Arches National Park, Utah

Day 7: Arches National Park

Arches National Park was our final destination in a long, 7 day road trip. We had return flight from Denver on Saturday. We checked out from hotel around 9AM local time.

Hotel receptionist suggested to visit Crystal Geyser which was located around 5-6 miles from the hotel.

We left to see the Crystal Geyser. It was unpaved and very dusty road. Moreover had to drive slowly. The view of the geyser was not that great and also per information found on internet, the eruption was not so frequent. We could only see the area around the geyser covered in a thick layer of orange travertine. We kind of wasted around an hour hoping to see some good view.

Then we moved towards Arches National Park which was an hour and 30 mins drive. There was a long queue of vehicles at the entrance of Arches National Park and it almost took 15-20 mins to enter the park. We first stopped by the visitor center. It was extremely hot outside. We do recommend carrying sufficient water.

Our first point of attraction was Park Avenue viewpoint and trail-head followed by La Sal Mountains Viewpoint, Courthouse Towers, Three gossips, Sheep rock, etc. These are all located within a mile from Park Avenue Viewpoint.

Another view after entering park (Three Gossips, The Organ)

We then went to see Balanced Rock. This was not far from the turnout.

Our plan was to leave to Denver from the Park entrance, so we thought to visit Delicate Arch first and then visit Double Arch while returning back.

There are 2 places from where one can see the Delicate Arch. First is Delicate Arch Viewpoint which is just a few steps from the parking area but one can see a small arch from this point. It’s for those who don’t wish to take the trail.

The second was 1.6 mile one side walk to Delicate Arch located on the hill as seen from the Delicate Arch Viewpoint. Carry sufficient water, energy drinks and fruits if possible to keep yourself well hydrated especially during hot weather. The walk is worth as it takes you close to the Delicate Arch which we have usually seen in movies and other videos. It started getting windy as we hiked on the hill towards the Arch. We finally reached the Delicate Arch, took pictures.

Next we moved towards the park where Double Arch is located. There are many things around like Garden of Eden, Double Arch, Cove Arch, Window section, etc., The Double Arch and Garden of Eden are the most beautiful attractions in this section of the park.

It was almost 4:30 PM, so we decided to leave for Denver. GPS showed us shortest route which did not take us through the park entrance. Rather it took us out of the Arches from the other side of the park and through unpaved, uneven road. In search of short route, it gave us a dreadful road. We somehow managed to reach interstate highway 70. It was around 6 hour drive to Denver from Arches National park. On our way, we picked up some food for to go. We reached Denver around 12AM to end the day 7. We stayed at Best Western hotel in Denver.