Published Oct 28, 2024

The Iconic Trail in Utah Everyone Should Hike Once in Their Lifetime

One of Zion's most popular trails is the Scout Lookout via West Rim Trail, and for good reason. It's not easy by any stretch of the imagination, but it's one of those bucket list-worthy adventures everyone should experience at least once.

Published Oct 28, 2024

Written by

Katie Lawrence

Nature|Hiking

Published Oct 23, 2024

The Completely Free Art Panel Hiding in a Utah Park is a Must-Visit

The Rochester Panel is one of three sites that make up the San Rafael Swell. It's a short and sweet hike to view it.

Published Oct 23, 2024

Written by

Jackie Sutherlin

The Rochester Panel is one of three sites that make up the San Rafael Swell. Goblin Valley is certainly the most popular out of the three, its surreal rock structures are a beautiful sight. The Wedge’s incredible valleys, canyons, and gorges are so magnificent, that its nickname is the Little Grand Canyon.

But the third site, the Rochester Panel, is often overlooked by tourists in favor of the other two, and that’s a shame! Many believe this rock art to be the most unique rock art in Utah! The hike to reach the panel is only about half a mile, and it’s completely free.

With any trail, I’m always going to have my AllTrails + account open before I reach the trailhead. The Rochester Panel trail is mostly well-marked and easy to follow, but it’s always better to come prepared. Especially in Utah’s wilderness.

The out-and-back-trail clocks in at just shy of one mile with an elevation gain of 98 feet. Like many hiking trails in this area, there is very little/no shade. A wide-brim hat and sunglasses are always part of my hiking essentials, and of course, sunscreen.

The hike to the petroglyphs is fairly scenic, and overall a moderate hike. Once you read the petroglyphs, prepare to be amazed! These figures were made by many cultures over time, including prehistoric groups all the way up to early settlers.

It’s a fascinating site to see in person. You could sit here for hours just admiring these drawings. Some of them are 2,000 years old! Pack a lunch, sit for a spell, and think about the first people who marked these rocks. What do you think this area looked like 2,000 years ago?

As you’re admiring the petroglyphs, you’ll notice some…modern additions. Since apparently we can’t have nice things, I feel the need to remind everyone not to do this. Do not write on the panels, do not add your initials, and don’t even touch them. Take all the photographs you want, but leave it as you found it so future generations can enjoy it, too.

Because there’s little shade, I’d recommend viewing the Rochester Panel early in the morning or closer to dusk to avoid that mid-day sun. This is a great trail for the spring and fall, though it’s not impossible to tackle in the winter. You’ll just have to make sure your vehicle can reach the trailhead.

Share this article with someone you want to visit the Rochester Panel with and start planning your adventure today.

Nature|Caves & Rock Formations

Published Oct 4, 2024

The Most Iconic View in Utah Is Also a Stunning Slice of History

Arches National Park has the most iconic view in Utah. Even with over 2,000 arches, one stands out from the rest.

Published Oct 4, 2024

Written by

Jackie Sutherlin

Arches National Park is one of the most iconic views in Utah. Located just north of Moab and adjacent to the Colorado River, Arches National Park boasts more than 2,000 natural sandstone arches. Delicate Arch is the most well-known, but with over 2,000 to see, you could easily find a new favorite arch here.

With so many arches, this is the highest density of natural arches in the world. But why are there so many arches in Arches National Park? Well, the answer may surprise you!

alt — Delicate Arch, Arches National Park, UT.

The national park lies above an underground salt bed, which causes the arches, spires, and sandstone fins that Arches National Park is so well known for. Water erosion is a key ingredient to form these arches, and a lack of earthquakes ensures that these delicate arches are geologically stable.

These stunning arches are truly slices of history. If you were to stand in this spot a million years ago, you’d only see a desert—no arches to be found. There may have even been vegetation growing!

These arches were formed over many, many years of erosion. And they will continue to form. Who knows what this landscape will look like a million years from now? It certainly won’t look like this.

alt — Jamie Seidel/500px Collection via Getty Images

Fun fact: to become one of the park’s official arches, a hole must have an opening of at least three feet. There isn’t any requirement for width, and there are plenty of super skinny arches here.

The only thing better than seeing Delicate Arch during the day is waiting around until nightfall. Arches National Park is one of the best places to go stargazing, and if you have the right camera gear you could capture some phenomenal shots!

alt — Photo taken in Moab, United States

April, May, September, and October are the best months to visit Arches National Park. Because the park is so popular, you’ll need a timed entry reservation if you’re planning on visiting Arches National Park between April 1 and October 31. Visitors to Arches National Park also need an entrance pass, which starts at $15.00.

Taking a tour of Arches National Park is the most eco-friendly way to visit this national treasure. Tourism is one of the major players in this fragile ecosystem, and for some reason, we just can’t be trusted to leave no trace. Tours reduce the amount of vehicles that enter the park, plus you’ll be with a knowledgeable guide the entire time who will regale you with all of the fascinating history of Arches National Park.

Read on to discover some of our favorite places to stay in Utah and start planning your epic Utah adventure.

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