I spent quite a bit of time in and around Moab for several years but never went to Arches. It just looked like everything you've said about it! Canyonlands and the Abajo Mtns south of there are completely amazing though!
visited Moab a few times when I was in school - early 70s, and it was always deserted. different days. The locals laughed about Arches and Canyonlands, called them “Ugliest place in the world national park”. Obviously I didn’t agree, but that was the vibe. They couldn’t understand why anyone would drive for hours to see some sand and rocks.
HA that is so funny! I kind of get that to be honest, I'm a big water person and in the harsh day light part of me was like "hmm this is just dirt if you really think about it"! Game changer at sunrise or sunset though!
Yeah, I’m really more interested in water and snow. At the time I was just starting to climb & Moab was a great place to go. Working in Qatar has removed any desire to visit a desert & the fewer people around the better. Maybe that’s why the U,P. In the winter is on the top of my list.
Okay, I loved Arches but I totally get what you’re saying here. When we went two years ago, we got up at the butt crack of dawn and did our thing. It was beautiful to hike and watch the sunrise but it was terribly crowded by 10 am. It was worth the sleep deprivation to do it early. We loved Canyonlands and our dream vacation is to do the 100 mile road off-roading trail someday!
I spent quite a bit of time in and around Moab for several years but never went to Arches. It just looked like everything you've said about it! Canyonlands and the Abajo Mtns south of there are completely amazing though!
Canyonlands was incredible! Easily a new top five National Park!
visited Moab a few times when I was in school - early 70s, and it was always deserted. different days. The locals laughed about Arches and Canyonlands, called them “Ugliest place in the world national park”. Obviously I didn’t agree, but that was the vibe. They couldn’t understand why anyone would drive for hours to see some sand and rocks.
HA that is so funny! I kind of get that to be honest, I'm a big water person and in the harsh day light part of me was like "hmm this is just dirt if you really think about it"! Game changer at sunrise or sunset though!
Yeah, I’m really more interested in water and snow. At the time I was just starting to climb & Moab was a great place to go. Working in Qatar has removed any desire to visit a desert & the fewer people around the better. Maybe that’s why the U,P. In the winter is on the top of my list.
Loved this article and agreed, over rated.
Okay, I loved Arches but I totally get what you’re saying here. When we went two years ago, we got up at the butt crack of dawn and did our thing. It was beautiful to hike and watch the sunrise but it was terribly crowded by 10 am. It was worth the sleep deprivation to do it early. We loved Canyonlands and our dream vacation is to do the 100 mile road off-roading trail someday!
I couldn't believe how crowded for us it was at sunrise! Still super beautiful of course, but I think if I come back I'll do it in the winter.
My family is taking a trip to Moab as soon as the kids get out of school in about two weeks. Thanks for the beta!
Have so much fun! It's a very cool area!