Every national park is unique because of this, no two national park experiences are the same. After multiple visits, we’ve come up with a list things to know before visiting Arches National Park that we believe would be helpful to first-time explorers. Check out all you need to know about exploring this beautiful national park located on the outskirts of Moab, Utah.
Arches National Park Requires a Timed Entry Permit
Arches National Park implemented a timed entry program during peak season (April 1st to October 31st) from the hours of 7am to 4pm. If you don’t manage to snag one of these timed entry slots, you can still enter the park before 7am or after 4pm. Just know, you will be turned away at the entry station if you don’t have a timed entry.
Basic Entry Fee, Hours and Permit Requirements
Cost to enter Arches National Park is $30 for vehicles with up to 15 passengers (non-commercial), $25 for motorcycles and $15 for individuals on bike or on foot. Each of these entry passes are valid for seven days. If you visit multiple parks per year, we highly recommend the America the Beautiful National Park Pass for $80.
As far as entry hours, Arches National Park itself is open 24/7. However, the visitor center hours vary by season.
Permit requirements, other than timed entry, are only needed for backcountry camping, canyoneering or doing the Fiery Furnace Hike. They’re also recommended for rock climbing.
Arches National Park is an International Dark Sky Park
We love stargazing, and especially love to see the Milky Way. If you’re also into that, you’re in luck because Arches National Park is an International Dark Sky Park! If you are interested in stargazing in the park, we recommend getting a red light headlamp or a red light flashlight, a camp chair of some sort and a tripod if you’re looking to take photos. Also, read up on the dark sky etiquette so you don’t ruin others’ experience – the red lights are a huge part of that.
It Gets Really, Really Hot in the Summer
Temperatures in the summer often are over 100. I know that everyone says it’s a “dry heat”, and while that is true, it’s still extremely hot and that heat can zap the energy out of you. In fact, it can be straight up dangerous to be out in the summer in Arches for too long or with not enough preparation. There is very little respite from the sun in general. So definitely be prepared with eye protection, sunscreen and a sunhat.
But It Can Also Get Really Cold in the Winter
Arches is located in the high desert of the Colorado Plateau, which means that in the winter it can get seriously cold. Snow can even fall in Moab. I’ve not been during snowy conditions, but I’ve heard that trails can become quite slippery when icy or snowy.
This Park is Best Seen On Foot, But is Beautiful From the Car
There are some parks that are really beautiful and you can see a lot of the highlights right from your car (I’m looking at you Yosemite) but while Arches is a really beautiful park, even to drive through, I think that Arches is a park best seen on foot. Only hiking trails can take you to some of the best views and arches in the park like Delicate Arch, Devil’s Garden and Broken Arch! If you’re just looking to drive through it, you’ll only need a day there.
But A Lot of the Hikes Are Easy and Not High Mileage
There are several stunning trails that are very easy and take you to some beautiful views in the park. Don’t have it in you to do the hike to Delicate Arch? There are also two viewpoints (they’re pretty far away from it, but you’d get to see the famous arch). In fact, we have a post on all three ways to see Delicate Arch HERE. The Windows and Double Arch are easy to hike too, as is Sand Dune Arch and Broken Arch. So, don’t feel like you have to do a moderate or difficult hike to see something amazing.
Dogs Aren’t Allowed On Trails
Dogs, and other pets, aren’t permitted on trails: whether they’re unleashed, leashed or carried. So, be sure to leave your furry best friend at home or in an air conditioned, safe place in town. Know that dogs aren’t allowed to be left in the cars because it can be incredibly unsafe for them.
Gear We Recommend for Arches National Park
STAY HYDRATED: The number one hiking rule in the desert is water is a must. We personally love these 32 ounce widemouth Nalgene bottles because they’re easy to clean and also fit into the bottle-holder pouch of every backpack I’ve ever bought including my Osprey Daylite (I describe it more below).
PROPER FOOTWEAR: Hiking definitely requires proper footwear, and especially on sandy or slick rock surfaces. My two favorite shoes for hiking in Moab are my teva sandals. I wore the Tirra style the most here because I felt like sand didn’t get trapped in there as much as the hurricanes. If I’m wearing closed-toe shoes, though, I’m in my Merrell hiking boots. I love these boots so much. Also, I think these Merrell hiking socks are the best socks I’ve ever put on my feet. Matt has also become a obsessed with these socks for hiking!
A DAYPACK: A well-fitting daypack that’s the appropriate size for the adventure you’re about to go on is so important. I love my Osprey Daylite because it fits me super well, it’s perfect for day hikes. I like that it’s on the small side because it means that I won’t overstuff it, but it’s also big enough for all my needs. I also like to keep a hat in or tied to my pack. I love a simple dad hat – this is my favorite – and Matt loves his this Columbia sunhat.
WHAT’S IN MY DAYPACK? On a day of adventure you’ll find a water bottle or two, snacks (my go-to’s are beef jerky, peanut butter and honey crackers, granola bars, peanut M&Ms, and fresh fruit), a reusable stasher bag for all my trash and some sort of layer – rain jacket, flannel or jacket.
NEED A PLACE TO KEEP YOUR MEMORIES? I wrote a national park journal with fun facts and tips for visiting each of the 63 Parks. I love that I get to fill this out with my family as we travel across the country
CARRYING KIDS ON A HIKE? We cannot recommend the Deuter Kid Comfort Carrier enough for little ones who can independently sit up. However, if your baby is too young for a Deuter, we loved our LILLEBaby carrier.
I hope that these things help you with planning and executing your perfect trip to Arches National Park. This is one of my very favorite places on the planet – so get out there, explore and make the very best memories!
Did You Enjoy This Post? PIN IT So Others Can Too!
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a reservation with Booking.com, a travel insurance policy with World Nomads or a purchase with Amazon through For the Love of Wanderlust, you will help me stay on the road + keep my site running at no additional cost for you.
Be sure to read the terms + conditions of these sites when booking or purchasing!
No Comments