Arches National Park: The Only Visitor’s Guide You Need
Arches National Park is one of Utah’s most iconic landscapes, home to more than 2,000 natural sandstone arches, towering fins, and breathtaking desert views. Just 5 miles north of Moab, this park is a hiker’s dream and a photographer’s paradise. Whether you’re here for Delicate Arch at sunset or a full day exploring Devils Garden, this guide has everything you need to plan your visit with confidence.
On this page, you’ll find directions, entrance fees, maps, trail guides, weather tips, itineraries, safety advice, and insider local tips. Use this hub to start your adventure, then explore our detailed guides for each hike and experience inside Arches.
Quick Facts
Location: 5 miles north of Moab, Utah
Entrance Fee (2025): $30 per vehicle (7 days), $15 walk-in/bike, $80 annual pass
Visitor Center Hours: 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM (seasonal)
Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall for mild weather and fewer crowds
Famous Landmark: Delicate Arch, featured on Utah license plates
📍 Download Arches National Park Map →
Getting to Arches National Park
From Moab: 10 minutes north on US-191
From Grand Junction, CO: 2 hours west via I-70 and US-191
From Salt Lake City, UT: 4 hours southeast via I-15, US-6, and US-191
Parking lots fill early in peak season. Arrive before 8 AM or plan for late afternoon hikes to avoid long waits.
Driving Directions & Parking Tips →
Best Hikes in Arches National Park
Hiking in Arches is as diverse as the landscape itself. It offers, gentle paths for families, iconic trails that lead to world-famous arches, and rugged backcountry routes that reward your effort with solitude and sweeping views. These are the hikes people talk about long after they’ve left Moab.
Easy Trails
Balanced Rock – 0.3 miles paved loop
Windows Loop – 1 mile with multiple arches
Double Arch – 0.5 miles, family-friendly
Moderate Trails
Delicate Arch – 3 miles, Utah’s most famous hike
Landscape Arch – 1.6 miles, world’s longest arch
Park Avenue – 2 miles canyon stroll
Strenuous Trails
Devils Garden Loop – 7.9 miles, arches and spires
Tower Arch – 3.4 miles backcountry adventure
Explore Arches Hiking Trails →
Permits and Reservations
Permits aren’t needed for the majority of hikes in Arches, but one iconic spot, Fiery Furnace, does require one.
This is done to mitigate the crowd damage to the fragile ecosystem. However, apply for a permit early and getting one should not be a problem.
Fiery Furnace: Self-guided permit required
Devils Garden Campground: The only campground located inside Arches National Park. Reservations are required so be sure to book early.
Special Events: Weddings, filming, or group activities generally need permits.
When to Visit Arches
Spring (Mar–May): Mild weather, wildflowers
Summer (Jun–Aug): Very hot; hike early or late
Fall (Sep–Nov): Cooler, fewer crowds
Winter (Dec–Feb): Quiet trails, occasional snow
🌤️ Check Today’s Moab Weather →
What to Bring
1 gallon of water per person per day
Hat, sunglasses, SPF 30+ sunscreen
Sturdy hiking shoes
Trail map, GPS, or offline app
Snacks and light layers
Safety Tips
Start hikes early to avoid heat and crowded trails
Watch for flash flood warnings in washes and slot canyons
Stay on marked trails to protect fragile desert soil
Keep a safe distance from wildlife
For emergencies, dial 911 (cell coverage is unreliable)
Accessibility in Arches
Several sites are wheelchair- or stroller-friendly:
Lower Delicate Arch viewpoint
1-Day, 2-Day, and 3-Day Sample Itineraries
1 Day in Arches
Morning: Delicate Arch hike
Afternoon: Windows Section + Double Arch
Evening: Sunset at Balanced Rock
2 Days in Arches
Day 1: Delicate Arch + Devils Garden
Day 2: Park Avenue + Fiery Furnace (permit required)
3 Days in Arches
Day 1: Delicate Arch + Windows Section
Day 2: Devils Garden full loop
Day 3: Scenic drive + Tower Arch backcountry trail
Visitor Information
Arches Visitor Center: (435) 719-2299
Moab Information Center: (435) 259-8825
Maps available at both centers
Insider Tips from Locals
Arrive before 8 AM to secure parking and enjoy cooler temps
Golden hour is best for photos—Delicate Arch at sunset, Windows Section at sunrise
Bring a cooler with food and water; no restaurants inside the park
Stay in Moab for the best lodging, dining, and outfitters
FAQs About Arches National Park
How long does it take to hike Delicate Arch?
About 2–3 hours roundtrip, depending on fitness and crowds.
Do I need a permit to visit Arches?
No general permit required, but Fiery Furnace and camping in Devils Garden require reservations.
What is the best time of year to visit Arches?
Spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) offer the best weather and manageable crowds.
Is Arches kid-friendly?
Yes—easy hikes like Double Arch and Balanced Rock are perfect for families.
Plan Your Arches Adventure
Use this page as your hub, then dive deeper:
Best Photography Spots in Arches →
👉 Start Planning Your Moab Adventure
How was Delicate Arch Formed?
Step into the story of stone and time. Discover how Delicate Arch formed over millions of years through shifting salt beds, ancient sand dunes, and relentless desert erosion. Learn how the Entrada Sandstone was sculpted by wind, water, and ice to create Moab’s most iconic landmark—and see the geologic forces that continue to shape Arches National Park today.
How to Drive from Moab to Delicate Arch Trailhead
Planning to hike Utah’s most famous arch? This guide explains exactly how to get to the Delicate Arch trailhead from Moab, including the best route through Arches National Park, drive time, parking tips, and local insider advice to make your visit smooth and unforgettable.
Is Arches National Park Open During The Federal Government Shutdown?
Yes, Arches National Park remains open during a government shutdown — but with limited services. You can still hike, drive, and watch the sunrise over Delicate Arch, but expect closed visitor centers, unstaffed entrances, and reduced maintenance.
Delicate Arch: Everything You Need to Know
Plan your visit to Delicate Arch with this complete guide. Learn when to go, how to get there, what to bring, and why it’s Utah’s most iconic hike.
How Did Delicate Arch Get Its Name?
A narrative based look at how Delicate Arch got its name, from early cowboy nicknames to the 1934 description that stuck, and how the arch became a Utah icon.
Delicate Arch Hike Time
Planning to hike Delicate Arch? Most visitors spend 2–3 hours total. See detailed timing for couples, families with kids, solo hikers, and parents with toddlers—plus seasonal and time-of-day factors.