Arches National Park Itinerary

The Arches National Park is considered part of the Canyon Country of Moab, Utah. Carved and shaped by millions of years of weather and erosion, this National Park was officially established in 1971.

With so much beauty to see, the arches are worth more than one trip; however, if one trip is all you have, here is an example itinerary for a long weekend exploring the Arches National Park. I put this itinerary together to ensure you get the most out of your long weekend. Outside the confinements of the park, one of my other favorite activities and something Moab is most known for is its jeeping! If you don't have an off-road vehicle, you can rent some, although it won't be cheap.

• Thursday - Fly into Grand Junction, Colorado, and drive to Moab, Utah

• Friday - Arches National Park Scenic Drive

• Saturday - Delicate Arch Hike

• Sunday - Drive back to Grand Junction, Colorado, and fly home

What you need to know about flying into Moab, Utah.

• The best and most affordable option will be flying into Grand Junction, Colorado. There is a tiny airport in Moab, but it's very limited on which days you can fly in and out, and it's primarily for bush planes. It also costs more to fly in and out of this airport due to its availability.

• The drive from Grand Junction, Colorado, to Moab, Utah, is 2 hours.

• Part of this drive has a scenic route along the river, which is STUNNING! I highly recommend that you take this option, and the best part is that it doesn't tack on any extra drive time!

If you opt not to stay in the park, Devils Garden campground, here are some of my favorite places to stay while in Moab!

Airbnb's

Premium Single Bungalow @ Moab Springs Ranch

Red Rock Teardrop Trailer #5

Entrada at Moab

For more information on Devil's Campground, visit my post on the Arches National Park.

Arches Scenic Drive

If you are staying in the campground located within the park, you will start this route backward from the campground. Otherwise, you will begin at the beginning, which is the entrance to the park.

I recommend taking all day to drive and explore this route. There are TONS of pull-offs, and I recommend hitting every single one. My favorite pull-offs are The Windows Section and the Garden of Eden.

Be sure to pack a lunch and some snacks!

Delicate Arch Hike

This hike is the most popular and the most photographed. When you google Arches National Park, the image associated with this fantastic national park is that of the Delicate Arch.

This trail is 3 miles roundtrip, gaining 500 feet in elevation. Be sure to bring hiking shoes that have excellent grips! You are hiking on Slickrock, which is so smooth that it's associated with the back of a whale. Also, a windbreaker. Depending on what time of year you go, the winds get insane at the top.

Restaurant Recommendations

If you choose to forego camping or just simply want to try some local cuisine, here are some of my favorite places to grab breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Doughbird - Great for delicious homemade doughnuts and coffee. Located in downtown Moab.

Milt's Stop & Eat - Try the loaded Cowboy Burger and a basket of onion rings topped with a classic chocolate milkshake. Located at 356 S Mill Creek Drive, Moab.

Antica Forma - When traveling, we always have to try the local pizza! The hubby is crazy for pizza. Be sure to try the wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas that are legendary in this quaint little town. Located at 267 N Main Street, Moab.

What You Need to Know

Fees: $25.00 per vehicle - 7-day pass only

(no single-day passes available)

Backpacking Permit: Because of water scarcity and the heat, backpacking permits are

rarely sought after; however, they are free. You can pick them up at

the visitor's center; however, proceed with extreme caution.

Shuttle: The park has no shuttle, and public buses are not allowed through

the park. This is self-drive only.