Rising from Utah’s high desert, Arches National Park stands as a testament to the extraordinary power of natural forces. With over 2,000 documented natural stone arches—the highest concentration on Earth—this red-rock wonderland captivates visitors with its surreal landscape of contrasting colors, land forms, and textures.
Located just 5 miles north of Moab in eastern Utah, this 76,680-acre park showcases not only its namesake arches but also massive balanced rocks, towering pinnacles, and dramatic sandstone fins that seem to defy gravity. The park’s geological features tell a story spanning 300 million years, where ancient seas, powerful tectonic forces, and the patient work of wind and water have sculpted one of America’s most distinctive landscapes.
Whether you’re marveling at the iconic Delicate Arch at sunset, hiking through the labyrinthine Fiery Furnace, or gazing up at the impossibly thin span of Landscape Arch, Arches National Park offers visitors a chance to experience geological wonders that seem more like artistic sculptures than natural formations. This guide will help you plan the perfect visit to this desert masterpiece and understand the forces that created it.
Things to Do at Arches National Park
Scenic Drive
The 18-mile paved scenic drive provides access to many major viewpoints and trailheads. Allow at least 2-3 hours to complete the drive with stops at overlooks. Popular viewpoints include:
- La Sal Mountains Viewpoint
- Courthouse Towers
- Balanced Rock
- The Windows Section
- Fiery Furnace Viewpoint
- Skyline Arch
- Devils Garden
Photography
Arches is a photographer’s paradise. Best opportunities include:
- Sunrise: Balanced Rock, The Windows, Devils Garden
- Sunset: Delicate Arch, La Sal Mountains Viewpoint, Garden of Eden
- Night Photography: The park’s Dark Sky designation makes it ideal for astrophotography
Ranger Programs
During spring through fall, rangers offer various interpretive programs:
- Guided walks
- Evening programs at Devils Garden Campground
- Fiery Furnace guided hikes (reservation required)
- Junior Ranger program for children
Rock Climbing
Limited rock climbing is permitted in the park, but not on any named arches or natural bridges. A permit is not required, but climbers should check at the visitor center for current regulations and sensitive resource closures.
Canyoneering
Technical canyoneering is allowed in some areas of the park with proper equipment and permits and guided canyoneering adventures are available. The most popular route is U-Turn Canyon near Delicate Arch.
Stargazing
As an International Dark Sky Park, Arches offers exceptional night sky viewing. The park occasionally hosts astronomy programs during peak season and guided stargazing hikes are also available.
Hiking Trails at Arches National Park
Arches offers hiking trails for every ability level, from easy paved paths to challenging scrambles over slickrock. Note that most trails have little or no shade, so bring plenty of water, sun protection, and avoid hiking during the hottest parts of the day in summer.
Easy Trails
Under 2 miles round trip, minimal elevation gain.
Balanced Rock Trail
- Distance: 0.3 miles round trip
- Time: 15-30 minutes
- Description: A short paved loop around the base of the iconic Balanced Rock formation.
The Windows Loop
- Distance: 1 mile round trip
- Time: 30-60 minutes
- Description: A relatively flat trail providing access to North Window, South Window, and Turret Arch.
Double Arch Trail
- Distance: 0.5 miles round trip
- Time: 15-30 minutes
- Description: An easy sandy trail leading to one of the park’s most impressive formations, featuring two massive arches that share the same stone foundation.
Sand Dune Arch
- Distance: 0.3 miles round trip
- Time: 15-30 minutes
- Description: A short hike through a slot canyon to a secluded arch with a sandy base. Popular with families as the sand provides a natural playground.
Moderate Trails
2-4 miles round trip, some elevation gain.
Delicate Arch Trail
- Distance: 3 miles round trip
- Time: 2-3 hours
- Elevation Gain: 480 feet
- Description: The park’s most famous hike leads to Utah’s iconic symbol. The trail climbs steadily across open slickrock with no shade. The final section features a narrow ledge before opening to reveal the spectacular arch. Best at sunset, but extremely popular.
Park Avenue Trail
- Distance: 2 miles round trip (or 1 mile one-way with shuttle)
- Time: 1-2 hours
- Description: Follows a canyon surrounded by towering skyscraper-like formations. Can be hiked out-and-back or with a shuttle car.
Landscape Arch Trail
- Distance: 1.9 miles round trip
- Time: 1-2 hours
- Description: A relatively flat trail in the Devils Garden area leading to Landscape Arch, one of the world’s longest stone spans.
Difficult Trails
Longer distances, significant elevation gain, or challenging terrain.
Devils Garden Loop
- Distance: 7.8 miles for full loop
- Time: 3-5 hours
- Description: The park’s longest maintained trail accesses eight arches, including Landscape Arch, Partition Arch, Navajo Arch, and Double O Arch. The “primitive loop” section includes scrambling over slickrock and narrow ledges.
Fiery Furnace
- Options: Ranger-led tour or permit required
- Time: 2-3 hours
- Description: A labyrinth of narrow canyons, fins, and dead-ends that requires route-finding skills. Access is strictly limited to those with permits or on ranger-led tours, which should be reserved well in advance.
Tower Arch Trail
- Distance: 3.4 miles round trip
- Time: 2-3 hours
- Elevation Gain: 737 feet
- Description: Located in the remote Klondike Bluffs area, this strenuous trail leads to a massive arch far from the crowds.
Hiking Safety Tips
- Carry at least 1 gallon (4 liters) of water per person per day in summer
- Wear sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
- Wear proper footwear with good traction
- Stay on marked trails to protect fragile desert soils and plants
- Check the weather forecast and avoid hiking during thunderstorms due to lightning danger
- Flash floods can occur during and after rainstorms; avoid washes and slot canyons when rain threatens
- Cell service is unreliable in most of the park
Geology and Formation
The Story of Arches
The unique landscape of Arches National Park began with the deposition of a massive salt bed approximately 300 million years ago when a sea flowed into the region and eventually evaporated. This salt bed, thousands of feet thick in places, was gradually covered with debris eroded from the Uncompahgre Uplift to the northeast.
Over millions of years, the weight of these accumulated sediments compressed the salt bed. Since salt is less dense than the overlying rock layers, it flowed under pressure, causing the overlying rock to buckle and crack. As the salt shifted, the surface rock layers folded over these salt-cored anticlines. The Entrada Sandstone, the main arch-forming layer, was lifted and cracked in the process.
Erosion then selectively wore away the exposed rock layers. Water seeped into cracks, expanding when frozen and breaking off pieces of sandstone. Wind removed the loose particles, gradually enlarging the cracks into fins. Where the fins were most susceptible to weathering, holes began to form, eventually growing into the arches we see today.
This entire process continues very slowly even now, ensuring that today’s landscape will look dramatically different thousands of years in the future. The arches are not static—they continue to evolve, and occasionally collapse, as part of their ongoing geological story.
Famous Formations
Delicate Arch: Perhaps Utah’s most recognized symbol, this freestanding arch stands 65 feet tall and frames the La Sal Mountains in the distance. Despite its name, this arch is relatively stable and has been featured on Utah license plates and the 2014 America the Beautiful Quarter.
Landscape Arch: At 306 feet from base to base, this is one of the longest natural rock spans in the world. Its thinnest section is only about 11 feet thick. Several pieces have fallen from the arch since the 1990s, prompting the closure of the trail beneath it.
Double Arch: Two connected arches sharing the same foundation in The Windows section of the park. The taller arch reaches 112 feet, making it the tallest in the park.
Balanced Rock: A 3,600-ton boulder perched atop a narrow pedestal. The balanced portion stands 55 feet tall, while the total height of the formation is 128 feet.
The Windows: Known as “the spectacles,” these two large arches (North and South Window) sit side by side, separated by a stone pillar.
Fiery Furnace: Not a single formation but a labyrinth of narrow sandstone canyons, fins, and passages that can only be explored with a ranger or special permit.
Double O Arch: Located in the Devils Garden area, this unique formation features two separate openings stacked on top of each other.
Camping and Accommodations
Devils Garden Campground
The only campground within Arches National Park is Devils Garden, located 18 miles from the park entrance:
- Sites: 51 sites (including two group sites)
- Fee: $25 per night for individual sites, $75-$250 for group sites
- Facilities: Potable water, flush toilets, picnic tables, fire rings
- No hookups or dump stations for RVs
- No showers
- Maximum RV length: 40 feet in some sites
Reservations: Required from March 1 through October 31 and can be made up to six months in advance at recreation.gov. From November through February, sites are available first-come, first-served.
The campground is situated among sandstone fins and provides easy access to the Devils Garden trailhead. Sites are typically full every night during peak season.
Backcountry Camping
Backcountry camping is permitted in designated areas with a permit:
- Permits: $7 per person, obtained at the visitor center
- Areas: Three designated areas in Courthouse Wash and one off the primitive trail in Devils Garden
- No water sources: Carry all water needed
- Leave No Trace principles must be followed
Nearby Accommodations
Moab
Moab serves as the primary base for visiting Arches National Park, with lodging options ranging from extended-stay hotels with full kitchens to luxury resorts. The gateway city sits just five miles from the park entrance, making any Moab accommodation convenient for daily park visits.
Lionsback Resort offers a different take on Moab lodging. The property features 2- and 3-bedroom casitas spread across 175 acres along Sand Flats Road, putting you between downtown Moab and the famous Slickrock Trail. Each casita comes with a full kitchen, hot tub, and floor-to-ceiling windows framing views of the La Sal Mountains. The spacious layouts work well for families or groups planning extended stays.
For travelers who prefer having kitchen facilities without the resort price tag, My Place Hotel sits on Moab’s north end near the park entrance. Every room includes a full-size refrigerator, stovetop, and microwave—helpful for preparing meals before early morning starts at Arches. The property also has a seasonal pool and accepts pets.
Downtown stays put you within walking distance of Moab’s restaurants and shops. Hoodoo Moab occupies a block off Main Street, combining western design elements with upscale amenities. The hotel’s Josie Wyatt’s Restaurant serves dinner if you’re too tired to venture out after a day hiking, and the heated outdoor pool stays open year-round. The property also has a full-service spa.
Best Western Plus Canyonlands Inn anchors the south end of downtown at 16 South Main Street. The central location means easy access to grocery stores and restaurants, while the daily hot breakfast can save time on busy park days. The hotel offers both a seasonal outdoor pool and year-round hot tub.
BLM Lands
Several primitive campgrounds on Bureau of Land Management land surround Moab, often providing more affordable and available options than in-town accommodations.
Wildlife and Plants in Arches National Park
Desert Adaptations
The arid ecosystem of Arches hosts plants and animals that have developed impressive adaptations to survive in this harsh environment:
- Cryptobiotic Soil Crust: A living crust of cyanobacteria, algae, fungi, and lichens that stabilizes the desert soil. Extremely fragile and slow-growing (stay on marked trails).
- Desert Plants: Look for drought-resistant species like Utah juniper, pinyon pine, yucca, prickly pear cactus, and blackbrush.
- Wildlife: Most desert animals are nocturnal or crepuscular (active at dawn and dusk). Common species include desert cottontails, black-tailed jackrabbits, kangaroo rats, woodrats, and several lizard species.
- Birds: Watch for white-throated swifts, ravens, and several raptor species.
Conservation Concerns
Arches’ fragile desert ecosystem faces several conservation challenges:
- Soil Compaction: Footprints in cryptobiotic soil can remain visible for decades
- Water Resources: Limited water is under pressure from increased visitation
- Sound Pollution: Affects wildlife behavior
- Air Quality: Regional industrial development impacts visibility and ecosystem health
History and Cultural Significance
Native American History
The area now known as Arches National Park has evidence of human presence dating back thousands of years. The Ancestral Puebloan and Fremont peoples lived in the region until about 700 years ago, leaving behind rock art and evidence of their dwellings. Later, Ute and Paiute tribes also used the area seasonally.
Modern Protection History
- 1923: President Warren G. Harding designated the area as Arches National Monument to protect the extraordinary landscape
- 1929: Expanded by President Herbert Hoover
- 1938: Further expanded by President Franklin D. Roosevelt
- 1969: Final expansion by President Lyndon B. Johnson
- 1971: Redesignated as Arches National Park by Congress
- 2020: Certified as an International Dark Sky Park
Edward Abbey’s Legacy
From 1956-1957, writer Edward Abbey worked as a seasonal ranger at Arches when it was still a national monument. His 1968 book “Desert Solitaire” describes his experiences and passionately advocates for wilderness preservation. The book became an iconic work of environmental literature that continues to influence conservation efforts and has introduced countless readers to the beauty of Arches.
Best Time to Visit Arches National Park
Seasonal Considerations
Spring (March-May):
- Temperatures range from 30°F to 80°F (-1°C to 27°C)
- Wildflowers bloom in April and May
- Increasing visitation, especially around spring break and Easter
- Timed entry requirements begin April 1
Summer (June-August):
- Very hot with temperatures regularly exceeding 100°F (38°C)
- Afternoon thunderstorms possible in July and August
- Peak visitation season
- Hiking best limited to early morning or evening
Fall (September-October):
- Temperatures moderate from summer heat, ranging from 70°F to 85°F (21°C to 29°C)
- Golden cottonwoods along washes and rivers
- Popular season for photography
- Timed entry requirements continue through October 31
Winter (November-February):
- Cold with temperatures ranging from 20°F to 50°F (-7°C to 10°C)
- Occasional snow creates stunning photo opportunities
- Fewest visitors, no timed entry requirements
- Some trails may be icy or snow-covered
Time of Day Considerations
- Sunrise: Early mornings offer cooler temperatures, softer light, and fewer crowds. The golden light on red rock is spectacular.
- Midday: Harshest light and hottest temperatures. Not ideal for photography or hiking in summer.
- Sunset: Popular time for photography, especially at Delicate Arch. Arrive early for viewpoints.
- Night: Arches is a certified International Dark Sky Park with exceptional stargazing opportunities.
Essential Information
Address and Contact
Mailing Address:
Arches National Park
PO Box 907
Moab, UT 84532
Physical Address:
2282 Resource Blvd.
Moab, UT 84532
Phone: 435-719-2299
Website: nps.gov/arch
Operating Hours and Seasons
Arches National Park is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, though facilities have limited hours:
Visitor Center Hours:
- Spring through Fall (March-October): 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Winter (November-February): 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Closed December 25
Best Times to Visit:
- Spring (March-May): Moderate temperatures, wildflowers, but increasingly busy
- Fall (September-October): Comfortable temperatures, fewer visitors than summer
- Winter (November-February): Cold but quiet, occasional snow creates stunning photo opportunities
- Summer (June-August): Very hot (often exceeding 100°F/38°C), busiest season
Entrance Fees (2026)
- Private Vehicle: $30 (valid for 7 days)
- Motorcycle: $25 (valid for 7 days)
- Individual (foot/bicycle): $15 (valid for 7 days)
- Southeast Utah Parks Annual Pass: $55 (valid for Arches, Canyonlands, Hovenweep, and Natural Bridges)
- America the Beautiful Pass: $80 (valid for all national parks for one year)
Practical Information
Getting to Arches National Park
By Car:
- From I-70: Take exit 182 (Crescent Junction) and follow US-191 south for 28 miles to the park entrance.
- From Moab: Drive 5 miles north on US-191 to the park entrance.
Nearest Airports:
- Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT): 110 miles (2-hour drive)
- Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC): 230 miles (4-hour drive)
- Canyonlands Field Airport (CNY): 18 miles (serves limited commercial flights)
What to Pack
- Water: At least 1 gallon (4 liters) per person per day in summer
- Sun Protection: Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, light long-sleeve clothing
- Footwear: Sturdy hiking shoes or boots with good traction
- Navigation: Park map, compass, or GPS device (cell service is limited)
- First Aid Kit: Include blister treatment and tweezers for cactus spines
- Food and Snacks: No food services in the park
- Camera Equipment: Extra batteries, tripod for low-light photography
- Layers: Weather can change quickly, especially in spring and fall
Services
- Visitor Center: Information, exhibits, bookstore, restrooms, water
- No food, gas, or lodging services within the park
- Nearest services: Moab (5 miles south of entrance) has dining, gas, groceries, medical facilities, and outfitters
Accessibility
Several areas of the park are accessible to visitors with mobility limitations:
- Visitor Center: Fully accessible with designated parking
- Viewpoints: Balanced Rock, Delicate Arch Viewpoint, and several pullouts have accessible viewing areas
- Devils Garden Campground: Site 4H is wheelchair-accessible
- Trails: The first sections of Devils Garden Trail and The Windows are relatively accessible with assistance
Pet Policies
Pets are allowed in Arches National Park but with significant restrictions:
- Allowed: Parking lots, paved roads, Devils Garden Campground
- Not Allowed: On hiking trails, in the visitor center, or in the backcountry
- Must be leashed: Maximum 6-foot leash at all times
- Never leave pets in vehicles: Interior temperatures can reach lethal levels in minutes
- Consider pet boarding in Moab instead of bringing pets to the park
Attractions Near Arches National Park
Canyonlands National Park
Located just 30 miles southwest of Arches, this vast wilderness of canyons, mesas, and buttes along the Colorado and Green Rivers offers a more remote experience. The Island in the Sky district is closest to Arches.
Dead Horse Point State Park
This dramatic overlook, 32 miles from Arches, provides spectacular views of the Colorado River and Canyonlands from 2,000 feet above.
Colorado River Activities
The Colorado River cuts through towering red rock canyons just minutes from Moab, creating one of the most scenic stretches of whitewater in the Southwest. Unlike larger rivers where you’re far from the canyon walls, rafting here puts you right in the heart of Castle Valley, floating beneath the famous Fisher Towers and through narrow passages where ancient stone soars hundreds of feet overhead.
Half-day and full-day trips strike a balance between excitement and relaxation—you’ll splash through Class II and III rapids like Onion Creek and Rocky Rapid, then have plenty of time to swim in calm pools or drift beneath soaring cliffs. Spring snowmelt typically brings the biggest waves, while summer and fall offer warmer water and more leisurely floats. Most outfitters provide all equipment and transportation from Moab, and many include riverside lunches at scenic stops along the way. Whether you choose a paddle raft where your group works together to navigate, or an oar raft where guides handle the rowing, rafting the Colorado River ranks among the most memorable ways to experience Moab’s canyon country.
For those seeking more adventure, multi-day trips run through remote sections like Westwater Canyon and Cataract Canyon, featuring camping on riverside beaches and some of the biggest rapids in North America. Numerous outfitters also offer kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding for a more intimate river experience.
Hell’s Revenge UTV Tours
Hell’s Revenge has earned its reputation as one of Moab’s most thrilling off-road trails, and experiencing it behind the wheel of a UTV delivers an adrenaline rush few other activities can match. The trail climbs across steep slickrock fins where vehicles tilt at angles that seem impossible, descends through narrow canyons lined with cottonwoods, and navigates obstacles with names like Hell’s Gate and the Escalator that sound exactly as challenging as they are.
Guided Hell’s Revenge UTV tours follow experienced leaders across terrain that would destroy most vehicles, but modern UTVs handle it with surprising ease. Along the way, you’ll stop to see fossilized dinosaur tracks, take photos from overlooks above the Colorado River, and catch your breath after particularly intense sections. The trail offers one of the most thrilling ways to experience Moab’s slickrock playground, with heart-stopping moments as your UTV crawls up walls and tips backward descending into canyons.
Mountain Biking
Moab is world-renowned for its mountain biking trails, particularly the Slickrock Bike Trail and the extensive network in the Moab Brand Trails area.
La Sal Mountains
Rising to over 12,000 feet east of Moab, the La Sal Mountains offer cooler temperatures, alpine scenery, and outdoor recreation opportunities including hiking, fishing, and scenic drives.
Frequently Asked Questions About Arches National Park
Do I need a reservation to visit Arches National Park?
During peak seasons (April 1 to July 6 and August 28 to October 31), a timed entry reservation is required to enter the park between 7:00 AM and 4:00 PM, in addition to the regular entrance fee. Outside those hours and seasons, only a park entrance pass is needed.
How much time do I need to visit Arches National Park?
One full day allows you to drive the scenic road and take several short hikes. Two to three days provides enough time to explore more thoroughly and experience different lighting conditions for photography.
What is the best time of year to visit Arches?
Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) offer the most pleasant temperatures. Summer is very hot, but early mornings can be enjoyable. Winter provides unique photographic opportunities and solitude but can be cold.
How do I get a reservation for the Fiery Furnace?
Ranger-guided Fiery Furnace tours can be reserved up to six months in advance through recreation.gov. Self-guided permits are available on a limited basis at the visitor center up to seven days in advance.
Is it possible to see Delicate Arch without hiking the full trail?
Yes, two viewpoints offer distant views of Delicate Arch without the strenuous hike: Upper Viewpoint (0.5 miles round trip with stairs) and Lower Viewpoint (100 yards from the parking area).
Are there lodging options inside the park?
Devils Garden Campground is the only accommodation within the park. The nearby town of Moab offers numerous lodging options in all price ranges.
How hot does it get in summer?
Daytime highs regularly exceed 100°F (38°C) from June through August. Hiking is best limited to early morning or evening during these months.
Is four-wheel drive necessary to visit Arches?
No, all main park roads are paved and accessible to standard vehicles. A few unpaved side roads, like the one to Tower Arch, may benefit from high clearance but don’t typically require four-wheel drive unless wet.
Are there restaurants in the park?
No. There are no food services within Arches National Park. Bring food and water for your visit. The nearby town of Moab has numerous dining options.
How many arches are in the park?
Over 2,000 documented natural rock arches exist within Arches National Park, ranging from 3-foot openings to the 306-foot span of Landscape Arch.
Plan Your Arches Adventure
Remember that weather, trail conditions, and park regulations can change. Always check the official Arches National Park website or contact the visitor center directly at 435-719-2299 for the most current information before your visit.
