Arches National Park
Arches National Park Reservations
Arches National Park has implemented a timed-entry pilot program to disperse visitation during the busy spring, summer and fall seasons.
When do I need an Arches reservation?
From April 1 through October 31, daytime visitors to Arches National Park are required to have a timed entry reservation to enter the park.
When do reservations open?
Reservations are released three months in advance. A limited number of next-day tickets are also released nightly. For more information on how to reserve an entry ticket, visit go.nps.gov/archesticket.
What if I don’t get a reservation?
Visitors without a timed entry ticket may enter the park before 7 a.m. or after 4 p.m. Walking, biking or hiking into the park? You don’t need a reservation, but you still need to pay the park entrance fee at the entrance station.
Things To Do in Arches
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Camping
Start your day with the best access to the park’s hiking trails and viewpoints, then wind down as the sun sets behind arches and rock formations. Arches National Park has a single campground within the park, and plenty more camping options nearby.
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Hiking
Hike the world-famous Delicate Arch trail, see three separate arches on the Windows Primitive Loop, or simply soak in one of the many awe-inspiring viewpoints. No matter how you hike, Arches National Park has trails you just can’t miss.
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Photography
As home to some of the most famous natural formations in the world, the park will have you reaching for your camera at every stop. Explore can’t-miss photo op’s, when conditions are best, and much more.
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Stargazing
After the sun sets and the sandstone has cooled you can see countless stars set against a pitch black night sky. See the night sky like you may never have before after dark in Arches National Park.
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Tours
It took millions of years for the park’s arches, hoodoos, towers and fins to take form. Explore the most popular destinations in the park and learn about how they were formed with a guided tour. Stop by the visitor center to learn more about ranger-led programs. Commercial tours within the park are also available from authorized, local outfitters: Adrift Adventures, NAVTEC Expeditions and Moab Scenic Adventures.
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Winter Activities
Arches National Park is internationally known for its namesake arches and stunning red rock scenery. Winter is the park’s quietest season and a perfect time to see the fiery red arches with a soft dusting of white snow. Skip the crowded peak season and embrace a quiet winter hike or scenic drive.
Start Planning
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How to Visit Arches
Arches National Park is a red rock paradise — and also a very popular destination. Discover tips for how to visit responsibly and maximize your enjoyment.
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Things To Do In Arches National Park
Arches National Park is a vast playground for the adventurous, where everyone can find an unforgettable experience.
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When Is The Best Time To Visit Moab?
Wondering when you can have more of Moab’s scenery to yourself? Find the best timing and destinations to avoid crowds on your next Moab trip.
Weather and Elevation
You’ll typically encounter 65° to 85° F temperatures in the spring and fall, often deep into November. Arches National Park's elevation ranges from 4,000 feet to 5,600 feet, so nights can be as much as 30 degrees cooler.
Southeastern Utah gets hot in the summer, and daytime temperatures can exceed 100° F. You can beat the heat by planning ahead and carrying sunscreen and extra water. During the summer, consider exploring in the early morning hours, or after the sun has gone down.
Cooler seasons are highly recommended in order to avoid crowds. In winter, enjoy iconic landmarks in solitude. You may need poles and shoe spikes to navigate icy or snowy trails.Getting to Arches
Salt Lake City to Moab
A road trip from Salt Lake City to Moab takes just under 4 hours. Most of it is highway, starting with interstates through Salt Lake City and Provo, then on to 2-lane byways through smaller towns including Springville, Spanish Fork and Green River.
Las Vegas to Moab
A road trip from Las Vegas, Nevada, to Moab, Utah, takes about 6.5 hours. The route passes through the bustling Utah towns of St. George and Cedar City.
Zion National Park to Arches National Park
Many travelers want to combine a visit to Arches with a visit to Zion National Park. This makes sense considering they are Utah’s two most popular national parks. Starting in Springdale — the main entrance to Zion National Park — expect about a five-hour road trip to Moab.
Want to visit all five of Utah's national parks? Try The Mighty 5: Ultimate Journey.