Arches National Park

Arches National Park contains over 2,000 natural sandstone arches — the densest concentration on Earth — spread across 76,518 acres of red rock desert in eastern Utah. The park sits 5 miles north of Moab, which serves as the base camp for virtually all visitors. From gravity-defying Delicate Arch to the massive spans of Landscape Arch and Double O Arch, the formations here are the kind of geology that doesn't feel real until you're standing under it.

Getting Oriented

Arches is built around a single 36-mile (round trip) scenic drive that runs from the visitor center near the park entrance to Devils Garden at the far end. Most major trailheads and viewpoints are accessed from this road. A half-day visit covers the scenic drive and a few short walks; a full day lets you hike the longer trails.

Timed entry is not required in 2026. In previous years, Arches required advance reservations during peak season. That system is not in effect for 2026 — you can enter at any time. However, parking at popular trailheads can still fill between 9 AM and 4 PM during spring and fall weekends. Arrive before 8 AM or after 4 PM for the best experience.

Best Hikes

Delicate Arch — the park's most iconic formation and Utah's unofficial symbol. The trail is 3 miles round trip with 480 feet of elevation gain — moderate difficulty, mostly exposed, and unforgettable at sunset. Budget 2–3 hours. Bring water; there is no shade.

Devils Garden Loop — the longest maintained trail in the park at 7.2 miles. It passes Landscape Arch (one of the longest natural arches in the world), Double O Arch, and several smaller formations. The primitive section adds scrambling but rewards with solitude. Budget 3–5 hours.

The Windows Section — a cluster of massive arches (North Window, South Window, Turret Arch) accessible via short, easy trails. Total walking is under a mile. This is the best area for families with young kids or visitors with limited mobility.

Park Avenue Trail — a 2-mile out-and-back (or 1-mile one-way with a car shuttle) through towering sandstone walls that resemble a canyon-lined city street. Easy and flat. Good for an early-morning warm-up.

Fiery Furnace — a maze of narrow sandstone canyons that requires either a ranger-led tour or a self-guided permit. It's the most adventurous experience in the park and sells out in advance during peak season. Book through recreation.gov.

What Most Visitors Miss

Sunrise at the park entrance. The formations near Courthouse Towers and the La Sal Mountains viewpoint are stunning at dawn — and far less crowded than Delicate Arch at sunset.

The full Devils Garden loop. Most hikers turn around at Landscape Arch. The primitive section beyond Double O Arch is where the crowds thin and the scenery gets more dramatic.

Tower Arch. Accessed via a rougher dirt road (high clearance recommended) on the park's west side, Tower Arch sees a fraction of the traffic and is one of the most impressive formations in the park.

Night skies. Arches is a certified International Dark Sky Park. On a clear, moonless night, the Milky Way is visible overhead. The park occasionally hosts ranger-led stargazing programs — check the NPS calendar.

When to Visit

Best months (April–May, September–October): Comfortable hiking temperatures (60s–80s°F), clear skies, manageable crowds outside of holiday weekends. Wildflowers bloom in April.

Summer (June–August): Daytime highs exceed 100°F. Hiking is only comfortable before 9 AM or after 5 PM. The park is less crowded midweek.

Winter (November–March): Daytime highs in the 40s–50s°F with occasional snow. The red rock dusted with snow is spectacular and uncrowded. Some trails may be icy — traction devices help.

Practical Tips

Entrance fee: $30 per vehicle (valid for 7 days). America the Beautiful passes accepted.

Water: Bring at least 1 liter per person per hour of hiking. There are no water sources on trails. The visitor center has refill stations.

Cell service: Minimal inside the park. Download maps and trail info before you enter.

Time needed: A half day covers the scenic drive and a few short walks. A full day adds Delicate Arch and/or the Devils Garden loop. Two days lets you hike everything without rushing.

Pet policy: Dogs are not allowed on any trails in Arches. They may stay in vehicles (weather permitting) or in the parking areas but cannot go on trails, even on leash.

Where to Stay

Moab is the only practical base for visiting Arches — the park entrance is 5 miles north of town. See our Moab guide for where to stay, what to eat, and how to plan your time.

If your trip includes Zion National Park as well, you'll need a separate base in St. George, 4.5 hours southwest. A popular itinerary: fly into St. George (SGU), spend a few days at Zion and the golf courses, then drive to Moab for Arches. Verity Rentals manages a luxury 6-bedroom townhome in Coral Canyon — a strong home base for the Zion leg, with a private pool, hot tub, rooftop deck, and room for up to 20 guests. Browse all Southern Utah vacation rentals to plan both legs of your trip.

Explore more of Southern Utah with our neighborhood guides, or read our St. George vs. Moab comparison to decide where to start.