Welcome to red rock country! A colorful member of Utah's Mighty 5, Arches National Park contains the world's largest concentration of natural sandstone arches as well as an impressive variety of other striking geological formations: giant sandstone fins, balanced rocks, tall pinnacles, soaring spires, gargoyles, and hoodoos. Northwest of Moab and about 30 miles from Canyonlands National Park, Arches offers a range of activities for outdoorsy travelers. Most of the park's most famous arches and sites like Delicate Arch, Devils Garden, The Windows, and Wolfe Ranch are along, and often visible from, the 18-mile paved road. If you only have time for one hike, hop on the maze-like Fiery Furnace trail, which winds around red rock verticals and features hidden arches and dunes. Arches attained certification as an International Dark Sky Park in 2019, so be sure to stay late at least one night of your trip for incredible stargazing.
Your Packing List
Since you'll be in the high desert, sunscreen is an absolute must. You may also want to consider packing a hiking hat that provides plenty of sun protection, like Sunday Afternoons' Clear Creek Boonie. Crucially, this UPF 50+ rated hat doesn't just protect the skin on your face (though it does an excellent job at that); it also provides sufficient coverage for your head and neck.
If you planning on hiking, you'll definitely need a larger water bottle to stay hydrated. The 32-ounce Nalgene Water Bottle is our preferred option. This lightweight bottle has an opening large enough for ice cubes to fit inside, and you'll be be able to track your water intake easily thanks to the measurement markers that are displayed on the side. Plus, the loop-attached lid guarantees that you'll never lose it.
Even if you're traveling during the summer, be prepared for cold nights. Deserts, in particular, get surprisingly chilly after dark because they don't often have clouds to hold in the heat of the day. For stargazing, bring blankets, jackets, coats, thermal socks, and a hot drink.
Indiana Dunes National Park is a sandy landscape full of dunes, wetlands, prairies, and forests covering 15,349 acres of diverse ecosystems. Located in northwest Indiana, the park stretches for 15 miles along the shore of Lake Michigan and invites visitors to hike some 15 miles of trails, swim in the lake, relax on sandy beaches, and camp overnight.
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