From March to October this place is swarming with Jeepers, Rafters, rock climbers, extreme hikers and anyone else decked out in Patagonia gear with perma sunglasses tan lines. But what about from November to February? Is the place just non existent? (Kind of, yes) but also the perfect time to go! You have the whole place to yourself!
Since it's the off-season, you can find nice places to stay for less than $100 a night. (I would recommend somewhere with a hot tub since it's not the hottest time of the year)
So what is there to do in a ghost time in the middle of winter? If you roam the streets, you will find that most have closed up shop for the dead season but there are a few gems that stay open year round. Our favorite is this little book store, Back Of Beyond Books has everything you would ever need. Couches in the back, old time post cards, handmade journals, games, and many more! You won't be disappointed by this Super Local stop. You can design your very own tee shirt to remember that one time you went to Moab. And...those might be the only places open other than restaurants...? If you are there during the busy season, stop at Quesadilla Mobilla! The on the go Mexican food truck!
Located only minutes outside of Moab with all of the same hiking trails available year round. For people who have never experienced this red rock roadway to heaven and only know it as the picture on the Utah license plate, you will be in awe stopping every two seconds for a new picture.
If you don't have time for a full day of hiking, it is worth the $10 park entrance fee just to go for an afternoon drive. It doesn't matter which way you go, all roads lead to a successful day.
If you only have one full day to hike, we recommend starting backwards. Get all the way in the park, and head straight to Devils Garden. Best time of the day is just before noon so you have the sun right above you. (Not the hike to do at night since it's slick in the winter) The trail has over 10 different hikes just passed the trailhead and 8 different arches to see.
First things first, get to landscape arch. Pictures don't do this arch justice. (And it really doesn't look that cool until you are right below it with the sky behind) take the extra few minutes to go to the view point. The arch in length is longer than a football field!
Next on the agenda, head to Double O Arch. The trail getting there is just as cool as the arch itself. It is literally a garden of red rock. (Take a quick detour as you pass the signs for Navajo and Partition Arch. Head to Partition and you can see Landscape arch from above.) Keep an eye out for the trail marker rocks since the trail is easy to lose. Once you get to where you can see the arch, you may find people sitting and think that is the end. Wrong. Keep going to the base of the arch. Climb through the lower "O" to the other side. If you climb up the back side and heights don't make you poop your pants, you can walk on top of the Big "O" (not advised if there is snow or ice on arch). Or the safer but less cool route is standing in the middle of the two arches!
Depending on the time of day you get up there will determine where your best picture will be. (Before noon: just below the lookout spot. After noon: the back side of the arch, you get the sunny rock and the view through the "O")
On your way back out, (if you have time) take the loop for private arch to get a new view as you pass through Devils Garden again.
If you have a couple days, spend one whole day in the Devils Garden area and another day at the other arches. For high thrill seekers, get a permit for $4 and go explore Fiery Furnace, getting lost in the cracks and mazes (just not like in 127 hours).
If you have a week, spend a couple days at Arches, a couple at Canyonlands and at least one to go rock crawling!
There is so much within the park for everyone!
As you head out of town and aren't crunched for time, take a detour back to I-70 via Highway 128 along the Colorado River! Beautiful views of the river the entire drive! Only 30 minutes if you can resist stopping for pictures!
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