A Complete Guide to Visiting Arches National Park
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