Frommer's National Parks of the American West - Don Laine [21]
The chart below lists some of the major companies that can help you fully enjoy this beautiful country. They are all in Moab (zip code 84532). Advance reservations are often required, and it's best to check with several outfitters before deciding which best fits your needs. When making reservations, be sure to ask about the company's cancellation policy, just in case.
Biking. Bikes are prohibited on all trails and off-road in the backcountry. They are permitted on the scenic drive, although the 18-mile dead-end road is narrow and winding in spots, and can be crowded with motor vehicles during the summer.
Mountain bikers also have the option of tackling one of several four-wheel-drive roads (see the "Four-Wheeling" section, below). Cyclists can get information, as well as rent or repair bikes at Slickrock Cycles, 427 N. Main St. (☎ 800825-9791 or 435/259-1134; www.slickrockcycles.com). Bike rentals start at about $35 per day. Bike shuttle services are available from Acme Bike Shuttle (☎ 435/260-2534), Coyote Shuttle (☎ 435/259-8656; www.coyoteshuttle.com), and Roadrunner Shuttle (☎ 435/ 259-9402; www.roadrunnershuttle.com). Several local companies (see the chart listing outfitters, below) offer guided mountain-bike tours, with rates of about $200 per person for a full-day tour and from $600 per person for multiday biking and camping trips.
Boating, Canoeing & Rafting. Although there are no bodies of water inside Arches National Park, the Colorado River follows the park's boundary along its southeast edge, and river-running is a wonderful change of pace from hiking over the park's dry, rocky terrain. You can travel down the river in a canoe, kayak, large or small rubber raft (with or without a motor), or a speedy, solid jet boat.
Do-it-yourselfers can rent kayaks or canoes for $30 to $35 for a half-day and $35 to $45 for a full day, or rafts from $50 to $90 for a half-day and $60 to $130 for a full day. Half-day guided river trips cost from $32 to $40 per person; full-day trips are usually $40 to $60. Multiday rafting expeditions, which include meals and camping equipment, start at about $175 per person for 2 days. Jet-boat trips, which cover a lot more river, start at about $60 for a half-day trip, with full-day trips about $95. Children's rates are usually about 20% lower. Some companies also offer sunset or dinner trips. See the chart below.
Public boat-launching ramps are opposite Lion's Park, near the intersection of U.S. 191 and Utah 128; at TakeOut Beach, along Utah 128 about 10 miles east of its intersection with U.S. 191; and at Hittle Bottom, also along Utah 128, about 23.5 miles east of its intersection with U.S. 191. The Colorado Basin River Forecast Center (☎ 801/ 539-1311 [recording]; www.cbrfc.noaa. gov) provides information on river flows and reservoir conditions statewide.
Four-Wheeling. Although Arches doesn't offer nearly as many four-wheel-drive opportunities as in nearby Canyonlands National Park, it has a few—but check first with rangers for updates on road closures and conditions that make the routes impassable. One possibility is the 17-mile road from Klondike Bluffs to Willow Flats, which is
best driven from north to south because of soft sand on steep grades. Turn west off the main park road 1 mile south of Devils Garden Trailhead, and follow the road up through the Salt Valley about 7.7 miles to the turnoff for Klondike Bluffs. The next 17 miles, heading into high desert terrain and opening up panoramas of surrounding mountains and red rock formations, are strictly for four-wheelers. The route also passes Eye of the Whale Arch, views of Elephant Butte (the highest point in the park at 5,653 ft.), and the imposing Courthouse Towers. Also along the route are drifting sand dunes and the red rock Marching Men formation. The road brings you out at the Balanced Rock parking area. Several companies offer guided four-wheel-drive tours in the area; prices start at about $80