With over 2,000 natural sandstone arches, Arches National Park certainly lives up to its name. As one of the standout gems within the National Park system, it’s incredible how so many arches are packed into such a compact area. Established in 1929, the park protects around 120 square miles (76,679 acres) of breathtaking landscape.
Table of Contents:
1. Where is Arches National Park
2. Where to Hike in Arches National Park
3. Best Times to Visit the Park
4. Top Sunrise and Sunset Spots
5. Accommodation Options
6. Essential Information
7. Visitor Center Details
8. Park Fees
9. Timed Entry Ticket Information
10. National Park Stamp
11. Travel Directions
12. Other Helpful Posts
Where is Arches National Park?
Arches National Park is nestled in eastern Utah, just 5 miles north of downtown Moab. It’s about 230 miles southeast of Salt Lake City and 351 miles southwest of Denver, Colorado. The park experiences cold winters and scorching summers, and it attracts over 1.8 million visitors annually, making it one of the most popular national parks, trailing only behind Zion and Bryce Canyon in visitor numbers.
Where to Hike in Arches National Park
The park boasts some astounding trails. Here are a few must-see destinations:
– Delicate Arch Trail: The most iconic arch, featured on Utah’s license plate, is a moderate 3-mile round trip. It’s especially popular during sunrise and sunset. If planning to visit at these times, bring a headlamp as it can get dark quickly.
– Devil’s Garden Trail: One of the best trails, it navigates through several areas and around various rock formations to showcase numerous arches, including Tunnel, Pine Tree, and the stunning Landscape Arch.
– Sand Arch / Broken Arch Trail: This quick 0.4-mile round trip leads to a charming arch. For those with extra time, the trail extends to Broken Arch, adding 1.2 miles.
– Windows Trail: A favorite, this 1.1-mile loop trail visits the North and South Window arches and the Turret Arch. There’s also a primitive trail option for those seeking more solitude.
Best Times to Visit the Park
While Arches is open year-round, certain seasons offer better experiences:
– Winter: Offers solitude but can be cold, and some areas may be unsafe due to icy conditions.
– Spring and Fall: Ideal weather with fewer crowds if you visit early or late in the season.
– Summer: Extremely hot and crowded, so plan ahead and bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and protective clothing.
Top Sunrise and Sunset Spots
For breathtaking views, Delicate Arch is the spot to visit at both sunrise and sunset. The evening light enhances the arch’s beauty, and sunrise offers a quieter experience. Always bring a headlamp, as the trail can be tricky to navigate in low light.
Accommodation Options
– Camping: The Devils Garden Campground is the only campground within the park, requiring reservations during peak season (March – October) via Recreation.gov.
– Hotels: Numerous options are available in nearby Moab, catering to various preferences and budgets. Some top choices include the Scenic View Inn, Best Western Plus Canyonlands, and the luxurious Hoodoo Moab by Hilton.
Essential Information
– Visitor Center: Located near the park entrance, it offers exhibits, information, restrooms, and a store.
– Park Fees: Private vehicles – $30.00, Motorcycles – $25.00, Per person – $15.00 if not in a car, and Timed Entry Ticket – $2.00.
Timed Entry Ticket Information
From April 1 to October 31, a Timed Entry Ticket is required between 7:00 am and 4:00 pm. Reservations can be made on Recreation.gov, costing $2.00. Tickets are released 3 months in advance and a block is released each night at 6:00 pm for the next day. Entry before 7:00 am or after 4:00 pm doesn’t require a timed ticket.
National Park Stamp
A cancellation stamp is available at the visitor center near the entrance.
Travel Directions
Arches is conveniently accessible by road. While Moab has a small airport, most visitors fly into Grand Junction or Salt Lake City. From I-70, take US-191 S towards Moab; the park entrance is just a few miles north of town.
Other Helpful Posts
– Guide to Mesa Arch in Canyonlands
– Visiting Bonneville Salt Flats
– Best Day Trips from Park City
– Visiting Golden Spike National Historic Park