Arches National Park
It's like traveling to another planet when you visit Arches National Park, which has thousands of naturally occurring sandstone arches, red rocks and other landforms arranged in breathtaking ways, and light that seems to change constantly. The park is particularly alluring for photographers, who are compelled to capture its lovely landscapes in particular at dawn and twilight because of the way the shadows dance across the arches. However, Arches National Park is more than just a photographer's haven.
The park, which is 5 miles northwest of Moab, Utah, has 26 miles of scenic road and treks for people of all fitness levels. Hikers have a wide range of routes to select from, ranging in length from short 20-minute strolls to Balanced Rock and the Double Arch to longer, more difficult hikes through the Fiery Furnace and up to Delicate Arch. The Colorado Plateau has among of the darkest sky in the contiguous United States, making for stunning views of the Milky Way when you need to return to Earth.
Arches National Park is a fascinating destination to visit with its world of red rocks. The park is beautiful whether you are just driving through the alluring environment or choose to go on an adventure trek or guided tour. At the visitor center, where you can brush up on the park's many trails and overlooks and hear about available ranger programs, it's a good idea to get your bearings. Even while it's simple to admire the surreal landscape from your car, you'll want to pull over, park, and investigate, especially at must-see attractions like the well-known Delicate Arch and Balanced Rock.
Rankings:
- #2 in Best Places to Visit in Utah
- #9 in Best U.S. National Parks
- #9 in Best Places to Hike in North America
- #18 in Best National Parks in the World
Location: Utah
