Do I need a timed-entry reservation?

Yes, April through October during peak hours (typically 7am-4pm). Released months in advance plus a day-before window on recreation.gov.

Moab, five minutes from the entrance. It's also the base for Canyonlands, mountain biking, and rafting.

Is Delicate Arch the one on the license plate?

Yes — and the hike to it is steep slickrock with no shade. Bring water and start in late afternoon.

a broad, red arch with rock pinnacles in the background

National Park · Utah

Arches National Park

Arches packs over 2,000 natural sandstone arches into 76,000 acres outside Moab, Utah. It's compact, dramatic, and entirely linear — one road in, one road out, with arches arranged like exhibits.

Share

Best time to visit

April-May and September-October. Summer highs routinely top 100°F on bare rock. Winter is empty and gorgeous if you don't mind cold.

How long you need

One full day for the main road, two if you want Devils Garden and the Fiery Furnace.

Don't miss

Delicate Arch at sunset (1.5 mile hike, no shade)
Windows Section at sunrise
Devils Garden Trail to Landscape Arch and beyond
Fiery Furnace ranger-led hike (permit or guided only)
Park Avenue viewpoint and short walk

What people get wrong

Trying to do Arches and Canyonlands in the same day. You can technically pull it off, but you'll see both in fast-forward. Also: Delicate Arch in the middle of a July afternoon is genuinely dangerous. Go at sunset.

About Arches National Park

Discover a landscape of contrasting colors, land forms, and textures unlike any other. The park has over 2,000 natural stone arches, hundreds of soaring pinnacles, massive rock fins, and giant balanced rocks. This red-rock wonderland will amaze you with its formations, refresh you with its trails, and inspire you with its sunsets.

Things to do

Arts and Culture
Astronomy
Stargazing
Biking
Camping
Backcountry Camping
Car or Front Country Camping
Group Camping
Canyoneering
Climbing
Rock Climbing
Guided Tours
Hiking
Horse Trekking
Horseback Riding
Junior Ranger Program
Shopping
Bookstore and Park Store

Weather & when to go

Arches is part of the Colorado Plateau, a "high desert" region that experiences wide temperature fluctuations, sometimes over 40 degrees in a single day. The temperate (and most popular) seasons are spring (April-May) and fall (mid-September-October), when daytime highs average 60 to 80 F and lows average 30 to 50 F. Summer temperatures often exceed 100 F, making strenuous exercise difficult. Winters are cold, with highs averaging 30 to 50 F, and lows averaging 0 to 20 F.

Entrance fees

Entrance - Private Vehicle
Admits one private, non-commercial vehicle (15 passenger capacity or less) and all its occupants.
$30.00
Entrance - Motorcycle
Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.
$25.00
Entrance - Per Person
Admits one individual with no car. Typically used for bicyclists, hikers, and pedestrians. Youth 15 and under are admitted free.
$15.00

Operating hours

Park Hours

Arches National Park is generally open 24 hours a day, year-round. Fees apply. The park is very busy between March and October. To avoid traffic, we recommend entering the park before 8 am or after 3 pm.

Campgrounds

Devils Garden Campground
Reserve ↗NPS info ↗

FAQ

Do I need a timed-entry reservation?: Yes, April through October during peak hours (typically 7am-4pm). Released months in advance plus a day-before window on recreation.gov.
Where should I stay?: Moab, five minutes from the entrance. It's also the base for Canyonlands, mountain biking, and rafting.
Is Delicate Arch the one on the license plate?: Yes — and the hike to it is steep slickrock with no shade. Bring water and start in late afternoon.