The Secret Back Entrance to the World’s Most Famous Arch - SUV Camping/Vanlife Adventures

In this video I once again visit the natural wonder that is Utah's Arches National Park. More specifically, I visit world-famous Delicate Arch before leaving the crowds behind and getting off the beaten path.
DATE FILMED: March 2022
► Adventure Know-How: adventureknowhow.com/
► The SUV RVing Website: suvrving.com/
LINKS FOR THIS VIDEO
** My Arches NP book on Amazon: amzn.to/3vbmTVQ
** My video of hiking in the La Sals: • 4 Bears, 3 Mountains &...
** Elephant Butte video: • A FALL WOULD HAVE BEEN...
GPS COORDINATES, etc.
** Start of the back way to Delicate Arch: 38.760712, -109.491935
** Delicate Arch: 38.743587, -109.499311
** Rock with the giant pothole in it: 38.768962, -109.481444
** Where I started hiking for Winter Camp Arch: 38.78686, -109.46378
** Winter Camp Arch: 38.78968, -109.47460
** Dome Plateau Overlook: 38.74612, -109.38176
** Campsite: 37.86807, -109.40263
(The downloadable GPS tracks of these hikes will be on Adventure Know-How in the next few weeks if they aren't already.)
OTHER LINKS
** Gear I use: suvrving.com/gear
** SUV RVing the Book: amzn.to/2SUrtme (Affiliate link)
** The blog: suvrving.com
** Instagram: / suvrving
** My other KZbin channel: / tenkaraaddict
#adventure #travel #camping

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks for watching! Here's my Arches National Park book if you haven't seen it before: amzn.to/3vbmTVQ. And if you want another off-the-beaten-path Arches NP video, here's a video from last year: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kImwd2yon8yhea8 -Tristan

[@Justal01]

Great stuff! I didn’t know you were so intimate with Arches and knew some of these back corners and untraveled trails. Have you hiked the Wave way down off 89 at So border w/Arizona. Difficult permitting

[@bikingal4283]

tristan I've been watching your vids for years, have your book and you are the main reason I now know how to car camp... all this being said I hope that you know how much we realize the hard work you put into every video... this one was exemplary.. you do double the hikes just going back and forth to set and pick up your camera... you go above and beyond with your work and we do appreciate it, we would never get those great shots otherwise... so what I'm trying to say is a great big ty from all of us viewers....

[@loribrasseur4562]

^^^What she said!!!! 🥰🥰🥰

[@davkatjenn]

I went to Delicate Arch one year with my wife and young daughter. They did not want to go to the Arch but said that they were going to go to the viewpoint to the south and I went out alone to the Arch. They were going to come back and pick me up about two hours after dropping me off at the trail head. I made it up to the Arch and when I got up there I was standing under it with three young hikers and I looked for my wife and daughter and sure enough I could see them and we both started waiving to one another. The three other hikers knew my wife and daughter were over there and all four of us stood there and waved to them. It was a fun memory I will never forget. I would imagine that there aren't that many people who have that experience at Delicate Arch and I feel really fortunate to have experienced it.

[@madelinewilson6473]

As a slightly anxious woman traveling and hiking alone I kinda like the crowds. I look at it as something different than a wilderness experience, and when I do need that solitude I go elsewhere. Thanks for your beautiful videos - they have helped me build a number of trips :)

[@asadventures_moriicoddiwomple]

This is definitely why you are our favorite KZbin channel! There is so much to love about our National Parks, it makes it easy for us to ignore any crowd of people. Additionally, we agree that so much of the less popular areas around our National Parks are just as amazing! We just have to open our eyes and enjoy what we see! Thanks for taking us along on your adventures!

[@never2yield20]

There is a road out of Blanding that crosses the West Mountains back into Canyonlands Needles District. I drove it decades ago. Just in case you need another adventure area idea. That overlook of the Colorado river and the surrounding area was awesome. I have been in the Moab area a couple of times, and you captured the beauty of that whole area with that view. The other interesting sight I went hunting for in that area, were the dinosaur tracks. They can be found in many places there. Great Video all round.

[@tychosnova2896]

you're the best. Some of us can't hike anymore, so thanks for takin' us along! 😁👍

[@janicewhite2300]

I’ve traveled to the Moab area almost every year since 1973- The increase in visitation is overwhelming- I’m glad that people like the National Parks but social media has caused some to come only for that perfect photo ! When you show the less visited areas of the parks they soon can become more crowded- thankfully most people can’t managed the dirt roads and long hiking trails in the back country .

[@davidkuhns8389]

You're absolutely right about finding solitude in our national parks. It's there if you look for it. And I'm one of the old gaffers who remembers a less crowded time.

[@robertross2596]

Right on David! My sentiments exactly!

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks David!

[@user-jb6oe7yk3w]

If the complaints about the crowds are coming from a place of "I want the park to myself" then I totally agree with your take. However sometimes those comments come from a more general concern about parks being loved to death. I'm perfectly capable of finding solitude in the parks but I still get a little queasy seeing how hard some places are getting worked over by tourists.

[@ChrisBrown-gw5tg]

During your spill about the "math" behind how good or great something is as compared to more popular things, I realized that we think exactly the same on things like this. I have a feeling most people do not break things down like this. I went to Arches NP last year and did the hike to delicate arch and took the pictures.. etc.. but I wish I knew about the things that you saw and did before I went. Great video Tristan. I really enjoy the sights you see, the way you go about seeing them and how you break it all down. You are my spirit animal!! Lol.

[@blackpearlvoyager4174]

Tristan, I can't thank you enough for this hike suggestion to delicate arch. I attempted the hike once before from the parking lot and due to some physical limitations with my feet and not the greatest fitness I was unable to make it up there. Your route is the same distance but looks to be much easier and will likely be my choice for actually getting to delicate Arch as an item on my bucket list. Thanks again and keep cranking out excellent videos. 🤙🏻

[@almamdani6564]

Loved the part where you said I cant see the arch but can see the throngs looking at it😂

[@dvdschaub]

I like your channel because you find such uncrowded, unspoiled areas. My trip on the Going-to-the-Sun road last fall, made me convert to off the beaten path areas.

[@sharondavis8003]

Terrific video. Loved the arches and the potholes. Favorite was the view from the overlook. 👍🏻🤗

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks Sharon!

[@virginiaallen4723]

Sandflats Recreation Area near Moab has awesome potholes.

[@jimchristensen965]

Holy cow Tristan you sure packed a lot into one day. A day like this really makes for a great nights sleep.Your passion, experience, familiarity and organization shined brightly today. Good job! Thanks.

[@garypalmer2066]

I visit the parks in the off season when solitude is possible. I've been backpacking the parks since 1977 in the months of Dec/Jan and can see the popular sites with no one else around. So solitude is possible if one is willing to go when everyone else is back at work!

[@Ostrom38]

Your video has been up for 3 hours and already has over 500 likes and over 70 comments Tristan! Congrats on your growing channel and thank you for all of your hard work! Your videos are so enjoyable to watch, thanks to your calm genuine enthusiasm! I have watched all of your episodes on your traveling Playlist and plan to check out your fishing channel soon! Just wanted to let you know we appreciate your hard work and I personally look forward to your next videos!

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks, I appreciate that! 😁

[@markgibsons_SWpottery]

Genuine, my brother! I really appreciate the grace you carry into every situation. Great places! Great tours, Man! I love finding places off the main trail to alter myself! I think you used those words! I'm going to go alter myself right now! Hope it means what I think it means!

[@FreedomToRoam86]

Your vids of stuff away from the noisy masses are awesome. I’d never even heard of these potholes before!

[@i-feeluniveristyifeelu5562]

Thanks for the brilliant observation that we are responsibility if we do not experience solitude (peace, contentment) when we are in national parks. Right on!

[@caroleelagrone9729]

Always enjoy your video's Tristan! Thank you for taking me along! 🤗🤗🤗

[@reggiebald2830]

Excellent video Tristan. I especially enjoyed the spectacular overlook view of the Colorado River, but also the wonderful arches along the way ~ Thanks!

[@mitzilickliter3879]

Great video! That pit was scary but amazing! Wow!

[@nomadgigi4051]

Wow stunning scenery!

[@DoggyU]

Another great video. Thank you!

[@smais0219]

I love your videos. Really looking forward to your Alaskan trip!! Good Luck.

[@hikesome]

What a great new outdoor experience! Even if it was a bit crowded at the arch it still feels like being in the middle of nowhere when you took the other path.. Beautiful area and really nice production. Thank you so much for sharing. HAve a wonderful day man and stay safe out there.

[@juanitagreenspan5412]

Very good video. Thanks.

[@jorgiesjog9904]

I love seeing that there are different routes. I am always taking the trail less traveled in National Parks. Thanks for sharing.

[@vresor]

Wow, the videos from this trip are your best ever; certainly among them. Your content, location, and originality are excellent as usual, but your cinematography is really next level. Thank you for all the extra "third person" tripod work and the extra hiking and climbing it takes to make that happen. It REALLY adds to the magic and impact of the video. Color saturation, vibrancy, and all that are top notch too. Great stuff. I've been to Arches a half dozen times and out to Delicate Arch twice including a return by headlight. Amazing place, but now I need to spend time in the nearby back country. Thank you.

[@3generations393]

Well thank God you found the extra gas tank problem before you needed it. 🙏 The giant hole in the rock made me think of a giant abandoned bee hive 😂 Hello to your beautiful wife from grandma Iris in SW Florida 👋. 🙏✌️🌎💞

[@ronaldhoppus9015]

Love what you do! Thanks for taking us along. Wondering if you have been in the park during a rainstorm? The water flowing everywhere is incredible.

[@Rubi747HVY]

Great video, very relaxing to watch.

[@Roobah]

I went to several parks during the 2020 pandemic. It was awesome to visit what would normally be crazy crowds actually be very light crowds. Especially true at Yellowstone. I felt incredibly lucky to visit there with no crowds in July 2020.

[@bethsmith6347]

I will definitely be getting your book, I am all about the road less traveled. Thank you for your great travel life

[@LarryManiccia]

Cool little out of the way places around Moab and the park. Nice video!

[@kaykaykayak9368]

Great job beautiful thanks, agree always nice to have the place to yourself!!

[@gerdriechers8426]

Thanks for the video. The southwest is such a beautifull area. Its these off places you find which makes it worth to watch. Keep on!

[@John-ve3gg]

Love this video in this area that Utah is amazingly beautiful. Thank you for sharing your adventures

[@jburnett8152]

I had so much fun. It's been decades since I've been in that part of the country. You did a great job and I can't wait until we get to Alaska.

[@ytubechannel997]

Love these types of videos. Awesome scenery and great geological formations.

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks, I'm glad you like them!

[@saginawdan]

I agree with your thoughts on finding solitude. Love the zoom lens on your camera! Thanks Tristan! 🌲🌲🌲

[@cindynichols27]

Another beauty. Fascinating to approach such a natural icon from a different side!

[@josephinegibbs3902]

Fascinating area. It was fun seeing into those potholes. And I'm excited to hear you are making an Alaska trip!

[@MountainGirlwIPA]

Great video. I so needed this after a few months in the flatlands 😉

[@sonny1597]

Wow! Your on the Dome almost exactly a year from my visit! I was breaking in my Crosstrek to see how it did off road .. it did well! Thanks for that refresh .. love to watch your hikes as that's one thing I am limited too nowdays. My son and daughter in law were on this trip with me .. we met up in Moab .. they went out and bought a new Outback Wilderness when they got back. I live out of my little rig but my trips are usually a week or so .. so I follow alot of the same routines as you .. and of course, I get ideas from what you do. I did get a drone and am learning to fly. LOL 🤠

[@owenrae]

I was kind of wondering if my Outback Onyx would be fine on the road Tristen was talking about. I have a 2" lift and some Falken Wildpeak trail tires on it so pretty much like the Wilderness.

[@sonny1597]

@@owenrae Should be fine .. My Trek has a 2" lift and Toyo All Terrains III's along with an Aluminum skidplate. On KZbin just type in 'Al Maurine' I have a video on my Trek blasting up the Schaffer Trail .. never had a problem.

[@SUVRVing]

Sounds like you've got a great setup! Thanks for watching, Al 👍

[@ropersix]

Totally agree about the crowd issue. And sometimes I even think, if a park like Arches is going to reach visitor capacity, I'd rather most people go to a few popular places, than spread out all over the park. I was there last summer, on a full capacity day, and only encountered two other people on the hike to Tower Arch. It was really nice. Although really hot, too, so maybe that was a factor.

[@oldboater]

Once. Again you’ve shown me some very cool places. Keep up the good travels.

[@loricollins3163]

Fantastic video! After watching the sunrise at Mather Point in the Grand Canyon I jumped on the shuttle bus and exited at either Kaibab or Yaki…I did a rim hike (mule trail?) all by myself for an hour or so before I saw another soul! I will forever remember this moment. Be safe and stay well.

[@helenvwalker7919]

Another great video. Especially loved Winter Camp Arch and the Dome plateau overlook.

[@lisatalley296]

Thanks for this video. A year ago today we were hiking the Escalante River Trail. Soo want to go back to Utah!

[@ritzbitz1905]

Loved this approach to the park. Genius!

[@charlieswearingen500]

Interesting and beautiful rock formations...

[@GoldenK9Campers]

Conga line of people. Made me laugh !!

[@budmetcalf3888]

Great video, I'm looking forward to traveling out west next year for the first time!!!

[@marshajones7838]

Thank you for sharing your experience there around the Arches. We were just on a tour of some of the site around Moab--Arches being part of it. Did see the Delique Arch but not as good as you did. All the other rocks were new and awesome. Thank you.

[@robertphillips3893]

Yet another amazing video. I like the places you went to because I just can't.

[@darlenestout7548]

Wow I was just in moab Friday night. I love arches national park. So beautiful.

[@thockdorji9766]

Amazing

[@Eyes0penNoFear]

You might check out the arches in north western New Mexico. There are over 200 named arches, and some of them are quite impressive. I spent a week with my wife exploring the area, and besides the occasional oil field worker, we only ever saw one other couple hiking like we were. The funniest part of seeing the other couple is the fact that my wife knew them, what are the odds 😂 Definitely check out Cox Arch, and Octopus Arch.

[@johnd746]

The view from the dome was tremendous!

[@rogerbmcdaniel]

Two thumbs up. I just really enjoy your videos and seeing some of those "alternate" locations around the more famous landmarks.

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks Roger!

[@nathanwilson6670]

You just created a new metric for sightseeing! Nice!

[@dddhhh2612]

Oooo man this was a good one. I followed your tracks on Google Maps. Wonderful. You've set me up for my next hike in Arches!

[@therookeryvanlife5612]

I really enjoyed this video. I loved that you were able to come in the back way to Arches. I also find the crowds annoying and noisy but I’m not a skilled enough hike to do some of the solo routes so I’m stuck with screaming Johnny! Thank you for sharing this! Arches will be on my bucket list!

[@markgunnell2149]

I really appreciate your great attitude about meeting a couple of hundred of your new friends at delicate arch.

[@skletke7543]

Looks like the teeth from a small wild cat. The arches are as colorful and beautiful as the rocks in Sedona Az. Always enjoy your videos.

[@jmfoty4280]

I love Arches. I've been there half a dozen times. I found a way to hike into the bowl below Delicate Arch....it is quiet down there and an interesting point of view for photographing the arch.

[@jimmym3352]

definitely worth visiting. I recommend starting at sunrise (on a weekday) and you'll get not too big of crowds. I could lay down on the sandstone and just enjoy the cold morning air (though the sandstone can be quite cold). While there were other people around, I still felt like I could enjoy the peacefulness of the area while laying down on the sandstone.

[@karentapia888]

I think that huge pot hole was an entryway into the Land Before Time! 🤭

[@birdman5223]

A Classic video, gr8 stuff MrT🌝

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks Mark!

[@johncole3010]

I hiked around the whole base of that in 2021 and kinda though there was another way. Thanks for sharing

[@elizabethpreviti598]

Hi Triston If you like holes in rock, if you haven’t been…check out the vortex near Dammeron Valley Utah. Wild rock formations and crazy swirling vortex holes

[@Eyes0penNoFear]

I second this! It's a fun little hike, and you can find names carved into the sides from some of the earlier settlers.

[@itchingtogo7362]

So enjoy your adventures to those ‘obscure’ places! I can’t hike to as many as you do, but I’ve really learned of some great places and HAVE made it to them!! As for the crowds…just get to the trail by 6am. 🥰

[@wanderworm]

I love your videos and appreciate this one for tips on seeing great sites that are "off the beaten path" which appeals to me greatly. I live in Ontario Canada and want to explore the beautiful US southwest, maybe next Canadian winter but it's hard to know about all the nifty little places to go. I have a 2011 RAV4 and really like the minimal build you did to turn it into a camper. I saw and support that little blue and yellow sticker you had on the side of your vehicle in this video.

[@ramensaha]

The secret hike from the Jug Rock was fun to watch and learn about, but the cream of this video was at 16:58. I sincerely thank you for sharing that amazing spot with us. Outstanding!

[@beach3girl459]

Enjoyment factor is difficult to quantify. Enjoyed your trek. Thanks for sharing.

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks!

[@phyllisbonner8900]

Thanks for another wonderful adventure. My favorite u tube channel.

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks Phyllis! 😁

[@ssgt2002]

Thanks for sharing this. I have only ever gotten to see this arch from the 100 foot hike to the lower viewing space. Really want to get an opportunity to spend more time and hike all the way up.

[@suv629]

Great video, Love that view from Dome Plateau Overlook! I have the same gas can and I think a funnel would probably work best.

[@MegaGo68]

Awesome -- so good to see familiar sights like Delicate Arch and Fisher Towers from a new, unexpected angle. Thank you!

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks for watching!

[@ronb.9946]

Hey Tristan, you could not be more right about seeking solitude. I went to Yosemite and visited Tuolumne Meadows and was by myself in the meadow while others just drove by. I was also atop Pothole Dome by myself. I am sure it has probably changed since I was there, but one thing that is still probably true is if you go up and out, the fewer people there are. It takes a little more work, but many people either are lazy or do not have the time to do this. Thanks for all you do!

[@Deanna52ish]

To have something spectacular to yourself, even for a few minutes is overwhelming sometimes. That happened to me at Canyon De Chelly last month and I savored it. This is a must see on my trip to Arches next year. Thank you Tristan.

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks Deanna!

[@dixxebell]

When we visited we did the from the distance look at the arch since it was a crowd that day and we had the view point pretty much all to out selves, so that was cool...I zoomed in and got a good photo!

[@blitztim6416]

One of my favorite videos. So interesting. I’m ready to sell all I have and hit the road. So many places to go. So many sights to see.

[@katmogstad1692]

Great hikes. Thanks for sharing. That second massive “pothole” looks like it’s been used in movies. Also, because 5 gallons of gas would be too heavy for me to lift to the roof of my van. Glad you found a spot for it.

[@MarkCormier]

Tristan, another fine bit of storytelling. What I really enjoyed was the back roads because it looks like our road in Arizona. We're moving there this spring/summer from Florida.

[@07wrxtr1]

I"m getting you a "I Survived the City Market" shirt hahahahaa...

[@markg3025]

I did the view point the first time I went to Arches. You need a camera with big time zoom to find the delicate arch from the view point. The hike up to the delicate Arch is worth the work.

[@willar7179]

I am certain I have never heard so many background voices in one of your videos. Glad you showed it to us, but especially appreciated the less travelled trails. My favorite part was watching you jump down into and scramble out of those two potholes. Really showed their size in the most graphic way.

[@Mickju]

I'm elderly and will not be able to travel again. This video is thrilling to me. It is overwhelmingly beautiful. Thank you for taking me there.

[@SUVRVing]

Overwhelmingly beautiful is a good way to describe it!

[@petertellone7665]

Tristen, I could not agree with you more about the National Parks Re: Crowds and what people say. It drives me nuts and I appreciate you saying this. I have a friend who won't go to Yosemite because of 'The Crowds" and he just doesn't get it. I was to Yosemite on the exact 100th anniversary of the National Parks and also it was Labor Day weekend...and I found myself alone many times if you just try. I also agree though of seeking out the smaller things that are still great but you can experience them in solitude. So great. Thank you my friend, great episode and more great ideas. I've used a few already including San Rafael Swell last fall. Can't thank you enough. Cheers, Pater

[@grantgrow]

Yes, Tristan, I had to attach a tube to my 5 gallon tank. Used a hose clamp, rubber hose, then a short section of metal pipe the same size as the flap. Found out just like you did, it was to short. Greetings from the Redwoods

[@Arcticfox7]

Loving the new zoom lens.

[@mellcsicsila]

Thanks for making me aware of that overlook of the Colorado. I’m going to have to find it!

[@SUVRVing]

Definitely worth visiting!

[@hendersonhiking9597]

Very nice overlook!! Your video is making me want to go back and explore Moab asap but off the beaten path 😁 thanks for making awesome videos and always giving me MORE places to go see ❤

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks, I'm glad I can help! 😁

[@augustharter981]

I have just been following you since the first of the year. However, this is first time I am making a comment. Tumbleweeds is always interesting ! Thanks for sharing the origins! Boy, that is a lot of people there. Glad you are showing a different direction to get there. Donut arch is pretty Cool! Love the view through it. Delta Arch is definitely worth seeing! Love arches! I do appreciate you always sharing the miles on the trails and sharing highlights of things to see along the way! Those sand pits or potholes in the rock you were on is very unusual. Never seen those before! Wow, that is a big pothole in the 2nd rock! I see what you mean about seeing something on a one to one experience. It is meaniful!! Love that you always show us the views of the areas you are visiting! I appreciate how you are able to climb that 3rd arch! Nice! Wow, the view from Dome Plateau overlook is amazing 👏!

[@samanthadodd8112]

Great video. Thanks so much for showing us less travel areas out there.

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks for watching, Samantha!

[@RangerMcFriendly]

Was a Ranger at Arches NP and didn’t even know about the primitive trail to Delicate Arch. So cool!