Arches National Park

Arches National Park | Angie Payne

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It’s no surprise that Arches National Park — located just outside Moab — is one of the top national parks in America. It’s a 73,234-acre wonderland of eroded sandstone fins, towers, ribs, gargoyles, hoodoos, balanced rocks and, of course, arches.
Delicate Arch, with its 65-foot arc, undoubtedly steals the show. It’s what Arches National Park is famous for, after all. But did you know it stands among over 2,000 arches that have been cataloged in Arches National Park? The park protects an awe-inspiring landscape that includes the largest proliferation of arches in the world, including popular rock formations such as Double O Arch, Broken Arch, Landscape Arch, Windows Loop and Tower Arch.
Hike, bike, camp and canyoneer in one of the most spectacular parks in the world. When your adventure takes you out of bounds, more awaits outside Arches National Park. Explore nearby Canyonlands National Park, another jewel of The Mighty 5. Meander back to civilization and check out Moab’s bustling Main Street. Here, you’ll find eclectic restaurants, expert outfitters and various lodging accommodations.

How to Visit Arches Winter in Arches

Discover the Arches Region

Things To Do in Arches

Camping

Start your day with the best access to the park’s hiking trails and viewpoints, then wind down as the sun sets behind arches and rock formations. Arches National Park has a single campground within the park, and plenty more camping options nearby.
Hiking

Hike the world-famous Delicate Arch trail, see three separate arches on the Windows Primitive Loop, or simply soak in one of the many awe-inspiring viewpoints. No matter how you hike, Arches National Park has trails you just can’t miss.
Photography

As home to some of the most famous natural formations in the world, the park will have you reaching for your camera at every stop. Explore can’t-miss photo op’s, when conditions are best, and much more.
Stargazing

After the sun sets and the sandstone has cooled you can see countless stars set against a pitch black night sky. See the night sky like you may never have before after dark in Arches National Park.
Winter Activities

Arches National Park is internationally known for its namesake arches and stunning red rock scenery. Winter is the park’s quietest season and a perfect time to see the fiery red arches with a soft dusting of white snow. Skip the crowded peak season and embrace a quiet winter hike or scenic drive.

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Visitor Centers, Entrances & Nearby Towns

Enter Arches through the single entrance off US-191, just five miles north of the lively adventure town, Moab. Stop first at the Arches Visitor Center, open 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. in summer and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in winter, located just past the entrance station. From there, the scenic entrance road winds dramatically upward through towering fins and rock formations before opening into the heart of the park. When it's time to unwind, Moab delivers with acclaimed restaurants, local breweries, outfitters and lodging options ranging from campgrounds to boutique hotels. Take Dead Horse Point Mesa Scenic Byway (S.R. 313), which connects Moab and Arches to the road’s namesake state park and the Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands.

Getting to Arches & Nearby Airports

Seasons, Weather & Best Time to Visit

Arches National Park is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Spring and fall temperatures typically range between 65° and 85° F, with heat lingering deep into November, and nighttime temps dropping as much as 30 degrees, perfect for hiking, biking and climbing. Summer brings the heat and the crowds in this region, with daytime temperatures that can exceed 100° F. Cooler seasons are highly recommended to avoid crowds. In winter, enjoy iconic landmarks in solitude, equipped with poles and shoe spikes to navigate icy or snowy trails.

Winter in Arches

Savoring solitude with a winter visit to Arches

Photo: Adam Clark

Alpine, Après and Arches

There are two sides to Utah — the alpine mountains famous for their skiing, and the brilliant red rock expanses of the southern desert. This unforgettable trip offers a perfectly balanced snapshot of both. You can experience both mountains and desert by setting up a “base camp” for the first few days with ski access in Northern Utah, then heading south to Moab for the next couple of days to explore the desert. (Read: Alpine, Après and Arches)

"Mother Nature is a master sculptor and in no place is that more evident than at Arches National Park.”"

– Stefanie Payne, Author

Where to Stay

Hotels, Lodging & Glamping

There are no hotels inside Arches National Park. However, Moab sits just five miles away and offers name-brand suites, roadside motels, boutique hotels and 4-star luxury resorts. Prefer camping with a touch of glam? Try a glamping experience near Moab. Discover your perfect stay, from roadside classics to red desert luxury.

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Camping

Devils Garden Campground is the only designated campground within Arches National Park, located deep in the heart of the park. Make reservations months in advance, especially for peak season. Other camping options include backcountry camping (reservation required) and Moab accommodations, including yurts, BLM and designated camping.

Explore Camping at Arches

More Arches Inspiration

Nearby Basecamps

Arches National Park FAQs

Where should I stay?

Moab is the obvious base camp — and for good reason. Utah's adventure capital sits just five miles from the park entrance and offers everything from creekside campgrounds to boutique hotels, plus easy access to restaurants and outfitters. If you're camping inside the park, Devils Garden Campground is the only option, but it's a good one: situated near the trailhead for some of Arches' best hikes. Other options include RV parks, backcountry camping and BLM camping outside the park.

Can I drive through the park?

Absolutely. The main park road stretches about 18 miles from the visitor center to Devils Garden, with pullouts and spur roads leading to all the major landmarks. Most are accessible by a standard passenger vehicle. Keep in mind, there’s no loop, but with views like these, who’s complaining?

How many days should I spend at Arches?

One full day in Arches covers highlights like Delicate Arch, but an extra day allows time to see more sights and longer trails. Adventure past Delicate Arch to Devils Garden or Fiery Furnace, or beyond into neighboring towns and parks without feeling rushed by booking a multi-day trip.

Are dogs allowed?

Yes, but there are restrictions. Dogs must be on a leash no longer than six feet at all times and are restricted to paved roads, parking areas and campgrounds. For a dog-friendly trail fix near Moab, Kane Creek and the Moab Canyon Pathway are solid alternatives just outside the park.