For those of you who don’t already know, Utah has quite a diverse collection of vacation hotspots, with more than enough national parks and recreational areas to keep one occupied for a decade of vacations. One such place, Arches National Park , will be the highlight of this post. Arches National Park is located right outside of Moab, Utah, which is a good four to five hour drive from downtown Salt Lake City (depending on the traffic). Moab is sprinkled with bed and breakfasts, each with its own unique personality, along with enough hotel and motel chains to fit any traveler’s needs.
My husband and I spent a weekend in June hitting some of the main hikes and sights of the Arches. We stayed at the Aarchway Inn, which is the closest hotel to the park itself. Besides proximity, the hotel features a pool, which is WONDERFUL after a day of hot, dusty hiking. My favorite experience from this vacation was hiking the famous Delicate Arch hike. It’s about 3 miles roundtrip. You start on a well manicured dirt path that takes you past Indian petroglyphs and the historic Wolfe Ranch. Then the dirt trail ends abruptly and turns into slickrock, from which you follow rock cairns (rock piles that mark the trail), increasing in elevation and winding through red rock and dirt until you reach the Delicate Arch. Living in Utah, you see pictures of the Delicate Arch on license plates and in local art galleries, but seeing Utah’s world famous landmark for yourself is breathtaking- definitely something you want to put on your list of things to see.
After a day of hiking and sightseeing, I highly recommend going to dinner at the Sunset Grill in Moab. Formerly owned by “Moab ’s most famous millionaire,” Charlie Steen, the restaurant is nestled into the red rock cliffs of Moab above Main Street. The restaurant has a distinct home feel, with an amazing view of the city. The Sunset Grill’s diverse menu rivals many of Salt Lake’s finest restaurants. Their filet mignon with blue cheese butter sauce will leave you perfectly content and ready for a well-deserved night’s sleep (don't forget their delicious vanilla creme brulee for your night cap!).
For the record, Arches National Park is HOT in the summer, with temperatures constantly around 100 degrees. You are encouraged by park pamphlets to drink a gallon of water per day. Wear sturdy hiking shoes, proper hiking apparel, and plenty of sunscreen. There are only a few places to pick up water in the park, so make sure you pack food and water for your day excursions. The entrance fee is $10 per vehicle for a seven-day pass. For more information, visit their website at www.nps.gov/arch.
My husband and I spent a weekend in June hitting some of the main hikes and sights of the Arches. We stayed at the Aarchway Inn, which is the closest hotel to the park itself. Besides proximity, the hotel features a pool, which is WONDERFUL after a day of hot, dusty hiking. My favorite experience from this vacation was hiking the famous Delicate Arch hike. It’s about 3 miles roundtrip. You start on a well manicured dirt path that takes you past Indian petroglyphs and the historic Wolfe Ranch. Then the dirt trail ends abruptly and turns into slickrock, from which you follow rock cairns (rock piles that mark the trail), increasing in elevation and winding through red rock and dirt until you reach the Delicate Arch. Living in Utah, you see pictures of the Delicate Arch on license plates and in local art galleries, but seeing Utah’s world famous landmark for yourself is breathtaking- definitely something you want to put on your list of things to see.
After a day of hiking and sightseeing, I highly recommend going to dinner at the Sunset Grill in Moab. Formerly owned by “Moab ’s most famous millionaire,” Charlie Steen, the restaurant is nestled into the red rock cliffs of Moab above Main Street. The restaurant has a distinct home feel, with an amazing view of the city. The Sunset Grill’s diverse menu rivals many of Salt Lake’s finest restaurants. Their filet mignon with blue cheese butter sauce will leave you perfectly content and ready for a well-deserved night’s sleep (don't forget their delicious vanilla creme brulee for your night cap!).
For the record, Arches National Park is HOT in the summer, with temperatures constantly around 100 degrees. You are encouraged by park pamphlets to drink a gallon of water per day. Wear sturdy hiking shoes, proper hiking apparel, and plenty of sunscreen. There are only a few places to pick up water in the park, so make sure you pack food and water for your day excursions. The entrance fee is $10 per vehicle for a seven-day pass. For more information, visit their website at www.nps.gov/arch.
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