My husband and I are heading out to Colorado next week for 11 days. We were looking forward to spending a few days checking out Arches Park (husband is starting to get into mountain biking). We have been warned that it can get extremely hot in the summer. Any thoughts on this? Would it be best to see what the temp is like once we're settled in Colorado and then make reservations from there?

Also, any suggestions on a nice place to stay? We were hoping not to spend more than $100 a night.

Thanks!

We went to Arches about 10 years ago in early June. It was an incredible place, but the temperatures were over 100°F. We attempted to hike around a bit, but never got very far from the car before turning back. It was just too hot for us.

The whole landscape is dirt and rocks with very little vegetation, so there is nothing to absorb the sun's energy except the ground. The heat radiates back out of the ground, so it's literally like being in an oven.

I wouldn't advise attempting to mountain bike in the area during the summer unless you are very experienced.

Do like the desert animals do. Get out early and be back in by 10:30 or 11:00. Go back out again in the evening when it starts to cool.

We hiked from the trailhead to Delicate Arch a couple of years ago and enjoyed it. Stop by Dead Horse Point while you are in the area. If you are up for a real adventure and have a four-wheel drive take the Old Shaffer Trail from the top of the plateau down to the Colorado River and back to Moab.

I agree with helen. One of the best days I've EVER spent was in Arches in early Sept, so not quite the same heat as August, but it was a very warm day. I went in b4 the ranger station (entrance gate) was open, so no admition charge (not sure if they still do this) and left after it was closed in the evening.

In between I hiked a lot early, then parked the rental under a tree (had to really hunt for shade) and napped and had lunch and a few cool ones, then hiked Delicate Arch late in the day when the light was absolutely perfect. Couldn't have been better.

Just take plenty of water and lunch fixins, a copy of Desert Solitair by Edward Abbey, and plan on taking a siesta.

Have fun.

hi bella,
My family just spent three days exploring Arches. We did the hike to Delicate Arch June 28th.
We waited until about 6:00 p.m. It was still 104 degrees!! I'd say go out early in the morning because there were a couple of days that it just never seemed to cool off at all.
We each took a quart of water for this hike. We drank every drop. Don't even head out without lots of water.
Arches was truly wonderful. There is a new, exciting view at every turn.
Moab ended up being my favorite part of our vacation ~ and we drove 2,000 miles throughout Utah & Arizona.
In Moab we stayed at the Best Western Canyonlands. Highly recommend this place ~ staff, service, rooms, location, continental b'fast ~ all excellent.
Don't miss Arches because of the heat!
There are several arches that you drive to, and can view from your air conditioned vehicle. Also, several are just a short hike and so worth seeing close up.
Bring your camera & enjoy!! Tricia