Information:Trip-planning tips for 2026
Arches National Park

Arches

Moderate Utah

Arches National Park Lifts Entry Reservation Requirement for 2026

Arches National Park today announced it will not require advanced timed-entry reservations this year...

Feb 18, 2026
park visitors walk along a trail in front of large sandstone features

2026 Community Artist in Parks announced

The National Park Service Southeast Utah Group is pleased to announce the selection of Chrissy Noel ...

Dec 31, 2025
woman in colorful patterned skirt stands amid dry grass looking up at blue sky

Overview

Arches National Park packs over 2,000 natural stone arches into 76,000 acres of red rock desert outside Moab, Utah. The landscape is a sculpture garden of sandstone fins, balanced rocks, and gravity-defying spans carved by millions of years of water, ice, and wind erosion. Delicate Arch, the park's icon, stands alone on the edge of a slickrock bowl with the La Sal Mountains as its backdrop — a sight so quintessentially Utah that it graces the state's license plates. The park's 18-mile scenic drive passes landmarks like Balanced Rock, the Windows Section, and the Fiery Furnace, a labyrinth of narrow sandstone corridors that requires a ranger-led permit to enter. Short trails lead to most major arches, making this one of the more accessible parks in the canyon country for visitors of all fitness levels. Landscape Arch, spanning 306 feet, is one of the longest natural rock spans in the world and is visible from a flat, easy trail. Visit in spring or fall when temperatures are comfortable for hiking and the low-angle light sets the red rock ablaze. Summer brings triple-digit heat, and a timed entry reservation is now required from April through October to manage the park's popularity.

Things to Do

  • Hike to Delicate Arch at sunset
  • Walk the Windows Loop Trail
  • Explore the Fiery Furnace with a ranger permit
  • Photograph Landscape Arch
  • Drive the scenic road to Devils Garden
  • Stargaze under certified dark skies
  • Mountain bike nearby Moab trails
tall, stone formations with cars and trailers beneath them

Devils Garden Campground

Sites available

Restrooms
$25 Reserve
people illuminated in red gather around a telescope pointed at a starry sky
Stargazing

Stargazing Events in Southeast Utah

Rangers occasionally lead stargazing programs and events at parks throughout southeast Utah. Learn a...

1-3 HoursSummer
Three hikers walk on a narrow fin of sandstone, with more fins behind them
Hiking

Hiking at Arches

Arches contains a variety of hiking trails, from easy/moderate to long and strenuous. Many trails us...

Three hikers silhouetted by the sunset
Backcountry Camping

Backpacking at Arches

Backpacking at Arches is allowed in designated sites only and requires a permit.

Reservation Required
A person harnessed to a rope prepares to rappel into a canyon
Canyoneering

Canyoneering at Arches

Arches has no real "slot canyons" but does afford some unique on-rope opportunities.

Reservation Required
Climber ascends a crack in red sandstone
Rock Climbing

Rock Climbing at Arches

Most climbing routes in the park require advanced techniques. Climbing is not allowed on any arches ...

A tan car drives through Arches, sandstone features are visible in the back.
Scenic Driving

Enjoy Arches from the Road

If you pay close attention, you can see close to two dozen arches from the comfort of your car.

2-4 Hours
View All 10 Activities
Arches Entrance Station

Arches Entrance Station

Entrance station

Arches Entrance Station

Panel with water information above two water filling spigots

Arches Visitor Center Exterior Zone 1

Water bottle filling station

Audio description of Arches Visitor Center Zone 1- Water Filling Station

The area includes the entrance to the interior of the Visitor Center and the amenities in the area.

Arches Visitor Center Exterior Zone 10

Point of Interest
Panel that describes park features and displays a map of the park.

Arches Visitor Center Exterior Zone 2

Point of Interest

Featured outside of the Arches National Park Visitor Center

Panel detailing activities at Arches National Park. Features a map of the park.

Arches Visitor Center Exterior Zone 3

Point of Interest
View All 30 Places

Wildlife

Keep an eye out for these animals during your visit:

Desert Bighorn Sheep Mule Deer Coyote Black-tailed Jackrabbit Collared Lizard Golden Eagle

Pro Tips

  • 💡 Timed entry reservations are required April-October — book on recreation.gov when they open
  • 💡 Hike Delicate Arch late afternoon for the best light and the iconic sunset view
  • 💡 The Fiery Furnace ranger walk books up fast and is worth every penny for the scrambling and narrows
  • 💡 Carry at least two liters of water per person even on short hikes — the desert is deceptively dry
  • 💡 Moab is the base town with restaurants and gear shops; stay there and drive the 5 minutes to the park

Weather & Best Time to Visit

Hot summers exceeding 100°F, mild spring and fall with highs of 60-80°F, and cold winters with occasional snow. Monsoon storms can cause flash floods in July and August.

Best seasons: Spring, Fall