Ultimate Guide to Arches National Park
If you’re into jaw-dropping landscapes and exploring a place that makes you feel like you’ve landed on another planet, Arches National Park is calling your name. Tucked away in eastern Utah, this place is packed with crazy-cool rock formations and over 2,000 natural stone arches.
In this ultimate guide to Arches National Park, we have included the best time of year to visit, where to stay, pro tips, a brief 48-hour itinerary for the park, and more. Let’s dive into what makes this wild corner of the world so unforgettable.
What’s the best time of year to visit?
While the park is open year-round, the best time to visit for mild temperatures and fewer crowds is March-May and September-October. Summer months can be hot and crowded and winter months can be cold with sketchy trail conditions.
Best Places to Stay
Inside the Park
Devils Garden Campground – The only campground in the park. Book months in advance! No showers, but it’s stunning.
Outside the Park
Moab, Utah – The closest town (5 minutes from the park entrance). There are a ton of lodging options here.
Budget: Expedition Lodge or Big Horn Lodge
Mid-range: Hyatt Place or Aarchway Inn
Luxury: Hoodoo Moab by Hilton
Top Hikes in Arches National Park
Delicate Arch Trail (3 miles round trip)
The famous one on Utah license plates. Go for sunrise—don’t forget your headlamp!
Devils Garden Loop (8 miles)
Choose your adventure: see Landscape Arch or go full loop for a backcountry feel.
The Windows + Turret Arch (1 mile loop)
Easy and stunning. Great for families and sunrise photos.
Double Arch (0.6 miles round trip)
Two massive arches right next to each other. Super short, super epic.
Sand Dune Arch (0.3 miles round trip)
A fun, shaded arch tucked between fins. Great for kids (and hot days).
Other Notable Sights to See Include:
Balanced Rock
Park Avenue
Courthouse Towers
La Sal Mountains Viewpoint
Panorama Point
Tips for Visiting Arches
Get there early (like, sunrise early) to beat crowds and heat.
Timed entry reservations are required April through October—book in advance on recreation.gov.
Bring LOTS of water – It’s the desert and refill stations are limited. We recommend one liter of water for every 4 miles you plan to hike.
Cell service is spotty – Download maps ahead of time (AllTrails and Google Offline Maps).
Wear sturdy shoes – Even short hikes can be sandy, rocky, or slick.
Pack snacks, sunscreen, and layers – Desert weather changes fast, especially if you visit in the winter.
Respect the cryptobiotic soil – Stay on trails to protect this fragile desert ecosystem.
Nearby Adventures
If you have more time, check out:
Canyonlands National Park (Island in the Sky District) – 30 minutes from Arches.
Dead Horse Point State Park – Amazing views with fewer people.
Colorado River Scenic Byway (Highway 128) – Gorgeous drive along the river.
Moab Giants Dinosaur Park – Kid-friendly dino fun just outside Moab.
PRO TIP:
Stop by the visitor’s center, located directly behind the park entrance, to check on trail conditions and learn more about the rock formations before hiking.
What to Wear in Arches National Park
The weather in Arches National Park can vary greatly depending on the time of year you visit. In the summer months, temperatures can reach 100 degrees or more and in the winter months, temperatures can drop below freezing.
If you visit in the winter, layers are key:
Waterproof rain shell (pro tip: wear a bright shell, pink or blue, to stand out in photos)
If you visit in the warmer months, sun protection is key:
Other hiking gear you may need includes:
Microspikes (if you visit in the winter)
Headlamp (for sunrise or sunset hikes)
Landscape Arch - one of the world’s LONGEST arches!
48-hour itinerary for Arches National Park
Here's a 48-hour itinerary for Arches National Park that includes iconic hikes, scenic views, and recommendations for dining in nearby Moab, Utah. This itinerary assumes you'll be staying in Moab, which is the gateway town just 5–10 minutes from the park entrance.
Day 1: Arrival + Afternoon Adventures
Scenic Drive + Short Hikes
Activity: Enter Arches National Park (get your timed entry permit ahead of time if visiting April–October).
Stops:
Park Avenue Viewpoint and Trail (1–1.5 hrs): Walk down a stunning canyon framed by towering monoliths.
Balanced Rock (10–15 min): Short loop around one of the park's most iconic formations.
The Windows & Turret Arch Loop (1 hr): Easy hike to majestic arches perfect for golden-hour lighting.
Double Arch (30 min): Right across from The Windows. Don't miss this towering duo.
Dinner in Moab
Recommendation: Antica Forma – Incredible pizza.
Alternative: The Spoke on Center – Casual and family-friendly with burgers, salads, and local brews.
Day 2: Sunrise to Sunset Adventure
Early Morning: Sunrise at Delicate Arch
Time: Leave Moab around 5:30 AM (depending on season).
Hike: Delicate Arch Trail – 3 miles RT, moderate (2–3 hrs).
Why so early? Avoid crowds and catch the arch glowing at sunrise.
Late Morning: Breakfast + Rest
Breakfast Spot: Love Muffin Café – Great coffee, breakfast burritos, and pastries.
Return to hotel for a quick rest, shower, or gear up for the next hike.
Afternoon: Devils Garden Adventure
Drive to Devils Garden Trailhead (~45 mins into the park).
Hike Options:
Short Option: Landscape Arch (1.6 miles RT, 1 hr).
Full Loop: Devils Garden Loop with Double O Arch & Primitive Trail (8 miles, 3–5 hrs).
Bring: Plenty of water, snacks, sun protection.
Late Afternoon: Scenic Stops on the Way Out
Stop at:
Skyline Arch
Fiery Furnace Viewpoint (not the hike unless you have a permit/tour)
Panorama Point for a final overview
Dinner in Moab
Recommendation: 98 Center – Asian-Latin fusion with great cocktails and vegetarian options.
Dessert Tip: Head to MoYo Frozen Yogurt or Sweet Cravings Bakery for a post-hike treat.
Day 3: Optional Sunrise + Departure
Optional Morning Activity:
If you have time before departure:
Sand Dune Arch + Broken Arch Loop (2 miles, 1.5 hrs): Quiet and scenic morning hike.
Or, Sunrise at The Windows – a peaceful, less crowded start to the day.
Breakfast: Eklecticafe – Funky, artsy spot with excellent eggs, smoothies, and coffee.
Final Thoughts..
Arches National Park is one of those places that sticks with you - it’s like nature’s own art museum.
So grab your gear, gas up the car, and get ready for a red rock adventure you won’t forget. Happy exploring!