The Ultimate Guide to Arches National Park — Best Things To Do, See & Enjoy!

Arches National Park is in Utah’s Canyon Country, a 4-hour scenic drive from Salt Lake City. This incredible park is known for having the largest concentration of sandstone arches on the globe.

The park has a remarkable geological story shaped by weathering and erosion. Each year, over 1.5 million visitors stand in awe of the natural stone arches, balanced rocks, and other geological phenomena showcased throughout Arches National Park.

How To Get to Arches National Park

Where Is Arches National Park?

Arches National Park is located in southeast Utah, near a desert town called Moab, with the beautiful Colorado River running adjacent to the park. This park is easily accessed by air or car from Las Vegas, Grand Junction, and Salt Lake City.

The park is situated on the Colorado Plateau and stretches over 76,519 acres or 119 square miles through the desert.

The Airports Nearest to Arches National Park

Flying is the quickest way to get to Arches National Park and is a great option for those who prefer to spend as much time as possible exploring the park. There are 3 different airports that most travelers fly into when visiting Arches, and each airport has cars available for easy rentals.

Canyonlands Regional Airport (CNY)

Most travelers utilize Canyonlands Regional Airport when flying to Arches National Park. This airport is approximately 11 miles north of the entrance to the park. Canyonlands is served by popular airlines, including United, SkyWest, and Delta.

Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT)

Grand Junction Regional Airport is the closest major airport to Arches National Park and is about 110 miles from the park’s entrance. While the drive is nearly 2 hours, there is plenty to see along the way, including parks, famous monuments, museums, and vineyards.

Grand Junction Regional Airport has direct flights or connections from most major cities and is serviced by several well-known airlines including Allegiant, American, and United.

Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)

Salt Lake City International Airport is a further option approximately 230 miles from the park entrance. SLC is serviced by most major airlines, including Air Canada, American, Frontier, JetBlue, and Southwest.

Driving to Arches National Park

The majority of people who visit Arches National Park arrive by car. The park does not have public transportation available, so renting a car or bringing your own vehicle is the best option for navigating through the park.

The entrance to the park is north of Moab. If you are arriving at the park from Moab, you will drive north on US 191 for a short 5-mile trip. If you are arriving from Interstate 70, also known as Crescent Junction, you will drive south on US 191 for 22 miles before reaching the entrance.

Taking the Train to Arches National Park

Amtrak provides visitors with an amazing opportunity to truly experience the journey on their vacation. Amtrak has a trip called the California Zephyr, which is one of the most incredible train trips in North America.

This route will take visitors on a remarkable trip from Chicago to California and provides spectacular views of the Rocky Mountains, Sierra Nevadas, sparkling lakes, and massive canyons. Amtrak takes all the stress of traveling and allows you to sit back and enjoy the ride and scenery with comfort and amenities galore.

Amtrak’s California Zephyr line serves Green River, Utah, and Grand Junction, Colorado, which are both a short drive to the park entrance.

Taking the Greyhound Bus to Arches National Park

Greyhound also serves Green River and Grand Junction. Utilizing Greyhound is an excellent way to save money when traveling, and it also removes the stress of driving so that you can relax and get ready to explore the park.

Getting Around Arches National Park

The best way to get around Arches National Park is by car. The popular scenic drive provides vehicle access to the main features of the park. Driving a personal vehicle allows guests to spend as much or as little time as they want at the park’s many attractions. In addition, the National Park Service offers printable and interactive maps that are easily accessed on its website.

There are also commercial tours that visitors can book to explore the park. There are several companies that offer guided van tours and hikes through Arches National Park.

Another option for getting around in Arches National Park is to bike. While there are no dedicated bike lanes, there are plenty of roads where bikes are permitted. Cycling through Arches National Park is an incredible way to explore the park while getting an exceptional workout.

What To See and Do in Arches National Park

Arches National Park is known for its abundance of natural stone arches, pinnacles, fins, balanced rocks, and other geologic formations. This red rock park has many incredible opportunities to hike, explore, discover, and appreciate the natural beauty.

Arches National Park is the perfect place to play a game of “that rock looks like a ___.” Closely observing the fantastical rock shapes that line the 18-mile scenic road is also a good way to spot hidden arches. There are nearly 2 dozen visible from pavement throughout the park.

Karen Garthwait, Park Ranger

Arches Scenic Drive

Taking the scenic drive through Arches National Park is an excellent way to see the main attractions in the park. This route is 19 miles long and travels from Highway 191 to the Devil’s Garden trailhead near the back of the park.

This drive takes only half an hour to drive the full distance with no stops, but you will want to plan for a much longer tour to stop and see the park’s amazing features.

Hot Tip: For those who want to hear incredible facts and information about the geological features in the park, there is an option to purchase and download a self-guided driving tour.

Balanced Rock

Balanced Rock is an iconic attraction in Arches National Park. This stunning rock formation defies gravity as it stands at 128 feet in height and holds a 3,600-pound boulder on an eroding pedestal.

Balanced Rock is found 9 miles from the visitor center and has a short trail that leads up close and around the side of the structure. This geologic giant is a true sight to behold at any time, but this area is a beautiful place to stargaze and capture photographs at night.

For those wanting to take a break and refuel, there is a picnic area across from Balanced Rock. This area has several picnic tables, a covered canopy, and restrooms.

Broken Arch

Broken Arch is accessed by the same trailhead as Sand Dune Arch, so visits to both can easily be combined into the same trip. This trail is 1.2 miles round-trip and can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour and a half, depending on how long you explore.

This trail goes through the open desert and is exposed to direct sunlight. Be sure to plan ahead and have plenty of water for this trail. Once you reach Broken Arch, the trail can continue on to Tapestry Arch and, later on, Devils Garden Campground.

Delicate Arch

Delicate Arch is a main feature of Arches National Park — a free-standing arch that is 52 feet tall. This particular arch draws in visitors from all around the world and is the most recognized arch in the park. It is also well-known for its hiking trails.

To get the best view of this arch, extensive hiking will be required. This is a 3-mile round-trip hike that traverses over slick rock and sandy areas. Most of this hike is uphill, and it can take 2 to 3 hours to complete.

The best time to visit this area for spectacular views and photographs is at sunrise and sunset. However, this area is typically very crowded with visitors, so if you want a less crowded experience, you should visit early in the morning.

Devils Garden

Devils Garden is an amazing area for those who love sightseeing, hiking, and thrill-seeking. This area is filled with spires, arches, and thin rock walls called fins. Devils Garden is home to awe-inspiring attractions such as Landscape Arch, which is the crown jewel of Devils Garden.

Landscape Arch is North America’s longest arch and has an opening of 306 feet with a narrow expanse of 6 feet. This arch has had large portions of it crumble over the last few decades, but it is still hanging on by a thin thread.

Devils Garden is a place for taking in views, camping, stargazing, hiking, and backpacking. It is found at the very end of the park.

Double Arch

A popular attraction in Arches National Park is the Double Arch. This feature looks small from a distance, but is actually the tallest arch in the park, reaching 112 feet over the ground.

The Double Arch is comprised of 2 enormous sandstone arches that connect to create a circle. The contrast of the red rock against the brilliant blue sky is one you will want to capture in photographs.

The hike to see this stunning sight is an easy half-mile round-trip trail. You can walk right up to the arches or even climb up into them to enjoy a unique view of the area.

Fiery Furnace

Fiery Furnace was named because of its reddish glow at sunset. This attraction is an incredible non-arch feature of Arches National Park and one you won’t want to miss.

This area can be experienced in 3 ways: by a ranger-led tour, viewpoint, or individually with a backcountry permit. The simplest way to see the Fiery Furnace is to park in the parking lot and take a short walk to an overlook.

For a more adventurous experience, a ranger-led hike and tour can take you through 2 miles of canyons and sandstone to an incredible view of this rock formation. These tours fill up quickly, so it is important to reserve your spot in advance.

Obtaining a backcountry permit will allow you to explore the Fiery Furnace at your own pace. This is a great experience for hiking enthusiasts who like to blaze their own paths.

Garden of Eden

Garden of Eden can be accessed from The Windows Road. This area is frequently missed by visitors but is definitely a sight you will want to see.

Garden of Eden acquired its name from early park visitors who thought the rocks resembled Adam and Eve holding the forbidden apple. This area even has a 10-foot-tall feature named Serpentine Arch that completes the scene.

This area of the park is special because of the Estrada sandstone that gives special color to the rocks. As the sun moves throughout the day, the view will change and cast shadows and glow in different directions.

La Sal Mountains Viewpoint

La Sal Mountains Viewpoint is the first viewpoint that is found in Arches National Park. This stunning location offers a 360-degree panoramic view of the entire park as well as the La Sal Mountains in the distance.

The easy trail loops past the nearby town of Moab, is only 0.1 miles long, and takes just a few minutes to complete.

This is an excellent location to capture mesmerizing views of the red rock structures against the striking blue sky. The view changes drastically throughout the day, so visiting at different times will provide a variety of lighting and colors in your photographs.

Park Avenue Trail

Park Avenue Trail got its name because the layout and shapes of the rocks remind visitors of a big city. This trail is a short, easy hike that highlights huge rock formations, including the Three Gossips and the Courthouse Towers.

While there aren’t any arches on this trail, it is an incredible hike and allows for beautiful sights. This hike is 2 miles round-trip and will take approximately 30 to 45 minutes.

Sand Dune Arch

Sand Dune Arch is different from the other arches in the park because it is nestled inside a rock formation. Therefore, there is no way to see this arch without a journey inside the narrow sandstone walls.

The trail is a pink sand trail that leads past red rock walls. This is the perfect place to cool off and get a break from the scorching sun on hot summer days.

Bottom Line: The hike is less than half a mile round-trip and takes about 15 minutes from start to finish. This is a sight you won’t want to pass up.

Skyline Arch

Skyline Arch is a popular attraction in Arches National Park. It is a remarkable place to take photos and offers an incredible view since it is located on the skyline.

This easy trail is less than a half-mile round-trip, but it does require some rock-hopping and scrambling if you want an up-close view. This arch is visited by many at sunset because the view at this time is spectacular. Sunset is a great time to take photographs and capture brilliant colors.

Tower Arch

Tower Arch is a gorgeous area in the park that is often overlooked by visitors. It is at the end of the main road and requires driving down a dirt road, which is most likely why it is frequently passed over.

The trailhead is situated 8 miles down dirt roads in the Klondike Bluffs section of the park. This hike is a steep climb of 200 feet and ends at the top of a ridge.

From the top, visitors can see amazing views of the Salt Valley and the vistas of Devils Garden. Other features that can be seen in this area include Parallel Arch, Marching Men, and the Klondike Bluffs.

Visitor Center

Arches Visitor Center is found just 1 mile from the main entrance to the park. This visitor center is filled with information and assistance to help you to have the best experience while visiting Arches National Park.

Rangers are on duty at the visitor center, and they are a valuable resource throughout the park. These rangers can provide information about hiking trails, driving times, and ranger-led programs. They can even help you plan an itinerary for your park experience so you make the best use of your time.

The visitor center also has exhibits on display to help you learn about the park’s geology, plants, animals, and history. There is a replica of the arches as well as a film that plays in the theater called “Window in Time.”

A trip to the visitor center is wise before setting out on your journey through Arches National Park. This center is open daily, with the exception of closing for holidays throughout the year.

The Windows Section

This section of the park is referred to by many as the beating heart of Arches National Park. The Windows Section includes well-known attractions such as the North Window, Turret Arch, Double Arch, Garden of Eden, and Parade of Elephants.

These beautiful features have all been formed by wind-blown sand cutting into the rock over the years. Seeing these phenomenal formations will leave you awestruck. This area of the park is great for hiking, photography, and sightseeing. Coming to this part of the park during the nighttime provides the perfect opportunity for stargazing with those you love.

Wolfe Ranch

Wolfe Ranch is a 1-room cabin that sits near the trailhead to the Delicate Arch hike. This area was settled in 1888 by John Wolfe and his oldest son. John Wolfe was injured in the Civil War, and his injury caused him to seek a drier climate. He left his wife and 3 of his children and moved out west.

This rustic cabin gives a glimpse into the past and shows just how little people needed to survive. In 1975, The Wolfe Ranch Historic District became part of the National Registry of Historic Places.

The Best Times To Visit Arches National Park

Arches National Park brings in over 1.5 million visitors each year, and this number climbs higher each year. Visitors worldwide are attracted to this incredible park because of its gravity-defying rock formations, natural stone arches, and breathtaking viewpoints.

This popular national park is open year-round and is one of the busiest national parks in Utah. It even has a reservation system in place during the peak seasons. If you are looking to visit Arches National Park, it is best to research which part of the year will work best for your vacation needs.

The Best Time To Visit Arches National Park in the Winter

Arches National Park is a beautiful park to visit any time during the year, but it is an especially magical place in the winter.

The months between December and March are excellent times for a snowy park excursion. Of course, there are fewer crowds due to the cold temperatures, but many visitors prefer this time of the year for visiting Arches National Park.

While most hiking trails are open even in the snowy months, popular trails become quite slippery and dangerous from all the packed snow and ice. It is a good idea to pack traction devices and trekking poles if you decide to visit during these months.

If you decide to visit in the winter, you may encounter several closed areas due to snow or ice. Visiting during the winter months also means that there will be no ranger-led programs.

The Best Time To Visit Arches National Park To Avoid the Crowds

Arches National Park is a busy park year-round. If you want a less crowded park experience, your best bet is to come during the winter, but there are several ways to beat the crowds if a winter trip isn’t up your alley.

March through October are the busiest months of the year. If you want to visit during one of these months, plan to visit the park in the late afternoon or evening. These times are less crowded, but also showcase remarkable sunset views. If you stay into the night, you can stargaze and even catch a glimpse of the Milky Way.

Another way to avoid crowds is to come early in the morning before the sunrises. The sunrise in Arches National Park is a fantastic way to start the day.

The Best Time To Visit Arches National Park for Wildlife

If you want to get a glimpse of the abundant wildlife found in Arches National Park, the months of April, May, September, and October are the best months for viewing the animals that make their home in the park.

These months allow visitors to easily see migrating and resident birds, coyotes, bighorn sheep, mule deer, prairie dogs, and foxes.

The Best Time To Visit Arches National Park for Photography

Arches National Park has plenty of stunning geological attractions that make stunning subjects for photographs. The best time to photograph the stunning features in the park is during sunrise or sunset. The enormous rocks seem to glow and display their vibrant red hues.

Hot Tip: Some popular places to spot wildlife in the park include the Delicate Arch Trail, Double Arch Trail, and the Windows area.

The Cheapest Time To Visit Arches National Park

Visiting Arches National Park in late September is the best way to travel while saving money. In addition, there are better deals on flights and lodging accommodations during this time.

Where To Stay in Arches National Park

Arches National Park only has 1 option for lodging inside the park, and that is camping at Devils Garden Campground. Camping is an incredible way to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of the park.

Devils Garden Campground

Devils Garden Campground is the only campground found inside Arches National Park. March through October are the busy months at the park, and these campsites fill up quickly.

Preplanning is a must if you want to stay during this busy season. You will need a reservation from March through October to camp here, but the rest of the year is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Devils Garden has a total of 51 sites available for RVs, campers, and tent camping. Campsite amenities include picnic tables, drinking water, grills, and toilets.

Towns Near Arches National Park

The only gateway town to Arches National Park is the unique town of Moab. This town is an epicenter of adventure and filled with small-town charm, an incredible desert landscape, and several places for visitors to set up their home base while visiting Arches National Park.

Moab offers a variety of lodging options, including campsites, chain hotels, private rentals, and luxury resorts.

The town is filled with opportunities for adventure, including hiking, biking, river rafting, and camping. Visitors also have a multitude of thrill-seeking opportunities, as they can book balloon rides, canyoneering, and skydiving during their stay.

Moab is also a dream location for food enthusiasts. This town has an abundance of dining options, from quaint diners to barbecue joints, gourmet restaurants, and food trucks.

For those who love to shop, there are plenty of local shops and stores to discover in Moab. The downtown area has several unique gift shops, including shops where you can purchase art created by locals, Native American jewelry and pottery, antiques, all-natural grocery stores, and bookstores filled with history and adventure.

Where To Eat in Arches National Park

Arches National Park does not have any restaurants in the park, but there are several picnic areas located around the park. Each picnic area has picnic tables, restrooms, and fire grates for cooking over an open flame.

Picnicking and admiring the incredible views and scenery in the park is an ideal option for a meal with a view. These picnic areas can be found near Arches Visitor Center, Balanced Rock, Panorama Pint, Delicate Arch Viewpoint, and Devils Garden.

Arches National Park Facts

1. It Has the Highest Concentration of Natural Stone Arches on Planet Earth

Arches National Park has over 2,000 arches in the park, along with balanced rocks, fins, pinnacles, and other geologic formations. This national park’s claim to fame is that it holds the densest concentration of natural stone arches in the world.

The most well-known arches found in Arches National Park include Delicate Arch, Double Arch, and Landscape Arch.

2. Arches National Park Used To Be Under Water

What we can walk through today used to be a shallow inland sea. When the water withdrew, sand was left behind, and wind formed that sand into dunes. The dunes turned into rock and formed the park we can visit today. Water still helps to mold the landscape of the arches through erosion.

3. The Park Features Living Soil

Biological soil can be found in Arches National Park. This soil is full of live organisms such as moss, green algae, fungi, lichen, and cyanobacteria. The soil is dormant during the dry parts of the year and moves around when it is in wet environments. Its job is to help prevent erosion, and those visiting the park should refrain from stepping on it.

4. People of the Park Date Back 10,000 Years

The first people to visit this area were prehistoric Indians. Hunters and gatherers migrated to this part of the country at the end of the Ice Age, which was 10,000 years ago.

The original inhabitants of the area found quartz that they could use to make stone tools. Those with a trained eye can still find remnants of these tools and artifacts throughout the park.

Around 2,000 years ago, nomadic hunters and gatherers settled into the Four Corners region and began to cultivate certain plants found in the region. These groups of people were the Puebloan and Fremont, and they raised beans, squash, and domesticated maize. They lived in villages throughout the area.

5. The Park Has Abundant Plant Life

This national park has an abundance of plant life, which is surprising as it is located in a desert. There are nearly 500 plant species that have been identified in the park. Some of these plants include cacti, mosses, trees, shrubs, wildflowers, and grasses.

6. There Are Animals Galore

There are copious amounts of animal life present in this desert park. Because this area receives very little rainfall, the animals found in Arches National Park have many adaptations that help them to survive the harsh temperatures and dry conditions.

Animals found in this park include mountain lions, bobcats, packrats, chipmunks, snakes, and eagles. Some of these animals are nocturnal, which allows them to hunt and be active in the cooler nighttime, while other animals burrow in the sand or rocks to escape the heat throughout the day.

7. The Park Has Celebrity Status

Over 11 movies have been filmed in Arches National Park, from iconic westerns to major blockbusters.

Arches National Park was ready for its closeup when it was used as a backdrop in the opening scene of “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.” While the rest of the movie was not filmed in the park, this famous scene is remembered by many movie and park lovers around the world.

Another iconic movie, “Thelma and Louise,” was filmed in the park. This movie is among the greatest chick flicks of all time and features celebrities including Susan Sarandon, Geena Davis, and Brad Pitt. Well-known park attractions, including the Courthouse Towers, can be spotted in scenes throughout the movie.

8. The Park Experiences Extreme Temperatures

Arches National Park is located high in the desert and is part of the Colorado Plateau. Temperatures in this area can range from 0 to 100 degrees, depending on the season. In a single day, temperatures can fluctuate over 40 degrees.

Because of the extreme temperatures, it is important to be prepared no matter which time of year you visit. If you plan to explore the park in the winter, it is wise to take traction devices and trekking poles so you can traverse the slippery icy rocks.

In the summer, be sure to have plenty of sunscreen, water, and sun hats to relieve you from the harsh sun.

9. You Can View Ancient Rock Art

Rock paintings can be found on the Lower Courthouse Wash Trail. The paintings’ pictures tell a story from long ago. These paintings were engraved into the rocks and are thought to be between 1,500 and 4,000 years old.

10. Balanced Rock Is a Massive Attraction

One of the most well-known features of Arches National Park is Balanced Rock. This huge desert rock stands 128 feet tall and is estimated to weigh 3,577 tons. This is the same height as 3 school buses stacked bumper to bumper and equal in weight to 27 blue whales. The huge rock formation is one you will surely want to see up close.

11. It’s the 35th National Park Established

Arches National Park is America’s 35th national park. President Herber Hoover created Arches National Monument in 1929, and it remained a national monument until 1971. Under the Nixon administration, Congress declared Arches a National Park in 1971.

12. The Fifth Longest Arch Worldwide Is at Arches National Park

Landscape Arch is the longest arch in Arches National Park. This arch is found in the Devil’s Garden area. Its opening measures 306 feet, which makes it the fifth-longest arch in the world.

13. You Can Experience Highs and Lows in Elevation

The attraction with the highest elevation in the park is Elephant Butte. This incredible feature has an elevation of 5,653 feet. The visitor center is at the park’s lowest elevation at 4,085 feet.

14. There’s Low Annual Precipitation

Arches National Park is a desert park that naturally doesn’t get a lot of precipitation throughout the year. The park averages 8 to 10 inches of precipitation each year.

Final Thoughts

Arches National Park is an excellent choice for those who want to experience a wonderland of enormous red rock formations against bright blue skies. Viewing these natural stone arches, pinnacles, balanced rocks, and towers is sure to take your breath away and leave you with incredible memories to last a lifetime.