(Photo credit: memyselfandtheinterstate.com) |
The National Park Service has a website that details all activities available at the park. The goal of the NPS is to provide a safe and rewarding experience to all who visit. They have looked at all situations and circumstances of the public and have worked hard to inform visitors of all available options. The important aspect for the park visitor is to be well informed. Visiting the National Park Service website is the first step.
A map of Arches National Park is available on its website, so I was able familiarize myself with the layout. I was also able to choose the activities I wanted. I read the descriptions for each trail and noted where they were on the map. The Park Service has classified the trails as Easy, Moderate or Strenuous. In addition to the location, the description also gives the length of the trail and the time hiking it would take. The change in elevation is also noted. This information is important for hikers to know before they start on the trail.
(Photo credit: memyselfandtheinterstate.com) |
The Park Service also provides suggestions for visitors that take into account those who have limited time. They will suggest the best options for hiking or for driving for those who have only a few hours to devote to the park. Since the position of the sun can greatly affect the quality of photos, the Park Service offers suggestions for the best time of day to photograph the scenery. Summer visitors need to take ample water for their visit. Water is available only at the main entrance and at the end of the main road. Winter visits require adequate clothing since the wind really rips through the area.
(Photo credit: memyselfandtheinterstate.com) |
The closest interstate to Arches National Park is Interstate 70. For those coming from the west, take Exit 182 for 191 South. Arches will be on the left just before Moab. For travelers driving from the east, take Scenic Byway 128 south from Exit 204. This beautiful road follows the Colorado River for part of its journey and runs along the southern boundary of the park. This road joins 191 and at this point turn right and head north. Soon the entrance to the park will be on the right.
(Photo credit: memyselfandtheinterstate.com) |
Visitors to Arches National Park must be prepared for challenges they may face. Check the weather because the Visitors Center and a restroom at the end of the road are the only shelter available in case bad weather affects the area. Heavy rains can wash out roads. Wear proper clothing because the sun is intense in the summer and the wind will cut through anything in its path in the winter. Also make sure to wear proper hiking shoes. Sandals are not a wise option for the trails and rocky sections on which people must travel. People have been hurt or even killed in this park. Arches is beautiful and the scenery is amazing, but travelers must respect nature.
Moab is the closest city to the park and hotels can be full during the summer. We had no trouble finding a great place to stay when winter was starting, but we did notice many businesses and restaurants were closed. After our visit, I made sure to watch Thelma and Louise again because it is one of many movies to be filmed in this scenic area. Arches provided the location for the scene where the women lock the police officer in the car trunk and the famous ending was filmed near Canyonlands.
We enjoyed our visit to Arches even though it was so cold. In the future we would like to spend at least a week in Moab to continue exploring this spectacular national park.
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