In this guide, we’re sharing everything you need to know to plan an unforgettable trip to Arches National Park—including the best hikes, when to go, where to stay and eat, and what to explore in the charming town of Moab.

We recently visited Arches on a Southern Utah road trip, and the red rock landscapes left us in total awe.

From iconic natural arches to epic hikes and stunning desert sunsets, Arches is one of the most photogenic and accessible national parks in the country. Whether you’re planning a family vacation or a quick weekend adventure, this blog will help you make the most of your visit!

If you want to see what it’s like in Arches National Park, check out our YouTube video!

About Arches National Park

Arches National Park, located in eastern Utah just outside Moab, is home to more than 2,000 natural stone arches—more than any other place on Earth. These arches, along with towers, pinnacles, and fins, were sculpted over millions of years by wind, water, and erosion in the high desert climate.

The park spans over 76,000 acres and offers visitors a chance to explore dramatic landscapes filled with brilliant red rock, sweeping canyons, and views that seem straight out of a movie.

Fun fact: many classic westerns were filmed in the Moab area, and Arches continues to be a favorite location for photographers, adventurers, and families alike.

Established as a national park in 1971 (though it was a national monument before that), Arches is a must-see destination for anyone looking to explore Utah’s famous “Mighty 5.”

Before embarking on your adventure, please review the Leave No Trace principles to ensure you leave every place better than you found it, so that others can enjoy these beautiful places for many years to come!

These seven principles include planning ahead and preparing, hiking and camping on durable surfaces, disposing of waste properly (pack out what you pack in!), understanding campfire rules and always fully extinguishing your fires, respecting wildlife, and being considerate of other visitors. 

The Different Areas of Arches National Park

While Arches is a relatively small national park compared to others, it packs a lot into its scenic 18-mile main road. These are the main areas to explore, each with unique formations and accessible trailheads:

1. Park Avenue & Courthouse Towers

• First major stop after entering the park
• Tall stone walls resembling a city skyline
• Park Avenue Trail: 2-mile round trip walk through the canyon (great early morning light)

2. La Sal Mountains Viewpoint

• Epic panoramic view with contrast between red rock and snow-capped La Sal Mountains

3. Balanced Rock

• One of the most iconic features, viewable from the road
• Easy 0.3-mile loop around the formation

4. The Windows Section

• Home to North & South Windows, Turret Arch, and Double Arch
• Family-friendly hikes under 1 mile, fantastic for sunrise or sunset
• Great for photography and stargazing

5. Delicate Arch Area

• The park’s most famous feature, featured on Utah license plates
• Three viewpoints:
  • Lower Viewpoint (wheelchair-accessible)
  • Upper Viewpoint (short climb)
  • Delicate Arch Trail (3 miles round trip, moderately strenuous hike up slickrock)

6. Devils Garden

• Home to Landscape Arch, the longest natural arch in North America
• Additional arches along the loop: Tunnel, Pine Tree, Navajo, Double O, Private Arch
• Total hike: 7.9-mile loop (you can do as much or as little as you like)

7. Fiery Furnace

• A maze of narrow sandstone canyons
• Requires a ranger-led tour or special permit
• Not recommended for young kids or anyone uncomfortable with tight spaces

When to Visit Arches National Park

🗓️ When Is the Best Time to Visit Arches National Park?

🌼 Spring (March–May)

• Best weather: 60s–80s°F
• Wildflowers bloom, especially in April
• Popular season, so reserve permits and lodging early

☀️ Summer (June–August)

• Extremely hot: temps can exceed 100°F

• Start hikes early (sunrise) or explore scenic drives midday
• Bring at least 1 gallon of water per person per day

🍂 Fall (September–October)

• Cooler temps, fewer crowds
• Fall colors in the nearby La Sal Mountains
• Great time for night photography and stargazing

❄️ Winter (November–February)

• Quiet season with fewer visitors
• Occasional snow adds magical contrast to red rocks
• Roads can be icy; some trails may be closed or slippery

 

📝 Timed Entry Permits
From April 1 to October 31, you need a timed-entry reservation between 7 AM and 4 PM. Book your entry on Recreation.gov.

Getting To and Around Arches National Park

Closest Town: Moab, Utah

By Car:

• Arches is 5 miles north of downtown Moab off US-191.
• The park road is steep at the entrance and winds through viewpoints and trailheads.
• No public transportation or shuttle system, so you’ll need your own vehicle.

Closest Airports:

• Canyonlands Field (CNY) – 18 miles from Arches (limited service)
• Grand Junction, CO (GJT) – 110 miles, ~2-hour drive
• Salt Lake City (SLC) – 230 miles, ~4-hour drive

 

🛞 Rental cars are available at all airports. A high-clearance vehicle is not required for Arches, but helpful if you plan to explore nearby off-road routes.

Where To Stay Near Arches National Park

⛺ Inside the Park

Devils Garden Campground

• The only campground in Arches
• Open year-round; reservations required March–October
• 51 sites, some with RV hookups
• $25/night; book early—it sells out quickly!

 

🏨 Hotels in Moab

• Hyatt Place Moab – Modern, family-friendly, great pool
• Hoodoo Moab by Hilton – Upscale, walking distance to downtown
• Aarchway Inn – Closer to park entrance, spacious rooms

 

🛖 Lodges & Resorts

• Red Cliffs Lodge – On the Colorado River, horseback rides, winery on-site
• Sorrel River Ranch – Luxury cabins, spa, farm-to-table restaurant

 

🏠 Vacation Rentals

• Modern Desert Escape – 2BR, backyard patio, 10 mins to Arches
• Cozy Adobe Casita – Studio with views and Southwestern decor

 

Adventure Basecamp – 3BR, fenced yard, hot tub, pet-friendly

How Much Time Do You Need at Arches National Park?

You can see the major highlights in one full day, but ideally, plan for 2–3 days to hike more trails, photograph arches at sunrise/sunset, and avoid mid-day crowds.

• 1 day: Delicate Arch, Windows, Balanced Rock, Scenic Drive
• 2–3 days: Add Devils Garden, Fiery Furnace, Park Avenue, stargazing

 

Things to Know Before You Go

• Cell Service: Limited beyond the visitor center
• Water: Only available at visitor center, Devils Garden, and some trailheads
• Gas: None inside the park—fill up in Moab
• Dogs: Not allowed on trails (only in parking lots and roads)
• Parking: Popular trailheads fill by 8 AM; arrive early or come late afternoon

💡 Pro Tip: If a lot is full, circle back later or check out lesser-known stops like Sand Dune Arch or Skyline Arch.

 

What to Pack

🎒 Daypack
🥾 Sturdy hiking shoes or sandals (with tread)
🧴 Sunscreen & SPF lip balm
🧢 Wide-brim hat
🕶️ Sunglasses
💧 Reusable water bottles or hydration pack
📱 Offline maps or GPS
🥪 Snacks / packed lunch
📸 Camera or phone with extra battery

Best Things to Do in Arches National Park

🏜️ Delicate Arch Hike

• 3 miles round trip, 480 ft elevation gain
• Best at sunrise or sunset
• Exposed trail with slickrock and no shade—bring water!

 

🪨 The Windows & Double Arch

• Easy 1-mile loop to see several arches
• Great for families, minimal elevation gain
• Double Arch is especially fun for kids to climb around

 

🌄 Balanced Rock

• 0.3-mile paved loop
• Iconic formation that looks like it might topple at any moment

 

🌿 Devils Garden Trail

• Start with Landscape Arch (1.6 miles round trip)
• Continue for more adventure to Double O Arch and beyond
• Watch footing—narrow rock ledges and scrambling

 

🔥 Fiery Furnace

• Maze-like canyons requiring a ranger-guided tour or permit
• Limited to small groups; book well in advance

How to Spend One Day at Arches National Park

Here’s how to make the most of a single day at Arches:

Morning

☀️ Arrive by sunrise
🥾 Hike to Delicate Arch before the heat and crowds
📸 Snap photos from the upper and lower viewpoints

Midday

🚗 Drive the scenic route
🌭 Picnic lunch at Panorama Point
🪨 Short hikes to Balanced Rock and Sand Dune Arch

Afternoon

🧭 Explore The Windows Section and Double Arch
☀️ Optional: Fiery Furnace overlook or short walk at Skyline Arch

Sunset

🌄 End your day with sunset views at Delicate Arch Viewpoint or The Windows

Exploring Downtown Moab

Moab is a vibrant outdoor town with a mix of adventure shops, art, food, and fun events. Whether you’re refueling after a hike or browsing local stores, don’t miss spending time here.

🛍️ Shopping

• Moab Gear Trader – Outdoor gear, rentals, used goods
• Back of Beyond Books – Local maps, guides, rare books
• Gallery Moab – Local artists and crafts

🏛️ Moab Museum

• Learn about Moab’s Indigenous history, geology, and early settlers

🎉 Seasonal Events

• Moab Music Festival – Classical music in red rock settings
• Jeep Safari – Off-roaders’ paradise in spring
• Moab Folk Festival – Acoustic music in November

Where To Eat in Moab

Breakfast & Coffee

• Love Muffin Café – Breakfast burritos, smoothies, baked goods
• Moab Garage Co. – Avocado toast, fresh juice, good coffee

 

Lunch & Casual Eats

• Quesadilla Mobilla – Food truck with creative quesadilla combos
• Sweet Cravings Bakery + Bistro – Sandwiches, salads, desserts

 

Dinner Spots

• 98 Center – Modern Vietnamese fusion (pho + brisket = yes please!)
• Zax Restaurant – Pizza, burgers, rooftop seating
• The Broken Oar – Rustic setting, BBQ & American favorites

 

Breweries & Treats

• Moab Brewery – Largest local brewery, with pub food and beer to-go
• MoYo – Frozen yogurt + smoothie bowls

 

We hope this complete guide helps you plan the ultimate adventure to Arches National Park! From the iconic arches to charming Moab, this destination truly has something for everyone.

✨ Keep Adventuring, Keep Exploring, and we’ll see you on the next Adventure! ✨