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Spanning 76,679 acres of high desert terrain in eastern Utah, Arches National Park contains the highest density of natural sandstone arches in the world. Visitors can hike to over 2,000 documented formations, including the famous Delicate Arch, and stargaze in an official International Dark Sky Park.
Find Guided ToursArches National Park covers 76,679 acres of high desert terrain in Grand County, eastern Utah. Located just north of Moab and adjacent to the Colorado River, the park sits on the Colorado Plateau. Elevations across the landscape range from 4,085 feet at the visitor center to 5,653 feet at Elephant Butte.
The park preserves the highest density of natural sandstone arches in the world. Researchers have documented over 2,000 of these formations within its boundaries, including the famous Delicate Arch. Beyond its geological features, the area is designated as an International Dark Sky Park, recognized for its exceptional starry nights and commitment to preserving natural darkness.
This unique landscape rests above an underground evaporite salt bed deposited 300 million years ago by evaporating ancient inland seas. Over millions of years, this unstable salt layer shifted and buckled. Combined with relentless erosion from wind, frost, and water, these forces carved the overlying Entrada Sandstone into the arches, spires, and balanced rocks visible today.
The region contains over 10,000 years of human history. Protected sites range from ancient Native American rock art at Courthouse Wash to the turn-of-the-century Wolfe Ranch. Formal federal protection of the area began on April 12, 1929, when President Herbert Hoover established Arches National Monument. Following later expansions by several administrations, President Richard Nixon signed legislation on November 12, 1971, officially designating it a national park.
Discover the full history and cultural significance on our About page.
Walk the moderately challenging 3-mile roundtrip trail with 629 feet of elevation gain across open slickrock. At the summit, you reach a 46-foot-tall freestanding sandstone structure. This iconic arch stands in stark contrast against the distant, snow-capped peaks of the La Sal Mountains.
Navigate narrow sandstone fins on an 8-mile route through the park's rugged northern backcountry. This extended hike leads past up to seven distinct rock formations, including Landscape Arch. It provides a close look at the raw geological forces shaping the high desert.
Take a short, flat walk directly underneath two massive sandstone spans sharing a single stone pillar. Standing beneath these towering overhead structures provides a true sense of scale. The surrounding Entrada Sandstone was carved over millions of years from salt beds deposited 300 million years ago.
Arches operates as an official International Dark Sky Park, preserving exceptional natural darkness. Visitors can stay after hours to photograph the stars above over 2,000 documented sandstone formations. The park strictly enforces a ban on artificial light painting to protect this pristine night environment.
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Free Cancellation 4h The optimal times to visit Arches National Park are late spring and early fall, when mild temperatures create comfortable conditions for hiking. Avoiding the peak summer months prevents exposure to extreme heat and heavy crowds.
Late spring provides highly comfortable daytime temperatures for hiking and outdoor exploration. Visiting during these months allows you to view the desert landscapes under mild, pleasant weather conditions.
Daytime temperatures frequently exceed 100°F (37°C), making strenuous hiking highly dangerous. These months also bring massive crowds, congested roads, completely full parking lots, and sudden afternoon thunderstorms.
Early fall features mild, pleasant weather conditions that are highly comfortable for outdoor exploration. This transitional season allows visitors to hike safely while avoiding the extreme heat of summer.
The park remains open 24 hours a day during the cooler winter months. Visitors must still carry at least one gallon of water daily, as dehydration occurs rapidly year-round.
Arches National Park is open 24 hours a day, year-round. The Arches Visitor Center operates daily from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with the exception of Christmas Day (December 25), when the facility is closed.
| Category | Price |
|---|---|
| Private vehicle (15-passenger capacity or less) | $30.00 |
| Motorcycle | $25.00 |
| Individual entering on foot or bicycle | $15.00 |
| Youth (aged 15 and under) | Free |
| Southeast Utah Group (SEUG) Annual Pass | $55.00 |
| America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass | $80.00 |
Advanced timed-entry reservations are not required for general park entry. However, vehicles may be temporarily diverted for three to five hours if parking lots reach full capacity. Advance reservations and permits are required for Devils Garden Campground, all Fiery Furnace hikes, and overnight backcountry use.
For complete schedules and ticket prices, visit our Hours & Fees page.
Arches National Park is located just north of Moab and is accessible directly via US Highway 191. Visitors must arrange their own transportation, as there are no public transit or shuttle services operating within the park boundaries.
📍 US Highway 191, Moab, Utah
To reach the park from Moab, drive north on US Highway 191 for approximately five miles directly to the main entrance. Visitors arriving from Interstate 70 at Crescent Junction will travel south on US Highway 191 for 22 miles. Inside the park, drivers navigate a 36-mile roundtrip scenic drive. Entrance passes cost $30.00 per private vehicle with a 15-passenger capacity or less.
Motorcyclists follow the same primary route as cars, heading five miles north from Moab on US Highway 191 to access the park entrance. Riders can complete the 36-mile roundtrip scenic drive to view the major formations. Standard entrance passes for motorcycles cost $25.00 and are valid for seven days.
Cyclists and pedestrians can access the park by traveling five miles north from Moab along US Highway 191. Once inside, bicyclists share the 36-mile roundtrip scenic road with motor vehicles to navigate the high-desert terrain. The entrance fee for individuals entering on foot or by bicycle is $15.00 per person.
Visitors who prefer not to drive can access the park through guided commercial tours operating out of Moab. Since there is no public transportation or shuttle system inside the park, these tours provide an alternative way to navigate the 36-mile roundtrip scenic drive. Pricing and specific durations vary by operator.
For detailed transport options and routes, visit our Directions page.
Plan to enter the park before 8:00 a.m. or after 3:00 p.m. to avoid heavy traffic and long entrance lines. During peak summer months, trailhead parking lots fill up early, which can trigger temporary park closures lasting three to five hours. Always have a backup itinerary like nearby Canyonlands National Park.
Bring at least one gallon of water per person daily, especially when summer temperatures exceed 100°F. Dehydration occurs rapidly in the high desert environment. You can only refill water bottles at two locations inside the park: the Arches Visitor Center and the Devils Garden trailhead.
Cellular service is extremely unreliable or entirely non-existent across most of the park's rugged terrain. Download the official NPS App and save the park maps for offline use before arriving. You should also inform someone of your specific hiking itinerary and expected return time.
Ensure your vehicle has a completely full tank of gas before driving the five miles from Moab to the park entrance. There are no gas stations or public shuttle systems operating inside Arches. You will need enough fuel to navigate the entire 36-mile roundtrip scenic drive.
Stay on designated paths, bare rock, or sandy washes to protect the knobby black ground cover. This living biological soil crust is composed of algae, lichens, and cyanobacteria. It provides a secure foundation for desert plants but takes decades to recover if damaged by careless footsteps.
Desert temperatures fluctuate dramatically between chilly mornings and scorching afternoons. Wear quick-dry clothing instead of cotton, and bring versatile layers to adjust to the changing conditions. Sturdy hiking shoes with good tread are also required for safe traction on the uneven slickrock terrain.
Located across Highway 191, this massive national park features deep canyons carved by the Colorado River. Visitors can explore the accessible Island in the Sky district or the remote sandstone spires of the Needles district.
This state park features a panoramic overlook positioned 2,000 feet above a gooseneck curve in the Colorado River. The highly photographed scenic vista provides an excellent location for sunset viewing.
Designated as the first national monument in Utah, this site protects three massive, stream-carved natural stone bridges. Visitors can observe these geological formations from paved overlooks or hike directly beneath them.
Read what travelers share about their experience visiting Arches National Park — from practical tips to personal highlights.
A standard entrance pass costs $30.00 per private vehicle and is valid for seven days. Motorcycles are $25.00, and individuals entering on foot or bicycle pay $15.00. Youth aged 15 and under enter for free.
In 2026, advanced timed-entry reservations are not required to enter the park. You can arrive at any time during operating hours, though officials may temporarily restrict entry for three to five hours if parking lots become full.
Arches National Park is open 24 hours a day, year-round. The Arches Visitor Center operates daily from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., except on Christmas Day when it is closed.
The park entrance is located just five miles north of Moab. You can reach it by driving north on US Highway 191 for approximately 10 minutes. There is no public transportation or shuttle service inside the park, so you will need a private vehicle or a commercial tour.
Bring at least one gallon of water per person, as drinking water is only available at the visitor center and the Devils Garden trailhead. Wear sturdy hiking shoes with good tread, quick-dry clothing, and sun protection like a wide-brimmed hat. You should also ensure your vehicle has a full tank of gas before entering.
Yes, the park features several accessible options, including the 36-mile roundtrip paved scenic drive. The Park Avenue Trail and the first 100 yards of the Windows Trail are barrier-free and wheelchair-accessible. The visitor center also provides tactile maps, audio description devices, and braille guides.
Yes, but the park only has one campground, the 50-site Devils Garden Campground. You must reserve your spot up to six months in advance, as it remains completely full throughout the busy season. Overnight backcountry use requires a $7 permit obtained in person in Moab.
The ideal months to visit are April to May and September to October, when daytime temperatures are comfortable for hiking. Avoid the peak summer months of June, July, and August, as temperatures frequently exceed 100°F and parking lots fill up quickly.
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