Best Guide for Visiting Arches National Park (permits, must-sees & more!)

Arches National Park in Utah is one of the best national parks near Moab and is one of Utah’s Mighty 5 National Parks.

It was one of the first national parks in America that we visited in Western USA and it still remains one of my favorites.

If you’re planning on visiting Arches National Park but have questions about where it is, how much it costs, where to stay, and what to do in Arches National Park then you’re in the right place for all those answers.

We visited Arches National Park as part of our three-month road trip across the USA and loved it. It was my first real American National Park experience and I was very impressed. Sure, the park gets busy but deservedly so since it’s beautiful. And, if you know the best times to go to Arches National Park you can avoid the worst of the queues.

This guide to Arches National Park covers everything from how to get there, where to stay near Arches National Park, what to do, what to pack the best Arches National Park hikes, details on the Arches National Park permits, what the weather’s like, and more!

About Arches National Park, Utah, and where is Arches National Park located?

Arches National Park is in the southeastern corner of Utah, USA. The closest town to Arches is Moab and not too far away there are other beautiful but very different, National Parks such as Canyonlands and Capitol Reef.

In relation to other National Parks, Arches is quite small at 310.3 km². The Grand Canyon for example is almost 5,000km²! Arches national park sits at an elevation of 5,653 feet (1,723 m) at Elephant Butte its highest point, and the lowest point at the visitor center is 4,085 feet (1,245 m) high.

Due to its proximity to Moab and its popularity you may hear Arches referred to as ‘Moab National Park.

This National Park gets its name from the rather incredible rock formations that have developed over the years. You’ll see arch formations all over, in fact, there are over 2,000 arches in Arches National Park!

On top of that, there are also fins and different types of rock formations in the sandstone rock in the park. With so many arches in Arches National Park, you’ll never see them all but you can tick off some of the best arches with one day in Arches National Park

Besides the arches within the park’s boundaries, you may also see some outside the park. There is at least one that is easily viewable from the road as you drive into Moab and there are hundreds of Utah arches throughout the state.

When is Arches National Park open?

Arches national park hours are 24/7, year round so if you’re wondering “What time does Arches National Park open?” then the answer is that it never closes!

The Arches National Park visitor center does have opening hours and they are usually from 9 am – 4 pm, 7 days a week. However, these do change depending on the season.

What’s the typical Arches National Park weather?

Generally, the Arches National Park temperature ranges from high 20 ºC (40F) to mid 30 ºC (60F) over summer and the temperature at Arches National Park in winter is anywhere between 12 ºC (40F) and -10 ºC (18F)

The weather in Arches National Park Utah is generally dry but there is occasionally some rain and snow. You should pack for Arches National Park accordingly.

Arches National Park Permits, passes & fees

There is no Delicate Arch permit required. This is the same if you’re looking for a delicate arch hike permit. However, you will need your Arches timed entry permit.

Arches National Park Timed Entrance Reservation

As of 2022, you need a timed reservation permit for Arches National Park. This is free with a $2 reservation fee and must be reserved in advance of your trip.

This permit system run from April 1 to October 31 and is valid for those of you who want to enter the park between 7 am and 4 pm.

You will not be able to enter the park without an Arches timed entry reservation.

Entrance fee for Arches NP

The Arches National Park entrance fee is $30 per vehicle (15 passengers or less) and allows you to come and go for 7 days.

If you’re planning on visiting other Moab National Parks like Canyonlands National Park or Capitol Reef National Park you should look into getting the annual parks pass. This costs $80 and is valid for a year getting you access to all National Parks and Monuments.

The Arches National Park fee for a motorcycle is $25, and if you walk in on foot then the Arches National Park cost is $15.

Get a USA National Parks Pass for just $80 and save a tonne of money if you’re planning on visiting multiple National Parks in a year, or visiting the same one more than once!

Arches National Park Camping fees

There is only one campground at Arches National Park and it gets booked up quickly so Arches National Park camping is pretty limited.

You can reserve a spot up to 6 months in advance for stays between March 1 and October 31. From November 1 to February 28 the campground operates on a first come, first served basis.

The campground is the Devils Garden Campground which is at the northernmost end of Arches National Park, 18 miles from the park entrance.

It costs $25 a night for a campsite in Arches National Park for a spot of up to 10 people and 2 vehicles.

Other Permits for Arches National Park

There are a few different permits for special uses at Arches. The most common ones are an Arches backcountry permit and a permit for a guided hike of the Fiery Furnace. If you need commercial Moab permits check the NPS website.

Arches National Park Backcountry permits

If you’re looking to do some backpacking Arches National Park trails you’ll need a permit.

Permits are required for all overnight stays in the backcountry. These can be bought in person at Arches Visitor Centre up to 7 days before your trip begins and up to one hour before the visitor center closes.

Each permit covers a maximum of seven people, for up to 3 nights per campsite or backcountry zone, for a total of seven nights.

Permits cost $7 per person.

Fiery Furnace permit

If you want to enter the Fiery Furnace without the ranger-guided hike (highly recommended), you must get a hiking permit from the Arches Visitor Centre in person.

Permit Requirements

• You may purchase permits only in person at Arches Visitor Centre.
• Permits are issued for a specific date: between sunrise and sunset only on the date specified on your permit.
• Permits can be bought up to seven days in advance.
• Everyone in your group must be present to watch a short orientation video.
• You cannot buy a permit within 30 minutes of the visitor center closing.
• Overnight trips in the Fiery Furnace are prohibited.
• Pets or children under age 5 are not allowed.

Permits frequently sell out during the busy season and cost $6 per adult.

Arches National Park map

This Arches map shows an overview of the main Arches National Park trails.

If you want a better look at Arches National Park hiking trails then you should get an Arches National Park trail map. You’ll definitely need this if you plan on hiking in the backcountry of Arches National Park.

5 Best things to do in Arches National Park

There are lots of Arches National Park must see and they don’t all involve seeing arches – there are cool rock formations too! Here’s my pick of the top 5 Arches National Park things to do.

• Hike to Delicate Arch in Arches National Park
• Drive the Arches scenic drive, one of the best scenic drives in Moab
• Hike my favorite trail in Arches National Park: the Devil’s Garden trail
• Go camping or backpacking in Arches National Park!
• Experience Arches National Park at sunset or arrive early and see the sunrise at Arches National Park

5 Best arches in Arches National Park, USA

When it comes to the best arches in Arches National Park it’s really down to personal preference. These three arches were my favorite.

• Landscape Arch, Arches National Park
• Private Arch
• Delicate Arch
• The Windows arches
• Turret Arch, Arches National Park

3 Best Arches National Park hikes

Arches National Park is great for day hiking since the trails aren’t too long or too strenuous. Here are a few of the best Arches National Park hikes.

• Delicate Arch hike: you simply have to hike to this famous arch in Utah
• Devil’s Garden Loop trail: my top pick of the best trails in Arches National Park
• Fiery Furnace hike: For hiking Arches National Park on the Fiery Furnace trail you’ll need a permit.

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.

Best things to do near Arches National Park

Absolutely! There are many things to do near Arches National Park. Here are some of them.

• Visit Canyonlands National Park: Located just a short drive from Arches, Canyonlands offers a starkly different landscape filled with canyons, mesas, and buttes carved by the Colorado River. It’s divided into four districts: Island in the Sky, The Needles, The Maze, and the rivers themselves.
• Explore Dead Horse Point State Park: Known for its dramatic overlooks of the Colorado River and Canyonlands National Park. The view from Dead Horse Point is one of the most photographed scenic vistas in the world.
• Go White-Water Rafting on the Colorado River: There are various outfitters in the Moab area that offer guided rafting trips, ranging from calm scenic floats to thrilling white-water adventures.
• Mountain Biking in Moab: Moab is famous for its mountain biking trails, with options for all skill levels. The Slickrock Bike Trail is particularly renowned.
• Hike the Fisher Towers Trail: Just outside of Moab, this trail takes you up close to the stunning Fisher Towers, a series of tall, red sandstone towers.
• Visit Moab Giants Dinosaur Park: A great place for families, this park features full-size dinosaur replicas, interactive exhibits, a 3D cinema, and a unique tracks museum.
• Explore the Manti-La Sal National Forest: This area is great for hiking, camping, and fishing, especially in the La Sal Mountains near Moab.
• Drive the La Sal Mountain Loop Road: This scenic drive offers incredible views of the La Sal Mountains, Castle Valley, and the Colorado River.
• Experience the Potash-Lower Colorado River Scenic Byway: A stunning drive along the Colorado River that passes petroglyph panels, dinosaur tracks, and stunning red rock formations.
• Visit Castle Valley: This area is known for its stunning red rock formations, including the famous Castleton Tower, a popular climbing spot.
• Enjoy Moab’s Downtown: Full of unique shops, restaurants, and galleries. The Moab Museum and the Moab Rock Shop are both worth a visit.
• Check Out the Moab Brewery: The largest of Moab’s microbreweries. Besides beer, it also serves a varied menu of food.

Remember, as with any outdoor activity, it’s important to respect the natural environment, stay safe, and adhere to any local rules or guidelines.

Places to stay near Arches National Park

When journeying through the scenic landscapes of Arches National Park, your accommodation could be a nearby campsite or a comfortable hotel in the town of Moab. Since there are no hotels within the park itself, Moab, Utah, with its wide range of accommodations, is often recommended as the ideal place to stay.

With its year-round tourist appeal, Moab is often busy. Even in late April, we noticed that most accommodations near Moab were fully booked. Therefore, I strongly advise you to reserve your accommodation in Moab ahead of time.

While camping is available within the parks for those preferring a more rustic experience, if you’re after the comfort of a hotel, consider the following establishments in Moab, along with an indulgent glamping alternative.

Best Moab hotels

• Radcliffe Moab: This 3-star hotel boasts an outdoor pool, shared lounge, and in-house restaurant. Select rooms feature stunning city vistas or a private terrace. A vegan and gluten-free breakfast menu, coupled with a soothing hot tub, adds to the relaxation quotient.
• The Gonzo Inn: This inn offers a seasonal outdoor pool and sun terrace. All rooms are air-conditioned and equipped with essentials like a coffee machine, fridge, and microwave. Multiple breakfast choices and an on-site restaurant serving American and Italian cuisines further enhance your stay.
• Red Cliffs Lodge: Nestled beside the Colorado River, this resort provides a horse corral, a Western movie museum, and its own winery. Each suite has a private patio offering breathtaking views of the creek or river.
• Hoodoo Moab, Curio Collection by Hilton: Recognized for its splendid location, inviting rooms, and gourmet restaurant, this luxury hotel ensures a memorable stay.
• Moab Springs Ranch: This 3-star facility is equipped with a lush garden, terrace, and an on-site restaurant. Some rooms include a kitchenette for your convenience. Added features like a hot tub, BBQ provisions, and local hiking opportunities make it even more appealing.
• Under Canvas Moab: This unique tented accommodation provides stunning views, BBQ facilities, and a choice of basic tents with communal bathrooms or luxury tents featuring private bathrooms and lounges. Guests can also rent bicycles to traverse the local desert trails.

Camping near Arches National Park

If you’re planning on camping during your trip to Arches but didn’t get reservations for the Devil’s Garden campground then you could try and book yourself into one of the campgrounds near Arches National Park.

There’s a mix of Arches National Park RV camping resorts as well as places you can tent camp. Or, if you want to do glamping these luxury tents with showers, private patios, spa products, and a real bed look lovely!

However, I would seriously advise booking a spot as, like the Arches campground, they get full, especially in the spring/summer months. We visited at the end of April and pretty much everything was full.

BLM Land

If your heart was set on doing some Arches camping then take a look at the BLM land near the park.

There are lots of BLM campgrounds in and around Moab but you will have to pay for most of them. Those closest to Arches National Park cost upwards of $20 whereas those a little bit further are $15.

These are getting full earlier and earlier each day as the season goes on. Most of those closest to Arches National Park were full by 4 pm. If you have your heart set on staying in one it’s probably best to arrive early, find something to leave in your spot, then head off out adventuring.

These campgrounds have compost-type toilets but no water or showers. Bring everything you need with you and take everything back out too. They’re like Arches National Park backcountry camping but not technically within the park itself.

Best time to visit Arches National Park

The best time to visit Arches National Park often depends on your preferences for weather and crowd sizes. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect in each season:

• Spring (March – May): This is one of the most popular times to visit the park and it’s good for Arches backpacking. Temperatures range from highs of 60-80°F (15-27°C) during the day to lows of 30-50°F (-1-10°C) at night. Rainfall can be unpredictable, so pack accordingly.
• Summer (June – August): Summers can be very hot, with average high temperatures often exceeding 100°F (38°C), and lows in the 60-70°F (15-21°C) range. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in July and August. It’s the busiest time of the year, so expect crowded trails and full campsites.
• Fall (September – November): Like spring, fall is a popular time to visit Arches. Daytime temperatures range from 60-80°F (15-27°C), while nights can drop to 30-50°F (-1-10°C). It’s usually less crowded than in summer, but still quite busy, especially during popular fall breaks.
• Winter (December – February): Winters are cold but manageable, with daytime highs averaging 30-50°F (-1-10°C) and nighttime lows occasionally dropping below freezing. Snowfall is sporadic and typically doesn’t last long. Winter is the least crowded season, making it a great time to enjoy the park’s tranquility.

Remember, these are average temperatures and can vary from year to year. It’s always a good idea to check the forecast before your trip and pack layers to accommodate changes in weather.

How to get to Arches National Park

From Moab to Arches National Park

Arches National Park is just a short drive from Moab, making it the ideal base for exploring the park.

• By Car: The park entrance is located approximately 5 miles (8 kilometers) north of Moab along US 191. This should take less than 10 minutes by car.

Salt Lake City to Arches National Park

The closest airport to Arches National Park is Salt Lake City International which is about a 4-hour drive from Arches National Park.

Skyscanner is what I use to find cheap flights.

• By Air: If you’d rather fly, you can catch a flight from Salt Lake City to Canyonlands Field (CNY) in Moab. Multiple airlines offer daily flights between the cities, and the flight typically takes just over an hour. Once you’ve landed, you’ll need to rent a car or take a taxi or shuttle for the short drive to Arches National Park.
• By Car: The distance from Salt Lake City to Arches National Park is 230 miles (370 kilometers) and the city is northwest of Arches National Park. To get to or from Arches National Park to Salt Lake City, you’d take I-15 S from Salt Lake City to US-6 E in Spanish Fork. Follow US-6 E and US-191 S to the park entrance. The drive typically takes around 4-5 hours, depending on traffic.

I use comparison sites like DiscoverCars and RentalCars to book my car rentals as it’s easy to check prices and compare the best deals!

Top tips for visiting Arches National Park Moab

Here’s a detailed list of tips and important information for visitors planning a trip to Arches National Park:

• Prepare for the Weather: The desert climate can be extreme, with very hot days in the summer and cold nights in the winter. Always check the weather forecast and dress in layers. Don’t forget a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
• Stay Hydrated: It’s very easy to become dehydrated in the desert, especially during the hotter months. Bring plenty of water (at least 1 gallon per person per day) and drink regularly, even if you’re not feeling thirsty.
• Respect the Environment: The arches and rock formations are delicate and take thousands of years to form. Do not climb on the arches or leave the marked trails. Follow the ‘Leave No Trace’ principles and carry out all trash.
• Plan Your Visits Wisely: Some of the more popular spots like Delicate Arch can get crowded. To avoid crowds, try to visit early in the morning or later in the evening. These times also offer the best light for photography.
• Use the Shuttle Service: The park can get busy, especially during peak seasons, and parking can be difficult.
• Footwear is Key: Wear sturdy, comfortable shoes. The terrain in Arches National Park can be rocky and uneven, and you’ll be doing a lot of walking.
• Beware of Wildlife: Do not feed or approach any wildlife you encounter. Keep a safe distance and respect their space.
• Time Your Hikes: Avoid hiking in the middle of the day during summer months when the heat is at its peak. Plan your hikes for the morning or evening.
• Camping Reservations: If you’re planning to camp at the Devils Garden Campground, make sure to reserve your spot in advance, especially during peak seasons. Reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance.
• Be Prepared for Emergencies: Carry a first aid kit with you, and know who to contact in case of an emergency. The park is a remote area, and cell service can be spotty.
• Don’t Forget Gas: The park is quite remote, and there aren’t gas stations nearby. Make sure you have enough gas to get to the park and back.
• Check Official Resources: Always check the official National Park Service website for the most up-to-date information on weather, trail conditions, and any alerts or closures before your visit.

What to pack for visiting Arches National Park

I have a more detailed guide on what to pack for Moab National Parks, but below is ano overview on the types of things you should pack for visiting Arches National Park.

If you’re visiting Arches National Park in the summer, be sure to check out this guide to what to pack for hiking in hot weather.

• Layers of clothing: As temperatures can vary significantly between day and night, and according to the season, layering is essential. Consider lightweight clothing for the daytime and warmer layers for the evening.
• Waterproof/Windproof jacket: For sudden weather changes, especially in the spring and fall seasons.
• Hiking boots or trail running shoes: Comfortable footwear is essential due to the rocky and uneven terrain in the park.
• Hiking socks: Moisture-wicking socks can help keep your feet dry and comfortable.
• Hat + Sunglasses These are necessary to protect against the sun during the day and can help keep you warm during chilly desert nights.
• Swimsuit: If you’re planning to visit the local swimming holes or stay in accommodations with pools or hot tubs.
• Backpack: A comfortable daypack to carry your belongings during hikes.
• Water bottles or hydration bladder: Staying hydrated is crucial, especially during hotter months. The park recommends at least 1 gallon (about 4 liters) of water per person per day.
• Snacks: High-energy, lightweight, and non-perishable snacks like trail mix, energy bars, and fruit.
• Headlamp/Flashlight: Essential if you’re planning to hike in the early morning or evening.
• Trekking Poles: These can be particularly useful on some of the steeper trails.
• First-aid kit: Include band-aids, antiseptic wipes, tweezers, medical tape, pain relievers, and any personal medication.
• Sunscreen and Lip Balm: The desert sun can be intense, even in cooler months.
• Insect repellent: Especially useful if you’re visiting during the warmer months when insects are more common.
• Hand sanitizer and wet wipes: For personal cleanliness, as restrooms may not always have running water.
• Camera: To capture the stunning landscapes. Don’t forget extra batteries or charger.
• Portable power bank: Cell phone service can be spotty in the park, which may drain your battery faster as your phone searches for a signal.
• Cash and credit cards: For entrance fees and any in-park purchases.
• National Park Pass: If you have one, don’t forget to bring it!

FAQs on this Arches National Park guide

Final thoughts on Visiting Arches National Park Utah

Whether you’re doing some arches national park backpacking or are looking to just drive the scenic road and enjoy some day hikes, there is plenty to see and do when visiting Arches National Park.

Whether it’s the incredible Delicate Arch, the stunning vistas from Park Avenue, or the challenge of the Fiery Furnace hike, the park offers so many fun experiences and things to do.

Remember to plan ahead, pack appropriately, and respect the park’s rules and regulations to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit.

If you’re staying in the area a bit longer, be sure to check out this guide to the best things to do in Canyonlands National Park, or head over to Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park as you work your way through Utah’s Mighty 5 National Parks!

Last Updated on July 31, 2023 by Hannah