The world’s largest concentration of natural sandstone arches.
How Would a Government Shutdown Affect the National Parks?
In the event of a government shutdown, access and visitor services will continue through Sunday, Dec. 22. On Monday, Dec. 23, parks would generally close and services may be unavailable. For more information and updates, go to visitutah.com and nps.gov.
Timed Entry Reservation System Update for 2025
Between April 1, 2025 and October 31, 2025 Arches National Park requires a reservation to enter, except from July 7 to August 27, 2025 (after July 4th weekend until just before Labor Day weekend) when no reservation is needed. This system provides reliable access to the park and results in a higher quality visitor experience. Prior to this system there was no guarantee of access to the park during the peak season. With a little advanced planning visitors enjoy a stress-free visit to one of the most beautiful national parks in the nation. Read more…
Introduction
Located just 5 miles (8 km) north of Moab, you will discover the awe-inspiring Arches National Park, boasting the largest concentration of natural sandstone arches on Earth. With over 2,000 arches scattered across its vast 76,518-acre expanse, this park is a treasure trove of geological wonders. Towering sandstone fins, majestic balanced rocks, and soaring pinnacles and spires dominate the landscape, leaving visitors in awe as they explore the park’s numerous viewpoints and hiking trails.
Embarking on a scenic drive along a paved route, visitors can easily access the park’s key viewpoints, allowing them to soak in the breathtaking vistas. However, Arches National Park offers more than just stunning arches. Its rock formations captivate the imagination of both children and adults alike. Families can venture out of their vehicles and embark on easy trails, providing kids with the perfect opportunity to intimately experience the arches up close.
For avid hikers seeking a deeper connection with this natural marvel, the park offers an array of trail options. Whether you prefer a leisurely twenty-minute stroll leading to some of the largest arches in the park or an adventurous trek into lesser-explored areas, Arches National Park caters to all levels of hiking enthusiasts.
Immerse yourself in the splendor of Arches National Park, where nature’s artistry unfolds at every turn.
Distance from Moab
5 miles (8km)
Directions from Moab
The entrance of Arches is located 5 miles (8km) north of Moab, along highway 191.
Park Hours
Arches National Park is normally open year-round, 24 hours a day. The park is very busy between March and October. To avoid traffic, we recommend entering the park before 8 am or after 3 pm.
Entrance Fee
$30/vehicle – Good for 7 days. (Subject to change.)
Visitor Center & Hours
The visitor center includes interactive exhibits, educational kiosks, a 150-seat auditorium, and a bookstore featuring guide books, maps, DVD’s, postcards, and much more. The park is open 24 hours/day, 365 days/year; however the visitor center hours vary by season. (435) 719-2299
From March through October, the parking lots at Devils Garden, Delicate Arch/Wolfe Ranch or The Windows may occasionally be full between 9am and 4pm. During these peak hours, expect travel times to be longer than expected along the scenic drive. Delicate Arch is often crowded, particularly at sunset. The following holidays and weekends are especially busy:
Week Prior to Easter (Jeep Safari Week in Moab)
Memorial Day (Last Monday in May)
Labor Day (First Monday in September)
Avoid visiting on the holidays/weekends listed above.
Early morning (sunrise) is always less busy than sunset. To beat the crowds, try entering the park before 8am, though you may encounter groups of early-morning photographers at some destinations.
Carpool if you can. Consider hiring a company to shuttle you to and from the park.
Parking for oversize vehicles (RVs, trailers) is extremely limited. Leave oversized vehicles in town, or in the visitor center parking lot.
From March through October, the parking lots at Devils Garden, Delicate Arch/Wolfe Ranch or The Windows may occasionally be full between 9am and 4pm. During these peak hours, expect travel times to be longer than expected along the scenic drive. Delicate Arch is often crowded, particularly at sunset. The following holidays and weekends are especially busy:
Easter Week (Date Varies – Usually in April)
Memorial Day (Last Monday in May)
Labor Day (First Monday in September)
Utah Education Association Break (4 Days in October – Visit myuea.org for Details)
Avoid visiting on the holidays/weekends listed above.
Early morning (sunrise) is always less busy than sunset. To beat the crowds, try entering the park before 8am, though you may encounter groups of early-morning photographers at some destinations.
Carpool if you can. Consider hiring a company to shuttle you to and from the park.
Parking for oversize vehicles (RVs, trailers) is extremely limited. Leave oversized vehicles in town, or in the visitor center parking lot.
Drive the Scenic Drive and hike some of the easy short trails in the park, such as the Park Avenue Trail and trails in the Windows Section of the park.
Full Day
Drive the Scenic Drive and hike some of the longer trails in the park, such as the trails to Double O Arch, Tower Arch, Delicate Arch, and Landscape Arch.
Several Days
Hikers can experience a wide variety of hiking trails, including some of the lesser-seen, yet equally spectacular areas of the park such as the “Primitive Loop” in the Devil’s Garden section of the park.
Camping
The Devils Garden Campground is located eighteen miles from the park entrance and is open year-round. Facilities include potable water, picnic tables, grills, as well as both pit-style and flush toilets. There are no showers. Bring your own wood or charcoal for the grills. Some sites will accommodate RVs up to 30 feet in length.Telephone and on-line reservations for both group and individual sites may be made through recreation.gov. Reservations are not accepted by the park, and the park does not maintain information about site availability.
Individual Sites: You can reserve standard campsites up to 6 months in advance for stays March 1-October 31. All sites are usually reserved months in advance. Between November 1 and February 28, sites are first-come, first-served. Facilities include drinking water, picnic tables, grills, and both pit-style and flush toilets. You can reserve campsites for nights between March 1 and October 31. Between November 1 and February 28, all sites are first-come, first served. Phone and online reservations for both group and individual sites must be made through recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. You can make reservations for standard sites no fewer than four days and no more than 6 months in advance. The fee per night for an individual Devils Garden campsite i $25. Group size is limited to 10 people and 2 vehicles.
Group Sites: Group sites can be reserved up to 12 months in advance. The campground has two sites for groups of 11 or more people. Juniper Basin campsite accommodates up to 55 people and is available March 1 to October 31; Canyon Wren campsite accommodates up to 35 and may be reserved year-round. No RVs or trailers are permitted in the group sites.
Campsites are usually reserved months in advance during the busy season (March-October). If you have not reserved a site prior to arrival at the park during these months, plan on utilizing other camping options in the Moab area. There are no services inside Arches National Park. The nearest place to get food, gas, and supplies is Moab, approximately 45-60 minutes’ drive from the campground.
Food
Please note that food is not available within the park. The closest restaurants are either in the town of Moab, at Dead Horse Point State Park, or at the dinosaur museum at the intersection of Highways 191 and 313 (entrance fee is not required to access the restaurant).
Park Highlights
Delicate Arch
Delicate Arch
People come from all over the world to visit Arches National Park, and visiting Delicate Arch is on the top of many visitors’ to-do lists. In a park with over 2,000 stone arches, this particular free-standing arch has become a widely recognized symbol of the state of Utah and one of the most famous geologic features in the world. The light opening beneath the arch is 46 feet high and 32 feet wide, making it the largest free-standing arch in the park. Learn More About Delicate Arch Hiking Trail
Balanced Rock
Balanced Rock
A short paved trail leads visitors to the base of Balanced Rock. The landform’s total height is 128 feet, with the huge balanced rock rising 55 feet above its base.
Landscape Arch
Landscape Arch
The longest natural rock span in the world, this arch’s opening is 306 feet wide – 6 feet longer than a football field. A nine story building would easily fit beneath this thin span. In 1991, a massive slab of rock fell from its underside, resulting in an even thinner ribbon of rock.
Spring Wildflowers
Spring Wildflowers
April and May bring a variety of desert wildflowers to Arches.
Double Arch
Double Arch
Located in the Windows Section of Arches National Park, Double Arch was used as a backdrop for portions of the 1988 movie “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade”. Numerous other movies have been filmed in Arches National Park, including Thelma and Louise in 1991.
Park Avenue
Park Avenue
From Park Avenue parking area, the trail descends steeply into a spectacular canyon and continues down the wash to Courthouse Towers. If you have a shuttle driver, you can begin at one point and be picked up at the other. For round-trip hiking, retrace your steps along the trail rather than walk along the park road.
Arches in Winter
Arches in Winter
Winter brings a blanket of pristine snow to Arches, providing dramatic contrast to the surrounding red rocks.
Family Hiking
Family Hiking
There are many family friendly hikes in Arches, including the hike to Turret Arch in the Windows Section.
Biological Soil Crust
Your help is crucial in preserving our trails and protecting the fragile soil that sustains the desert ecosystem. The biological soil crust, also known as cryptobiotic soil, serves as the foundation for desert plant life. This unique black, knobby crust is composed of diverse living organisms and plays a vital role in maintaining the delicate balance of the desert environment.
However, this soil crust is exceptionally delicate and can take several decades to regenerate. Even a single footstep can cause irreparable damage that can persist for years, impacting the entire ecosystem. We urge you to stay on designated roads, routes, and trails to ensure the preservation of this fragile life. In areas where hiking trails are not established, it is advisable to hike on sandy washes or bare rock surfaces to minimize the impact on the soil.
By remaining vigilant and adhering to these guidelines, you contribute to the long-term sustainability of the desert ecosystem and help safeguard its natural beauty for generations to come. Let’s work together to keep all of our trails open and protect the invaluable biological soil crust.
Hiking
One of the more rewarding ways to see the park is on foot. Arches features a wide variety of hikes, from short 10 minute walks (suitable for all ages) to 4 hour hikes into some of the remote sections of the park.
Easy Trails
Name
Length
Time
Description
Balanced Rock
0.3 mi (0.5 km) Round Trip
15-30 min
A loop trail around the base of a fragile, picturesque rock formation.
Broken Arch
1.2 mi (2 km) Round Trip or 2 mi (3.2 km) with loop
30-60 min
From the Sand Dune Arch parking area, the trail cuts across a large meadow to the arch and continues to the campground. Loop trail leads through fin canyons with sand dunes and slickrock.
Delicate Arch Viewpoint
100 yards (91 meters) round trip
10-15 min
In addition to the short accessible trail, another (moderately strenuous) hiking trail climbs one-half mile (0.8 km) toward Delicate Arch and ends at the rim of a steep canyon that separates the viewpoint from the arch. (This is not the popular trail to Delicate Arch, which starts at the Wolfe Ranch parking area. See below.)
Desert Nature Trail
0.2 mi (0.3 km) round trip
15-30 min
Discover the adaptations of plants and animals in the desert on a self-guided nature walk. Trail guide available at the trailhead near the Visitor Center.
Double Arch
0.5 mi (0.8 km) round trip
15-30 min
A relatively flat, sandy trail leads to the base of two giant arch spans which are joined at one end.
Landscape Arch
2 mi (3.2 km) round trip
30-60 min
A relatively flat, gravel-surfaced trail leads to a spectacular ribbon of rock, whose span is more than a football field in length. Short side trips to Tunnel and Pine Tree Arches.
Sand Dune Arch
0.4 mi (0.6 km) round trip
15-30 min
Trail leads through deep sand to a secluded arch among sandstone fins. Kids love the sand!
Skyline Arch
0.4 mi (0.6 km) round trip
10-20 min
A short hike on a flat, well-defined trail.
The Windows
1 mi (1.6 km) round trip
30-60 min
A gentle climb up a gravel loop trail leads to three massive arches (North and South Windows and Turret Arch). An alternate return, slightly longer, is by way of the primitive loop around the back of the two Windows. The primitive loop trail starts at the South Window viewpoint.
Moderate Trails
Name
Length
Time
Description
Park Avenue
1 mi (1.6 km) one way
30-60 min
From Park Avenue parking area, the trail descends steeply into a spectacular canyon and continues down the wash to the Courthouse Towers parking area. If you have a shuttle driver, you can begin at one parking area and be picked up at the other. For round-trip hiking, retrace your steps along the trail.
Tower Arch
3.4 mi (5.6 km) round trip
2-3 hrs
The trail climbs a steep, but short, rock wall, then cuts across a valley and then meanders through sandstone fins and sand dunes. An alternate, shorter trail (0.3 mile [0.4 km] one way), begins at the end of the four-wheel-drive road on the west side of Tower Arch. This unpaved road washes out quickly in rainstorms; inquire at the visitor center about road conditions before heading out.
Difficult Trails
Name
Length
Time
Description
Devils Garden Primitive Loop
7.2 mi (11.5 km) round trip
3-5 hrs
Longest of the maintained trails in the park, the Devils Garden Trail leads to eight awe-inspiring arches. Expect narrow ledges with rocky surface hiking and scrambling on slickrock. Not recommended when rock is wet or snowy.
Double O Arch
4 mi (6.4 km) round trip
2-3 hrs
Beyond Landscape Arch, the trail becomes more challenging as it climbs over sandstone slabs; footing is rocky; there are narrow ledges with exposure to heights. Spur trails lead to Partition and Navajo Arches. Dark Angel is one-half mile (0.8 km) farther. Trail guide available at trailhead.
Delicate Arch
3 mi (4.8 km) round trip
2-3 hrs
Take at least 1 quart (1 liter) of water per person! There is no shade. Open slickrock with some exposure to heights. The first half-mile is a wide, well-defined trail. Upon reaching the slickrock, follow the rock cairns. The trail climbs gradually and levels out toward the top of this rock face. Just before you get to Delicate Arch, the trail goes along a rock ledge for about 200 yards. Elevation change: 480 feet (146 meters)
Backcountry Permits
The park’s backcountry is mostly rough terrain, inaccessible by established trails with very limited water sources. While Arches National Park is known for its outstanding geologic features, it also contains irreplaceable cultural resources and sensitive high desert ecosystems. Water is rarely available in the backcountry; plan to carry all you need. Primary safety considerations include steep terrain, loose rock, lightning, flash floods, and dehydration. You must know and comply with all regulations.
You must have a permit for all overnight stays in the backcountry. Backpacking permits are no longer issued at Arches Visitor Center. We now issue permits in person at the Backcountry Permit Office two miles south of Moab up to seven days before the trip start date and up to 4:00 PM MST. Each permit is limited to seven people, three nights per campsite, for a total of seven nights. Permits cost $7 per person.
On August 30, 2019 the National Park Service announced a new electric bicycle (e-bike) policy for national parks, expanding recreational opportunities and accessibility. The policy supports Secretary’s Order 3376, signed by U.S. Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt on August 29, 2019, that directs Department of the Interior (DOI) bureaus to create a clear and consistent e-bike policy on all federal lands managed by the Department.
Beginning October 1, 2019, visitors to Southeast Utah Group parks (Arches and Canyonlands national parks and Hovenweep and Natural Bridges national monuments) will be allowed to use e-bikes where traditional bicycles are allowed. Bicycles and e-bikes are allowed on paved and unpaved roads that are open to the public. Bicycles and e-bikes are not allowed on any trails in the parks.
There are no charging stations in the parks. Generators are not allowed in the backcountry. This change in e-bike policy applies to private and commercial use in the parks.
Arches National Park is a paradise for photographers. Under conditions of constantly changing light, the red rock landscape provides limitless photographic opportunities. Often, the difference between an average photograph and an exceptional photograph is good lighting. Low sun angles at sunrise and sunset can add brilliant color to the red rock. Scattered clouds can also add depth to an image and a passing storm can provide extremely dramatic lighting.
Photographing Delicate Arch
Over one million people visit Arches National Park every year, and just about everyone wants to see all of the major views within the park. One of the most heavily visited arches is Delicate Arch. As a result of its popularity, you should always expect to see people surrounding this world famous arch. Although it may occasionally happen, it is unrealistic to expect a solitary experience around Delicate Arch. Be courteous to other visitors during your visit to the arch, and do not expect people to move away from this world famous landmark during your photographs. Remember that not everyone who visits this arch is a photographer. Most people simply want to experience the joy of standing next to such a beautiful landmark. People can add scale to any photo of Delicate Arch, so make your visit a great shared experience for everyone involved.
Try not to limit your creativity by simply capturing images of iconic places using the same composition as countless photographers before you. Arches National Park contains thousands of arches and vast expanses of breathtaking scenery just waiting for you to introduce your own personal style and interpretation. For those seeking solitude, Arches has much to offer beyond its iconic places. For example, consider a hike to Double O Arch, returning via the Primitive Trail, for some of the most spectacular scenery in the park. Just remember to bring enough memory cards to capture all of the great views!
Best Times / Locations to Photograph
Early Morning
Late Afternoon
Moab Fault
Park Avenue
The Three Gossips
Courthouse Towers
Sheep Rock
Petrified Dunes
The Great Wall
Balanced Rock
Turret Arch
The Garden of Eden
The Spectacles
North and South Windows
Double Arch
Delicate Arch (at end of main trail)
Cache Valley
Fiery Furnace
Wolfe Ranch
Skyline Arch
Landscape Arch
Fins in Devil Garden
Double O Arch
Tower Arch
Partners
Canyonlands Natural History Association
Canyonlands Natural History Association (CNHA) is a nonprofit organization assisting the National Park Service in its educational, interpretive and scientific programs throughout southeast Utah. Known as a "cooperating association," CNHA’s goals include enhancing visitors’ understanding and appreciation of public lands by providing a selection of quality, educational materials for sale in many vistor centers. Twenty percent of these sales is returned to the National Park Service and other federal land management agencies.
CNHA operates the bookstore at Arches Visitor Center.
Friends of Arches and Canyonlands Parks
The Friends of Arches and Canyonlands Parks: Bates Wilson Legacy Fund provides direct support to Arches and Canyonlands national parks and Natural Bridges and Hovenweep national monuments in order to enhance existing projects in these spectacular areas, and to conserve the land and its cultural treasures for present and future generations to enjoy.
This mission honors the legendary work of Superintendent Bates Wilson, who came to Arches in 1949, inspiring and leading the effort that resulted in the establishment of Canyonlands National Park in 1964. The Friends Group offices are in the Rock House behind Arches Visitor Center, where Bates once lived with his family.
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