Marches in Arches: The Best Hikes

Our Local Expert Says:

Simple, to-the-point, and good. Plus, they've expanded to three southern Utah towns...but are in no danger of becoming a big box store.

Description:

Moab has a couple of good breakfast choices, but none spur quite the devotion and dedication of The Peace Tree Juice Café. All natural and organic, this lively dining option serves hearty (and healthy!) breakfasts of champions, like hummus and veggies wraps, croissant sandwiches, and fresh juice smoothies. With a goal to "provide healthy, flavorful sustenance to our customers, natural, organic, and farm-to-table when possible," you're assured of the freshest, most local ingredients possible at this funky little breakfast restaurant. Grab a bite to eat before heading out to the parks, or pull up a chair on the patio and people watch all day.

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A loop trail around the base of a fragile, picturesque rock formation.

Our Local Expert Says:

Classically spectacular arch, it's a must-see because of its beauty, accessibility, and demonstration of nature's forces at work.

Description:

Spanning 290 feet, Landscape Arch is considered to be the longest natural arch in the world. At its skinniest point, it measures only six feet. Do you want to walk across it? Yeah, neither do we. Of course, you aren't allowed to do that anyway. You can no longer walk beneath it either, in the Park's efforts to reduce any issues from visitors doing just that and being bonked on the head by more falling rock. This old arch, considered to be at the end of its life cycle, might completely collapse at any time, so see it while you still can. This hike is great for younger kids and those pressed for time, as it only takes about 30 minutes to reach from the trailhead parking lot. This hike can also be part of the longer Primitive Loop Hike.

Description:

The Devils Garden Campground is located eighteen miles from the park entrance and is open year-round. Facilities include potable water, picnic tables, grills, as well as both pit-style and flush toilets. There are no showers. Bring your own wood or charcoal for the grills. Some sites will accommodate RV's up to 30 feet in length. Telephone and on-line reservations for both group and individual sites may be made through www.recreation.gov. Reservations are not accepted by the park, and the park does not maintain information about site availability. Individual Sites: The campground has 52 individual sites which are $20 per night and will accommodate up to ten people. Up to 28 of the individual sites may be reserved for nights between March 1st and October 31st. Reservations must be made no less than 4 days and no more than 180 days in advance. There is an additional $9 booking fee for reservations. To make a reservation, visit www.recreation.gov, or call (877) 444-6777, (877) 833-6777 (TDD), or (518) 885-3639. The remaining 24 campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis each day beginning at 7:30 a.m. at the park entrance station or visitor center. Keep in mind that not... read more

Description:

Don't come to Milt's Stop & Eat in Moab expecting high molecular gastronomy. Milt's, operating in Moab since 1954, is known for vinyl topped stools, formica countertops and well-priced, delicious burgers, fries, and milkshakes. Milt's Stop & Eat may be a classic burger joint, but they are not lacking for creativity - the Black and Blue Burger is crusted with black pepper and smothered with blue cheese, and the Chicago-style Hot Dog includes a dill pickle, jalapeno peppers, and celery salt. If you don't have a milkshake, you're not living. (favorites of ours are Oreo, Heath Bar, or Coffee flavored).

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"Scandalously Rich" Fried Mushrooms, "Feelin' Saucy" Monterey Burgers, and "It's the Schnizzle" Open Faced Sandwiches - Slickrock Café isn't shy when it comes to names, portions, or flavor. This café is not for the faint of heart, your meal will be big and loud and tasty. The 'Fins and Things' Fish and Chips and 'Hungry Hiker' Old Time Pot Roast are local favs. Canadian beer drinkers will be happy (or sad?) to know that they serve Molson.

Our Local Expert Says:

A classic landmark that you should see if you can.

Description:

This trail leads to Delicate Arch, the signature landmark of Arches National Park. Three miles long with an elevation gain of 480 feet, don't be fooled by mere statistics into thinking this is an easy hike. Completely unshaded, it can knock your socks off if you attempt it on a hot, sunny day. Bring abundant water, a sun-hat, camera, and a hearty constitution if you start midday in the summer! (Actually, we recommend you go early in the morning or to catch the sunset if possible during the hot months.) Absolutely worth every step, however; definitely make sure you see this iconic landmark if you can.

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Beyond Landscape Arch, the trail becomes more challenging as it climbs over sandstone slabs. The footing is rocky and there are narrow ledges with exposure to heights. Spur trails lead to Partition and Navajo Arches. Dark Angel is one-half mile (0.8 km) farther. Trail guide available at trailhead.

Our Local Expert Says:

The "it" spot for locals, plus really yummy bar food.

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Sidle up to this spacious-but-quickly-filled Moab Brewery and take a gander at the crowd around you - rock climbers, hikers, mountain bikers, and just about every other outdoorsy type just back from Arches for the day. Moab Brewery founder Jeff Van Horn started the business in order to "get a strong beer in the state of Utah" and tourists and locals alike have been thanking him every since. If that doesn't impress you, their handcrafted beer selection might. Locals recommend the Derailleur Ale, Black Raven Oatmeal Stout, and the Elephant Hill Hefeweizen.

Description:

This café used to be the courthouse, complete with actual jail cells in the basement, many moons ago. Check out the sturdy door frames and imagine famous outlaws cooling their heels in here after an unsuccessful heist. Oh, and breakfast nowadays? Very yum. Chorizo Scramble with Tortillas, Eggs Benedict with a Spicy Hollandaise sauce, and a Sweet Red Pepper Omelet await your hungry palate at the Jailhouse Café in Moab. If you desire hearty food after a long night camping, this is the place to eat. Outdoor seating allows you to enjoy your surroundings while drinking coffee and eating eggs. Be forewarned, prices can seem a little steep, but the locals say it is worth it.

Our Local Expert Says:

Up close and personal with the geologic wonders that comprise Arches.

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The Fiery Furnace is a labyrinth of narrow sandstone canyons and fins. Sudden drop-offs, dead ends, and twisty trails through the mazelike area are all part of the fun! There are no marked trails, and the area has suffered resource damage due to increased visitation. Hikers who want to explore the Fiery Furnace must obtain a permit at the visitor center (fee charged) and watch a minimum impact video.

All visitors are encouraged to sign up for a ranger-guided hike. The park began offering this strongly-encouraged option after many unescorted hikers got lost. Once you've begun this hike, there's no turning back.

Our Local Expert Says:

Voted "Best Fish Tacos" by Outside Magazine

Description:

Ole for Mexican food! Miguel's is a great choice for fare from south of the border in Moab. From Baja California, owner Miguel of Miguel's Baja Grill is known to make a mean fish taco with a smile on his face. Homemade salsa tops tamales and chile rellenos, and blue salt rims the edge of every margarita. Known for outstanding service, Miguel's Baja Grill is friendly, warm, and fun, making it a great place for families and friends. Locals like this place too, which is always a good sign. Main courses include Mariscos La Paz, Mahi Mahi, Enchiladas, Steak Fajitas, Chicken Fajitas, Portobello Fajitas, Todos Santos Lamb Tacos, the extra-large M.O.A.B. ("Mother Of All Burritos") and the popular Baja Fish Tacos. Appetizers include Nopolo Style Ceviche, Flautas, Scallops with Bacon, Guacamole with Chips. Beer, wine, and margaritas available. Come prepared for a festive evening at this lively restaurant.