Arches National Park Visitor Center

Hours: The Arches National Park Visitor Center is a must-do stop before touring the park. It is well staffed with knowledgeable and passionate personnel at the ranger station where questions can be asked and advice received. The center features informative displays, helpful literature, and a video explaining how the arches were formed. There are many interactive spaces to learn about the region in this beautifully set building with large windows to take in the rock formations. It also includes a great gift store and clean, accessible restrooms. The park itself is a red rock wonderland and a must-do thing, with over 2,000 natural stone arches, soaring pinnacles, massive rock fins, and giant balanced rocks. The arches are incredibly beautiful and amazing, and the flora is beautiful with wonderful scents. Some routes are hard but it is worth it. Visiting early in the morning on a weekday is best for less crowds and no wait to get in, as midweek, spring, and fall are also best. The park heats up as the day progresses, so mornings are best for comfortable temperatures. Park access requires planning in advance. From April 1 to October 31, a timed entry ticket is REQUIRED. These daily access passes, along with campsites, book out months in advance. Get early morning passes online, as midmorning and afternoon passes book out fast. The entrance lines back up to the highway, meaning a greater than one hour wait, and the pass gives only a one-hour entry window. If the line is backed up, visitors risk missing their window. Without a timed ticket, arriving after 4pm provides a better chance of entry. Visitors should also follow trail rules and avoid causing fires.

• 8.99 miles

  

  Canyonlands Natural History Association Non-profit Organization, Visitor Centers

1. Moab, Utah