What we didn’t realize is that Arches was actually open prior to the gates being manned. It’s an honor system and cars were rolling in before 8 am. With us being early birds, I wish we had gone way before 8 am. I’m not sure if all parks are like that, It that would certainly be good to know.
When we got to arches 11:30-ish, the gate was closed due to crowding. So, we decided to go on Shafer trail over in Canyonlands. that was a great experience and not too many people, but it did pick up during the ride. Then, we got back to Arches around 2 or 3 and spent the afternoon there. We decided to go back in the am and do some hiking - that’s when we discovered the gates were open all the time - duh! Still, some lots were aloe filling up. G
