Beginner’s Guide to Arches National Park

For ages, Mother Nature has sculpted the breathtaking landscapes of Arches National Park, renowned for its iconic rock formations that showcase soaring arches of red-orange sandstone against Utah’s vivid blue sky. Living up to its name, Arches boasts the highest concentration of natural stone arches on the planet, including the elegant 306-foot-long Landscape Arch and the famous Delicate Arch, a Utah symbol so picturesque it graces the state’s license plates.

As one of Utah’s 'Mighty 5' national parks, Arches is a realm of geological marvels, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors annually with its massive rock fins, precariously balanced boulders, and signature formations. Here’s what you need to know to plan an unforgettable trip to Arches National Park.

When is the best time to visit Arches National Park?

For optimal weather, the best months to explore Arches National Park are April, May, September, and October; however, these months also see a significant influx of visitors. Park attendance peaks around public holidays (like Memorial Day at the end of May and Labor Day in early September) and during the summer months of June through August when children are out of school.

Arches National Park usually sees its highest visitor numbers in May; however, if you can handle freezing temperatures and the possibility of snow, January offers a much quieter experience. In fact, January 2023 recorded 143% fewer visitors than May of the same year, according to National Park Service data.

In 2022, Arches National Park introduced a timed entry system to control visitor flow during busy periods. From April 1 to October 31, visitors must have a timed entry ticket to access the park daily between 7 AM and 4 PM. Learn more about Arches’ timed entry system below.

Although summer is a popular time to visit Arches National Park, be prepared for scorching daytime temperatures and limited shade in the red-rock desert. July highs can reach 100°F (38°C), making it an unsuitable time for hikes to the fully exposed Delicate Arch, especially with young children.

How much time should I allocate for Arches National Park?

If you're short on time, you can experience the highlights of Arches National Park in just half a day. However, if possible, plan to spend a few additional days to explore some of Utah’s top hikes and other activities in the nearby town of Moab. Another national park, Canyonlands, is conveniently located just across the highway.

The only paved road in Arches National Park stretches 18 miles from the visitor center to a loop at Devils Garden before returning. If you're pressed for time, take this scenic drive, stopping at the various viewpoints and trailheads for quick hikes along the way. Notable stops include Balanced Rock, a massive 3,600-ton boulder perched precariously on a slender pedestal; The Windows, where you can scramble beneath the tallest arch in the park; and Lower Delicate Arch Viewpoint, which features a flat 100-foot trail leading to a distant view of the park's most iconic formation.

With more time, explore the longer trails in Arches, like Devils Garden, Delicate Arch, and Fiery Furnace, if you can obtain a permit. Remember, the arches continue beyond park boundaries – Moab and its stunning red rock landscape offer plenty of activities, from serene hikes to thrilling whitewater rafting, rock climbing, and canyoneering.

Is getting to and navigating Arches National Park easy?

Yes, but you definitely need a car to fully enjoy your visit to Arches National Park. The distances between viewpoints and trailheads are significant, and the park lacks a shuttle service or public transportation. Parking can be challenging at popular trailheads, especially during busy times when you may need to wait for a space to open up.

Several companies in Moab offer bus tours that take you through Arches, providing transportation and guided experiences in the national park.

Canyonlands Field Airport, located 18 miles north of Moab, offers flights to Denver and Salt Lake City. However, most visitors arrive at these larger airports and drive to Arches National Park. For a scenic journey, consider taking Amtrak’s cross-country California Zephyr train, which stops in Green River, north of Moab, or the Rocky Mountaineer’s Rockies To The Red Rocks service between Denver and Moab.

If you have a vehicle and want to explore more of Utah, check out these top road trips.

Must-see attractions and activities

Many of the park's iconic sights are easily accessible via paved roads, making a drive through the heart of Arches a must for everyone to enjoy the breathtaking views.

Delicate Arch is the park's most renowned hike, and the effort to reach it is rewarded with a stunning sight: the hidden 'cowboy chaps' just around the corner, which remain out of view for most of the trek.

If you're looking for more accessible options, the Windows area features additional arches without the steep climb. The one-mile loop trail gradually ascends to three impressive arches, and their true size only becomes apparent once you stand beside them. Be sure to check out the 'bonus arch' nearby: Double Arch, which stands at an impressive 112 feet (34 meters) tall.

The narrow sandstone labyrinth of Fiery Furnace, famous for its stunning rock formations that shimmer in red and orange during sunset, offers one of the park's most thrilling hikes. Due to the challenging navigation and fitness level required, permits are mandatory. Online maps and GPS are often unreliable within the towering canyon walls, and some sections necessitate jumping between ledges and squeezing through tight spaces.

With a permit, you can either join a ranger-led tour or embark on your own self-guided expedition. It’s advisable for first-timers to hike alongside a ranger. Fiery Furnace permits can be purchased on recreation.gov a week ahead, but act fast – they tend to sell out quickly.

If you're exploring Utah with children, check out the best family-friendly activities for your trip.

My top recommendation for Arches National Park

For an abundance and diversity of arches, my favorite spot in Arches National Park is Devils Garden. Just minutes after leaving the parking lot, you'll encounter Tunnel Arch and Pine Tree Arch, with the breathtaking Landscape Arch—the longest in North America—just a short distance further.

Beyond Landscape Arch, the Devils Garden Trail becomes significantly more challenging, requiring some scrambling and navigation skills. If you're ready for an adventure, it's worth pushing onward to discover even more arches and the impressive 150ft rock formation known as Dark Angel. The crowds thin out considerably, and when you take a break for a snack, you might just find an arch all to yourself.

If you're confident in your navigation abilities, consider taking the Primitive Trail back to the trailhead. This path is marked with cairns, but it's wise to have a map downloaded in advance. The Primitive Trail meanders through rocky fins, involves scrambling up and down steep inclines, and may cross a pool that can hold water at certain times of the year. Navigating around and descending the rocks gives the Devils Garden experience a playground-like feel, filling me with pure childlike joy.

What is the cost of visiting Arches National Park?

The standard entrance fee for Arches National Park is $30 per vehicle, valid for seven days. If you're planning to visit multiple national parks during your road trip through Utah and beyond, it’s worthwhile to invest in the America the Beautiful pass for $80. This pass is good for a year at all national parks and federal recreational areas for one vehicle or four individual entries—arguably one of the best travel deals available.

There’s only one accommodation option within Arches National Park: Devils Garden Campground ($25 per site per night).

Are timed entry tickets necessary for visiting Arches National Park?

If you're planning to visit Arches National Park between 7am and 4pm from April to October, you'll need to book a one-hour entry window through recreation.gov. This time frame experiences a significant surge in visitors, and to mitigate crowding, guests are required to obtain a timed entry ticket, which costs $2 and is separate from the park entry fee.

No permit is needed to enter outside of these hours. For instance, if you plan to visit Arches National Park in May without a timed entry ticket, you can access the park before 7am or after 4pm (just ensure you arrive early enough, as a line of cars may still form in the morning). The National Park Service website offers a helpful Timed Entry FAQ for Arches National Park.

Which city is nearest to Arches National Park?

The nearest city to Arches National Park is Moab, Utah, located just three miles from the Arches Visitor Center. Moab's Main St (Hwy 191) is filled with hotels, restaurants, gas stations, and shops, providing everything you need for your adventure. Note that there are no dining options within the park itself.

Save this guide to the top activities near Moab.

What’s the top accommodation option near Arches National Park?

Within Arches National Park, you’ll find just one campground: Devils Garden Campground. Spots tend to fill up months ahead, so make your reservations early if that’s your plan. Additionally, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) campsites are scattered along the Colorado River and among the red rocks. The Goose Island Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis and is the closest to the park entrance.

Moab boasts numerous hotels, with Field Station being one of my top picks. Its exterior resembles a Motel 6, but inside, it embraces a trendy, minimalist style. The hotel hosts fun events and features a merch-filled lobby with a coffee shop. Further south, Red Moon Lodge offers a serene, sustainability-focused experience with organic breakfasts and friendly hosts. If you prefer a more natural setting, ULUM Moab, which opened in 2023, features luxurious glamping tents with views of Looking Glass Arch. They provide complimentary yoga sessions, evening s’mores by the campfire, and sound-bath meditations.