Why You Should Visit Arches National Park in Winter

February 12, 2018 The Provident Princess 0 Comments

Landscape Arch at Arches National Park

 I love Arches National Park. There is something so wonderful and grounding about being among the red rock of Moab. My husband grew up there so I have had an insider's guide to discovering all Moab has to offer. And, I'm going to share it with you! It is definitely where we like to go when we need to recharge.

Over the last few years it seems like everyone else has the same idea and Arches has begun to feel sooo crowded. Almost unenjoyable crowded, which is definitely not the point. I think most people think about visiting Arches in the spring, summer, and fall. But my favorite time really is winter.

Most of the town is shut down from the lack of tourists so you really get to live like a local. Arches is pretty deserted so you aren't waiting in traffic trying to get from place to place. Moab does get snow sometimes and it is only about 5 degrees warmer that Salt Lake City up north, but the red rocks just suck in the sun's warmth and makes it really comfortable to be out and about during the day.

It is such a different experience to be able to be alone with your thoughts or letting your kids run free up ahead then when you are having to wade through hoards of tourists and stressing about losing sight of one of your children.

If you have been considering visiting Arches, I would definitely consider going in the winter. Especially if you are from out-of-town, then you can hit two birds with one stone. Stay up in Salt Lake City or in Cedar City and enjoy our world class skiing for a few days, then head over to Moab for a few days to take in the other worldly landscape that Arches has to offer.

A word to the wise though. Since there are so few tourists in Moab a lot of the restaurants are shut down til tourist season. There are definitely some to choose from. But my favorite, The Love Muffin on Main Street, is not open which is a must try if you ever have the chance. The Turkey Chipotle Sandwich is to die for. They make all their bread and roast the turkey in-house. Mmm I might just have to share my copycat version of it with you. One easy way to save money on a vacation is to not eat out and Moab has 2 grocery stores right in town to shop at. We almost always cook at home when we visit. When I am already trying to plan around naps, the last thing I want to do is waste 45 minutes 3 times a day sitting in a restaurant. Why not pack some muffins and fruit and head out on a trail early? Ditto picnic lunch.

If you can't find a way to visit Moab in winter, stay tuned. I have a post in the works about how to get away from the crowds and still enjoy amazing hikes with breathtaking arches.