Arches National Park Opens At The End Of The Covid-19 Curve
by Michael Alpiner
One of the country’s most impressive natural wonders is once again open for visitors, most of whom have been sequestered to the banal four walls of quarantine. With a case count of 24 and no deaths from the coronavirus in Southeast Utah, Arches National Park is opening up with the proper safety guidelines.
Arches National Park, Utah
With over 2000 natural stone arches, soaring pinnacles, gigantic fins and balanced rocks, Arches National Park reminds us that the natural world can create landscapes of beauty, not just invisible malignancies. On May 1st, Moab, Utah announced a phased reopening of businesses. Lodging, commercial campgrounds, restaurants and activities are allowed with respect to recommended guidelines.
Arches National Park began its phase one opening on May 29th with access to roads, hiking trails and viewing areas, though campgrounds, backcountry camping and fiery furnace access remained closed. All safety practices are being implemented in the park, even though social distance seems easy to accomplish in a park as vast as Arches.
A hiker takes in the landscape of Arches National Park.
Moab Adventure Center, a full-service resource for the adventure-minded, suggests three guided park tours to encourage the housebound into the outdoors. The daily morning and sunset tour showcases the work of 150 million years. Tour rates are $89 for adults and $79 for ages 5 to 12. A third tour offers an aerial tour of the park. Leaving mid-morning, the half-hour flyover views formations such as Courthouse Towers, North and South Window Arches, Delicate Arch, Devil's Garden, the Colorado River, Fisher Towers, and Castle Valley. Youth two and under fly free on a parent's lap. Tour rates are $109 for adults and $55 for youth 3 to 12.
The Adventure Center also arranges full and half-day Colorado River Tours along the southern border of Arches National Park via raft. A half-day morning tour showcases the mild to moderate rapids under a background of red rock cliffs, spires and buttes. Rates are $74 for adults and $64 for ages 5 to 12. Another half-day option comes with a BBQ lunch. Rates are $89 for adults and $79 ages 5 to 12. A full day on the river, with lunch, is a memorable seven-hour excursion. Rates are $109 for adults and $79 for age 5 to 12.
According to Cort Wright, Manager of the Moab Adventure Center, “The benefits of getting into nature for a few days are just what the doctor ordered – especially now.” This could not be more true. The pandemic has certainly taken an emotional toll on those itinerants who are used to adventure travel.
The Grandeur of Nature.
Along with the escape one gets from the grandeur of nature, a restful and comfortable accommodation is yet another way to return to a sense of normality. The Gonzo Inn, located in Moab, five and a half miles from Arches National Park, offers a “dessert chic vibe” in their 43 condominium style rooms. The proximity to raw nature does not distract from the rustic luxury these accommodations provide. Their deluxe suites have whirlpool tubs and fireplaces, yet all rooms have private patios and views of the Red Cliffs. In respect to the safety of its guests and staff during the pandemic, the ownership has suspended maid service and breakfast.
However, with a world in crisis and the streets wavering between desolate and frenetic, an escape into a breathtaking landscape as found in Moab, Utah can be worth every dollar and every mile.
About the Moab Adventure Center:
Moab Adventure Center is a division of Western River Expeditions, an adventure travel company headquartered in Salt Lake City, with operations and offices in Moab and Fredonia, AZ. The company is the largest single tour provider in Moab, Utah.