Arches National Park & Moab: Red Rocks, Arches, and Utah Quirks
From Monument Valley, we continued our adventure north toward Moab, Utah—a journey that was as stunningly scenic as it was geologically diverse. The towering sandstone spires and mesas of Monument Valley gradually gave way to rolling desert plateaus, punctuated by streaks of crimson and orange rock formations that hinted at the surreal landscapes to come.
Before reaching Moab, we pulled off the highway at Wilson Arch, just south of Monticello. Rising gracefully beside U.S. 191, this natural sandstone arch provided the perfect teaser for what awaited us in Arches National Park. We took a few photos and admired how effortlessly the arch framed the open sky—a postcard-perfect stop that didn’t require much of a hike but offered a satisfying taste of Utah’s natural artistry.
By the time we rolled into Moab, our stomachs were growling. With a population of around 5,400 residents, Moab is small, but it feels like a vibrant desert hub. Surrounded by red cliffs, slickrock trails, and the Colorado River, it’s a magnet for mountain bikers, climbers, off-roaders, and national park explorers. Also—much like as we saw last week in Breckenridge—Jeeps. (Indeed, two months after our visit, Jeep would introduce as its first-of-12 special edition Hemi V8 Wranglers: the Wrangler Moab 392.) The town buzzes with outdoor energy, yet retains a laid-back, creative spirit—equal parts rugged and artsy.
We stopped at a food truck park, which has become something of a Moab institution. The park started years ago as a simple collection of trailers serving quick bites to climbers and tourists. Now it’s a lively courtyard of rotating trucks with shaded tables, music, and an easy-going atmosphere.
I ordered a gyro bowl from Wrap It Up Food, and it was delicious—flavorful, fresh, and exactly what I needed. Andrea opted for something else—Mexican food, if I remember correctly—but whatever it was, she seemed just as happy.
From there, it was just a few miles north to Arches National Park, one of the most iconic landscapes in the American Southwest. I had only been once before—a quick drive-through back in 2006 en route to Ironman Arizona—but things have changed since then.
For one, you now need advance tickets just to enter. There’s a daily quota of visitors to preserve the park’s fragile ecosystem and keep crowding under control. Fortunately, it was no longer peak season, so plenty of spots were still available. I simply scanned a QR code posted not far from the entrance, purchased the reservation and entry fee right from my phone, and within minutes we were set. The total was $32. QR codes were definitely something that hadn’t had widespread use back in 2006.
It was already 4 p.m., meaning we had only a few hours before sunset. I asked Microsoft Copilot for suggestions on what to see in just 2–3 hours, and it assured us we could still “soak in the magic without rushing.” It recommended the Delicate Arch viewpoint, the Windows Section, and Double Arch—each offering incredible views with short hikes from the parking lots.
We managed to cover about two miles of hiking, enough to feel immersed in the landscape’s surreal beauty. Despite this being a shoulder season, there were still plenty of tourists—especially large groups from China, I think, based on all the Mandarin Chinese I was hearing.
We started at Park Avenue Viewpoint, where the towering cliffs looked like skyscrapers carved from flame-colored stone.
Then we stopped at Balanced Rock, an impossibly top-heavy boulder that seems one strong gust away from tumbling.
The Windows Section was perhaps the highlight—North Window, South Window, and Turret Arch all close together, creating a natural playground of arches and viewpoints.
A half-hour hike to the west, the Double Arch stole the show, its twin spans towering above a bowl-like amphitheater that invited climbing and contemplation. It’s no wonder it was used as a backdrop in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.
After sunset, we returned to Moab in search of drinks. Specifically, we were looking for a place with a terrace to unwind. Microsoft Copilot suggested The Spoke on Center, which did indeed have a covered patio—but, as we quickly learned, only for food.
That’s when we discovered Utah’s unique liquor laws. Many restaurants are divided into bar and restaurant areas, and if you’re in the restaurant section, you must order food with any alcoholic beverage. Until 2017, restaurants serving liquor were required to have what were popularly called ‘Zion Curtains’—opaque partitions shielding patrons from seeing bartenders mix drinks. In March 2017 the state legislature passed HB 442, allowing restaurants instead to use a 10-foot buffer zone or other alternatives in place of the barrier.
We tried another place—no luck, the terrace was again for only food. Eventually, we found Spitfire Smokehouse, thanks to a tip from a local server. It turned out great: relaxed vibe, a friendly bartender, and just what we needed after a day of hiking. I stuck with a non-alcoholic beer while Andrea enjoyed a Coors. We also imbibed plenty of water considering our hikes today in arid environments. We capped the evening with some ice cream before hitting the road again.
From Moab, we drove east toward Fruita, Colorado, where we had booked a night at a very nice La Quinta. The drive was peaceful—until it wasn’t. On I-70, we found ourselves “caravaning” with a random Polaris Slingshot, when suddenly traffic ground to a halt. A serious-looking accident up ahead brought everyone to a standstill for about 45 minutes.
Fortunately, we eventually got moving again and reached our hotel at a reasonable hour. After a long day filled with red rock wonders, tasty food, and unexpected detours, we were ready to rest up for the next leg of our journey.
