Arches National Park is in eastern Utah near the town of Moab

Arches National Park sits just outside Moab, Utah, about 240 miles southeast of Salt Lake City. The park covers 76,519 acres and is known for its natural stone arches — more than 2,000 of them — along with red rock formations, canyons, and desert landscape. The most famous arch is Delicate Arch, which appears on Utah license plates and is visible from a 3-mile hiking trail.

The park is open year-round, though summer temperatures regularly exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit and winter snow can close some roads. Spring and fall are the most popular seasons because temperatures are moderate. The park sits at elevation between 4,000 and 5,600 feet, so the air is drier than lower deserts but still hot during the day.

Key Takeaways

  • Arches National Park charges a vehicle entrance fee of $30 per car, valid for seven days, with discounts available for annual passes and America the Beautiful passes.
  • Delicate Arch requires a 3-mile round-trip hike with no shade, so bring at least two liters of water per person and start early to avoid afternoon heat.
  • The park has one paved scenic drive (Arches Scenic Drive) that takes about an hour and provides access to many trailheads without strenuous hiking.
  • There is no lodging inside the park, so visitors stay in Moab, which has hotels, campgrounds, and restaurants within 5 miles of the entrance.
  • Cell service is unreliable throughout the park, so read offline maps before you arrive and carry printed directions if you plan to hike remote trails.

How to pay the entrance fee and what it covers

The entrance fee is $30 per vehicle (car, truck, or RV), $25 per motorcycle, or $15 per person on foot or bicycle. The fee is valid for seven consecutive days from the date of purchase. You can pay at the entrance station with cash or card, or purchase a pass online through recreation.gov before you arrive.

The fee covers parking at all trailheads and access to the scenic drive. It does not include camping — the park has no campgrounds, but the Bureau of Land Management operates several campgrounds nearby, and private campgrounds are in Moab. An America the Beautiful Annual Pass ($80) covers entrance to all national parks for one year. A Utah Parks Pass ($125) covers entrance to all Utah state parks but not national parks.

The Arches Scenic Drive and what you can see without hiking

The main paved road through the park is the Arches Scenic Drive, a 13-mile one-way route that starts at the visitor center and ends at Devil's Garden Campground. The drive takes about one hour without stops and provides views of major formations including Park Avenue, Balanced Rock, and Windows Section. Pullouts and short walks (under one mile) are scattered along the drive, so you can see significant features without committing to a full hike.

Balanced Rock is visible from a 0.3-mile loop trail. Windows Section has a 1-mile loop that passes through two large arches. Skyline Arch can be seen from a 0.4-mile walk. These short routes are suitable for families with young children or visitors with limited mobility, though there is no shade and the sun exposure is intense even on short walks.

Popular hikes and what to expect on each one

Delicate Arch is the most visited trail in the park. The hike is 3 miles round-trip with 480 feet of elevation gain, taking most people 1.5 to 2 hours. The trail is exposed with no shade, and the final approach crosses slickrock (smooth red stone) that becomes extremely hot in direct sun. There is no water on the trail, so bring at least two liters per person. The arch itself is 65 feet tall and 52 feet wide. The trailhead fills by mid-morning in peak season, so arrive before 8 a.m. or plan to hike in late afternoon.

Devil's Garden Trail is a 7.2-mile round-trip hike that passes seven arches, including Landscape Arch (the longest arch in North America at 306 feet). The full hike takes 3 to 4 hours and includes steep slickrock sections. A shorter version to Landscape Arch alone is 2.6 miles round-trip and takes about 1.5 hours. This trail also has no water and limited shade.

Tower Arch is a less crowded option, a 3.4-mile round-trip hike that takes about 2 hours. The trail passes through pinyon-juniper forest with some shade and ends at a 92-foot arch. This route is less trafficked than Delicate Arch and offers a quieter experience, though it is also less developed and has no facilities at the trailhead.

What to bring and how to prepare for the desert environment

Water is the most critical item. The park has no water sources on any trail, and the dry air causes dehydration faster than you may realize. Bring at least two liters per person for short hikes (under 2 miles) and three to four liters for longer hikes. Electrolyte tablets or sports drinks help replace minerals lost through sweat. A wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) are essential — the sun reflects off red rock and intensifies exposure.

Wear sturdy hiking boots or shoes with good grip, as slickrock is smooth and can be slippery when wet or dusty. Lightweight, light-colored clothing that covers your arms and legs reduces sun exposure. Start hikes early in the morning to avoid the hottest part of the day and to find parking. read offline maps on your phone or carry printed maps from the visitor center, since cell service is spotty throughout the park.

Where to stay and eat near the park

Moab is the nearest town with lodging, restaurants, and services, located 5 miles from the park entrance. Hotels range from budget chains to upscale resorts. The Moab Valley Inn, Sorrel River Ranch, and Gonzo Inn are popular options, though prices vary by season. Moab also has several bed-and-breakfasts and vacation rental homes available through booking platforms.

Campgrounds near the park include Dead Horse Point State Park (32 miles away), Canyonlands National Park (40 miles away), and private RV parks in Moab. The closest private campground is Moab Valley RV Resort, about 2 miles from the park entrance. Moab has restaurants ranging from casual diners to fine dining, with options for pizza, Mexican food, burgers, and vegetarian meals. Grocery stores and gas stations are in Moab; there are no services inside the park.

When to visit and how weather affects access

Spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) have the most comfortable temperatures, typically 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit during the day. These seasons are also the busiest, with parking at popular trailheads filling by mid-morning. Summer (June to August) brings temperatures above 100 degrees, making midday hiking dangerous. Winter (December to February) is mild during the day (40 to 50 degrees) but can include snow that closes some roads and trails temporarily.

Heavy rain is rare but can occur in late summer and early fall, causing flash floods in narrow canyons. Check the National Park Service website for current conditions before you visit. The park is open 24 hours, so you can visit at sunrise or sunset to avoid peak crowds and extreme heat, though you will need a headlamp or flashlight for early morning or evening hikes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation to visit Arches National Park?

No reservation is required to enter the park or hike the trails. However, parking at popular trailheads like Delicate Arch fills quickly in peak season, so arriving early (before 8 a.m.) increases your chances of finding a spot. The park does not limit daily visitors or require advance entry permits.

Can I bring my dog to Arches?

Dogs are allowed in the park but only on paved areas and roads. They are not permitted on any hiking trails. Dogs must be leashed at all times. The heat and lack of water make hiking difficult for dogs anyway, so leaving your pet in air-conditioned lodging is usually the better choice.

How long should I plan to spend in the park?

A full day allows you to drive the scenic drive, visit several pullouts, and complete one or two moderate hikes. If you want to hike Delicate Arch and Devil's Garden, plan for a full day. A weekend visit lets you explore at a relaxed pace and hike multiple trails without rushing. Many visitors spend one to three days in the area.

Is there cell service in the park?

Cell service is unreliable and spotty throughout the park. Some areas near the visitor center and main roads have weak signals, but trails and remote areas have no coverage. read offline maps on your phone before you arrive, and carry a printed map from the visitor center as backup.

What is the best time of day to see Delicate Arch?

Sunrise and sunset produce the most dramatic lighting, with the arch glowing orange or red. However, these times require a headlamp and are more challenging for less experienced hikers. Midday provides the clearest visibility but the most intense sun exposure. Late afternoon (after 3 p.m.) offers a balance of good light and lower temperatures, though you will be hiking in the heat of the day.