Catching the perfect sunset at Arches National Park
If you’re visiting Arches National Park, and you’re looking for the perfect spot for catching the sunset, this blog post will give you all following information you need.
Content of this blog post:
Where are the best spots?
When to arrive?
What to bring (and what not)?
What else to consider?
The best spots:
First things first: Where to go? We tried out so many places, and finally found the prettiest places!
But what makes these places so special?
Arches National Park is so scenic and every piece of land looks so incredible! But, there are a view things that really level up your experience! In the desert, it’s not as simple as standing in front of the ocean and watching the sun go down. It’s all about the objects, meaning the Arches, reflecting the range of orange and red clors, and making the scenery look really interesting. But you can’t just look for Arches or intersting rock formations - you also need to position yourself at the right place, which may not always be as simple as that.
So, here are our favorite spots, which are easily accessible and you will have an amazing experience for sure!
Window Arches (North and South - but especially South)
Roadside in front of Garden of Eden (The Windows Road)
Delicate Arch (less easily accessible as you will need to hike there)
When to arrive?
Of course, it depends on the time of the year, but the easiest rule for us is to check in the internet at what time the sun sets, and then arrive at least one hour early. You absolutely must not miss the golden hour in this park! The lights transform these red rock formations into such a magical place, and we almost enjoyed golden hour more than the moments of the sunset.
We can also only courage you to stay not just for the sunset, but also for stargazing! It turned out to be one of our best experiences, stay a couple of hours to witness the beauty of the Milky Way. It can get so dark there, that you can actually see the Milky Way with your own eyes! We even met a couple who was able to take incredible photos with their iPhone!
What to bring (and what not)?
Even in summer, temperatures can drop significantly at night, so bringing layers is always a good idea. When you’re watching the sunset from the Window Arches or the spot at Garden of Eden mentioned above, the parking lot is super close, so if you don’t need the extra clothing, you can just leave it in your car.
Despite the chillier temperatures, make sure to bring enough water, especially when visiting in the summer months and planning to stay longer to watch the stars. We found that bringing one liter per person was sufficient just for the sunset, but we definitely had more water in the car.
If you’re planning to watch the stars, please do not bring a super bright flashlight. There is a high chance people will be trying to take pictures of the starlit sky, and wandering around with bright lights will cause light pollution. Since capturing the perfect shots requires complete darkness, the pictures won’t turn out well.
Lastly, bring mosquito repellent. Mosquitoes can be bothersome in the evening, especially in the summer. Be sure to have repellent on hand.
What else to consider?
Please remember to leave no trace. Stick to established trails and respect the natural environment. Pack out everything you bring in, including trash.
Sunset is a peaceful time, so please be mindful of others who are there to enjoy the natural beauty, and try to be as quiet as possible.
If possible, visit during the shoulder seasons (spring and fall) when the park is less crowded. Weekdays are also generally less busy than weekends.
