National Parks Packing List: What to pack for Arches National Park
Arches National Park is an amazing Utah National Park that’s full of contrasting colors, textures, and shapes. Towering red rock formations, delicate arches, and rugged canyons make it one of the most stunning national parks in the United States. It’s the perfect destination for hiking, climbing, photography, or just enjoying the breathtaking scenery.
However, knowing what to pack for Arches National Park requires some planning, especially if you want to make the most of your experience and stay safe and protected.
The park has different trails, altitudes, and weather conditions, so it’s essential to pack smart and bring the right gear.
When I visited Arches National Park as part of our 3-month road trip around the USA, we were traveling in our campervan so I had everything with me anyway. But there were definitely some things I reached for more.
There are extra things to pack for Arches National Park if you’re planning on hiking in Arches National Park too.
In this blog post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about packing for Arches National Park.
From clothing and footwear to safety gear and things like a star gazing app, I’ll help you know what to pack for Arches National Park. This list also works for other National Parks in Utah if you’re wonder what to pack for Utah national parks.
AllTrails is my go-to hiking app for finding, planning, and navigating while I’m out on the trails. With offline maps on AllTrails+ you can be confident you’re still on the right track, even without mobile signal.
A sight-seeing and hiking packing list for Arches National Park
Arches + Moab packing list: Clothing and Footwear
In the desert environment of Arches National Park, sun protection is essential. On your Arches National Park packing list, you’ll want to wear loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing and, ideally a hat too.
The temperature in the park can change hugely in 24 hours, you should bring enough layers to adjust.
But don’t stress, this Arches packing list has everything you’ll need on it so you won’t forget anything!
Underwear & base layers
I mean yeah, you can bring your usual underwear, of course, but if you’re planning on hiking a lot and want something a bit more resilient and quick-drying then you’ll want to invest in some quick-drying, moisture-wicking underwear and a sports bra.
If you’re camping or planning to do some sunrise/sunset missions then you might want to pack some base layers with you just so you’re a bit warmer. We were travelling in our van and base layers while sleeping was the best on cold nights!
Socks
You’re going to need some socks but the type you need depends on what you plan on doing.
I’d suggest some casual socks that you’d wear every day for when you’re chilling out, or browsing around Moab and then some thicker socks like these for hiking in Arches national park.
T shirts (long & short sleeved)
You’ll want a combination of t-shirts and the amount depends on how long your trip to Arches is. I personally prefer long-sleeved t-shirts over short-sleeved ones.
However, if you’re visiting Arches in the summer make sure you pack some short sleeves or tank tops since it gets hot in the afternoon.
Try to avoid cotton and opt for quick-drying tees when deciding what to wear hiking in Utah.
- T-shirts (short): These tank tops are good for keeping cool on hikes | This short-sleeved tee is super lightweight
- T-shirts (long): long sleeve great for layering
- If you’re visiting Arches National Park in the summer, a long-sleeve t-shirt with UPF rating (sun protection) is a great idea to prevent burning and sun damage.
Leggings & shorts
You’re going to need something to wear on your bottom half too!
In the desert, the mornings and evenings can often be quite cold. If you’re hiking in Arches at these times you’ll probably want to wear some leggings over shorts.
However, if you’re visiting the National Park during the day shorts are going to make you more comfortable. Just remember your sun cream!
Even though they’re expensive I love my Lululemon shorts and the Wunder Under train leggings on hikes.
Otherwise, just pick up a pair of good hiking leggings from any store and you’re pretty much good to go!
Insulated hooded jacket or fleece
It doesn’t have to be hooded but you’ll want to make sure you pack an insulated jacket for your Arches trip.
My insulated jacket is a Patagonia down sweater and it’s so warm and cosy.
I also wear a Patagonia fleece like the Synchilla sweater or the Better Sweater.
Waterproofs
You might think it sounds stupid to pack a waterproof for the desert. But it’d be stupid not to! The desert gets some rain every now and again even if it doesn’t last for long.
Staying dry means staying warm and it’s just more pleasant to be in dry clothes than wet ones!
It’d be a good idea to pack both a waterproof jacket and waterproof pants for your trip to Arches National Park.
Depending on the season you’re going to want a sun-shielding hat, a winter hat or even both if you’re visiting Arches National Park in early Spring or late autumn.
Gloves or mittens
Add some gloves or mittens to your packing list for Arches if you’re there in the colder months. I prefer mittens as I swear they keep my hands warmer!
A buff
Buffs are incredibly versatile. They’re good for staying both warm and cool as well as protecting yourself from the sun and the sand or dust.
Hiking shoes and footwear
When it comes to packing for Arches you’re most likely going to want to pack both hiking shoes with a sturdy and thick sole as well as something more casual.
With regards to hiking shoes, I love my trail runners for summer hikes where I’m not carrying a big pack. They’d be perfect for most of the easier and moderate hikes in Arches National Park. In fact, they’re the sort of shoe I wore and I think they’re some of the best hiking shoes for Arches national park.
However, if you’re doing something longer where you’ll be carrying a big pack you’ll probably want hiking boots which offer more support.
You could also pack some hiking sandals like Tevas or Chacos which are great for easier walks and chilling at camp.
Packing list for national parks: personal items
Besides clothes, you’ll also have to pack some other things to make sure you’re prepared for your trip to Arches National Park.
Some of these you’ll have already thought of, but others are fun things to pack that’ll just make your trip even more fun!
Daypack / Backpack
You’ll need somewhere to store all of your items when putting together your packing list for hiking in Utah. Even on the shortest hikes having a day pack is a good idea.
It’s somewhere to store your water and snacks as well as your 10 essentials for hiking.
A Couple of Water Bottles or a Hydration System
This is down to preference but just make sure you have plenty of water. Arches National Parks and Canyonlands nearby recommend you drink at least a gallon a day (4 litres) of water.
Desert air is so dry that your sweat quickly evaporates. Often, you won’t know you are sweating.
Hydration systems are useful because you can drink without having to move anything from your bag. If you’re in the market for a hydration system, this one from Platypus is fantastic and I use it every day while dog walking.
I’ll typically have a water bladder and a 1-litre bottle too.
Dry bags
Having some dry bags in your backpack while you’re out hiking in Arches National Park is a great idea. You never know when it’s going to rain!
I’d recommend some varied sizes, one for your phone and your camera as well as a separate, larger one for your clothing layers.
A headlamp
Even if you don’t plan on camping or staying in the park after dark it’s important to always have a headlamp with you.
You might get distracted watching the sunset and have to hike back to your car and a headlamp is super useful for that! Or, if you’re heading to a ranger talk this will help you get to and from them safely.
I like this headlamp (partly ’cause of the colour), but also because it’s super bright, can be dimmed, and doesn’t weigh much at all.
Quick-drying towel
These ones are very light, pack up small and dry quickly!
Toiletries
You’ll want these items whether you’re backcountry camping in Arches or not.
If you are camping then be sure to check out my post on how to stay feeling clean without a shower. It’ll come in handy!
- Toothbrush with cover and biodegradable toothpaste
- Biodegradable soap
- Toilet paper
- Hand sanitizer
- Women’s hygiene items – I swear by Diva cups and yes you can totally use them while hiking and camping, they only need wiping and rinsing. Waaay better for the environment too.
- Personal wipes
- Any medications you’re on
Sun protection
I’m fair-skinned so sun protection is something I’m used to thinking about. When you go to Arches you’ll need to think about it whether you usually do or not.
You’re in the desert, it’s going to be hot during the daytime (unless it’s winter) and there’s often little shade. Summer in Arches National Park is usually pretty hot and dry so you’ll definitely want sun protection.
When it comes to what to pack for hiking in Utah, sun protection isn’t just sun cream. You’ll also need your hat from above, sunglasses and, ideally, some SPF-rated lip balm.
Read more: What to pack for hiking in hot weather
- Sunglasses
- Lip balm
- Suncream: is it weird to have a favorite sun cream? I totally do. I started wearing Sun Bum this past summer while out dog walking all day and I love the smell and how it feels. It makes me actually want to wear suncream rather than do it out of need.
First-aid kit
This is one of your 10 essentials and you should always have a first aid kit when you hike. It doesn’t matter whether you’re overnighting or not.
These first-aid kits are super lightweight and have pretty much everything you need. You might just want to add some blister care.
You’ll also want to make sure you’ve packed the 10 essentials for hiking
Bug Spray
Add bug spray to your Arches packing list. People always recommend bug sprays high in deet but personally, these don’t seem to work that well for me. The ones that work best for me are citronella-scented bug sprays that are deet-free. They also smell a lot better!
Bug-repellent wipes can also work really well.
Camera
Trust me, you’re going to want to take photos!
Money
You’ll need it at some point!
National Parks pass
You can buy a yearly pass at REI.com which I think it’s by far the best value if you plan on visiting a few, or the same National Park more than 3 times in one year.
You can also buy a pass at the park gate but that’s $30 whereas the annualpass is $80!
A Star Chart or Star App
This is by no means essential but it will be fun. Arches National Park has super dark skies and if you stay at night you’ll be grateful for packing a star chart or adding a star app to your phone.
SkyView® have a free app for iPhone or Android, which my husband has on his phone. You simply move your phone around the sky and it’ll show you the constellations. I love it! It’s one of my best hiking apps!
Arches National Park Weather
Spring (March – May):
- Average High Temperatures: Range from 60°F (15°C) in March to mid-80s°F (around 29°C) by May.
- Average Low Temperatures: Range from mid-30s°F (around 2°C) in March to mid-50s°F (around 12°C) by May.
- Typical Weather: Spring brings warmer temperatures and wildflowers. However, it can also bring unpredictable weather, with rain and even occasional snow showers in March and April. So for what to wear in Utah in March pack layers!
Summer (June – August):
- Average High Temperatures: Can reach up to 100°F (38°C) or more.
- Average Low Temperatures: Generally in the 60s°F to 70s°F (15°C – 23°C).
- Typical Weather: Summers can be extremely hot, especially in the midday sun. Afternoon thunderstorms are also common, especially in July and August.
Fall (September – November):
- When it comes to the weather in Moab in September, high temperatures: start around 80s°F (around 27°C) in September, dropping to mid-50s°F (around 12°C) by November.
- Average Low Temperatures: Range from mid-50s°F (around 12°C) in September to near freezing by November.
- Typical Weather: Fall brings cooler temperatures and changing foliage. The weather is usually quite pleasant, although occasional snowfall can occur by late November. So for what to pack for Utah in October pack layers and be prepared for cold temperatures.
Winter (December – February):
- Average High Temperatures: Generally in the 30s°F to 40s°F (1°C – 8°C).
- Average Low Temperatures: Often dip below freezing, and can drop into the teens°F (around -10°C) at night.
- Typical Weather: Winters are cold, with snow and ice possible. Some trails may be closed or difficult to navigate due to winter conditions.
Note: These temperatures are averages and actual conditions can vary. Always check the current and forecasted weather before any outdoor activities.
About Arches National Park
Arches National Park is just one of the many Utah National Parks (see this Utah parks map). It’s close to Canyonlands National Park but the scenery is very, very different.
At Arches National Park you’ll find over 2,000 arches made naturally from sandstone. There’s the well-known Delicate Arch too, in fact, the park has the highest known density of natural arches in the world.
With an average of fewer than 10 inches of rain annually, the chances are it won’t rain during your trip but you’ll still want to be prepared, just in case!
Final thoughts on what to pack for Arches national park
When preparing for your trip to Arches National Park, it’s important to pack appropriately for the weather conditions and activities you plan on doing.
Be sure to pack plenty of water, snacks, and sunscreen, as well as comfortable clothing and sturdy footwear for hiking. Don’t forget a hat, sunglasses, and a camera to capture the stunning views.
This packing list for Utah national parks like Arches has included everything you need to think about for exploring this beautiful area and has hopefully given you some ideas for what to wear to Arches National Park.
This Utah hiking packing list is also useful if you’re visiting Canyonlands National Park, checking off these Bryce Canyon National Park things to do, or visiting Zion National Park in Utah too. I’d also recommend checking out this guide to what to wear hiking in hot weather, or what to wear for a date hike if you’re looking for a nicely put together national park outfit.
Last Updated on July 28, 2023 by Hannah
Hannah started That Adventurer after graduating back in 2013 and has documented all of her adventures since then. From backpacking South America to city breaks in Europe, a 3 month road trip across the USA in a self-converted van and 6 years living in Canada, you’ll find posts on all of this.
Hannah specialises in active travel and on That Adventurer you’ll find hiking, walking, biking, skiing and all sorts of active travel guides to allow you to see a destination in an adventurous way.
Now back in Europe, you’ll find new guides as Hannah and her husband spend the next year ‘digital nomading’ from Norway to Portugal, Switzerland to Scotland and places in between.
