At a glance
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
ParkAtlas, maintained by Stellaroos, combines its park and trail dataset with public information from the National Park Service. NPS data snapshot retrieved . Fees, access, and conditions can change; verify current details with NPS before traveling.
Popular trails
Curated routes with approximate round-trip distance. Tap one to log it in the app.In the app, tap one to log it.
Camping
Approximately 52 campsites across the park's campgrounds. Reservations are strongly recommended in peak season (March – May, Sept – Oct).
Best time to visit
Peak season: March – May, Sept – Oct. The park is open year-round, though some roads and facilities close or run reduced hours in winter.
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.
Pack for Arches
Four things worth having for desert heat and long exposed miles. From the full gear list; links support ParkAtlas.
Outdoor Research Echo sun hoodie
Sun protection without the sunscreen-on-your-arms routine. Dries in minutes.
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LMNT electrolytes
Water alone isn't enough on a hot day. One packet per bottle.
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Sun Bum sunscreen
High elevation sun is not the sun you're used to. Reapply at lunch.
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YETI Rambler bottle
Ice at the trailhead is still ice back at the car.
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Entrance fees
- Entrance - Private Vehicle — Admits one private, non-commercial vehicle (15 passenger capacity or less) and all its occupants.$30
- Entrance - Motorcycle — Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.$25
- Entrance - Per Person — Admits one individual with no car. Typically used for bicyclists, hikers, and pedestrians. Youth 15 and under are admitted free.$15
Annual Entrance - Park: $55. An America the Beautiful pass ($80/yr) covers every national park.
Getting there
Nearest city: Moab, UT. Park center: 38.680°, -109.570°.
Arches National Park is located in southeast Utah, five miles north of Moab on US 191. From Moab, Utah, drive five miles north on Main Street/US 191. Turn right at the stoplight. From Interstate 70, take exit 182 (Crescent Junction), then drive south 28 miles on US 191. Turn left at the stoplight.
Coming from a big city? See every park near Salt Lake City or Denver.
Common questions
How much does it cost to visit Arches National Park?
Entrance - Private Vehicle: $30. Entrance - Motorcycle: $25. Entrance - Per Person: $15.
When is the best time to visit Arches?
Peak season is March – May, Sept – Oct. The park is open year-round, with some roads and facilities on reduced winter schedules. 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.
Can you camp in Arches National Park?
Yes — about 52 campsites across the park's campgrounds. Reserve ahead in peak season.
What is the closest city to Arches National Park?
Moab, UT is the nearest major city. Arches National Park is located in southeast Utah, five miles north of Moab on US 191. From Moab, Utah, drive five miles north on Main Street/US 191. Turn right at the stoplight. From Interstate 70, take exit 182 (Crescent Junction), then drive south 28 miles on US 191. Turn left at the stoplight.
What are the best hikes in Arches?
Popular trails include Delicate Arch Trail (3.0 mi), Devils Garden Trail (7.2 mi), Landscape Arch Trail (7.6 mi), Sand Dune Arch Trail (2.4 mi). The park has roughly 12 named trails.
Plan your trip
The practical bits, so more of the weekend goes to the trail.