Ultimate Guide To Arches National Park

Arches National Park is a masterpiece of dramatic landscapes and natural wonders you simply can’t miss. With over 2,000 sandstone arches carved out by time and time (and probably a bit of stubbornness), this park offers views that feel straight out of a blockbuster movie.

It’s the kind of place that makes you question if you’ve accidentally wandered into an alien planet. And this ultimate guide is your key to exploring the endless beauty and untamed spirit of one of the most striking destinations in the Southwest.

Get ready for breathtaking views, epic formations, and a chance to soak in a destination that’s equal parts rugged and awe-inspiring.

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Short On Time? Here’s The Scoop

➡️ Really, REALLY short on time? Check out the 5-Minute Guide to Arches National Park.

Arches National Park Overview

Learn a bit more about why to visit the park.

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Reservations & Visitor Information For Arches National Park

Getting into the park and knowing where to start is half the adventure, so let’s break it down.

Entrance Fee

Yes, there is an entrance fee for Arches National Park – because beauty like this doesn’t come entirely free. For the most up-to-date fee information, check out the National Park Service website.

Reservations & Timed Entry

Arches National Park has a timed entry system in place during peak season because, apparently, nature gets really popular. So, visitors need to snag a timed entry reservation to get into the park from April 1 to July 6 and August 28 to October 31. Don’t just show up expecting an exclusive desert experience otherwise.

Additionally, while you don’t need a separate reservation for most activities, if you’re planning to tackle the Fiery Furnace (a maze of sandstone fins that we highly recommend if you can swing it), you’ll need a special hiking permit or to join a guided tour. Book in advance; tickets sell out very quickly.

Visitor Centers

The main visitor center at Arches National Park is appropriately named the Arches Visitor Center and is conveniently located near the park’s only entrance at the south end of the park.

Here, you’ll find everything from helpful park rangers and trail maps to an air-conditioned refuge (very important) and a gift shop for all your souvenir needs.

Things To Do In Arches National Park

Here are just a few things to do.

First up, you absolutely have to see Delicate Arch. It’s the rock star of the park, so don’t skip it. The hike is a solid three miles round trip, with a bit of uphill cardio that’ll make you wonder why you didn’t spend more time on the treadmill.

But trust me, when you’re standing under that arch, you’ll feel like you’ve conquered nature (or at least your laziness).

Next, hit up the Windows Section. Why? Because it’s basically a buffet of arches. You get North Window, South Window, and Turret Arch all in one quick stop. Easy hikes with amazing photo ops.

And finally, don’t miss Landscape Arch in Devil’s Garden. This thing is so thin and fragile-looking, it seems like it could crumble any second… thrilling, right?

Learn more about fun things to do in the park.

Hiking

Hiking is hands down the most popular activity in the park – because who wouldn’t want to stroll through surreal landscapes that look like another planet? Plus, it’s the perfect excuse to feel like an adventurer without actually having to wrestle a bear.

Learn more about hiking in Arches National Park.

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Wildlife In Arches National Park

Wildlife in Arches National Park is nature’s equivalent of a celebrity sighting – rare, exciting, and usually gone before you can snap a pic. If you’re lucky (and quiet enough not to scare off everything with a pulse), you might spot a mule deer gracefully bounding around.

And then there are the desert cottontails, hopping around, being all cute and slightly nervous (you would be too if everything ate you).

Nighttime explorers might hear the haunting calls of owls or catch a glimpse of a bat swooping dramatically under the starry skies. Oh, and watch where you step – lizards and snakes love to sunbathe on the trails. Pro tip: They don’t really appreciate being accidentally stepped on.

Learn more about the animals you might spot on a visit.

How To Get To And Around Arches National Park

Getting to the park is easier than you might think – especially if you’re up for a good road trip. The closest major airport is Salt Lake City International Airport, about 230 miles away.

From there, you’ll want to rent a car and hit the open road because public transportation isn’t really a thing here. Oh, and shuttle service? Yeah, that’s also a firm “no.” Driving yourself is your only real option, but hey, look on the bright side – freedom!

You can blast your favorite playlist, stop for snacks, and dramatically pull over at every single scenic overlook.

Inside the park, the roads are well-maintained, and parking is generally fine – but early birds, this is your time to shine as spots fill up quickly at popular trailheads.

Bottom line? Bring snacks, good tunes, and maybe a friend for navigation, because you’re the captain of this adventure.

Best Tour To Arches National Park

Not in the mood to worry about all the hassle and want to take a tour of the park? This is the best one in our opinion.

Skip the sweating and leg-burning hikes – this scenic van tour from Moab is the ultimate lazy adventurer’s dream. Roll through Arches National Park in style aboard a glass-enclosed van that opens up to the sky when the weather’s nice (fancy, right?).

Not sure about this one? Learn more about the optional tours to Arches National Park.

How Long To Spend At Arches National Park

Honestly, how much time you need at Arches National Park depends on your attention span and how many selfies you plan on taking with the arches. If you’re a go-getter with a tight schedule (or just really impatient), you can knock out many of the highlights in a day.

But if you’re one of those thoughtful types who actually likes to linger and soak in the views, two or three days is perfect. You’ll have time to hit the lesser-known trails, catch a sunrise or two, and maybe even sit still long enough to appreciate how mind-blowingly cool these formations are.

Learn more about how to make the most of one day.

Staying In & Near Arches National Park

Alright, so here’s the deal – if you want to stay inside Arches National Park, your only option is camping at the Devils Garden Campground.

For those who prefer their adventures without the “rough” in roughing it, Moab is your go-to hub. This little tourist mecca is just a stone’s throw from the park and overflowing with options – hotels, motels, Airbnbs, and probably a couch to crash on (no guarantees on that one, though).

Learn more about staying in and near the park.

Or find hotel options here: Moab

Best Time To Visit Arches National Park

Honestly, the best time to visit Arches National Park is spring or fall… unless you enjoy melting under the blazing summer sun or freezing your toes off in winter.

Temperatures from March to May and September to November are Goldilocks-perfect, and the crowds are just bearable enough that you won’t feel like you’re in line at Disneyland.

Learn more about what to expect each season in Arches National Park.

Beyond The Arches

Here are a handful of other articles we have written about Arches that you might find helpful and useful when thinking about your visit.

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And there you have it – your ultimate guide to Arches National Park! From jaw-dropping landscapes to the perfect hiking seasons (you’re welcome), it’s all here.

Seriously, pack your gear, your sense of adventure, and maybe some sunscreen, and go (like today). Oh, and don’t forget to take pictures… you’ll need proof you survived the hikes.

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