Mom's Big Backpacking Adventure
A mother-and-son road trip through all five of Utah’s national parks in one week is the perfect way to make up for lost time—or court disaster.
Arches National Park
Arches National Park showcases some of Utah's finest geologic wonders, with massive rock formations soaring out of the harsh desert plain. Hikers wandering through this majestic park love to see its most famous formations, wondering how oddities like Balanced Rock have withstood the ages. Arches National Park hikes seldom disappoint, and if you go be sure to visit its top trails. One favorite the Devils Garden trail, a seven mile-long loop that takes you past Delicate Arch and The Windows, both icons of the park. But while the park's views are breathtaking, its backpacking is not. Arches' small size means there are few backcountry permits to go around, and none can be reserved in advance.
Arches National Park: Eye of the Whale Loop
Find solitude in a geological playground of narrow canyons and pristine red sandstone arches on this rarely visited 4.5-mile loop.
Arches National Park: Devils Garden
Hike 6.1 miles into a redrock paradise full of wind-and-water sculptures that seem to defy gravity. You'll see seven amazing arches on this route.
Arches National Park: Tower Arch-Marching Men
Cruise a forest of rock pinnacles en route to Tower Arch on this remote 3.5-mile lollipop loop in the little-visited northwest section of Arches National Park.
Arches National Park: Balanced Rock
This quick (and scenic) 0.3-mile jaunt loops around the base of Balanced Rock, a teetering sandstone rock formation in Arches National Park.
Arches National Park: Delicate Arch
Climb a massive slickrock ribbon and stand beneath one of Arches National Park's most iconic landmarks on this 3.1-mile out-and-back.
Arches National Park: Park Avenue
Hike among high-rise sandstone walls and massive fins on this 1.9-miler that's a perfect introduction to Arches National Park.
Arches National Park: Fiery Furnace
Weave through a maze of sandstone fins, squeeze between rock walls, and peek at hidden arches on this 2.3-mile hike in Arches National Park.
Find Hikes and Trips in National Parks and Regional Parks
Find hikes in National Parks and regional parks with our comprehensive guides.
May Close-to-Home Hikes
Our map team has been hard at work plotting the coolest hikes. Check out May's selections here.
National Parks Report Card
We surveyed more than 40 scientists, conservationists, and professional adventurers, then ranked the 15 parks that are most in peril from climate change.
National Park Permit Center Information
Need trip-planning beta for your National Park adventure? See our comprehensive list of National Park phone numbers, websites, and drilled down details here. You’ll be ready to hit the trail in no time.
From the Grand Canyon to Canyonlands: Hiking At The Speed Of Sound
Seven national parks in 7 days--starring a ragtop, Red Bull, and one scary rabbit.
A New Utah Adventure
Never heard of Utah's George Washington Hayduke Route, have you? That's because it's brand new.
