Arches National Park with Kids

While Arches National Park deserves a good 2-3 days to be explored properly, we only had half a day to devote to exploring it. Here's what we were able to accomplish:

We arrived at the park around 11:00. Since it's the off season there was not much of a wait to get in and we had no trouble parking anywhere we wanted to go.

Our first stop was Balanced Rock.

While I've been to Arches many times, this was the first time walking around this thing.  I'd say it is worth the small walk. (1/3 a mile)

We then headed to The Windows and Turret Arch.

We continued onto the primitive trail that leads you behind The Windows. When they say primitive, they mean all the cairns must have been knocked down because it was a good 1/2 mile of following footprints and hoping the people in front of us were going the right way. It was a short, adventurous, hike.

Double Arch is in the same parking area as The Windows. Since there were so few people here, we were able to drive our car around the large parking area and find a spot right at the trailhead.

After Double Arch, we headed to see the iconic Delicate Arch. I've hiked to Delicate Arch with kids before. But that was before I knew there was a pretty steep drop off near the arch. It is also a longer hike (3 miles), so we opted to just do the view point instead.

If you have the time, hiking to the arch is totally worth it. If you go in the summer, just know the trail is exposed to the sun the entire way. The slick rock you will be hiking on radiates heat. Remember: if it's hot for you, it's even hotter for those closer to the ground (AKA, your kids). Plan accordingly and be aware.

By this time, our kids were getting pretty tired, and normal naptime had already passed.

So, to end out the day, we headed to Sand Dune Arch, where there is lots of soft sand for the kids to play in.  This one has always been a favorite of the kids.  (In the summer it's also well shaded for some reprieve from the heat.)  

sand angel

sand castle

You can also see Broken Arch from the Sand Dune parking area. It's a short hike to, and through, Broken Arch if you're up for it.  By 3:00 the kids were cold and tired.  So, we ended with a short drive to view Skyline Arch before heading out of the park for the day.

Skyline Arch

It was a good day and wonderful to not have the crowds of summer. 

If we had a second day, we would have spent our time hiking around Devil's Garden. Our two oldest did the entire primitive loop (with help) when they were younger. 

We also look forward to when our youngest is old enough to adventure into the Fiery Furnace. (Children must be at least 5 years old)

Overall, my kids loved what we did get to see of Arches.