Arches NP
While I realize that you can never see "everything" in a lifetime, what's a reasonable amount of time to see the Arches, we do take short, relatively easy to moderate hikes, but not "avid" hikers. but are more interested in the sites.
Forum Discussion
- For Arches itself you could do the drives and some easy hikes in 2-3 days. However, there is so much more to do in the immediate area that keeping busy for a longer period would be no problem.
- the most impressive arch I saw was Mesa arch, across the highway from the Arches in the canyonlands. I took one photo thru the arch and later saw a virtually identical picture in a Nikon ad. it is a short hike around to get to it.
bumpy - Be sure to stay on the major trails. Stay off what they label "primitive " trails as they contain lots of ev elevation changes and slippery rocks
- It depends on if you also plan on seeing nearby
Canyonlands NP
Dead Horse Point SP
Natural Bridges NM
Capital Reef NP
Zion NP
Bryce Canyon NP
Grand Staircase Escalante NP
If none of the above, then 3-4 days. I would at LEAST check out Canyonlands and Dead Horse because they are close by. Canyonland has some breathtaking viewpoints that aren't a long hike.
My favorite was Capital Reef, but thats because we ARE avid hikers. Great hiking there.
Also, if you can get there by driving on Rte 12, do it, and plan lots of extra time for pulling over to oooh and aaaah over the views.
Sue - Plan on being in the area for at least 4 days. And that wont be enough time.
If you are a photographer or just like to take beautiful photos, pick up the brochure at the Visitors center that gives the time of day and details about taking pictures of the different rock formations. - You can see Arches in half a day if you want to just get an overview and take a couple short hikes. But the Moab area has lots of other (better IMO) places to visit too that I would encourage you spend at least 3 to 4 days (minimum) in the area.
- 2X on including Canyonlands & Dead Horse Point State Park on your visit. The viewpoint at Dead Horse is a short walk from the parking lot. Canyonlands has a number of hiking opportunities available, but you could also just make the drive through the park, stopping at the various viewpoints. The major viewpoints for both could be done in a day.
As to Arches, I'd want to spend at least 3 or 4 days if you are going to do any hiking. There is lots to see from the road or short walks from the parking areas, but some of the arches require a bit of hiking. Delicate arch is well worth the hike, at least in the cooler times of the day... - If you tour the arches, going to Natural Bridges NM will be a waste of time. JMHO
bumpy - If you have a dually truck, it can be difficult to find places to park at the sites in the park. We had to just skip some places because we could not park. Will be returning to spend more time in the area as it is just spectacular.
- Let me be another to recommend Dead Horse State Park and Canyonlands NP in addition to Arches. The state park was one of our favorite places in Utah. Let me whet your appetite with the view from the state park:
