Visiting Arches National Park

Arches National Park

Arches National Park isn’t just a place you go to. It is a destination you experience. A masterpiece carved from stone and sunlight. Just five miles north of downtown Moab, Utah, this world-famous park is home to over 2,000 natural sandstone arches, towering red fins, and surreal desert landscapes that feel otherworldly. It’s the kind of place where time slows down, where every trail leads to a moment that stays with you long after you’ve left.

When you visit Arches National Park, you’re stepping into one of the most iconic corners of the American Southwest. Whether you’re chasing that perfect sunset photo at Delicate Arch, hiking through the labyrinth of Devils Garden, or just soaking in the silence of a desert morning, Arches offers something for everyone whether you are a first-time visitors or returning adventurers.

This page is your all-in-one hub for planning the ultimate Arches adventure. You’ll find everything you need: directions, maps, hikes, weather advice, itineraries, and insider local tips. Use this page as your starting point, then explore detailed guides for each trail and attraction across HikingMoab.com.

Why You Should Visit Arches?

Arches National Park feels like stepping onto another planet. An alien landscape shaped by wind, rain, and eons of erosion. It is so much more than Utah’s playground, and America’s number one adventure tourism destination.  Moasb is a living classroom  based in geology, and ecology. Perhaps the best lesson is taught most importanly in curiosity and wonder.

Here is  what makes a Moab vacation unforgettable:

• Unrivaled Scenery: Every curve of red rock catches the light differently. Sunrise ignites the cliffs in glowing orange; sunset paints them gold.

• Accessible Adventure: You can see jaw-dropping views just steps from your car, or you can disappear into remote canyons for hours.

• Proximity to Moab: Staying in Moab means you’re minutes away from both Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. Rage all day and refresh with restaurants, outfitters, and local culture.

• Year-Round Beauty: From spring wildflowers to snow-dusted arches in winter, every season tells a different story.

Quick Facts: Arches National Park

Location: 5 miles north of Moab, Utah
Established: 1929 (originally as a national monument)
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)
Size: 76,519 acres of high desert wilderness
Famous Landmark: Delicate Arch which is featured on Utah license plates
Best Time to Visit: March–May and September–November

Pro Tip: Download the official park map before you go. Cell service inside Arches is spotty and unreliable.

Getting to Arches National Park from Moab

Arches couldn’t be easier to reach. The entrance sits just five miles north of downtown Moab along US-191. You can literally finish your morning coffee in town and be standing beneath Delicate Arch in under an hour (well at the trailhead at least).

Directions to Arches:

• From Moab: 10 minutes north on US-191

• From Grand Junction, CO: About 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 Tips:
The lots at Delicate Arch and Devils Garden fill quickly during spring and fall. Arrive before 8 AM or after 4 PM for the best experience.

If the park temporarily closes due to capacity, you can explore Moab’s nearby trails or grab lunch in town. The entrance often reopens within an hour.

Local Advice: Gas up before entering. There are no gas stations inside the park.

The Magic of Moab: Gateway to Arches

Moab is more than just a basecamp it is part of the adventure. This small desert town hums with creative energy, outdoor spirit, and stunning scenery in every direction.

After your day in Arches, you can refuel at a local coffee shop, grab dinner downtown, or wander through Moab’s art galleries and gear stores. The town perfectly balances wild exploration with modern comfort.

Stay in Moab for:

• Dozens of restaurants, breweries, and coffee shops

• Local outfitters offering guided hikes and canyoneering tours

• Gear shops for everything from hiking boots to sun hats

• Easy access to Arches, Canyonlands, and Dead Horse Point State Park

Moab makes it easy to shift gears, from red rock solitude to good food and friendly faces, all within minutes.

The Best Hikes in Arches National Park

Arches was made to be explored on foot. Every trail reveals something new: hidden alcoves, ancient rock layers, arches that seem to float in air. Whether you want a casual walk or an all-day challenge, there’s a perfect route for you.

Easy Trails

Ideal for families and those short on time.

• Balanced Rock Loop (0.3 miles, paved): A quick, accessible loop around one of the park’s most famous formations.

• Windows Loop (1 mile): Two massive arches side-by-side, framed by panoramic desert views.

• Double Arch (0.5 miles): Short, flat, and jaw-droppingly beautiful — perfect for kids and photographers.

Moderate Trails

For hikers seeking adventure and unforgettable vistas.

• Delicate Arch Trail (3 miles): The park’s crown jewel. A steady climb leads to Utah’s most iconic view — best at sunrise or sunset.

• Landscape Arch (1.6 miles): One of the longest natural spans on Earth, stretching 306 feet.

• Park Avenue (2 miles one-way): A canyon walk flanked by towering rock walls that look like a city skyline.

Strenuous Trails

For those who crave challenge and solitude.

• Devils Garden Loop (7.9 miles): Visit up to eight major arches, including Landscape, Navajo, and Double O.

• Tower Arch (3.4 miles): A remote, off-the-beaten-path hike with expansive desert views.

Explore More: Arches Trail Guides →

Permits, Reservations, and Timed Entry

While most trails are open access, a few require planning ahead.

• Fiery Furnace: Requires a self-guided or ranger-led permit. This maze of narrow sandstone canyons is a must for adventurous visitors.

• Devils Garden Campground: The only campground inside Arches — book early through Recreation.gov, especially in spring and fall.

• Special Use Permits: Needed for weddings, commercial filming, or large group events.

Timed Entry Reservations are sometimes required in peak season (April–October). Check the latest updates before your trip.

Learn More: Arches Permits & Reservations →

When to Visit Arches National Park

Arches is open year-round, but each season tells a different story.

Local Tip: Late October through early November often delivers perfect weather with golden light and thinner crowds.

Check Today’s Moab Weather →

What to Pack for Arches

Desert hiking demands preparation — and a little respect for the elements.

Essentials for Every Visitor:

• At least 1 gallon of water per person, per day

• Wide-brim hat, sunglasses, and SPF 30+ sunscreen

• Sturdy hiking shoes with traction

• Snacks or lunch — no food available in the park

• Trail map, GPS, or offline navigation app

• Light jacket or layers (desert temps swing dramatically)

Bonus Items:

• Binoculars for spotting ravens, hawks, and desert bighorn sheep

• Camera or smartphone for sunrise/sunset photography

• Collapsible cooler for post-hike picnics

Safety Reminders:

• Start early and rest often in shade

• Avoid narrow washes during storms — flash floods can form quickly

• Never climb or carve into rock formations

• Respect the desert crust — stay on trail

Accessibility in Arches

Arches National Park is surprisingly accessible. Several paved paths and overlooks make it possible for everyone to enjoy the park’s beauty.

Accessible Highlights:

• Balanced Rock Loop: Fully paved and wheelchair-friendly.

• Windows Section Viewpoints: Short paved paths to stunning views.

• Lower Delicate Arch Viewpoint: A paved overlook with a distant but dramatic view of the arch.

The Visitor Center offers accessible restrooms, water filling stations, and shaded seating areas.

Sample Itineraries for Your Arches Adventure

Whether you have one day or three, you can see a lot of Arches and have time to enjoy Moab’s restaurants, shops, and nearby adventures.

1 Day in Arches

• Morning: Hike to Delicate Arch for sunrise.

• Afternoon: Explore The Windows and Double Arch.

• Evening: Watch the 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 + Landscape Arch

• Day 3: Tower Arch backcountry hike + Scenic Drive overlooks

Want more ideas? Check out our detailed itineraries and photo spot guides on HikingMoab.com.

Visitor Information & Local Resources

Arches Visitor Center: (435) 719-2299
Moab Information Center: (435) 259-8825

Both centers provide maps, weather forecasts, ranger programs, and real-time updates on trail conditions.

Insider Tips from Locals:

• Arrive early — parking lots fill quickly in spring and fall.

• Bring your own meals and snacks; there are no food services in the park.

• The best lighting for photos is sunrise at The Windows and sunset at Delicate Arch.

• Stay in Moab for easy access, great dining, and guided adventures.

Plan Your Arches National Park Adventure

Arches National Park captures everything magical about the desert. It’s wild and peaceful, ancient and alive — a place where every sunrise feels like the first one on Earth.

Start your journey here on HikingMoab.com. Use this hub to plan your routes, prepare your gear, and connect your visit to the best Moab has to offer from guided hikes and canyoneering tours to where to eat and stay.

Continue Exploring:

• Delicate Arch Trail Guide →

• Devils Garden Loop Trail →

• Fiery Furnace Permits →

• Best Photography Spots in Arches →

• Lodging Options in Moab →

Your adventure begins here. Welcome to Moab.