Desert Solitaire

[Frank's Trailer Works]

Being a huge fan of Edward Abby, I have always wanted to see Arches. I am planning a trip there for next summer. I am looking for you camping suggestions.

[eubank]

Arches really is a nice place, but it is kind of busy. We camped over at Deadhorse Point State Park, which is subjacent to the much larger Canyonlands/Island in the Sky. From there, it's an easy day trip down to Arches, Moab, etc., but with all of the hiking of Island in the Sky and Deadhorse immediately available.

Lynn

[pbearsailor]

I just left there a couple of weeks ago. Lynn has it right, I think, even though I didn't do it that way.

The one campground in Arches is packed. I stayed in one of several BLM campgrounds on the Colorado just outside the park and it was fine--no services other than vault toilets. Got there in the morning early in the week and there were several sites, but they filled up in the afternoons and were always full by the weekend.

Didn't go to Deadhorse State Park, but several people I talked to later raved about it. There are several other options around in BLM campgrounds.

Arches was great as was Canyonlands, but I sure liked Arches better early in the morning before the crowds took over.

Lots and lots to see here. I went to Capitol Reef and Bryce Canyon as well and am in Zion now. I could come back many times and not see it all.

Cheers,
Steve

[Frank's Trailer Works]

I was in NYC last weekend. Arches could never be that busy…

So these BLM campgrounds… they are first come first serve?

[pbearsailor]

Originally Posted by Frank's Trailer Works

So these BLM campgrounds… they are first come first serve?

Yes. Several different BLM campgrounds in the area. Where I was there were usually some open sites in the morning that would fill by afternoon. Then there would be peeps driving through and hoping 'till ten at night. It was like they would go out to dinner in Moab and then try to find a place for the night.

I'm heading for Marble Canyon close to Glen Canyon dam next week and pulled out my old worn copy of Monkey Wrench Gang today to read again.

Steve

[Frank's Trailer Works]

I have been reading my Edward Abby books again to get me in the proper mind set for this trip...

[Doc Foster]

If you are looking for full hookups, then I would recommend Portal RV Resort, Moab Utah
We stayed there several nights this summer.

[Frank's Trailer Works]

Please keep the recommendations coming folks… We are planning a three week trip I am going to pick the family up in Salt Lake city from the airport and spend two weeks returning to Baltimore together. All I have planned is to see Arches and spend a chunk of time in New Mexico. I am hoping with this thread to gather enough info to plan the Arches part...

[mojo]

Moab can be very warm (hot) in the summer depending on when you go so you may be wanting electric for the AC. Arches has a very nice CG but it is 18 miles in at the back of the park, but is close to some great hiking and views of the arches. It has electric but you need to reserve well in advance. Deadhorse has several electric sites, but again reserve in advance. It is also a good drive to Arches and town.

In town, there are several RV parks, the in-town location is Canyonlands RV Campground, where you can walk to restaurants. It has lots of shade. Have also stayed at Riverside, Moab Valley, & Portal RV parks which are on the edge of town.

The BLM CG's along the Colorado river on 128 are nice but no hookups and little shade.

[Lance M]

Hey Frank,
Sounds like a very fun trip. Our family loves Utah. Such a beautiful state.
We stayed at the Riverside Oasis in Moab a few years ago. Nice campground, but be prepared to be nearly eaten by mosquitos if the winds are calm. The BLM CGs along the river that Mojo speaks of are in some very beautiful canyon scenery. When we go back, I think we'll probably stay at a BLM CG, or find dispersed camping.
If you have time, and are looking to get up high above the heat in an Alpine campground, I would recommend Warner CG in Manti La Sal National Forest. Beautiful place to boondock.
Have fun!

[murreywalker]

Frank, I second Top's recommendation of Riverside. I was there two years ago and two year before that. Great facility.

If you're visually inclined, here are some of the images (plus other areas) of Arches and Canyonland.

utah_arizona2010 Photo Gallery by Murrey Walker at pbase.com

[HiHoAgRV]

We stayed at a full hookup in Moab, for a few extra bucks they extended the checkout time until 2:00ish, basically giving us an extra day in the park.

Arches was VERY crowded with huge tour busses jammed into every pullout, the International guests had a different view of courtesy. Many times we were almost pushed off the walkways and trails as they strolled 3 and 4 abreast.

Its a magic place, I can't imagine how the first folks that drove into the area navigated through the landscape.

[JamuJoe]

If at all possible, avoid summer with the heat and crowds. Sept and early October is a wonderful time for SE Utah. For an Edward Abbey fan, I'd also suggest boondocking in the BLM CG at Comb Wash, between Blanding and Natural Bridges National Monument for a taste of what inspired The Monkey Wrench Gang (we were there last week). Spend a day touring Natural Bridges, with great short hikes. Our favorite camping near MOAB is Sand Flats Rec. Area. The fee-taker can advise you which of the campgrounds would be best for your unit. We prefer to go all the way in to Juniper.

Safe Travels,
JamuJoe


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[Frank's Trailer Works]

This will be during the summer since we have two kids in school. I think electric to be a must.

I wish we had unlimited time and could go to Oregon(I hear the sloe gin fizzes are so good you buy them by the pitcher) and see it too, but we have to limit what we intend to see. Arches is the main focus as is a week in New Mexico. The rest will be a pleasant surprise since we are only going to make reservations for the Arches segment.

[JamuJoe]

Right you are. Oregon deserves time. We've given it a week++ for each of the last five years and have much more to see there - Coast, Mountains, Desert Outback.
For a full hookup in Moab, close to Arches, I like Moab Valley RV Park. Fine pads and facilities, nice pool for the kids at end of day.

Safe Travels,
JamuJoe


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[ALUMINUMINUM]

Yes, Arches is busy,

Camping at Lake Powell/Glen Canyon near the dam was easy, clean, well equipped, and pleasant.
The museum and rangers at the dam were great.



Nearby, is Antelope Canyon. Climb down into the slots, absolutely spectacular. Navaho Guided tours only. Easy to walk thru.


Horseshoe bend is a few minutes from Page.
I could eat Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner at the The Mexican restaurant in Page, for the rest of my life.


Brice canyon has short easy trails and good rainbows


You'll love drill marks in the tunnels of Zion


Too many wonderful places to list. An inspirational journey...

[Landshark]

Originally Posted by Frank's Trailer Works

Being a huge fan of Edward Abby, I have always wanted to see Arches. I am planning a trip there for next summer. I am looking for you camping suggestions.

Pardon my ignorance, but who is Edward Abby??

Vivian

[JamuJoe]

Originally Posted by Landshark

Pardon my ignorance, but who is Edward Abby??



Vivian

Environmentalist, author best known for his stand against the ecological destruction of the western American deserts. Search Amazon for his books.

JamuJoe


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[Wayne&Sam]

Isn't he the brother of Downton?


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[Lily&Me]

Stunning photos, ALUMINUM.

We were out there a couple of years ago, and it is spectacular.

The town of Moab is a beautiful sight to see from a distance, all that color nestled amon the red rocks.

I'm trying to figure out if I can get back out west without driving thru the MOUNTAINS. I have a terrible, visceral, stomach-quaking, leg-shaking, reaction to heights. I can and have done the Smokies, but the Rockies are a different ball of wax.

Still need to get Nevada on our map, the last of the lower 48 to camp in in the Interstate.

Y'all who are going and familiar with the area, keep us posted on here, and maybe I'll find a way thru another's journey.


Maggie