Of the 31 National Parks I have traveled to, Arches will forever be one of my favorites. In fact, after my first visit to Arches in 2013, I have been back on four more trips, and I still would go back again! I could go on and on about the many reasons I love Arches and what draws me back every time. For today, I will stick to the things to know before visiting Arches National Park for the first time, all based on my personal experiences in the park.
*The outdoors is for everyone, but it is up to us to protect it. When enjoying the outdoors, it’s important to practice the Leave No Trace Principles so that we can leave the environment better than we found it and ensure that everyone can continue to enjoy it. Learn more about Leave No Trace here.
Over the years, Arches National Park has seen a drastic increase in visitation numbers. To provide a better experience, the park implemented a timed entry system in 2022. So if you are planning on visiting Arches National Park from April 1st – October 31st (in 2023), visitors entering the park in a vehicle will need a timed entry ticket, which can be obtained here. Visitors will still need to pay the park entrance fee of $30 per vehicle or show a valid park pass. However, Timed Entry Tickets are not required if you plan on entering the park before or after booth operational hours- 7 am-4 pm.
Arches National Park is open year-round. Each season brings different benefits and challenges. The park is busiest from mid-March through mid-October, and holidays like Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day are some of the most popular days to visit the park.
If you are planning a trip to Arches in Fall, get ready for a unique experience full of surprises! Early in the season, the scorching summer heat starts to fade away, and the weather becomes milder and much more enjoyable. However, there may still be some crowds, and an entry reservation is required through October 31st. Late fall can be the perfect time to explore the park with fewer people. You can take your time admiring the stunning views and enjoying all the activities without the usual hustle and bustle that the heavy tourist season brings. But beware, as winter starts to sneak in, you might encounter colder temperatures, rain, and even some snow. But don’t let that stop you from having an amazing adventure! The usual trade-off for nice weather is a more crowded park, but during transitional seasons you can still find some warm days and quieter trails.
September: avg. high – 88°, avg. low – 55°
October: avg. high 74°, avg. low – 42°
November: avg. high 56°, avg. low – 30°
A winter visit to Arches is full of opportunities and adventure. Occasional snow can add another layer of interest to the already unique landscapes. You do not need a reservation in the winter months, and visitor numbers drop, creating a much more solitary and peaceful experience. It gets cold here in the winter, so careful planning for outdoor activities is critical to ensure a safe and comfortable experience (winter hiking guide coming soon).
December: avg. high – 45°, avg. low – 23°
January: avg. high – 44°, avg. low – 22°
February: avg. high – 52°, avg. low – 28°
Spring is my favorite time of year to visit Arches. The desert is a perfect escape, especially for those coming from snowy states. I spent most of my life in Colorado or Montana, and would always visit the desert during this time of year to get away from the unpredictable weather that spring brings to the mountains. It was my favorite trip of the year and every spring, I still get the itch.
From my experience, early to mid-march is the best time of year to visit Arches. However, weather this time of year can be unpredictable. On two of my spring trips, we had warm and sunny days. However, another of my spring visits brought more undesirable weather*. But that’s just part of the adventure! The possibility of gorgeous spring days and a far less crowded park is well worth the risk, in my opinion. Although the reservation system was not in place on any of my spring trips, timed entry tickets are not required until April 1st (2023), making a March visit even more appealing.
March: Avg. high – 64°, avg. low – 35°
April: Avg. high – 71°, avg. low – 42°
May: Avg. high – 82°, avg. low – 51°
*During one of my early spring trips, we encountered several short but intense rain and thunderstorms. The closer you visit at the end of March and the beginning of April, the higher the likelihood you will have a similar experience. However, these storms are quick and often come in the late afternoon, so we enjoyed beautiful hiking weather all day and only had these storms roll through when we were back at camp for the evening. Also, be aware that late March means visitor numbers start to pick up again and only continue to grow as the season progresses.
Although a summer visit will promise sunshine, it comes with crowds and intense desert heat. Since this is the most popular time of year Arches, a reservation is also necessary for entry during regular hours. However, you can enter the park before 7 am and after 4 pm without a reservation. Although, I recommend going even earlier because parking lots can fill by 7:30 am. Along with ensuring a parking space, getting out early also provides ideal hiking conditions, as temperatures are much more favorable earlier in the morning. Doing this will help avoid heat stroke, a serious risk when hiking in 100-degree heat. Arriving early is also the best way to avoid crowds. If evading extreme temperatures and people aren’t convincing enough, hiking through Arches at sunrise is absolutely magical! Watching the desert come to life with all the warmth and colors of the rising sun is a life-changing experience. Surely, you will forget all about the effort of waking up early!
June: Avg. high – 93°, avg. low – 60°
July: Avg. high – 100°, avg. low – 67°
August: Avg. high – 97°, avg. low – 66°
There are many ways and places to stay around Arches National Park. This area is loaded with paid and free camping. There are also many glamping options, hotels in Moab, and many unique Airbnbs nearby. How you want to stay goes hand in hand with what time of year you want to visit – some options are better than others depending on the season. Hotels, Airbnbs, and glamping options are reliable year-round, but for those who enjoy a more rugged stay, camping in the desert is, without question, my favorite way to stay when I visit.
Arches National Park has one in-park campground called the Devils Garden Campground. Tent spots and RV spots are reservable between March 1st and October 31st, and from November to February, campsites are first-come, first-serve.
I have also stayed at Goose Island Campground, which is a seven-minute drive from the park entrance. Although you might have good luck with nearby campgrounds in late fall, winter, and early spring, know that during the busy season, you will need a reservation for pretty much any campground close to Arches. If you’re lucky, campgrounds that are first-come, first-serve can work out, but it’s super important to have a backup plan in case nothing is available, which is likely during the busy season. So if you want to stay in a campground, plan well in advance or brave the cold, bring some extra firewood, and go during the offseason.
Outside of campgrounds, this area has tons of other camping options- if you know where to look. Most won’t be as close to Arches National Park or town as some campgrounds, but finding quiet and solitude is much more of a possibility. Deciding where to camp often comes with many trade-offs – camping closer to areas of interest means fewer options and more crowds, while quieter and more peaceful spots require more distance and effort to discover*. There are great apps like iOverlander and The Dyrt that list recorded campsites from others who have stayed before, making finding something easier than aimlessly driving around searching.
Whenever I visit Arches National Park, I always camp on Willow Springs Road. This area is in a great location, as it is only a ten-minute drive to the park. However, it has become way more popular over the years, and every time I return, it seems there are fewer and fewer open spots. It is also centrally located to many offroading hotspots, so expect lots of motor noise. I still love Willow Springs Road and have discovered if you have a high clearance 4WD vehicle, it is the gateway to some super fun and lesser-known areas (guide coming soon).
*Be aware that many dispersed camping areas, although not all, can require a high clearance, 4WD vehicle to get to. iOverlander and The Dyrt often have people who include what kind of vehicle they took in their reviews of spots, so this can be a helpful tool. However, I recommend bringing a vehicle that can handle surprises without question. This is especially important in the busy season when finding a dispersed spot can sometimes be challenging- having a vehicle that can cover bumpy roads can lead to finding a spot that others cannot access.
Arches National Park offers a lot of ways to explore. With many hiking, advanced hiking, backpacking, biking, horseback riding, offroading, climbing, and canyoneering options, there is an activity for every adventurer. Yet again, the time of year and weather plays an important role in what kinds of activities are safe to try, so be sure to plan accordingly.
Of the countless hiking trails I have completed, Arches is home to some of the best, in my opinion. This park has so much to offer for hiking. Check out my Arches National Park Hiking Guide (coming soon) for full trail details, but if you are just looking for the basics of what you should know when visiting Arches National Park for the first time, here is a quick rundown.
Delicate Arch is the most popular hike in the park and one of the most iconic sights in the country. This trail is busy at all hours during the busy season, from mid-day to sunset. It is three miles round trip, gains 538 feet of elevation, crosses open slickrock with no shade, and is estimated to take around 2-3 hours.
There are some popular, really short hikes in the Windows Section of the Park. Double Arch, North Window, South Window, and Turret Arch are all found here.
Sandstone Arch, the Fiery Furnace, and Devils Garden Trail are slightly less crowded, personal favorites of mine, which you can read more about in my hiking guide (coming soon).
Arches is home to incredible landscapes- they are also very delicate. When hiking in the park, it is so important to stay on designated trails, rock, or sandy washes (where water flows when it rains). Doing this helps protect important biological soil crusts that exist in the park. Essentially, the crust is an extremely fragile but vital part of the ecosystem in Arches National Park and surrounding areas.
Although backpacking is an option in Arches National Park, it is super limited. There are only four designated backcountry campsites in the park. Backcountry campsites require a permit. These can be issued from the Backcountry Permit Office (which is not the same as the Arches Visitor Center) up to seven days before the trip start date. Permits are limited to seven people per group and three nights per campsite. They cost $7 per person. Although I love backpacking, I have always found car camping and taking day trips to the park to be an excellent way of visiting. Doing this allows some protection from harsh or unpredictable weather conditions during parts of the year.
As an alternative to taking a car, you can bike through Arches National Park! Bikes are allowed on all paved and unpaved roads but not on trails. Some things to keep in mind when planning to bike are weather, time of year, and crowds. During peak season, roads get congested, and there are a lot of distracted drivers looking more at the scenery than at the road… I recommend biking during a less busy time of year or early morning in the peak season to avoid potential accidents.
If you love horseback riding, by all means, I encourage you to explore this opportunity. However, I think it is not the best way to see the park. Riding terrain is limited to specific areas of the park, all of which you can explore by foot, bike, or car, so it’s not like these areas are unique to just horse traffic. If you’d like to learn more about horseback riding rules and restrictions in Arches National Park, check out this guide on the National Park Service website.
Arches National Park has many miles of backcountry roads and offroading terrain. However, when I say offroading, in this context, I mean that the road is unpaved and requires a high clearance, 4WD vehicle to access* (ATV, UTV, and OHV use is prohibited in the park, and all vehicles must stay on designated park roads to protect and preserve the delicate surrounding landscape). Some areas you can access from these backcountry roads include Marching Men, Tower Arch, and Eye of the Whale Arch. If you want to visit all three, the Park Service recommends taking Salt Valley Road out to the 4WD road and driving it North to South because some areas have soft sand and steep grade that can be difficult to pass when attempting to travel in the opposite direction. However, if you only want to visit Eye of the Whale Arch, I have started south and made it with no issue in my Jeep Patriot (I also have tires with good traction).
*These advanced roads will always be labeled on a map and have a sign at the start indicating vehicle requirements, so there is no need to worry about accidentally ending up on one of these roads. However, these requirements are in place for a reason. Backcountry roads can be intimidating for people with little to no experience driving off the beaten path. If you or your vehicle are not equipped to handle roads like these, you should consider another way to explore these areas. Many local companies in Moab offer 4×4 tours, so that could be a better solution.
I don’t remember who told me about Eye of the Whale Arch, but it has become a staple place I see every visit. It is also where I bring friends when I introduce them to this area for the first time. Once you get to the arch, the adventure turns from offroading to advanced hiking because you can further explore this area and scramble around the red rocks. However, I label this as advanced hiking not only for the lack of trail and the necessity of rock scrambling but also for the knowledge required to explore safely and not damage fragile areas. If you are interested in this area, read my guide to visiting Eye of the Whale Arch (coming soon).
The adventure continues with the incredible rock climbing opportunities in Arches National Park! Although my knowledge of climbing in the park is limited, if you are interested in climbing here, the National Park Service has an extremely thorough guide with everything you need to know about making that dream a reality. However, the park does not allow guided rock climbing, so this may only be an opportunity for people with existing gear, knowledge, and experience.
Like rock climbing in Arches National Park, this way of exploring is also only an option if you are equipped with gear and prior experience because commercial, guided canyoneering is not allowed in the park. But if you do have the gear, knowledge, and experience, this could be an incredible opportunity to see the Arches in a way that very few people get to. The Park Service has published this canyoneering guide for all information regarding canyoneering trips.
There are many things to know before visiting Arches National Park. Most important is knowing how seasons differ with weather and visitor numbers- this will dictate how you plan your visit. There are many accommodation options in the area, but weather and peak visitor season greatly impact how available these options are. Activities are abundant in the park, but your experience with these activities is also seasonally dependent.
At the end of the day, here’s how I recommend visiting Arches National Park for the first time. If your priority is to avoid crowds, winter is your best option. If warm weather to support your activities is what you’re searching for, go sometime mid to late spring, when it’s warm but not dangerously hot like in summer. If you want the best of both, go in early to mid-March- this is before the busy season starts and warm days still come around. Find the accommodation type that best suits you- my favorite is camping on Willow Springs Road. As for exploring the park, Arches has some of the best hiking I have ever done so I would recommend hiking as your primary activity.
Arches is really such an incredible National Park that no matter when or how you choose to visit, you can always expect a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
Over the years, Arches National Park has seen a drastic increase in visitation numbers. To provide a better experience, the park implemented a timed entry system in 2022. So if you are planning on visiting Arches National Park from April 1st – October 31st (in 2023), visitors entering the park in a vehicle will need a timed entry ticket, which can be obtained here. Visitors will still need to pay the park entrance fee of $30 per vehicle or show a valid park pass. However, Timed Entry Tickets are not required if you plan on entering the park before or after booth operational hours- 7 am-4 pm.
Of the 31 National Parks I have traveled to, Arches will forever be one of my favorites. In fact, after my first visit to Arches in 2013, I have been back on four more trips, and I still would go back again! I could go on and on about the many reasons I love Arches and what draws me back every time. For today, I will stick to the things to know before visiting Arches National Park for the first time, all based on my personal experiences in the park.
*The outdoors is for everyone, but it is up to us to protect it. When enjoying the outdoors, it’s important to practice the Leave No Trace Principles so that we can leave the environment better than we found it and ensure that everyone can continue to enjoy it. Learn more about Leave No Trace here.
Spring is my favorite time of year to visit Arches. The desert is a perfect escape, especially for those coming from snowy states. I spent most of my life in Colorado or Montana, and would always visit the desert during this time of year to get away from the unpredictable weather that spring brings to the mountains. It was my favorite trip of the year and every spring, I still get the itch.
From my experience, early to mid-march is the best time of year to visit Arches. However, weather this time of year can be unpredictable. On two of my spring trips, we had warm and sunny days. However, another of my spring visits brought more undesirable weather*. But that’s just part of the adventure! The possibility of gorgeous spring days and a far less crowded park is well worth the risk, in my opinion. Although the reservation system was not in place on any of my spring trips, timed entry tickets are not required until April 1st (2023), making a March visit even more appealing.
March: Avg. high – 64°, avg. low – 35°
April: Avg. high – 71°, avg. low – 42°
May: Avg. high – 82°, avg. low – 51°
Although a summer visit will promise sunshine, it comes with crowds and intense desert heat. Since this is the most popular time of year Arches, a reservation is also necessary for entry during regular hours. However, you can enter the park before 7 am and after 4 pm without a reservation. Although, I recommend going even earlier because parking lots can fill by 7:30 am. Along with ensuring a parking space, getting out early also provides ideal hiking conditions, as temperatures are much more favorable earlier in the morning. Doing this will help avoid heat stroke, a serious risk when hiking in 100-degree heat. Arriving early is also the best way to avoid crowds. If evading extreme temperatures and people aren’t convincing enough, hiking through Arches at sunrise is absolutely magical! Watching the desert come to life with all the warmth and colors of the rising sun is a life-changing experience. Surely, you will forget all about the effort of waking up early!
June: Avg. high – 93°, avg. low – 60°
July: Avg. high – 100°, avg. low – 67°
August: Avg. high – 97°, avg. low – 66°
There are many ways and places to stay around Arches National Park. This area is loaded with paid and free camping. There are also many glamping options, hotels in Moab, and many unique Airbnbs nearby. How you want to stay goes hand in hand with what time of year you want to visit – some options are better than others depending on the season. Hotels, Airbnbs, and glamping options are reliable year-round, but for those who enjoy a more rugged stay, camping in the desert is, without question, my favorite way to stay when I visit.
Arches National Park has one in-park campground called the Devils Garden Campground. Spots are reservable between March 1st and October 31st, and from November to February, campsites are first-come, first-serve.
I have also stayed at Goose Island Campground, which is a seven-minute drive from the park entrance. Although you might have good luck with nearby campgrounds in late fall, winter, and early spring, know that during the busy season, you will need a reservation for pretty much any campground close to Arches. If you’re lucky, campgrounds that are first-come, first-serve can work out, but it’s super important to have a backup plan in case nothing is available, which is likely during the busy season. So if you want to stay in a campground, plan well in advance or brave the cold, bring some extra firewood, and go during the offseason.
Outside of campgrounds, this area has tons of other camping options- if you know where to look. Most won’t be as close to Arches National Park or town as some campgrounds, but finding quiet and solitude is much more of a possibility. Deciding where to camp often comes with many trade-offs – camping closer to areas of interest means fewer options and more crowds, while quieter and more peaceful spots require more distance and effort to discover*. There are great apps like iOverlander and The Dyrt that list recorded campsites from others who have stayed before, making finding something easier than aimlessly driving around searching.
Whenever I visit Arches National Park, I always camp on Willow Springs Road. This area is in a great location, as it is only a ten-minute drive to the park. However, it has become way more popular over the years, and every time I return, it seems there are fewer and fewer open spots. It is also centrally located to many offroading hotspots, so expect lots of motor noise. I still love Willow Springs Road and have discovered if you have a high clearance 4WD vehicle, it is the gateway to some super fun and lesser-known areas (guide coming soon).
Arches is home to incredible landscapes- they are also very delicate. When hiking in the park, it is so important to stay on designated trails, rock, or sandy washes (where water flows when it rains). Doing this helps protect important biological soil crusts that exist in the park. Essentially, the crust is an extremely fragile but vital part of the ecosystem in Arches National Park and surrounding areas.
Arches National Park has many miles of backcountry roads and offroading terrain. However, when I say offroading, in this context, I mean that the road is unpaved and requires a high clearance, 4WD vehicle to access* (ATV, UTV, and OHV use is prohibited in the park, and all vehicles must stay on designated park roads to protect and preserve the delicate surrounding landscape). Some areas you can access from these backcountry roads include Marching Men, Tower Arch, and Eye of the Whale Arch. If you want to visit all three, the Park Service recommends taking Salt Valley Road out to the 4WD road and driving it North to South because some areas have soft sand and steep grade that can be difficult to pass when attempting to travel in the opposite direction. However, if you only want to visit Eye of the Whale Arch, I have started south and made it with no issue in my Jeep Patriot (I also have tires with good traction).
I don’t remember who told me about Eye of the Whale Arch, but it has become a staple place I see every visit. It is also where I bring friends when I introduce them to this area for the first time. Once you get to the arch, the adventure turns from offroading to advanced hiking because you can further explore this area and scramble around the red rocks. However, I label this as advanced hiking not only for the lack of trail and the necessity of rock scrambling but also for the knowledge required to explore safely and not damage fragile areas. If you are interested in this area, read my guide to visiting Eye of the Whale Arch (coming soon).
The adventure continues with the incredible rock climbing opportunities in Arches National Park! Although my knowledge of climbing in the park is limited, if you are interested in climbing here, the National Park Service has an extremely thorough guide with everything you need to know about making that dream a reality. However, the park does not allow guided rock climbing, so this may only be an opportunity for people with existing gear, knowledge, and experience.
Like rock climbing in Arches National Park, this way of exploring is also only an option if you are equipped with gear and prior experience because commercial, guided canyoneering is not allowed in the park. But if you do have the gear, knowledge, and experience, this could be an incredible opportunity to see the Arches in a way that very few people get to. The Park Service has published this canyoneering guide for all information regarding canyoneering trips.
Arches National Park is open year-round. Each season brings different benefits and challenges. The park is busiest from mid-March through mid-October, and holidays like Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day are some of the most popular days to visit the park.
If you are planning a trip to Arches in Fall, get ready for a unique experience full of surprises! Early in the season, the scorching summer heat starts to fade away, and the weather becomes milder and much more enjoyable. However, there may still be some crowds, and an entry reservation is required through October 31st. Late fall can be the perfect time to explore the park with fewer people. You can take your time admiring the stunning views and enjoying all the activities without the usual hustle and bustle that the heavy tourist season brings. But beware, as winter starts to sneak in, you might encounter colder temperatures, rain, and even some snow. But don’t let that stop you from having an amazing adventure! The usual trade-off for nice weather is a more crowded park, but during transitional seasons you can still find some warm days and quieter trails.
September: avg. high – 88°, avg. low – 55°
October: avg. high 74°, avg. low – 42°
November: avg. high 56°, avg. low – 30°
A winter visit to Arches is full of opportunities and adventure. Occasional snow can add another layer of interest to the already unique landscapes. You do not need a reservation in the winter months, and visitor numbers drop, creating a much more solitary and peaceful experience. It gets cold here in the winter, so careful planning for outdoor activities is critical to ensure a safe and comfortable experience (winter hiking guide coming soon).
December: avg. high – 45°, avg. low – 23°
January: avg. high – 44°, avg. low – 22°
February: avg. high – 52°, avg. low – 28°
*During one of my early spring trips, we encountered several short but intense rain and thunderstorms. The closer you visit at the end of March and the beginning of April, the higher the likelihood you will have a similar experience. However, these storms are quick and often come in the late afternoon, so we enjoyed beautiful hiking weather all day and only had these storms roll through when we were back at camp for the evening. Also, be aware that late March means visitor numbers start to pick up again and only continue to grow as the season progresses.
*Be aware that many dispersed camping areas, although not all, can require a high clearance, 4WD vehicle to get to. iOverlander and The Dyrt often have people who include what kind of vehicle they took in their reviews of spots, so this can be a helpful tool. However, I recommend bringing a vehicle that can handle surprises without question. This is especially important in the busy season when finding a dispersed spot can sometimes be challenging- having a vehicle that can cover bumpy roads can lead to finding a spot that others cannot access.
Arches National Park offers a lot of ways to explore. With many hiking, advanced hiking, backpacking, biking, horseback riding, offroading, climbing, and canyoneering options, there is an activity for every adventurer. Yet again, the time of year and weather plays an important role in what kinds of activities are safe to try, so be sure to plan accordingly.
Of the countless hiking trails I have completed, Arches is home to some of the best, in my opinion. This park has so much to offer for hiking. Check out my Arches National Park Hiking Guide (coming soon) for full trail details, but if you are just looking for the basics of what you should know when visiting Arches National Park for the first time, here is a quick rundown.
Delicate Arch is the most popular hike in the park and one of the most iconic sights in the country. This trail is busy at all hours during the busy season, from mid-day to sunset. It is three miles round trip, gains 538 feet of elevation, crosses open slickrock with no shade, and is estimated to take around 2-3 hours.
There are some popular, really short hikes in the Windows Section of the Park. Double Arch, North Window, South Window, and Turret Arch are all found here.
Sandstone Arch, the Fiery Furnace, and Devils Garden Trail are slightly less crowded, personal favorites of mine, which you can read more about in my hiking guide (coming soon).
Although backpacking is an option in Arches National Park, it is super limited. There are only four designated backcountry campsites in the park. Backcountry campsites require a permit. These can be issued from the Backcountry Permit Office (which is not the same as the Arches Visitor Center) up to seven days before the trip start date. Permits are limited to seven people per group and three nights per campsite. They cost $7 per person. Although I love backpacking, I have always found car camping and taking day trips to the park to be an excellent way of visiting. Doing this allows some protection from harsh or unpredictable weather conditions during parts of the year.
As an alternative to taking a car, you can bike through Arches National Park! Bikes are allowed on all paved and unpaved roads but not on trails. Some things to keep in mind when planning to bike are weather, time of year, and crowds. During peak season, roads get congested, and there are a lot of distracted drivers looking more at the scenery than at the road… I recommend biking during a less busy time of year or early morning in the peak season to avoid potential accidents.
If you love horseback riding, by all means, I encourage you to explore this opportunity. However, I think it is not the best way to see the park. Riding terrain is limited to specific areas of the park, all of which you can explore by foot, bike, or car, so it’s not like these areas are unique to just horse traffic. If you’d like to learn more about horseback riding rules and restrictions in Arches National Park, check out this guide on the National Park Service website.
*These advanced roads will always be labeled on a map and have a sign at the start indicating vehicle requirements, so there is no need to worry about accidentally ending up on one of these roads. However, these requirements are in place for a reason. Backcountry roads can be intimidating for people with little to no experience driving off the beaten path. If you or your vehicle are not equipped to handle roads like these, you should consider another way to explore these areas. Many local companies in Moab offer 4×4 tours, so that could be a better solution.
There are many things to know before visiting Arches National Park. Most important is knowing how seasons differ with weather and visitor numbers- this will dictate how you plan your visit. There are many accommodation options in the area, but weather and peak visitor season greatly impact how available these options are. Activities are abundant in the park, but your experience with these activities is also seasonally dependent.
At the end of the day, here’s how I recommend visiting Arches National Park for the first time. If your priority is to avoid crowds, winter is your best option. If warm weather to support your activities is what you’re searching for, go sometime mid to late spring, when it’s warm but not dangerously hot like in summer. If you want the best of both, go in early to mid-March- this is before the busy season starts and warm days still come around. Find the accommodation type that best suits you- my favorite is camping on Willow Springs Road. As for exploring the park, Arches has some of the best hiking I have ever done so I would recommend hiking as your primary activity.
Arches is really such an incredible National Park that no matter when or how you choose to visit, you can always expect a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
Over the years, Arches National Park has seen a drastic increase in visitation numbers. To provide a better experience, the park implemented a timed entry system in 2022. So if you are planning on visiting Arches National Park from April 1st – October 31st (in 2023), visitors entering the park in a vehicle will need a timed entry ticket, which can be obtained here. Visitors will still need to pay the park entrance fee of $30 per vehicle or show a valid park pass. However, Timed Entry Tickets are not required if you plan on entering the park before or after booth operational hours- 7 am-4 pm.
Of the 31 National Parks I have traveled to, Arches will forever be one of my favorites. In fact, after my first visit to Arches in 2013, I have been back on four more trips, and I still would go back again! I could go on and on about the many reasons I love Arches and what draws me back every time. For today, I will stick to the things to know before visiting Arches National Park for the first time, all based on my personal experiences in the park.
*The outdoors is for everyone, but it is up to us to protect it. When enjoying the outdoors, it’s important to practice the Leave No Trace Principles so that we can leave the environment better than we found it and ensure that everyone can continue to enjoy it. Learn more about Leave No Trace here.
September: avg. high – 88°, avg. low – 55°
October: avg. high 74°, avg. low – 42°
November: avg. high 56°, avg. low – 30°
December: avg. high – 45°, avg. low – 23°
January: avg. high – 44°, avg. low – 22°
February: avg. high – 52°, avg. low – 28°
March: Avg. high – 64°, avg. low – 35°
April: Avg. high – 71°, avg. low – 42°
May: Avg. high – 82°, avg. low – 51°
*During one of my early spring trips, we encountered several short but intense rain and thunderstorms, which seem to be common mid-March to early-April. However, these storms are quick and often come in the late afternoon. We enjoyed beautiful hiking weather all day and only had these storms roll through when we were back at camp for the evening. Also, be aware that late March means visitor numbers start to pick up again and only continue to grow as the season progresses.
June: Avg. high – 93°, avg. low – 60°
July: Avg. high – 100°, avg. low – 67°
August: Avg. high – 97°, avg. low – 66°
There are many ways and places to stay around Arches National Park. This area is loaded with paid and free camping. There are also many glamping options, hotels in Moab, and many unique Airbnbs nearby. How you want to stay goes hand in hand with what time of year you want to visit – some options are better than others depending on the season. Hotels, Airbnbs, and glamping options are reliable year-round, but for those who enjoy a more rugged stay, camping in the desert is, without question, my favorite way to stay when I visit.
Arches National Park has one in-park campground called the Devils Garden Campground. Spots are reservable between March 1st and October 31st, and from November to February, campsites are first-come, first-serve.
I have also stayed at Goose Island Campground, which is a seven-minute drive from the park entrance. Although you might have good luck with nearby campgrounds in late fall, winter, and early spring, know that during the busy season, you will need a reservation for pretty much any campground close to Arches. If you’re lucky, campgrounds that are first-come, first-serve can work out, but it’s super important to have a backup plan in case nothing is available, which is likely during the busy season. So if you want to stay in a campground, plan well in advance or brave the cold, bring some extra firewood, and go during the offseason.
*Be aware that many dispersed camping areas, although not all, can require a high clearance, 4WD vehicle to get to. iOverlander and The Dyrt often have people who include what kind of vehicle they took in their reviews of spots, so this can be a helpful tool. However, I recommend bringing a vehicle that can handle surprises without question. This is especially important in the busy season when finding a dispersed spot can sometimes be challenging- having a vehicle that can cover bumpy roads can lead to finding a spot that others cannot access.
Arches is home to incredible landscapes- they are also very delicate. When hiking in the park, it is so important to stay on designated trails, rock, or sandy washes (where water flows when it rains). Doing this helps protect important biological soil crusts that exist in the park. Essentially, the crust is an extremely fragile but vital part of the ecosystem in Arches National Park and surrounding areas.
Although backpacking is an option in Arches National Park, it is super limited. There are only four designated backcountry campsites in the park. Backcountry campsites require a permit. These can be issued from the Backcountry Permit Office (which is not the same as the Arches Visitor Center) up to seven days before the trip start date. Permits are limited to seven people per group and three nights per campsite. They cost $7 per person. Although I love backpacking, I have always found car camping and taking day trips to the park to be an excellent way of visiting. Doing this allows some protection from harsh or unpredictable weather conditions during parts of the year.
Arches National Park has many miles of backcountry roads and offroading terrain. However, when I say offroading, in this context, I mean that the road is unpaved and requires a high clearance, 4WD vehicle to access* (ATV, UTV, and OHV use is prohibited in the park, and all vehicles must stay on designated park roads to protect and preserve the delicate surrounding landscape). Some areas you can access from these backcountry roads include Marching Men, Tower Arch, and Eye of the Whale Arch. If you want to visit all three, the Park Service recommends taking Salt Valley Road out to the 4WD road and driving it North to South because some areas have soft sand and steep grade that can be difficult to pass when attempting to travel in the opposite direction. However, if you only want to visit Eye of the Whale Arch, I have started south and made it with no issue in my Jeep Patriot (I also have tires with good traction).
I don’t remember who told me about Eye of the Whale Arch, but it has become a staple place I see every visit. It is also where I bring friends when I introduce them to this area for the first time. Once you get to the arch, the adventure turns from offroading to advanced hiking because you can further explore this area and scramble around the red rocks. However, I label this as advanced hiking not only for the lack of trail and the necessity of rock scrambling but also for the knowledge required to explore safely and not damage fragile areas. If you are interested in this area, read my guide to visiting Eye of the Whale Arch (coming soon).
Arches National Park is open year-round. Each season brings different benefits and challenges. The park is busiest from mid-March through mid-October, and holidays like Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day are some of the most popular days to visit the park.
If you are planning a trip to Arches in Fall, get ready for a unique experience full of surprises! Early in the season, the scorching summer heat starts to fade away, and the weather becomes milder and much more enjoyable. However, there may still be some crowds, and an entry reservation is required through October 31st. Late fall can be the perfect time to explore the park with fewer people. You can take your time admiring the stunning views and enjoying all the activities without the usual hustle and bustle that the heavy tourist season brings. But beware, as winter starts to sneak in, you might encounter colder temperatures, rain, and even some snow. But don’t let that stop you from having an amazing adventure! The usual trade-off for nice weather is a more crowded park, but during transitional seasons you can still find some warm days and quieter trails.
A winter visit to Arches is full of opportunities and adventure. Occasional snow can add another layer of interest to the already unique landscapes. You do not need a reservation in the winter months, and visitor numbers drop, creating a much more solitary and peaceful experience. It gets cold here in the winter, so careful planning for outdoor activities is critical to ensure a safe and comfortable experience (winter hiking guide coming soon).
Spring is my favorite time of year to visit Arches. The desert is a perfect escape, especially for those coming from snowy states. I spent most of my life in Colorado or Montana, and would always visit the desert during this time of year to get away from the unpredictable weather that spring brings to the mountains. It was my favorite trip of the year and every spring, I still get the itch.
From my experience, early to mid-march is the best time of year to visit Arches. However, weather this time of year can be unpredictable. On two of my spring trips, we had warm and sunny days. However, another of my spring visits brought more undesirable weather*. But that’s just part of the adventure! The possibility of gorgeous spring days and a far less crowded park is well worth the risk, in my opinion. Although the reservation system was not in place on any of my spring trips, timed entry tickets are not required until April 1st (2023), making a March visit even more appealing.
Although a summer visit will promise sunshine, it comes with crowds and intense desert heat. Since this is the most popular time of year Arches, a reservation is also necessary for entry during regular hours. However, you can enter the park before 7 am and after 4 pm without a reservation. Although, I recommend going even earlier because parking lots can fill by 7:30 am. Along with ensuring a parking space, getting out early also provides ideal hiking conditions, as temperatures are much more favorable earlier in the morning. Doing this will help avoid heat stroke, a serious risk when hiking in 100-degree heat. Arriving early is also the best way to avoid crowds. If evading extreme temperatures and people aren’t convincing enough, hiking through Arches at sunrise is absolutely magical! Watching the desert come to life with all the warmth and colors of the rising sun is a life-changing experience. Surely, you will forget all about the effort of waking up early!
Outside of campgrounds, this area has tons of other camping options- if you know where to look. Most won’t be as close to Arches National Park or town as some campgrounds, but finding quiet and solitude is much more of a possibility. Deciding where to camp often comes with many trade-offs – camping closer to areas of interest means fewer options and more crowds, while quieter and more peaceful spots require more distance and effort to discover*. There are great apps like iOverlander and The Dyrt that list recorded campsites from others who have stayed before, making finding something easier than aimlessly driving around searching.
Whenever I visit Arches National Park, I always camp on Willow Springs Road. This area is in a great location, as it is only a ten-minute drive to the park. However, it has become way more popular over the years, and every time I return, it seems there are fewer and fewer open spots. It is also centrally located to many offroading hotspots, so expect lots of motor noise. I still love Willow Springs Road and have discovered if you have a high clearance 4WD vehicle, it is the gateway to some super fun and lesser-known areas (guide coming soon).
Arches National Park offers a lot of ways to explore. With many hiking, advanced hiking, backpacking, biking, horseback riding, offroading, climbing, and canyoneering options, there is an activity for every adventurer. Yet again, the time of year and weather plays an important role in what kinds of activities are safe to try, so be sure to plan accordingly.
Of the countless hiking trails I have completed, Arches is home to some of the best, in my opinion. This park has so much to offer for hiking. Check out my Arches National Park Hiking Guide (coming soon) for full trail details, but if you are just looking for the basics of what you should know when visiting Arches National Park for the first time, here is a quick rundown.
Delicate Arch is the most popular hike in the park and one of the most iconic sights in the country. This trail is busy at all hours during the busy season, from mid-day to sunset. It is three miles round trip, gains 538 feet of elevation, crosses open slickrock with no shade, and is estimated to take around 2-3 hours.
There are some popular, really short hikes in the Windows Section of the Park. Double Arch, North Window, South Window, and Turret Arch are all found here.
Sandstone Arch, the Fiery Furnace, and Devils Garden Trail are slightly less crowded, personal favorites of mine, which you can read more about in my hiking guide (coming soon).
As an alternative to taking a car, you can bike through Arches National Park! Bikes are allowed on all paved and unpaved roads but not on trails. Some things to keep in mind when planning to bike are weather, time of year, and crowds. During peak season, roads get congested, and there are a lot of distracted drivers looking more at the scenery than at the road… I recommend biking during a less busy time of year or early morning in the peak season to avoid potential accidents.
If you love horseback riding, by all means, I encourage you to explore this opportunity. However, I think it is not the best way to see the park. Riding terrain is limited to specific areas of the park, all of which you can explore by foot, bike, or car, so it’s not like these areas are unique to just horse traffic. If you’d like to learn more about horseback riding rules and restrictions in Arches National Park, check out this guide on the National Park Service website.
*These advanced roads will always be labeled on a map and have a sign at the start indicating vehicle requirements, so there is no need to worry about accidentally ending up on one of these roads. However, these requirements are in place for a reason. Backcountry roads can be intimidating for people with little to no experience driving off the beaten path. If you or your vehicle are not equipped to handle roads like these, you should consider another way to explore these areas. Many local companies in Moab offer 4×4 tours, so that could be a better solution.
Like rock climbing in Arches National Park, this way of exploring is also only an option if you are equipped with gear and prior experience because commercial, guided canyoneering is not allowed in the park. But if you do have the gear, knowledge, and experience, this could be an incredible opportunity to see the Arches in a way that very few people get to. The Park Service has published this canyoneering guide for all information regarding canyoneering trips.
The adventure continues with the incredible rock climbing opportunities in Arches National Park! Although my knowledge of climbing in the park is limited, if you are interested in climbing here, the National Park Service has an extremely thorough guide with everything you need to know about making that dream a reality. However, the park does not allow guided rock climbing, so this may only be an opportunity for people with existing gear, knowledge, and experience.
There are many things to know before visiting Arches National Park. Most important is knowing how seasons differ with weather and visitor numbers- this will dictate how you plan your visit. There are many accommodation options in the area, but weather and peak visitor season greatly impact how available these options are. Activities are abundant in the park, but your experience with these activities is also seasonally dependent.
At the end of the day, here’s how I recommend visiting Arches National Park for the first time. If your priority is to avoid crowds, winter is your best option. If warm weather to support your activities is what you’re searching for, go sometime mid to late spring, when it’s warm but not dangerously hot like in summer. If you want the best of both, go in early to mid-March- this is before the busy season starts and warm days still come around. Find the accommodation type that best suits you- my favorite is camping on Willow Springs Road. As for exploring the park, Arches has some of the best hiking I have ever done so I would recommend hiking as your primary activity.
Arches is really such an incredible National Park that no matter when or how you choose to visit, you can always expect a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
UT: 26 miles – 30 minutes
UT: 136 Miles – 2 hours and 10 minutes
AZ: 153 miles – 2 hours and 45 minutes
UT: 26 miles – 30 minutes
UT: 136 Miles – 2 hours and 10 minutes
AZ: 153 miles – 2 hours and 45 minutes