How to Spend Two Days in Arches National Park with Kids

About the Park

There are over 2,000 arches in the namesake park. We did Balanced Rock and Double Arch day one. Got way too hot, so we went back to Delicate arch a different day.

Did I mention it is HOT in the summer? I live at sea level in humid climate, so mountainous desert is quite something for me. We drank all the water on our first day, but didn’t consume enough electrolytes and we paid for it. Pack that Gatorade and trail mix! We visited in June as part of our Fourth Grade Pass tour.

I changed into sneakers after the photo!

History

Native American tribes, including the Ute and Paiute, inhabited the region for centuries, leaving behind rock art, petroglyphs, and ancient dwellings. European explorers and settlers began venturing into the area in the 19th century, with expeditions by John Wesley Powell and the surveying efforts of the Hayden and Powell Geological Surveys. The park's iconic arches and geological formations started gaining recognition in the early 20th century, and in 1929, President Herbert Hoover designated Arches as a national monument. It wasn't until 1971 that Arches was officially established as a national park.

My fourth grader in Arches National Park

Balanced Rock

A fun stop for your junior ranger. My 9yo did a ballet balance pose in front of it and laughed at “Chip” the other balanced boulder that fell some time ago.

Double Arch

Double Arch consists of two colossal arches that were formed by erosion over millions of years. This was REALLY fun climbing for kiddos (and adults). The whole area under the arches is shaded, so you get a break from the heat while enjoying the magnificence of the cave-like formation. 

Nearby, the Parade of Elephants is a unique rock formation that resembles a line of elephants marching in procession. These weathered sandstone fins stand tall against the skyline, showcasing the intriguing and imaginative shapes that nature can create. 

Don’t forget to take a picture with your kid making double arches with your arms. 🙂

Delicate Arch

We started this hike at 6:30 pm, knowing the sun would set at 8:47. The trail starts from the Wolfe Ranch parking area, meandering through rugged terrain and offering glimpses of the stunning red rock formations that define the park. As the trail progresses, it leads to a steep rock face. With no shade and a big elevation change, we took a lot of breaks. The trail evens out and provides shade for a bit, then has you walking a very narrow ledge on the side of the cliff. But the effort is well worth it, as reaching the viewpoint reveals the awe-inspiring Delicate Arch (that’s the one on the Utah license plate!). This freestanding arch, perched on the edge of a slickrock bowl, presents a picturesque scene that is emblematic of the park. 

We sat for a long time and ate the picnic dinner we brought. I didn’t fancy standing in a long line to have a photo directly under the arch, but you can get a good one from opposite the arch. My 9yo nearly gave me a heart attack climbing to what we called the throne (a small formation near the big arch). I think all this travel to NPS has maybe made her too adventurous! :) 

All the Arches

My fourth-grader asked me to describe the park in three words. I said: “majestic, nostalgic, and strenuous!” That about sums it up.