DeePlan the perfect trip to Arches National Park with this complete travel guide. Featuring everything you need to know before you go, including park reservations, entrance fees, best time to visit, & more.
After spending an amazing day in Canyonlands National Park taking in the incredible views of the Colorado & Green River, we ventured over to Arches National Park to explore more of Utah’s unique nature.
We spent a couple fall days exploring Arches National Park and it felt like we were on another planet. If you have just one day or a few days to spare, Arches National Park is totally worth a visit!
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ABOUT ARCHES
Arches is a 76,000 acre National Park located in southeast Utah. It was established in 1929 and is one of Utah’s Mighty 5 National Parks. The park is known for having over 2,000 arches, towering spires, and colorful rock formations, creating a unique environment like no other. The park features the iconic Delicate Arch, pictured on the Utah license plate, Landscape Arch which spans 306 feet as well as many incredible hiking trails, camping, and ranger programs.
ENTRANCE FEE
$30 per vehicle which is valid for 7 days. You can also use the America the Beautiful Pass to enter for free.
RESERVATION SYSTEM
April 1st to July 6th and August 28th to October 31st timed entry reservations are required to enter Arches National Park from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Reservations can be made online and are $2 per vehicle per day.
PET POLICY
Pets must be leashed at all times and no longer than 6 feet in length. They aren’t allowed on any hiking trails, overlooks, or backcountry. They are allowed in the Devils Garden Campground, along roads and in parking lots.
TIP | For a less crowded day in Moab, check out the incredible Corona Arch Trail located 15 minutes from Arches National Park. See our detailed guide on How to Hike Corona Arch in Moab Utah.
GETTING TO ARCHES
Arches National Park is located off Utah State Highway 191 in southeast Utah right next door to the popular Canyonlands National Park. The park is conveniently located near the outdoor town of Moab making Arches a great stop to add on your trip.
- Canyonlands National Park – 30 minutes or 26 miles
- Moab – 34 minutes or 30 miles
- Grand Junction – 2 hours or 121 miles
- Monument Valley – 2.5 hours or 140 miles
- Salt Lake City – 4 hours or 242 miles
NEAREST AIRPORTS
- Canyonlands Field Airport
- Grand Junction Regional Airport
- Salt Lake City International Airport
WHEN TO VISIT
Arches National Park is open year round with March to October being the busiest time for the park.
SPRING & SUMMER
Most ranger programs run spring through fall and include Patio Talk, Fiery Furnace Hikes, Junior Ranger Program, & Stargazing. March to May are popular times to visit for Arches ideal hiking and camping weather.
Daily temps hangout between 60 and 80 degrees with lows between 30 to 50. Summers bring extreme heat with temperatures often exceeding 100 degrees.
Monsoon season in Arches is mid June to mid October bringing heavy rain, thunderstorms, and flash floods. Less than half an inch of rainfall within an hour can cause a flash flood.
FALL & WINTER
September to October is another popular time to visit Arches for its ideal hiking and camping weather. Winters at Arches bring fewer crowds and much colder days.
Average highs are between 30 and 50 degrees with lows hanging out below freezing. Visitor center is typically open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Always check for current conditions before embarking in Arches National Park.
TIP | For fewer crowds, consider arriving at the park before 8 a.m or after 3 p.m.
WHAT TO BRING
Plenty of Water
Arches National Park is high desert which means hot and dry especially in the summer. Be sure to pack extra water and stay hydrated while exploring. We love adding LMNT’s Electrolyte Packets to our Simple Modern Insulated Water Bottles to have ice cold water for the whole day.
Simple Modern Water Bottle with Straw Lid Vacuum Insulated Stainless Steel Metal Thermos Bottles | Reusable Leak Proof BPA-Free Flask for Gym, Travel, Sports | Summit Collection | 32oz, Blush
Hiking Shoes
While there are many easy paths to explore in Arches there are a few trails that are rocky, sandy, and steep. To have the most comfortable experience on the trails we recommend wearing a proper hiking shoe or boot to provide traction and support. Columbia Mens & Women’s Hiking Boots are a game changer.
Columbia Women’s Newton Ridge Plus Hiking Shoe, Elk, River Blue, 7
Sun Protectant
There is no shade on any trails in the park so it’s best to bring your favorite sunscreen and wear sun protectant clothing when exploring.
Libin Women’s Full Zip UPF 50+ Sun Protection Hoodie Jacket Long Sleeve Sun Shirt Hiking Outdoor Performance with Pockets Ice Blue M
Hiking Sticks
Montem Ultra Strong Hiking Poles have been a LIFE SAVER when exploring national parks. They’re helpful in giving you extra support as you climb up steep trails as well as coming down steep trails. They provide extra stability and we no longer hike without them.
Montem Ultra Strong Trekking, Walking, and Hiking Poles – One Pair (2 Poles) – Collapsible, Lightweight, Quick Locking, and Ultra Durable (Black Matte)
First Aid Kit
General Medi Mini First Aid Kit is a must have when exploring national parks. Cell service doesn’t really exist in the park so it’s good to be prepared in case of an emergency.
General Medi Mini First Aid Kit, 110 Piece Small First Aid Kit – Includes Emergency Foil Blanket, Scissors for Travel, Home, Office, Vehicle, Camping, Workplace & Outdoor (Red)
Lunch / Snacks
It is highly recommended to pick a lunch and snacks when visiting Arches. There aren’t any food options in the park, so it’s a good idea to pack a good lunch and plenty of snacks.
See our guide, 9 Unique Arches You Can’t Miss on Your Trip to Arches National Park for more information on the Arches of Arches National Park.
AMENITIES IN THE PARK
VISITOR CENTER
Open year round and a great place to start your adventure in Arches National Park. Load up on info, pick up a park map, and get exploring.
Here you can also find water filling stations, restrooms, gift shop, museum exhibit, and permits for backcountry camping. Hours and services vary by season so it’s best to check for current conditions before planning a trip.
DEVILS GARDEN CAMPGROUND
Open year round and the only developed campground inside Arches National Park. The campground has 51 sites and is located 18 miles from the National Park Visitor Center.
Each site is dry camping, comes with a picnic table & grill/firepit, and can accommodate up to 10 people. There is no water or dump station in the park. Max RV length is 40ft.
Sites are $25 a night
March 1 – October 31 sites are on a reservation system only. Reservations can be made online up to 6 months in advance.
November 1 – February 28 sites are on a first come first served basis.
NEARBY TOWNS
MOAB
A popular outdoor city and known as the gateway to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. Biking, hiking, off roading, rafting as well as a host of other outdoor activities are what bring most travelers to Moab.
LODGING
- Best Western Plus Canyonlands Inn
- Springhill Suites by Marriott Moab
- Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Moab
- Hyatt Place Moab
- Wingate by Wyndham Moab
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites Moab
- Aarchway Inn
- Moab Springs Ranch
- Comfort Suites Moab
- + much, much more
RV PARKS
- Sun Outdoors North Moab
- Portal RV Resort
- Dowd Flats RV Park
- Contractors Roost RV Park
- Sun Outdoors Arches Gateway
- Sun Outdoors Downtown Moab
- Spanish Trail RV Park
- OK RV Park
- Sunsets Rim Moab RV Park
- Sun Outdoors Canyonlands KOA
- St Danes Cabins & RV Park
- + much more
FOOD
- Moab Grill
- Moab Diner
- Zax Restaurant
- Dewey’s Restaurant & Bar
- The Broken Oar
- Desert Bistro
- Milt’s Stop & Eat
- Quesadilla Mobilla
- The Trailhead Public House & Eatery
- Miguel’s Baja Grill
- The Spoke on Center
- Gilibertos Mexican Taco Shop
- City Market
- The Village Market
- Moonflower Community Cooperative
- Dollar Tree
- Dollar General
- + much more
Looking for what to do on your visit to Arches National Park? Read our next post The Best Way to Experience Arches National Park to explore all the hidden gems and scenic vistas Arches has to offer.
Let us know in the comments if you’ve ever been to Arches National Park.
