Hello everyone, We're planning a road trip to the LA area to visit family and would like to stop at Arches on the way. We'll be stopping in Denver for a night or two visiting more family, and then heading toward LA. I could use some help. Is two days enough at Arches? I don't want to over commit to time since we'll probably spend three of four days in LA, and then hopefully return home via the Southern route with a stop at Joshua Tree and maybe another location. We're also thinking of a stop at the Grand Canyon after Arches. We'll be staying in hotel/motels so if anyone has any suggestions I'd be grateful.
Possibly in a few weeks. We're pretty open so we can leave by the 13th of this month.
Posted by Monika Chace on April 6, 2016 at 8:28 AM
Jerry, it's very busy in Moab this time of year, so you may be limited in which motels/hotels are available. You can spend as much time as you want in the Moab area (don't limit yourself to just Arches, though 2 days there will allow you to get to the most iconic places). Some spend a good portion of their photographic lives there...... Get the 2nd edition of Photographing the Southwest volume 1 by Laurent Martres and you'll be set. Have fun!
Jerry, if your plan does include a visit JTNP there are two locales to investigate for lodging. Both areas are about 5 miles from the park entrances.
The first location is in the town of Joshua Tree and has access to the northwestern park entrance. The second location is in the town of 29 Palms and has access to the northeastern park entrance.
The town of Joshua Tree is very small and does not have much to offer for eating, lodging and such, but I've stayed there many times over the years. I find the Safari Motor Inn the best place to stay for my needs. It is a 50's style motel but the owner Ravi and his wife are very nice people.
The town of 29 Palms is much larger and has many offerings in lodging and eateries. The town has many of the major chain hotel & motel sites. It is setup to handle the local Marine Corps base personnel and traveling family members, so again much more amenities to choose from there.
You can review the hotel and motel ideas for each location on the internet depending upon your thoughts of where you want to enter the park. Each end of the park is different in photo ops. You can't go wrong no matter what area you visit in the park IMO.
btw: the park main road is a complete loop. So, no matter which entrance you use the loop will take you in or out of either north park entrances.
Posted by Jerry Marella on April 6, 2016 at 10:13 AM
Thank you John, Monika, and Paul. I'll pick up the information and check hotels in the area. I guess the best idea is to spend time checking out both areas. I'm afraid I'll be overwhelmed since I've never really toured west of Iowa. I'll hopefully be able to post a few photos of the area in the a galleries while we're there.
I really appreciate the info. Thank you again.
Posted by John Neukirch on April 6, 2016 at 12:45 PM
You are definitely in for a treat then visiting the Southwest. Certainly no shortage of awesome views to capture in wonderful light. Take lots of memory cards and have safe travels.
Getting Laurent Martres' book, as Monika suggested, would definitely be a good investment. It will give you the information to decide which locations you want to prioritize, the time required for each, and best time of day to be there. Difficulty ratings are also included, so you'll know what to expect for the walk or hike.
I suggest that you do the Island in the Sky section of Canyonlands NP closest to Moab as well as Arches.
If I had two days in the Moab area, I would do a sunrise at Mesa Arch in Canyonlands, a sunrise at Deadhorse Point in the State Park, a sunset at Delicate Arch, and maybe a second sunset at Fisher Towers east of Moab. One morning to afternoon in Canyonlands and one morning to afternoon in Moab to do Balancing Rock, Double Arch, and Park Avenue.
Advice for Mesa Arch: be there an hour before sunrise if you want a prime spot in the lineup of photographers for want is a rather limited area and angle of view.
Advice for Delicate Arch: Allow plenty of time for the hike, wear sturdy shoes, bring lots of water, and get there at least an hour before sunset. And don't be surprised to be sharing the show with a horde of other visitors.
This is a spectacular area - Enjoy!
- Greg
PS: Laurent Martres publishes additional photo guides for the other areas you mention will be on your itinerary. Details at www.PhotoTripUSA.com .
Posted by Jerry Marella on April 10, 2016 at 10:55 AM
Thanks, Greg. A lot of good information. This trip may be getting longer by the minute!
Posted by David Schoen on April 13, 2016 at 8:36 PM
Natural bridges national monument, Capital Reef NM, Bryce and Zion could also be along your route. No shortage of wonders in Utah.
Discussion
9 repliesThanks for any info that can be shared.
Question, what time of year?
The first location is in the town of Joshua Tree and has access to the northwestern park entrance. The second location is in the town of 29 Palms and has access to the northeastern park entrance.
The town of Joshua Tree is very small and does not have much to offer for eating, lodging and such, but I've stayed there many times over the years. I find the Safari Motor Inn the best place to stay for my needs. It is a 50's style motel but the owner Ravi and his wife are very nice people.
The town of 29 Palms is much larger and has many offerings in lodging and eateries. The town has many of the major chain hotel & motel sites. It is setup to handle the local Marine Corps base personnel and traveling family members, so again much more amenities to choose from there.
You can review the hotel and motel ideas for each location on the internet depending upon your thoughts of where you want to enter the park. Each end of the park is different in photo ops. You can't go wrong no matter what area you visit in the park IMO.
btw: the park main road is a complete loop. So, no matter which entrance you use the loop will take you in or out of either north park entrances.
I really appreciate the info. Thank you again.
I suggest that you do the Island in the Sky section of Canyonlands NP closest to Moab as well as Arches.
If I had two days in the Moab area, I would do a sunrise at Mesa Arch in Canyonlands, a sunrise at Deadhorse Point in the State Park, a sunset at Delicate Arch, and maybe a second sunset at Fisher Towers east of Moab. One morning to afternoon in Canyonlands and one morning to afternoon in Moab to do Balancing Rock, Double Arch, and Park Avenue.
Advice for Mesa Arch: be there an hour before sunrise if you want a prime spot in the lineup of photographers for want is a rather limited area and angle of view.
Advice for Delicate Arch: Allow plenty of time for the hike, wear sturdy shoes, bring lots of water, and get there at least an hour before sunset. And don't be surprised to be sharing the show with a horde of other visitors.
This is a spectacular area - Enjoy!
- Greg
PS: Laurent Martres publishes additional photo guides for the other areas you mention will be on your itinerary. Details at www.PhotoTripUSA.com .