Two Days Exploring Arches National Park

Arriving at Devils Garden Campground

After arriving in Moab, it was finally time to explore one of the national parks and campgrounds we had been looking forward to for months—Arches National Park. As we drove through the entrance, towering red rock formations surrounded us in every direction. It almost didn't seem real. We couldn't stop pointing out new rock formations around every corner as we made our way toward Devils Garden Campground.

Tucked among towering sandstone fins and weathered rock formations, the campground felt peaceful and surprisingly private. If you're planning a visit to Arches, I can't recommend staying at Devils Garden Campground enough if you're able to reserve a site.

We spent two days exploring the park and stayed at Devils Garden Campground, which quickly became one of our favorite campgrounds of the trip. Located at the very end of the scenic park road, it's the only campground inside Arches National Park. Staying there meant we were surrounded by the park's incredible red rock landscape and only minutes away from many of the park's most popular trails and viewpoints. We never had to worry about driving through the entrance station each morning or fighting the crowds to get an early start.

Our First Stop

On our way into the park, we stopped at the visitor center so the kids could pick up their Junior Ranger books before our adventure began. Before we even looked at the exhibits, we found ourselves standing by the large windows, taking in the view outside. Everywhere we looked were towering red rock formations stretching across the landscape. We stood there for a few minutes, pointing out different rock formations and talking about all the places we hoped to explore over the next two days. It was one of those moments where the excitement really started to sink in. We had finally made it to Arches National Park, and we couldn't wait to get out and start exploring.

Day One: Exploring the Park

Our first full day started with Salt Valley Overlook before we made our way to the Delicate Arch Viewpoint. While we weren't hiking all the way to the arch that day, it was exciting to catch our first glimpse of one of the park's most famous landmarks.

By then, Lincoln was definitely feeling the effects of several busy travel days. He wasn't interested in another hike. Instead, he wanted to climb rocks, find shade, and simply play. At the Delicate Arch Viewpoint, Jessie, Hudson, and Macie continued to the farther overlook while Lincoln and I stayed behind. We climbed on rocks, found patches of shade, and enjoyed slowing down together. Looking back, I think that one-on-one time with him was exactly what both of us needed.

That slower pace continued throughout much of the day. While Jessie explored a little farther with Hudson and Macie on several of the short walks, Lincoln and I often hung back. Traveling with young kids has reminded us that every family member experiences a park a little differently, and that's okay.

Lunch with a View

By lunchtime, we spread out our lunch at Panoramic Point. Looking across miles of red cliffs and towering sandstone formations while enjoying a light breeze made even a simple packed lunch feel special.

Balanced Rock

Our next stop was Balanced Rock. Pictures simply don't prepare you for how enormous it is. Towering high above the desert floor, the giant boulder almost looks like it could fall over at any moment. Against the bright blue Utah sky, it seemed to defy gravity, and we found ourselves walking around it from every angle trying to figure out how it has remained balanced for so long.

The Windows & Turret Arch

From there, we continued to The Windows and then over to Turret Arch . Standing beneath Windows Arch ended up being one of my favorite moments of the day. The sandstone stretched so high above us that we all felt tiny. The kids wandered underneath the arches, their voices echoing off the rock walls, and we lingered longer than we expected because none of us wanted to leave.

We finished the afternoon with stops at Garden of Eden, Petrified Dunes Overlook, Courthouse Towers Viewpoint, and the La Sal Mountains Viewpoint before returning to the visitor center. The kids proudly turned in their completed Junior Ranger books, raised their right hands to take the Junior Ranger oath, and received their badges. Watching how excited they were has become one of my favorite traditions in every national park we visit.

Evenings at Camp

Back at Devils Garden Campground, evenings were quiet and relaxing. The kids climbed on the rocks around camp while we soaked in another beautiful desert sunset.

One of my favorite memories, though, happened every morning. While Jessie and I slowly got ready, the kids would climb to the top of the nearby rocks with mugs of hot chocolate in their hands. They would sit together watching the sun peek over the horizon as the first light spread across the red sandstone. Those peaceful mornings were every bit as special as the famous arches we had come to see, and they are a big part of why Devils Garden became one of our favorite campgrounds of the trip.

Day Two: A Different Kind of Adventure

Our second day looked a little different. Before sunrise, Jessie and Hudson headed out to hike Delicate Arch together. The rest of us enjoyed a slow morning around camp, letting the kids play before eventually heading out toward Gemini Bridges.

Later that morning, we loaded up the 4Runner and headed toward Gemini Bridges. Instead of taking the hiking trail, we decided to explore the area by driving in on Gemini Bridges Road, located just outside the entrance to Arches National Park. The road winds through miles of open desert, passing towering sandstone cliffs, colorful rock formations, and wide-open views that stretch for miles. Before long, the pavement disappeared and the adventure really began.

It was fun to get the 4Runner off the pavement and onto one of Moab's famous backroads. Last time we were in Moab we did the Shaefer Road and Potash Road. This time we knew had to do another off road adventure. The farther we drove, the rougher the trail became. While the road was still manageable for our 4Runner, it was slow going in places with rocky sections and uneven terrain. After a while, we realized it was going to take longer than we had expected to reach the bridges. At that point, we honestly just couldn't go any farther. With three tired kids, warm temperatures, and more adventures still ahead of us, we decided it was best to turn around.

Even though we never made it to Gemini Bridges, none of us felt disappointed. The drive itself was worth it. Spending the afternoon exploring the rugged backcountry around Moab became another one of our favorite memories from the trip.

Looking Back

When I think back on our time in Arches, I don't immediately think about the number of viewpoints we stopped at or how many miles we walked. I think about Lincoln climbing rocks instead of hiking. Hudson sharing a sunrise with his dad. Three kids sitting on warm red rocks with mugs of hot chocolate as another day began.

Those ordinary family moments are what made Arches unforgettable for us, and they're the memories I know we'll carry long after we've forgotten the names of every overlook.

-Kayla

Arches National Park

Two Days Exploring Arches National Park

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