Getting to Arches
The gateway to Arches National Park is the charming town of Moab, located in southeastern Utah. Moab is easily accessible, with its own small airport,
Canyonlands Field Airport (CNY), or by flying into the larger Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) and enjoying a scenic approximately 230-mile drive. For the most freedom to explore, renting a car is highly recommended, as there are no shuttle services within the park. Alternatively, local outfitters can arrange tours, or you can opt for bike or e-bike rentals. Arches also pairs wonderfully with a visit to the nearby Canyonlands National Park, just about 26 miles west, making for a comprehensive exploration of Utah's natural wonders.
Planning Your Visit
Arches National Park is accessible 24 hours a day, year-round, but be prepared for peak visitor numbers between March and October. To avoid the largest crowds and secure parking, the National Park Service advises arriving either very early in the morning, before 8 a.m., or later in the afternoon, after 3 p.m. The desert climate demands attention to hydration; drinking plenty of water is crucial. To help your body retain fluids, carrying salty snacks is a good strategy. It's also important to be aware that wildfire season in southern Utah typically spans from summer into fall. While fires are usually contained locally, exercising caution during this period is essential for protecting the delicate desert environment.
Best Seasons to Explore
The most popular times to experience Arches National Park are from March through late October, when the weather is generally more favorable for outdoor activities. However, summer can bring intense heat, with midday temperatures frequently exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit. If visiting in July or August, plan your adventures for the cooler hours of sunrise and sunset, or even consider evening ranger-led stargazing tours. Spring and autumn offer a delightful reprieve with milder temperatures and significantly fewer visitors, creating a more serene and intimate encounter with the landscape. Winter, though chilly with highs between 30 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit, offers a unique opportunity for solitude. While park services are reduced and ranger programs may not be available, you can enjoy Arches without the crowds. The main considerations for winter visits are potential trail hazards from ice and the possibility of temporary road closures due to heavy snowfall.
Must-Do Activities
Arches National Park offers a diverse range of activities to suit every visitor. Hiking is paramount, with over 40 trails leading you directly beneath and around the park's majestic sandstone formations. Options range from easy strolls to challenging multi-day backpacking trips for the well-prepared. The park is a certified International Dark Sky Park, promising breathtaking stargazing opportunities. Find a quiet spot, perhaps near Double Arch, and witness the celestial display above the ancient rocks. The 18-mile Arches Scenic Drive is a highlight in itself, winding past iconic features like Balanced Rock and leading to trailheads for many arches. Biking and e-biking are permitted on all park roads, offering an active way to sightsee. For the adventurous, canyoneering excursions, either independently with proper gear or with guided tours, provide an off-the-beaten-path experience. Finally, don't forget to pack a picnic; enjoying a meal amidst the stunning desert scenery, particularly in areas like Devils Garden, is a truly restorative experience.
Iconic Hikes to Experience
Within Arches National Park, several hikes stand out for their accessibility and spectacular views of the park's namesake formations. Delicate Arch, arguably the park's most iconic, offers a rewarding 3-mile round-trip journey with a moderate 530-foot elevation gain, culminating in a close-up view of the freestanding 46-foot arch, particularly stunning at sunrise. For a different perspective, the Lower and Upper Delicate Arch Viewpoints offer easier access, though the Upper viewpoint involves stairs for a better vantage point. The Devils Garden area is another must-visit, boasting a network of trails that lead to various arches and fins. The relatively flat 1.8-mile round-trip path to Landscape Arch is a popular choice, while the more challenging 4-mile round-trip to Double O Arch involves scrambling and steeper terrain. Further along the scenic drive, The Windows Section provides easy access to North and South Window arches via a short loop, and the nearby Double Arch trail allows for awe-inspiring views from beneath its massive span.
Accommodation and Dining
While the town of Moab offers numerous lodging and dining options, staying within or very near the park enhances the Arches experience. Devils Garden Campground, the only campground inside Arches, provides a unique opportunity to sleep among the sandstone formations, requiring reservations from March to October. For a luxurious escape, Ulum Moab, a glamping resort situated 25 minutes south of Moab, offers upscale safari tents and fine dining, along with on-site activities. Slackline Moab, part of the Outset Collection by Hilton, is conveniently located less than a 10-minute drive from the park entrance and provides a range of accommodations, from hotel rooms to RV spots, complete with amenities like an equipment shop and pool. When it comes to dining in Moab, 98 Center Moab offers Vietnamese fusion cuisine, Moab Diner serves classic comfort food, and Moab Coffee Roaster is the spot for expertly roasted coffee and breakfast bites. These options provide delicious fuel for your desert adventures.
