Arches National Park

Arches National Park, maintained by the National Park Service, is one of Utah's top attractions. More than 1 million visitors come each year to explore its sandstone fins and Windows Section rock formations, admire views overlooking the Colorado River, or stay at the Devils Garden Campground (the only campground in the park). Whether travelers want to stroll through the desert landscape on a day trip or venture into the backcountry on a multi-day excursion, methods for exploring the park are as varied as the sandstone arches within. 

Travelers can learn to mountain bike amid the spectacular rock formations, take a 4-wheel tour of the park's top points of interest, or experience the park as part of a multi-day guided journey through Utah's most popular national parks, including Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, and Canyonlands National Park.

• Arches National Park is a must-see attraction for adventure travelers and outdoor enthusiasts.

• In addition to Arches National Park tickets, you should book timed entry reservations months in advance to enter the park.

• Don't forget to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and plenty of water. Shade is rare in the park's desert environment.

• Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking over uneven surfaces.

• The Arches Visitor Center offers free Wi-Fi.

• Several trails, picnic grounds, and viewpoints are wheelchair accessible, as is the Arches Visitor Center.

Arches National Park is 5 miles (8 kilometers) north of Moab, Utah on US 191. Most visitors arrive by car or as part of a guided tour from Moab or Salt Lake City. The nearest major airport is Grand Junction Regional Airport, roughly 90 minutes by road from the park.

Arches is busiest from April through October; during this time, plan to arrive in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid traffic. (Book your Arches National Park timed entry tickets far in advance). Summer temperatures regularly break 100°F (38°C), while spring and fall weather can be more comfortable. There are no ranger-led programs offered in winter, but the lack of crowds makes this a peaceful time to visit.

As one of Utah’s most accessible national parks, Arches offers a wide variety of hiking trails, many of which are rated as easy or moderate. Popular easy hikes take visitors to Landscape Arch or Balanced Rock, while the most popular park trail—a strenuous 3-mile (4.8-kilometer) trek—leads to the iconic Delicate Arch.

You can explore Arches National Park independently or on a guided tour. If you’re alone, consider self-guided audio tours that combine flexibility with a curated itinerary. Joining a tour has advantages: many include transport, which saves you the hassle of searching for limited parking at the popular park.

The 18-mile (29-kilometer) Arches Scenic Drive passes some of the national park’s most outstanding landmarks, such as a soaring array of natural arches in The Windows Section. Trailheads line the road—the popular options include the 3-mile (4.8-kilometer) round-trip hike to Delicate Arch, and a 1.9-mile (3.1-kilometer) walk to Landscape Arch.

Arches National Park bustles from March through October, despite temperatures that soar into the triple digits during summer. Spring and fall visits are preferable for milder conditions and fewer crowds. Consider April and May for their profusion of wildflowers, or come in October to enjoy warm days and clear nights.

You need reservations to enter Arches National Park from April through October. The timed-entry tickets allow visitors to enter the park during an hour-long window. Entry can be booked three months in advance, but a limited number of tickets will also be released each day at 6pm for subsequent-day visits.

Don’t miss the 18-mile (29-kilometer) Arches Scenic Drive that leads to some of the national park’s iconic landmarks. Here, you’ll find overlooks with views of Delicate Arch, The Windows Section, and dozens of other dramatic rock formations. Trails along the scenic drive range from wheelchair-accessible paths to challenging, all-day hikes.

Start early and you can see Arches National Park in a single day, with time to stop for photos and stretch your legs on short hikes. Plan on at least two days if you want to go farther afield—taking longer hikes and visiting less-crowded areas.