Arches National Park is filled with... Well, giant sandstone arches. In fact, there are over 1500 of them. The views at Arches are utterly spectacular and have to be seen to be believed.
"But isn't Arches one of the most visited parks in America?" you might ask; "Doesn't it get too crowded?" Well, the answers are "yes, it is" and "yes, it does;" indeed, you wouldn't believe how crowded it can get around some of the park's signature sights like the Windows section or Balanced Rock. However, these areas are where the vast majority of the park's visitors spend their entire visit. Large portions of the park are virtually empty and remain a multicolored wonderland for backcountry hikers like you and me.
Your best bet is to pick up a good topo map and start planning. In our experience, the visitor center staff isn't always as attuned to the needs of backcountry hikers as is the staff at nearby Canyonlands
National Park, so it's an excellent idea to do a little research and planning before you arrive. Planning is also critical because conditions in the park can be harsh. Carry lots of water and definitely
wear sunscreen. Also, be sure to tell family or friends and the park officials of your exact itinerary. With a little preparation, you can safely enjoy what this amazing desert has to offer.
The Garden of Eden epitomizes the Arches backcountry experience. Well within view of the Windows section, the Garden of Eden receives few visitors outside of those who stop at its roadside pullout. In the Garden, there are some spectacular arches, slickrock domes and uncrowded hiking. There are fantastic backcountry opportunities like the Garden of Eden all throughout Arches!
Many hikers like to enter the park through Courthouse Wash, which starts just north of Moab. Starting at a spectacular barrier canyon rock panel, hikers travel six miles into the park to the well known Courthouse Towers. Along the way, side canyons lead to remote petrified sand dunes.
There are also trails for 4x4 owners and mountain bikers. Dusty tracks wind north through Salt Valley and Klondike Bluffs, and provide great views of the Marching Men, Tower Arch, and other remote sights on the way.
Whatever route you take, be prepared to experience the stark beauty of Arches National Park - its wide open deserts and lush canyons with hanging gardens and stone arches. The geologic formations at Arches are definitely amazing, but what is equally amazing are the skies - azure expanses filled with cotton-like clouds. The frequent summer thunderstorms are especially beautiful as you can actually see whole storm systems traveling across the desert landscape. After the thunderstorms, one can often see brilliant rainbows criss-crossing the park while silent lightning bolts strike above the lonely La Sal Mountains off in the distance.
Please visit
The Garden of Eden
