Arches NP

[bukhrn]

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.

[Lauren]

Let's see, been to Moab area 6-7 times and can't wait to get back there again!

Arches, Canyonlands Island In The Sky area - just fantastic! Good suggestion above about getting info on best time for photo shoots.

We have hiked all over Arches - way back in. Tough stuff and no more. The hike up to Delicate Arch and the views there are something else. We have gone at sunrise and love that.

Enjoy one of our favorite places - in fact, will be back there again next year. God willing.

[profdant139]

The weather could influence your plans -- if it is hot, you may want to stay a short time. If it is cool, longer -- we were there in October, and it was great -- that's DW framed in this arch:

[bukhrn]

Thanks for all the replies, I'll just give it 5 days, would give it a few more, but by the time we get there we'll be at the end of 3 1/2 months, & DW will be chomping at the bit to get back to the S&B. (if she doesn't bury the skillet in my forehead before that) 😉

[Major_Dad]

A short hike to Delicate Arch (about 30-45 minutes) for sunset (bring a strong flashlight for the walk back downhill) is something you'll never forget.

Arches has a beautiful campground (see below), but it has no hookups. Landscape Arch is walking distance from that campground, and is worth the effort. You can see quite a few of the other arches with short walks from the parking lots along the road; if you start earlier in the day, you'll beat the crowds and bus tours that drive up from the town.

[n7bsn]

We spent four days in the Moab area, given that the National Parks were only open ONE of those days.
Basically, you could "see" the park in half a day, or take weeks seeing the entire area.
Oh ya, we had no problems parking the dually

[nazpaz]

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:

[jnharley]

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.

[Bumpyroad]

If you tour the arches, going to Natural Bridges NM will be a waste of time. JMHO
bumpy

[vermilye]

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...

[SteveAE]

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.

[rv2go]

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.

[soos]

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

[Liltippy]

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

[Bumpyroad]

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