We got to Arches around 1:30 PM and it was closed due to overcrowding. I don’t think this had anything to do with covid, at least not directly. I think there are just so many people here. Last night in Capitol Reef it got down into the 20’s, 40’s during the day yesterday, yet all the campsite were occupied, people were outside, kids playing and riding bikes.
Not only was Arches closed, every campground is full, as is every RV park. We did find one with a single “less than optimal site” according to the owner. We looked at it and decided this was our hotel night. Moab is a touristy western town close to both parks. It was a stop on the old Sante Fe trail when this was part of Mexico. We found a hotel (The Virginian) that takes pets there, and a decent restaurant (Gloria’s Cafe). The hotel is next to a river walk. After eating we took a walk on it only to find a dog park. Sammy is nuts about dog parks. He teases the other dogs into chasing him, and he runs constantly. If he realizes he’s no longer being chased, he makes full speed running passes at other dogs. If that doesn’t work he gets in their face and dares them to catch him.
We hope to get into Arches tomorrow AM, and maybe even see Canyonlands, its so close. We may boondock tomorrow. Then, if we feel like we’ve seen enough of Canyonlands, on to Mesa Verde.
Roses 1.0 Van Life 