Utah's Hidden Gems - Part 1
Updated: Jan 25, 2023
Utah has so many unique & beautiful parks to explore, the National and State Parks offer endless adventures! It's hard to say which is my favorite as each park offers a wide variety of landscapes. This first Utah blog will feature Arches National Park and Moab UT.
Arches NP is only 4 miles north of Moab, not only does this park have over 2,000 natural sandstone arches, it contains the highest density of natural arches in the world! It offers a variety of unique geological formations such as pinnacles, massive fins and giant balanced rocks.
One of the first stops you come to is Park Avenue this trail is pretty level there are a few steps going down to the trail, but overall it's easy. This area was named for the jagged edges which look like the New York Skyline.
Balanced Rock is just over 9 miles from the entrance and is next to the Elephant Butte. Both easily accessible and short walks.
Just past Balanced Rock you will see The Windows which is two arches side by side.
You can reach Double Arch and Turrent Arch from the same parking area as well. In fact, the trail will lead you behind The Windows if you keep following it.
For those who may not want to hike to the arches there are a few arches that you are able to view from your car as you drive through the park. But the popular arches such as Delicate, Landscape or Double O Arch all require you to walk/hike to them. I will tell you they are all worth the extra effort!
Landscape Arch– This easy segment of the Devils Garden trail is relatively flat with no significant elevation gain. The trail meanders through tall fins to a spectacular view of Landscape Arch.
Double O Arch – This trail is more strenuous as you climb on the sandstone fins, there are narrow ledges with steep drop-offs. You will need to use your hands & feet to scramble & climb. The out-and-back hike to Double O Arch is popular and offers incredible views of Devil's Garden.
Delicate Arch Trail is a 3 mile trail, I highly recommend this hike! On your way back take the trail to the petroglyphs. If you drive a mile beyond the Delicate Arch parking area you will come to an overlook where you can see the Delicate Arch from a distance if you feel you cannot do the hike. I will tell you it's breathtaking seeing it up close though!
Moab is an adventure seekers dream town as it is a popular destination for mountain biking, hiking, off road adventures such as the annual Moab Jeep Safari and if you are a runner they also have the Moab Trail Marathon!
It's a small town but it offers a range of accommodations & restaurants. If you prefer a more remote location I recommend the Red Cliffs Lodge, it's 16 miles east of Moab and only 14 miles west of Fishers Towers. We really enjoyed the property as it sits on the bank of the Colorado River, the food was great, views were amazing & accommodations were comfortable & relaxing! There is even a little museum on site which tells of all the movies that were filmed in the area! https://redcliffslodge.com/
If you have extra time while you are in Moab I would highly recommend hiking the Corona Arch Trail it's a 3 mile hike to one of the largest and most spectacular arches near Moab. It's also called Little Rainbow Bridge, the trail also passes Pinto Arch and Bowtie Arch along the way.
Hidden Valley is just on the southern end of Moab and a great location for a sunrise hike! Start early so you allow yourself enough time to enjoy the views of the sunrise from the Moab rim, make sure to include the petroglyphs in your hike! https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/utah/hidden-valley
Fishers Towers is another great location for hiking, be looking for the rock climbers!
All photos are courtesy of Jill Theriault
Written by: Jill Theriault
Crossroads Coaching - @crossroadscoachingongodstime
Thanks, appreciate it!
Love the pictures!