops, and art galleries that are all worth exploring. Finding postcards, unique souvenirs, and local art is easy in Moab at stores like Moab Made and Desert Sol. Dining is a treat in Moab, too.
After a day in the park, I’ve spent afternoons at the Moab Food Truck Park, eating everything from nachos to egg rolls. I also never leave Moab without breakfast at Jailhouse Cafe, which is a diner built in 1885 that later served as the area’s first county courthouse. It’s a great spot to fuel up before heading out to hike.
Every Adventurer Will Find Something to Explore
Whether you’re itching to get lost in rock formations or stick to views from the car, Arches National Park has a range of hikes and scenic drives for everyone. Some spots, like the Balanced Rock Viewpoint, can be seen from the road or up close on short paths. Even the park’s world-famous Delicate Arch can be seen without hiking via a short, accessible path.
If you’re willing to lace up your hiking boots, you can hit multiple popular hikes in a single day, including the 3-mile trail to the Delicate Arch, where you stand underneath the iconic formation; the Windows Trail, a 1-mile hike to a handful of arches; and an even shorter hike to Double Arch.
These trails are short and typically crowded, so consider a more remote area like the Fiery Furnace during the second day of your weekend trip. Visiting this section of the park requires a permit or guide, guaranteeing a more isolated experience.
Choose From an Array of Accommodations
Unlike some remote parks where accommodations can be limited, there’s a wide range of lodging within a short drive of the park’s entrance, whether you’re looking for a hotel with amenities, prefer cozy tiny homes, or want established campgrounds. This convenience also helps to maximize time and cut down on driving if you only have a weekend to spare.
I’ve mainly stuck to camping, as I prefer to be outdoors as much as possible during a weekend park getaway. Inside Arches, there’s only one campground, Devils Garden Campground, which may be reserved between March 1 and October 31 and is first-come, first-served for the rest of the year.
I’ve also visited paid and free campgrounds outside of the park. A handful of campgrounds sit along Utah State Route 128, like Lower Onion Creek Campground, which costs $20 a night on a first-come, first-served basis and offers stunning views and chilly dips in the Colorado River.
Just note that campgrounds and popular hotels can fill up months in advance, especially in peak seasons like spring and fall.
You Can Stay Long After the Sun Sets
Arches National Park is designated as an official International Dark Sky Park, so if you’re visiting from a major city, you’ll be amazed to discover that the stars are an unbelievable sight. As the night sky sets in, visitors can see thousands of stars, the Milky Way, and even Saturn.
I’ve visited the park a handful of times after dark, and my favorite stargazing spots include the Garden of Eden area, a scenic area with short trails to rock formations, and Panorama Point, a viewing area with expansive views of the sky and park.
I recommend visiting during a new moon, when the sky is darkest, and packing a headlamp with a red light so your eyes can adjust to the darkness. But no matter when you visit, it’s a magical moment sitting beneath the twinkling sky, catching glimpses of shooting stars.
The Shortcut
With national parks varying in size and location, picking one for a weekend getaway can be a tough task.
Arches National Park in Moab, Utah, fits the bill.
I’ve visited five times and discovered hikes for all adventurers, a fun town right around the corner, and accommodations ranging from luxury to primitive.
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