Arches National Park in Utah shows off Mother Nature's most epic rock formations. The world's largest red rocks tower over visitors who choose to check off this bucket list destination. The Park is an awesome getaway for residents of Utah, Colorado, and other tourists headed to this scenic West Coast state. More than 119 miles of land make up this park that sits right next to the Colorado River. From kids and teens to parents and grandparents, this kid-friendly national park is the perfect spot for a family trip.
Activities for Parents & Kids at Arches National Park
View this post on InstagramPlease enable Javascript to view this content
Nestled inside the Colorado Plateau, Arches National Park is the spot to view the highest density of natural arches in the world. Arches National Park contains more than 2,000 red rock arches that parents and children alike will love to explore. As a result, sightseeing and capturing photographs is the most common pastime for individuals and families that choose to travel here. It is very easy for families to tour the park with their vehicle along the 18-mile scenic drive through the park's paved roadways.
Furthermore, park guests travel to Arches National Park to experience historic landmarks, hike desert-style landscapes, go rock climbing, biking, camping, and more. Hiking trails exist for all park goers. There are easy hikes, short hikes, as well as longer walking excursions. Paths towards Balanced Rock, The Windows, Double Arch, and Delicate Arch are some of the most highly trodden loop trails that the park has to offer. These walking trails are manageable for children and adults alike. The trailheads range in distance from less than a mile hikes like the Nature Trail or Park Avenue, to journeys that last several hours like the Primitive Trail at Devil's Garden Trailhead. Upon entrance, park goers should check for trail suggestions regarding the best hikes at the visitor's center.
Guests of Arches National Park will experience rare, picturesque scenes at every turn. The environment in this region of America is made up of massive mountains, rocky hills, large canyons, underground caves, and of course the most plentiful amount of red rock arches. Don't forget to take photos of the kids standing next to and under the large arches!
How to Get There
RELATED: The Parent's Guide to Exploring Joshua Tree National Park
The Park is located right outside the small town of Moab, UT 84532. Travelers can find opportunities for lodging, dining, events, entertainment, and shopping in the downtown Moab area. Arches NP is part of Utah's Grand County and is found Northeast of the Canyonlands National Park. Travelers arriving at Arches will purchase a park pass in order to use the paved park highway and access historic landmarks, wilderness areas, education centers, free parking lots, and more.
The park's accessibility from Moab makes it an easy stop for one day or one week - whatever fits into a family's schedule. What's more, the park's position near the Colorado River makes this region an awesome destination for a family trip filled with sightseeing, hiking, camping, river rafting, and fishing.
Planning Your Trip
Arches National Park is home to various historic landmarks that kids and adults should plan to see during their stay. Tourists visiting Arches National Park can take advantage of scenic areas like Sand Dune Arch, Turret Arch, and The Broken Arch. Other popular sites include the Courthouse Towers where visitors will see ancient rock art (petroglyphs) from the first Native Americans, as well as Fiery Furnace where families can take a ranger-guided hike through a labyrinth of narrow, sandstone canyons.
The park's management often hosts free education programs through the visitor center. The most popular for kids would be the junior ranger program, according to the National Park Service.
Arches National Park is an easy choice for a day outdoors in a well-kept recreation area. For those who'd like more than just day use of the park, there are many options to stay in the Devil's Garden Campsite. Campers will experience some amazing stargazing experiences when sleeping under the stars here in the park.
Since the early 1900s, travelers have come to Arches National Park for a pet-friendly getaway with awesome accommodations. When it's time for family travel via plane or road trip, head to Arches National Park with kids. It's a fun time that outdoor lovers of any age will enjoy.
Have you ever visited Arches National Park? Share your adventure at our Wide Open Roads Facebook!
