A crowd of people sit and watch the sunset at delicate arch.

National Park · UT

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.

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.

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

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.