Marches in Arches: The Best Hikes
Description:
This weekend of hiking takes you through the iconic natural landmarks of Arches, and along some its most famous trails. The hikes run the gamut from a leisurely stroll that is perfect for kids, to challenging 10+ milers. This is a great way for first time visitors to see why Arches National Park is also a national treasure.
Photo courtesy of jakesmome
Photo courtesy of jakesmome
Author: Alexi
Day 1 - Moab, Arches National Park
Visitor, meet Arches National Park. Arches, meet visitor. The two of you are about to get to know one another very well.
The Peach Tree Juice Cafe is a great place to start out your day because not only do they use organic, local ingredients, they serve portions that will keep you fueled for the rest of your day exploring Arches.
Today's hikes include Balanced rock, which is about as easy as they come. A good warm up with a fantastic payoff: Be sure to take the requisite "Holding up the Balanced Rock" photo on this hike.
Next up, if you're interested in more legwork, is the Landscape Arch hike. This one is a little bit longer, but still fairly flat. It's a popular hike, so chances are you'll see plenty of other hikers along the way. Be friendly; chances are you'll run into them again. Landscape Arch is stunning, and definitely one of the must-see arches. If you want to add some distance, there are side trails to Tunnel and Pine Tree Arches.
End the day at Milt's stop and Eat, the oldest dining establishment in Moab. It's not the healthiest, but it's goooood. Please, please have a milkshake. You'll be glad you did.
1
The Peace Tree Juice Café
Location:
view in google maps20 S. Main
Moab, UT 84532
Phone:
(435) 259-85032
Balanced Rock
Location:
view in google mapsArches National Park
Arches National Park, UT 84532
Phone:
(435) 719-22993
Landscape Arch
Location:
view in google mapsArches National Park
Arches National Park, UT 84532
Phone:
(435) 719-22994
Devil's Garden Campground
Location:
Arches National Park, UTPhone:
(877) 444-67775
Milt's Stop and Eat
Location:
view in google maps356 Millcreek Dr
Moab, UT 84532
Phone:
(435) 259-7424Day 2 - Moab, Arches National Park
In every destination, all over the world, there exists a restaurant that gives each menu item a creative name. Whether for annoying international travelers or for its own amusement, Arches is no exception, so have an entertaining breakfast at the Slickrock Cafe before you hit the trails. With old school (pot roast, fish and chips) dishes, their hearty portions are filling AND fun.
Two famous arches are the focus of today's hikes: The Delicate Arch and the Double O Arch. Depending on your ambition, your conditioning and the temperature outside, attempt one or both. Delicate Arch has petroglyph-viewing options, while Double O Arch has side trails leading to Partition and Navajo Arches (in case you were interested).
After a long day on your feet, check out Moab's only microbrewery, the (you guessed it) Moab Brewery. Okay, so the name isn't as creative as the menu at Slickrock cafe, but the food is good and so is the beer.
1
Slickrock Café
Location:
view in google maps5 North Main Street
Moab, UT 84532
Phone:
(435) 259-80042
Delicate Arch Trail
Location:
view in google mapsArches National Park
Arches National Park, UT 84532
3
Double O Arch
Location:
view in google mapsArches National Park
Arches National Park, UT 84532
Phone:
(435) 719-22994
Moab Brewery
Location:
view in google maps686 South Main Street
Moab, UT 84532
Phone:
(435) 259-6333Day 3 - Moab, Arches National Park
The Jailhouse Cafe has great breakfast options - pricier than other restaurants, but so many local regulars can't be a bad thing. Today's hike strays from the "arches" theme of previous days, taking you into the sandstone labyrinth of Fiery Furnace. The hike requires a little bit of prep (obtaining a permit, watching a minimum impact video), but is worth it. So very worth it. You can also sign up for a ranger0guided hike, if interested in learning about the history and geology of the area.
If there's anything better than Mexican food after a day of hiking, I don't know what that is. MIguel's will set you up with chips, salsa and delicious homemade tomales, chile rellenos and fish tacos. Enjoy your meal - you've more than earned it.
1
Jailhouse Café
Location:
view in google maps101 N Main St
Moab, UT 84532
Phone:
(435) 259-39002
Fiery Furnace
Location:
view in google mapsArches National Park
Arches National Park, UT 84532
Phone:
(435) 719-22993
Miguel's Baja Grill
Location:
view in google maps51 N Main St
Moab, UT 84532
Phone:
(435) 259-6546