Arches National Park has always been on our bucket list, and this time we had the joy of experiencing it with our youngest daughter, Lydia. There’s something magical about sharing the breathtaking landscapes of Utah with family, and Arches delivered in every way imaginable.

We camped inside the park at Devils Garden Campground, which gave us the perfect home base to soak up the star-filled skies and the quiet desert mornings. From there, we set out to explore some of the park’s most iconic trails and formations.

Our first big hike was to Delicate Arch, the most famous landmark in the park and possibly the entire state of Utah. The trail was a bit strenuous in the heat, but rounding the corner to see that natural stone arch rising above the desert floor was unforgettable. Standing beneath it with Lydia was a moment we’ll never forget.

We also wandered around Balancing Rock, marveling at how such a massive boulder seems to rest so effortlessly on its slender pedestal. Nearby, we checked out Elephant Rock, its shape living up to the name, reminding us once again how playful nature can be with its designs.

The Windows Section of the park was another highlight, with its sweeping views and giant openings framing the desert landscape like works of art. Just across the way, Double Arch rose above us on a grand scale. Walking underneath its soaring spans made us feel tiny, and yet deeply connected to this ancient land.

Camping in Devils Garden meant we could slow down and really savor the park. Evenings by the fire, mornings with coffee in the crisp desert air, and days filled with hikes made the experience even richer—especially because Lydia was there to share it all.

But life sometimes calls us home sooner than expected. As our Arches adventure wrapped up, we received word that Jonathan’s kidney transplant needed us back in Vermont. That shifted our plans quickly. Laurie caught a flight from Grand Junction, Colorado, while Sam and Annie began the long drive back east with the truck and trailer.

It wasn’t the ending we expected, but it reminded us that family journeys aren’t just about the miles traveled—they’re about being there for each other in the moments that matter most. Arches National Park gave us memories we’ll always treasure, and Jonathan’s recovery gave us a new perspective on the importance of being home when it counts.