STEP FOUR: Book Your Lodging
>> Where should I stay? <<
Alright, you’re more than halfway there. Step Four is a fun one!
Let’s make your lodging reservations. I’m going to help you decide where you want to stay while visiting Arches. After this task is complete, it’s official….you’re making your dream trip a reality!
So go ahead and get out the list you made in Step Three….the one that has the points of interest you want to visit divided up by region.
As you look over this list, decide how far away from the park entrance you are willing to go. Do you want to stay close to the park entrance so that you can get more done? Or do you want to save some money by staying further away?
Now, one of the biggest mistakes people make when visiting busy national parks like Arches is not factoring in all the driving and traffic — you could end up spending a good portion of your day in the car just trying to get through the entrance or finding a parking spot during the summer months. No fun.
Here are a few possibilities of places to stay while you’re visiting Arches:
In-Park Lodging
There are actually no lodges within the park! The only place to stay within Arches is the Devils Garden Campground and as you can imagine, it’s a popular place to be. Click here for more information about camping in the park.
Main Park Entrance (Moab)
If the Devils Garden Campground is completely booked, the next best place to be is in Moab. It’s an exciting place (and a little touristy) but it’s proximity to the park entrance is unmatched.
Moab is a great jumping-off point for seeing everything in the park! From here, you’re close to the main park entrance and Visitor Center. From here, you’re also just a short drive away from the Island in the Sky section of Canyonlands National Park.
The town of Moab has plenty of amenities, hotels, and things to do while still maintaining a small-town feel. World-class jeeping, hiking, and mountain biking trails are everywhere! Click here to find out what activities are available.
BLM Camping
The Bureau of Land Management maintains numerous campgrounds in the areas surrounding Arches and Canyonlands National Park. A small fee is charged, but many of the campgrounds get you within minutes of the Arches entrance.
A few of my favorite campgrounds are Horsethief, Ken’s Lake, and Goose Island.
You can find a map and list of the BLM sites here.
In a popular park like Arches, finding lodging can be a complex process. Determine what kind of lodging you are hoping for, and then start digging for the lodging that will best suit your needs. Rooms sure can get snatched up fast so let’s book your lodging!
If you’re interested in my recommendations for places to stay, I’ve included a helpful lodging guide with these Arches itineraries.
Alright, it’s time to tie up our loose ends so that you’ll have an awesome Arches vacation plan under your belt.
Click NEXT to see Step Five — let’s put it all together!
Leave a Reply