Arches National Park Travel Guide

Post updated 7/17/2022

Utah’s Arches National Park is a popular destination for hikers and nature lovers alike. Although this park is relatively small, views there are amazing and the opportunities for adventure are boundless. After three visits to Arches, I still have the itch to go back again and again. We decided to put together an ultimate Arches National Park Travel Guide to share the unique and incredible things to do in this beautiful, other-worldly national park that holds over 2,000 arches!

Arches National Park General Information

COST TO ENTER THE PARK: $30 for vehicles with up to 15 passengers (non-commercial). $25 for motorcycles. $15 for individuals. Each of these passes are valid for seven days.
The America The Beautiful Annual Pass is absolutely the way to go if you’re a national park lover and plan to visit multiple parks throughout the year. It’s $80 for a full year.
NEW IN 2022 TIMED ENTRY PASSES: Starting in 2022, if you’re visiting Arches between the months of April and October, you’ll need a timed entry to be able to enter the park between 6am and 5pm; by the way, we loved it. One vehicle can get a 1-hour time slot per day from Recreation.gov. Reserving these are $2 and the dates are released one the first of each month for up-to three months out. (So, for instance, on February 1st at 8am MST, you could book through the end of May.) Spots are limited, so the further out you book, the better. There will also be a limited number of passes released day-of. If you don’t get a spot, you can enter before or after those hours as well.
PARK HOURS: Arches National Park is open 24 hours.
The visitor center is only open limited hours, which vary depending on the season. Their “standard hours” are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., so you can bank on it being open those hours at a minimum.
PEAK SEASON: Late March to Early October. That’s a long season, right? But the peak hours each day tend to be 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. I highly recommend visiting before and after those times are significantly fewer crowds and it’s less hot as well!
LOVE HIKING WITH YOUR PET? Pet access here is quite limited. Pets aren’t allowed on any of the trails or even overlooks. So, you might find a pet-sitter for your pooch or find a pet-friendly place to stay in Moab.
FOR THE LOVE OF WANDERLUST RESTROOM TIP: The visitor center at the park entrance has a wonderful restroom with flush toilets that are well-cleaned. Most of the longer trails have pit toilets, but they smell super terrible. We figured out that the campground bathroom has clean flush toilets. It’s a great way to have a cleaner, less smelly restroom experience without having to drive back to the visitor center.

Hikes in Arches National Park

No Arches National Park travel guide would be complete without letting you know what kind of hikes you can check out while you’re there. I’ve organized them into two different categories: Easy to Moderate and Moderate to Difficult. Then, within these I’ve listed them in order of shortest to longest hike.

For the Love of Wanderlust Tip: Don’t hike during the peak heat of the day, if you can help it – it’s brutal as shade is quite hard to find on most hikes. We got to trailheads at sunrise or a couple of hours before sunset to be able to enjoy the beauty without overheating. Plus, at these times most hikes are much less crowded as well.

Easy to Moderate Hikes

BALANCED ROCK – 0.3 Mile Loop – Balanced Rock is an iconic landmark in Arches National Park. This precariously perched rock is a bit of a marvel because it seems like it could topple at any moment. The trail has its own parking area and can be crowded. It’s also a great location for spotting the Milky Way if you come back to the park at night. More on that in a bit…

SAND DUNE ARCH – 0.3 Mile Loop – This hike is short and sweet. The arch itself is completely hidden from view anywhere but the end of this trail. You have to squeeze through a split rock into an expanse between two large rock fins and shuffle across fairly deep sand. That made it sound a little intense, huh? It’s really not but it’s a spectacular, hidden, underrated arch, in my opinion. Sand Dune Arch is often looped in with Broken Arch and Tapestry Arch for a longer hike.

SKYLINE ARCH – 0.4 Mile Total – Skyline Arch is actually visible from the road, but a quick super easy hike to the base of it is still absolutely worth it. This arch sits higher up on a cliff making it its own kind of unique.

DELICATE ARCH VIEWPOINTS – 100 meters/0.5 Mile Total – Delicate Arch is undoubtedly the most iconic arch not only in the park, but in the entire state. Because of this, everyone wants to see it! However, the hike to the arch itself is steep and strenuous, so it’s not for everyone. Luckily, these viewpoints are easier to accomplish and you still get to catch a glimpse of it. However, it is important for you to know, you cannot reach Delicate Arch from either of these trails. The Lower Viewpoint is a super flat and unbelievably easy. The Upper Viewpoint is a bit more of a climb, but it’s so short that it’s worth it to get that closer view, especially if you don’t plant to do the actual Delicate Arch trail.

DOUBLE ARCH – 0.5 Mile Total – This short, very flat trail leads to two massive arches that connect at one end. In fact, one of these arches is the tallest in the park. You can climb up to the base of the upper arch for a stunning view – especially at sunset. That said, it requires a rock scramble up slick rock and a steep drop off once up at the base, so do so at your own risk.

THE WINDOWS – 1 Mile Total – This one mile trail actually takes you to three different arches: North Window, South Window and Turret Arch. The trailhead essentially shares a lot with Double Arch, so it makes a really nice combination hike. This is a relatively flat hike making it a great one for families. If you’re looking to extend this hike for some slightly different views, you can follow the primitive trail around back of the Windows. It is pretty easy and much less crowded.

COURTHOUSE WASH ROCK ART – 1 Mile Total – I would say this hike leans a little bit more on the moderate side of the easy to moderate hiking difficulty. Although the hike is technically a part of Arches, the trailhead is actually just off Highway 191. (If you’re driving to Arches from Moab it will be the first parking area on your right after crossing the Colorado River.) The trail begins on a paved footpath over Courthouse Wash. Then continue a well worn dirt path down and then up the cliff. If you stop at the sign a little ways up the trail, you’ll get a fairly decent view of the petroglyphs, but if you climb up the view is unreal, but requires a bit of a scramble. Also, remember, don’t touch the art or add any of your own. These are ancient masterpieces.

LANDSCAPE ARCH – 1.6 Miles Total – This is the longest of the arches within Arches National Park. Follow the Devil’s Garden trail to this beauty of an arch. Continuing on from here, the trail gets quite strenuous (find more info below). Also, you can find a couple of other arches along the path before this one adding under a mile to this hike.

PARK AVENUE – 2 Miles Total – This hike is near the entrance of the park. You can start it from two different parking locations as it is an out and back trail that cuts through some of the very impressive formations and rock fins in the park.

BROKEN ARCH – 2 Mile Loop – This beautiful arch gets its name from a crack that runs through it making it seem as though it is broken. However, it seems to be as secure as any of the others. You can continue through this arch to extend your hike (see below) to Tapestry Arch. Also, don’t miss out on Sand Dune Arch while you’re here – just a short spur off at the beginning of the hike.

SAND DUNE ARCH, BROKEN ARCH + TAPESTRY ARCH LOOP – 3.98 Miles Total – This basically just combines the hikes to Broken + Sand Dune and adds in a short spur to Tapestry Arch. These arches are so beautiful and when you combine the hikes, it’s wonderful to see all the formations and rock fins along the way. Plus, adding Tapestry Arch.

Moderate to Difficult Hikes

DELICATE ARCH (3 Miles Total) Delicate Arch, as I mentioned above, is undoubtedly the iconic arch. Although it’s quite a short trail, its fairly steep and up slick rock and sand and offers very little shade. Just before getting to the arch, you’ll have to travel a short distance over a somewhat narrow ledge. There is also a small window near this ledge that you can climb into and get a spectacular view of Delicate Arch. It’s very slick and requires a scramble, do so at your own risk.

TOWER ARCH (3.4 Miles Total) Tower Arch trailhead is accessed down a 4 wheel drive road that is located across from Balanced Rock. It’s a hidden arch within the Klondike Bluffs that is quite large and wide. This is one of two hikes we haven’t quite been able to visit, but that means it’s at the top of our list.

DOUBLE O ARCH (4.5 Miles Total) The hike to Double O Arch is strenuous and it also requires a bit more technical hiking as you climb up slickrock fins and will find yourself on many steep ledges and traversing up and over boulders – and then back down again. It’s so worth it, though. You’ll see many beautiful overlooks and Double O is so unique and so stunning. It’s literally two arches stacked atop each other. This is part of the Devil’s Garden Trail, and can be made longer depending on the spur trails you see along the way.

DEVIL’S GARDEN (7.2 Miles Total Including All Spur Trails) Devil’s Garden is the ultimate trail. It’s just unreal. We did about 6.5 miles of this trail, missing out on the Dark Angel and primitive trail, but even with missing out on that last bit this was our favorite trail in the park thus far. All these spur trails lead you to half a dozen arches, amazing rock fins and spectacular vantage points. This is trail we will do every single time we’re in Arches National Park.

FIERY FURNACE (Ranger Guided/Permit Use Only) This is a hike through a maze of hoodoos, canyons and other formations. Because it’s such a maze, you must enter this trail with a permit or a guided hike. We were very excited to undergo this hike, but it was unavailable due to Covid-19. I cannot wait to do this hike the next time we’re in Moab!

Hiking Equipment We Recommend

I’m all about being prepared for a hike, but especially in a desert! Because you don’t have have frequent access to water or shade and the sandstone is often quite slick and sand can be difficult to walk in, we have hiking gear that we highly recommend.

Another thing I highly recommend for hiking trips is travel insurance. We love World Nomads. Unfortunately, this is a lesson I’ve learned the hard way. Check out my post about breaking my arm while hiking here. It’s definitely something you should look into – it’s more affordable than you think!

Taking in the Beauty of the Night Sky

Although this park has always been a place to marvel at the stars and planets filling our cosmos, in 2019 Arches had the privilege of receiving its status as an International Dark Sky Park. Let me tell you it did not disappoint.

We had stellar conditions our first night in Arches and we could literally see the Milky Way from horizon to horizon with our naked eye. Matt said it perfectly when he described it as a celestial rainbow. We were lucky that our trip coincided with such good conditions – although they were quickly ruined by smoke from wild fires, but getting to experience it at least once was still magical. Here are the things you need to know before you cast your gaze upward in Arches National Park.

KNOW WHAT TO EXPECT: The ability to see the stars and Milky Way vary greatly depending on weather conditions, moon phases and time of night. Matt uses the app PhotoPills which shows him where in the sky the Milky Way will appear, info on the sun and moon phases/placement and at what time he’d get the best shots. This info is useful for stargazing in general! Also, weather will impact your ability to see the stars as well. Cloudy skies will block your view as will other issues like smoke, like I mentioned above.

BEST MOON PHASE: The New Moon is going to be the best moon phase because it creates less light so you can notice more stars and see more of the milky way.

LET YOUR EYES ADJUST + USE RED LIGHTS: It takes your eyes 20-30 minutes to really adjust to the night sky, so be patient if you don’t see them at first. Obviously, you may have to use a flashlight if you’re stargazing on a trail, but use the red light setting if your flashlight or headlamp has that setting. Otherwise, put some red plastic or fabric over it. This helps your night vision as well as that of your fellow stargazers.

Respectfully Enjoy Native American Petroglyphs

There are a couple different places in which to see Native American petroglyphs within Arches National Park. Before I mention the two specific sites in detail, there are a couple of things that you need to know before you visit these amazing, cultural sites.

DO NOT TOUCH THESE WORKS OF ART: Like many other forms of artwork, the oils on human skin break down the pigments used in these petroglyphs.
DO NOT VANDALIZE THESE HISTORIC, CULTURAL WORKS: This seems like common sense, but you would be amazed at all the etchings you’ll find throughout the park, but especially around petroglyphs. It’s infuriating and to put it simply don’t be a defacing asshole. Plus, it’s illegal! This is something NPS struggles with, like this incident in Big Bend National Park.

WOLFE RANCH ROCK ART This small panel of Ute petroglyphs is a short spur off the Delicate Arch Trail before you start the climb. This panel depicts humans on horses and big horn sheep. It’s thought to date to 1650-1850 CE meaning it’s at least 170 years old. Absolutely amazing. It’s so easy to get to these that it’s a shame to miss them.

COURTHOUSE WASH ROCK ART I briefly mentioned this panel above in reference to the hike there, but the art is absolutely the highlight here. This is a large panel alongside a bluff that spans several years and across different peoples from archaic Native American Tribes to the Puebloan and later the Utes based upon the styles adorning this panel. This unbelievable panel was tragically vandalized in 1980 destroying much of the bright colors you could originally see. The silver lining, though, is that during the restoration process they were able to find older works of petroglyphs. Still, the faded petroglyphs are a sad reminder of why it’s important not to touch or vandalize. Luckily, despite the vandalism, it’s still an incredible work well worth seeing!

Where to Stay for Your Arches National Park Visit

Arches National Park isn’t one of the parks that have luxurious or even rustic cabins and/or lodges. However, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t plenty of options available for very nearby the park as well as an opportunity within the park as well.

CAMPING INSIDE ARCHES NATIONAL PARK – There are 51 campsites within the National Park near to Devil’s Garden. These are quite rustic, though. They don’t have electricity, WiFi or even cell service. They are available for both RVs and tents. Reserve your spot in the park here.

CAMPGROUND JUST OUTSIDE OF ARCHES NATIONAL PARK – We’ve stayed at Moab Valley RV Resort and Campground multiple times. Their facilities are clean, have full hookup and other amenities like WiFi and a pool! They also have cabins if you don’t have an RV or tent.

BUDGET FRIENDLY – Looking for a hotel to stay in that is easy on the budget? The Bowen Motel clocks in at under $100/night and still has a great 8.6 rating on Booking.com.

BRINGING THE FAMILY? – We stayed in Purple Sage Flats #2 (there are a total of 8 available). Our flat had a bedroom, a bunk bed in the living room and a kitchen so we could have some meals “at home”. The flats are a quick walk from downtown, meaning we rarely got in our car in town. It’s a great home base for 2+ people.

LOOKING FOR LUXURY? – The Hoodoo Moab, Curio Collection by Hilton is a beautiful property with all the little luxurious like room service, concierge and a spectacular-looking pool. You’ll maybe be craving these luxuries after a full day of hiking.

Safety in Arches National Park

For any trip to Arches National Park, it’s important to be prepared for all sorts of things, be it weather, accidents or the heat. Here are some tips and products that are important for staying safe.

EXTREME HEAT: It can be extremely hot in Moab, especially in summer months. Just be sure that if you do go outside, bring plenty of water.
SPEAKING OF WATER: I highly recommend packing your own water bottle. Not only is it the best option for the environment, but they’re easy to refill in three locations within the park: the Visitor Center, the campground and the Devil’s Garden Trailhead. We love these water bottles.
FLASH FLOODING: Flash floods can happen out of nowhere. Don’t cross washes if they’re flooded, get out of canyons if it starts to rain and don’t stand on high cliffs if there’s lightning.
CELL PHONE SIGNAL: Don’t rely on cell service. It’s quite patchy throughout the park.
BEAR AWARENESS: Although Arches isn’t known for a large amount of bears, they do sometimes come down from the nearby mountains. Be sure to report any bear sightings to a ranger or at the visitor center.

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Arches National Park is one of those places that you leave and instantly think, ‘Wow, I was just somewhere really special!’ I hope that our Arches National Park travel guide helps you plan your own trip filled with amazing memories to last a lifetime. I hope you fall in love with this red rock beauty the way my whole family has.

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