>>2705462>>2705525>>2705463I spent two months in Moab hiking Arches, Canyonlands, and the BLM/County land around SE Utah and both these anons are correct.
If you are going to Arches specifically you 100% go early and leave early, especially if you are going on the weekend. The only NP I've seen with more annoying tourists is the Smokies.
It is made for cars and the more famous arches are ruined by asphalt paths and crowds. Abbey was right. Read Desert Solitaire while you're there.
Personally, I found the actual arches themselves boring and after you've seen a couple you just tune them out. To be fair, I've seen 80%+ of the arches around Moab so they just stop hitting at some point.
There are actual solid day hikes in the park, but not as many as you might expect if you've been to somewhere like the Sierra Nevadas or Cascadia.
Personal favorites are the Devil's Garden loop. Hike to double O, spur to dark angel, then take the rest of the primitive trail back to landscape.
Tower Arch is my favorite tourist escape hike. It's not long, but you won't be inundated with shitheads. Make sure you ask the ranger if the road to it is open.
Delicate Arch (the one on the license plates) is a distant third. The view is actually beautiful, but it will be completely socked in with tourists. First time I went it was just families yelling across the gap where to stand for photos. Ruined my lunch.
View from Dead Horse is the best in the area, but the hiking is mid. The mountain biking is SS+ world class imo, though, if you mtb.
Canyonlands has kino hikes as well, but they require time. Chesler Park Loop is the best in the Needles, but it's longer. Don't know what your hiking ability is, so just be aware. Neck Spring is also great, the springs in winter/spring are otherworldly.
There is tons of great BLM/County hiking as well, but my guess is you'll probably stick to the NPs, which is fair. If you are staying in Moab check out the Corona arch hike as well.
