Arches

Arches National Park sits just outside Moab and is known for its massive sandstone arches, balanced rocks, and wide-open desert landscape. It’s one of those parks where the scenery feels almost unreal, with formations shaped over time into something that looks more sculpted than natural.

We arrived during a government shutdown, which meant the timed entry system wasn’t being enforced. On paper, that sounds convenient—no reservations, no strict entry window—but it also meant everyone could drive in at any time. The result was predictable: packed parking lots and very few places to pull in. It didn’t stop us from exploring, but it definitely changed the pace of the day.

Once inside, the layout of the park made it easy to explore in sections. Areas like Park Avenue offer a dramatic introduction, with towering rock walls lining the path. Further in, the Windows Section is one of the most recognizable parts of the park, with North and South Window arches sitting out in the open landscape.

It’s a popular park, but once you get beyond the main stops, it still feels like there’s room to move and take it in at your own pace. Even with the crowds and full lots, it turned into one of those days that sticks with you.