Arches National Park
Explore a surreal landscape of over 2,000 natural sandstone arches, towering fins, and balanced rocks. A hiker's paradise and photographer's dream.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat crowds & heat
Arches National Park
Best Time
Beat crowds & heat
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore a surreal landscape of over 2,000 natural sandstone arches, towering fins, and balanced rocks. A hiker's paradise and photographer's dream.
"This place is truly a gem. It's a stunning destination that promises an unforgettable experience."
🎯 Book Timed Entry Early
Secure your timed entry reservation online well in advance, especially for peak season visits.
💧 Carry Ample Water
The desert climate is dry. Bring more water than you think you'll need; filling stations are available but taste can be odd.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Delicate Arch
Devils Garden Area
Utah's iconic freestanding arch. A must-see for its grandeur and the rewarding hike to reach it.
Landscape Arch
Devils Garden Trail
One of the longest natural arches in the world, a stunning testament to nature's artistry.
Double Arch
Windows Section
Two massive arches connected, offering a dramatic and awe-inspiring spectacle, especially at sunset.
Park Avenue
Near Entrance
A scenic viewpoint with towering sandstone fins resembling a city skyline. Great for a quick stop.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timed Entry is Key
Hydration and Sun Protection
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Timed Entry Early
Secure your timed entry reservation online well in advance, especially for peak season visits.
💧 Carry Ample Water
The desert climate is dry. Bring more water than you think you'll need; filling stations are available but taste can be odd.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Trails can be uneven and have some steep sections. Sturdy hiking boots or shoes are a must.
📸 Aim for Sunrise/Sunset
The light during these times is magical for photography and can offer a more serene experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Timed Entry Early
Secure your timed entry reservation online well in advance, especially for peak season visits.
💧 Carry Ample Water
The desert climate is dry. Bring more water than you think you'll need; filling stations are available but taste can be odd.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Trails can be uneven and have some steep sections. Sturdy hiking boots or shoes are a must.
📸 Aim for Sunrise/Sunset
The light during these times is magical for photography and can offer a more serene experience.
🚗 Arrive Before 8 AM
Beat the crowds and secure parking, especially for popular trailheads like Delicate Arch.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Arches National Park for its breathtaking natural beauty and iconic rock formations, calling it a 'gem' and a 'bucket list' destination. The opportunity to hike among the arches and witness stunning sunrises and sunsets is frequently highlighted. However, some visitors note the need for timed entry reservations and the potential for crowds and heat, especially during peak seasons.
"What a beautiful place to visit. Make it a bucket list. The place I'm about to describe is truly a gem. It's a stunning destination that promises an unforgettable experience. Whether you're a nature lover or an adventure seeker, this place has something for everyone. Its breathtaking scenery and serene atmosphere are sure to leave you spellbound. I highly recommend adding this place to your bucket list."
Michael Stone
"Superb park with great large arches. You need an entry time to go in. Take at least four hours if you want to see the main arches with no long hikes. But you do have to walk some distances and some times with a slight steep elevation. The double Arch was fantastic in sunset!"
Iris Moroz
"This national park has many arches :-) ... and trails and more.
The center is also the park's headquarters, located at the southernmost point, in an awe-inspiring setting; elevation 4,085 ft (1,245 m).
Many great places for yoga!
The planned itinerary is to visit Balanced Rock first after the Info Centre, but due to a lack of parking (a few mini buses are parking on tour buses' spots, which is wrong). To save time and avoid crowds and heat, Eric decided to take us to Park Ave instead, and visit Balanced Rock on the way out, which we did, at noon, when the natural light is far less ideal - unforgiving for photography.
Our day starts at 7:30. The drive to the visitor center is 10 minutes from our hotel. We made five stops in the park:
1. Info Center, with short movie
2. Park Avenue & Courthouse Towers viewpoint
3. Turret Arch & Double Arch
4. Delicate Arch
5. Balanced Rock"
Irene Eng
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Arches National Park is located near Moab, Utah. The main entrance is off Highway 191. If flying, the nearest major airport is Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC), about a 3.5-hour drive away. Denver International Airport (DEN) is another option, roughly a 5.5-hour drive.
There is no public transportation directly into Arches National Park. You will need your own vehicle or to arrange a shuttle service from Moab.
A personal vehicle is the most convenient way to explore Arches. Roads are well-maintained, but parking can be challenging during peak hours. Consider visiting popular spots early or late.
Ride-sharing services are generally not available within Arches National Park. It's best to rely on your own transportation or pre-booked tours from Moab.
The scenic drive through Arches is about 40 miles roundtrip. Without stops, it can take about an hour, but you'll want at least 4-6 hours to see the main arches and do short hikes.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, Arches National Park requires a timed entry reservation for most of the year, typically from April through October. You must book this online in advance.
The entrance fee is $30 per vehicle, valid for 7 days. If you have an America the Beautiful Pass, it covers the entrance fee.
Arches National Park is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. However, the timed entry reservation system dictates when you can enter during peak hours.
Timed entry reservations must be purchased online through Recreation.gov. Entrance fees can be paid at the park entrance station if you have a reservation.
During the timed entry season, you cannot enter the park without a reservation during the designated hours. Outside of these hours, entry may be permitted, but it's best to check the official NPS website.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The most iconic are Delicate Arch, Landscape Arch, Double Arch, and the arches in the Windows Section (North and South Window, Turret Arch).
For shorter hikes, consider the Windows Loop (1 mile), Balanced Rock (0.3 miles), and the Delicate Arch Lower and Upper viewpoints. For longer hikes, the Devils Garden Trail offers multiple arch viewpoints and can be extended into a loop.
Yes, many short, paved trails like Balanced Rock and the Windows Loop are suitable for families. Longer hikes may be challenging for very young children.
Early morning (before 8 AM) is best to avoid crowds and heat. Sunset is also spectacular, especially at Double Arch.
Ranger-led programs vary seasonally. Check the park's official website or the visitor center for the current schedule of talks, walks, and stargazing events.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no restaurants or food services inside Arches National Park. You'll need to bring your own food and drinks or dine in the nearby town of Moab.
Moab offers a variety of dining options, from casual cafes and breweries to sit-down restaurants. You can find everything from pizza and burgers to more upscale American cuisine.
Yes, picnicking is allowed in designated areas. Many viewpoints offer scenic spots to enjoy a packed lunch. Remember to pack out all trash.
The town of Moab has several grocery stores where you can stock up on supplies for your visit.
Yes, there are water filling stations available at the visitor center and some other locations within the park. However, the water may have an odd taste.
📸 📸 Photography
Delicate Arch, Double Arch, Landscape Arch, and the Windows Section are prime photography locations. The park's unique rock formations offer endless photographic opportunities.
Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting, with soft, warm hues illuminating the red rocks. Midday light can be harsh.
No, drone use is prohibited in all US National Parks, including Arches National Park, for safety and environmental reasons.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vast landscapes and arches. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating details. A tripod is essential for low-light photography at sunrise/sunset.
Experiment with different angles, especially at Double Arch. Look for interesting foreground elements to add depth. Consider capturing the stars at night, as Arches is a designated International Dark Sky Park.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Active Hikers & Adventurers
📸 Photographers & Sunset Chasers
or sunset at Double Arch Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Arches: Trails and Timed Entry
Beyond the main trails, shorter, accessible paths like the Windows Loop and the walk to Balanced Rock are perfect for quick visits or for those with limited mobility. The hike to Delicate Arch is a moderate 3-mile roundtrip with significant elevation gain, but the payoff is immense. It's highly recommended to tackle this hike during the cooler parts of the day, ideally early morning or late afternoon.
When planning your visit, consider the park's layout. The main road winds through the park, with trailheads and viewpoints branching off. Parking can be extremely limited at popular spots, especially between 9 AM and 3 PM. Arriving early, before 8 AM, or staying late for sunset can significantly improve your chances of finding parking and enjoying a less crowded experience.
Capturing the Magic: Photography in Arches
For landscape photographers, a wide-angle lens is invaluable for capturing the vastness of the park and the sweeping vistas. Don't forget a tripod for those crucial low-light shots during the golden hours or for capturing the star-filled night sky, as Arches is an International Dark Sky Park.
When planning your photo expeditions, remember the importance of timed entry and arriving early. This not only ensures you get into the park but also allows you to find the best vantage points before the crowds arrive. Be mindful of the harsh midday sun, which can create strong shadows and blown-out highlights. Patience and planning will reward you with truly breathtaking images.
The Arches Experience: Beyond the Iconic Views
The park is also a fantastic place for stargazing. As an International Dark Sky Park, the lack of light pollution allows for incredible views of the Milky Way and countless stars. Consider attending a ranger program focused on astronomy if available.
Remember that the park is a fragile ecosystem. Stick to marked trails to protect the desert cryptobiotic soil, which is vital for the environment. Leave no trace, and take only memories and photographs.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit