STEP THREE: Make Your Can’t-Miss List
>> What should I do while I’m here? <<
You made it to Step Three! Up until now, the steps have been pretty simple….but it’s time to dig into the nitty-gritty of trip planning.
Your task now is to decide what you want to see while you are in Arches. This will likely involve several hours of planning and research.
Or…if you’d like to bypass this step, take a look at this Arches Itinerary. I’ve already done all the hard work for you!
Now it’s time to get out your notes and laptop and get ready to research.
First, you’ll want to make a list of the things you absolutely don’t want to miss while you are in Arches.
These are the big points of interest that initially piqued your interest in taking a trip to the park.
You may find the official NPS website and the Dirt In My Shoes Ultimate Guide to Arches helpful for finding the can’t-miss spots.
If it’s your first time to Arches, your list will probably include places like Delicate Arch, Landscape Arch, and the Windows.
This list might also include activities you’d like to take part in or restaurants you’re dying to try depending on your own personal interests and priorities.
Second, make a list of things that would be nice to do or see if you’re able to fit them in.
Maybe you’d really like to hike off-the-beaten-path, but you’re not sure if you’ll be able to get to a few of the lesser-known trails. Put those lesser-known trails on this list.
Maybe you really want to hike all seven miles of the Devils Garden, but you’re not sure if you’ll actually have the time to complete the whole hike. Put that hike — all seven miles of it — in this list.
Third, use the lists you made to group the activities together by region.
Take a look at the Arches map and organize the things you want to do based on where they are located within the park.
For example, a few of the main regions in Arches are The Windows and the Devils Garden areas. Referring to this list of things you can’t miss, I’d lump the Windows, Double Arch, and Balanced Rock into the Windows area. The Devils Garden Area would include Landscape Arch and the Fiery Furnace…..and so on.
It actually is possible to have a disastrous time in Arches, which is why this step is so important to complete. Arches is definitely not a place you just want to show up to without a good plan.
Don’t forget that I’ve already created a spectacular plan for you if you need some help completing this step.
It’s much easier to move forward with planning if you have a list of must-see’s organized together by region….and it sure will come in handy over the next two steps as we wrap up your Arches plan.
That’s it for Step Three! Now on to Step Four, where you’ll learn all about the entrances and towns that surround the park.
Click NEXT to plan out your lodging.
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