Arches National Park — Hotel in Moab

Arches is one of those places that just gets under your skin in the best way. You drive into Moab and the red cliffs rise up like some giant movie set, then the park greets you with sandstone so massive and sculpted it feels like nature showing off. Balancing Rock, the arches, the endless formations—it’s all unreal.

The hike to Delicate Arch is part trail, part sandstone free-for-all, and watching people attempt it in platform crocs should be listed as an official park attraction. Pro tip: wear real shoes. When you finally reach the arch, it looks small from a distance but up close it dwarfs everyone—tiny humans framed by this giant window in the desert. Sunset there is unforgettable.

At night, if you’re lucky with the moon and the season, you get a front-row seat to the Milky Way. It’s a park that feels magical, not just scenic. I’ve been back multiple times over the years, and every visit makes me want to plan the next one. Five stars,...

We need to talk about this Delicate Arch Trail. I hike, I walk and this trail is rated difficult and is difficult. There are steep inclines on rock, easy to get off the trail as it isn't marked heavy and trail paths are unclear since alot of it is rock. You also have to walk on a rock ledge at the end that drops off and when you get to the Arch, you have to climb over rocks and the whole thing is at a slant. So, if you stumble and fall or your balance isn't great, it won't end well. If you are doing it at sunset, bring plenty of light to walk back in. The other trails are great and lots of arches and wow moments to look at. Definitely plan at least a half of a day...

Until my recent trips to Alaska and Hawaii, Arches NP was my second favorite park in the country and is still in my top 5 because of how fun, different and beautiful it is! The sheer number of arches there are is mind-boggling, let alone the variations that exist! And not only the arches but all of the other structures as well from balancing rock to park avenue, the structures are simply awe-inspiring! This is one of those parks that isn't just worth a visit if you're in the area, its worth planning a trip around just like Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Hawaii Volcanoes, Denali and other top parks around...