Arches

Red River Gorge, Kentucky: 100 Sandstone Arches, the Nada Tunnel and the Dam That Was Never Built

May 4, 2022 by Michael Huntley

Last Updated: September 3, 2026

Red River Gorge is in eastern Kentucky, in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains about an hour east of Lexington. The gorge is a canyon system cut by the Red River through Daniel Boone National Forest, and it has more natural sandstone arches than anywhere else east of the Rocky Mountains. Hikers, rock climbers, kayakers and mountain bikers are attracted to the area throughout the year. We came in early spring, before the trees leafed out, which is the season when you can actually see the rock.

Looking up at the underside of Natural Bridge, a 78-foot sandstone arch at Natural Bridge State Resort Park near Slade, Kentucky

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Arches & Canyonlands National Parks, Utah

December 12, 2020 by Michael Huntley

Last Updated: July 20, 2026

Arches National Park is located five miles north of Moab on US-191; visitor center open daily except Christmas Day; (435) 719-2299; $30 per vehicle, $25 per motorcycle, $15 per person on foot or bicycle; the park itself is open 24 hours year-round; nps.gov/arch. Canyonlands National Park (Island in the Sky district) is at 2282 Resource Blvd, Moab, UT 84532; (435) 719-2313; $30 per vehicle, $15 per person on foot or bicycle; nps.gov/cany. Both parks are covered by the America the Beautiful Annual Pass ($80). Spanish Trail RV Park is at 2980 S Hwy 191, Moab, UT 84532; (435) 259-2411; full hookups, heated pool and spa; office hours 8 am–5 pm summer, 8 am–3 pm winter; check-in 1 pm, check-out 11 am; spanishtrailrvpark.com.

Arches and Canyonlands National Parks are a favorite because of the striking canyons, arches, monoliths, spires, fins and balanced rocks, primarily composed of Entrada Sandstone. A winter storm left about an inch of snow, making for some scenic photography, even though Arches was closed by the National Park Service the day after it snowed. Luckily Canyonlands was still open. The drive from Dolores, Colorado was scenic.

Light snow covering red sandstone formations at Arches National Park, Utah

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Moab, Utah: A Guide to Arches & Canyonlands National Parks

April 29, 2018 by Michael Huntley

Last Updated: May 24, 2026

Moab, Utah is the gateway city to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. Thanks to its setting amid some of the most spectacular canyon country in the Southwest, Moab is famous for outdoor recreation of every kind — mountain biking, hiking, river rafting, motorcycling, ATV and Jeep trails, rock climbing, and canyoneering. We arrived in spring 2018 after exploring Monument Valley and Bluff, and quickly understood why Moab draws adventurers from all over the world.

Travel bloggers Dr. Michael Huntley and Sandy Huntley standing beneath Double Arch in Arches National Park near Moab, Utah

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