Arches National Park, Moab, Utah

Thurs, May 15 we left Durango, Colorado and drove NW across the Utah border to Moab, Utah. Our destination was Arches NP.

We arrived around noon expecting to get a campsite in the park. Little did we know that this is the height of the season here, and not only was the park campground full, but also many of the private RV parks in Moab. This is a very popular place for off-roaders and bicyclists. Plus, this is a good season for weather; it’s not supposed to be hot yet. Well, guess again, a heat wave has struck and it’s getting very warm here. (But so is L.A.)

We drove out to the CG and it was beautiful. The campsites were tucked in among the rocks and we were disappointed as to not to be able to get in. Half of the campsites can be reserved and the others are first come first serve. We could have stood in line at 5:00 AM in hopes of getting one of the sites but decided that was too much.

We stayed just 2 miles from the entrance to the park at Riverside Oasis RV Park that was located in the trees right on the Colorado River. It’s full and we got one of the last sites. (Lucky).

We spent our three days exploring Arches NP. Wow! It is spectacular. We think it’s much more impressive than Monument Valley and a park not to be missed. The red sandstone cliffs and arches are easily accessible from the road. We took several hikes along the trails to the different arches.

There is a scenic drive (Hwy 128) out of Moab that follows the Colorado River up the canyon. It reminded us of the Grand Canyon with its cliffs that are hundreds of feet above the river. There were many groups rafting down the river. We were surprised to see people camping along the river in BLM campsites. Most of those campsites were also full. This is a very popular place.