Arches National Park in Moab, Utah

Tours in Arches National Park

Arches National Park is easy to explore on your own, but driving, parking, and planning around timed entry can take time away from the experience. A guided tour lets you focus on the sights, not the stress. Expert guides know the best routes, parking spots, and photo-worthy stops, so you don’t miss a thing. Whether you’re seeing Arches for the first time or returning to soak it all in, a tour offers added insight and convenience. It’s the easiest way to see more, worry less, and experience the park like a local.

Timed Entry Reservations

If you're driving into Arches, keep in mind that timed entry reservations are required from April through October between 7 AM and 4 PM. These passes can sell out months in advance, so early planning is key. You can still enter before 6 AM or after 5 PM without a reservation. Prefer to skip the stress? Guided van tours include park entry and bypass the reservation system entirely—no planning, no parking hassle, just the freedom to enjoy the park while someone else handles the logistics.

Best Times to Visit Arches

If you're planning to do longer hikes, spring and fall are the best times to visit Arches National Park, thanks to cooler temps, smaller crowds, and ideal hiking conditions. Summer can be hot, especially midday, but early mornings and evenings are beautiful and days are long. Winter is the quietest season, with a chance to see snow on the red rock. If you're short on time or visiting during peak months, a guided tour can help you avoid timed-entry stress and make the most of your time inside the park.

Arches National Park Weather

While Arches sits in the desert, don’t assume it’s scorching year-round. The park is located in Utah’s “high desert,” meaning temperatures can swing dramatically—even within a single day. Summer afternoons can be hot, but mornings and evenings are often comfortable. Spring and fall offer mild weather and cool nights, while winter brings crisp air and the occasional dusting of snow. No matter when you visit, dress in layers, stay hydrated, and be prepared for sun, wind, and sudden changes.

Arches National Park Camping

Camping in Arches National Park lets you slow down and soak it all in—especially after the crowds leave and the stars come out. The park’s main campground, Devils Garden, offers incredible views and access to nearby trails. Note that it's a 30-minute drive to town, though, as you're at the back of the park. There are other nearby campsites outside the park. Enjoy dinner by the fire and stargazing under one of the darkest skies in the Southwest. Reserve early and plan ahead. This is an experience you’ll want to linger in.

Best Lodging Near Arches

Arches National Park is just five minutes from downtown Moab, making it one of the easiest parks to pair with nearby lodging. Moab is packed with hotels, vacation rentals, cabins, and campgrounds to fit every style and budget. Whether you’re looking for riverside views, upscale resorts, family-friendly space, or even glamping, you’ll find it close to the park entrance. Lodging fills quickly in Moab, so be sure to book early and give yourself more time to explore and less time stressing about where to stay.

Best Hikes in Arches

There’s no such thing as a bad hike in Arches, but some are truly unforgettable. Whether you're chasing sunrise at Delicate Arch, strolling the Windows Section, or hiking beneath the sweeping span of Landscape Arch, there's something here for every ability and energy level. We've put together a list of our favorite trails—some short, some challenging, all spectacular. So if you’re wondering where to start, or just want to make the most of your time in the park, these are the hikes we’d recommend again and again.

Pictures of Arches National Park

Arches National Park is regarded as one of the most picturesque geological wonders in the United States. You've probably seen the photos of these towering formations and gasped. From golden sunrise glows to star-filled desert nights, the scenery here is nothing short of cinematic. If you’re still uncertain, take a look at a few more of these natural stone arches to get inspired, start dreaming, and prepare for one of the most photogenic landscapes in the Southwest.

Best Arches to See

Arches, upon arches, upon arches—it’s what makes this park so iconic. Beyond the internationally recognized Delicate Arch, you’ll find hidden gems formed over millions of years through wind, water, and time. From towering spans to narrow windows, each formation tells a story in stone. And when the sun sets? The arches become silhouettes against a starlit sky, thanks to Moab’s clear desert air and minimal light pollution. It’s beautiful by day, and even more magic after dark.

Fun Facts about the Park

We’ve pulled together a list of fun, surprising, and genuinely useful facts about Arches National Park. Want to know how many arches exist? Which ones have collapsed? How long they take to form, or how to tell an arch from a window? Whether you're planning your first visit or returning with fresh curiosity, our fact list may answer your questions, and even a few you didn’t know you had.

How are Arches Formed?

Ever wonder how more than 2,000 arches ended up in one place? It didn’t happen overnight. These massive stone spans weren’t carved by hand, but by time, wind, water, and a little underground drama. From sandstone fins to natural windows, the story of how arches form is just as fascinating as the formations themselves. If you’re curious about the slow-motion process that shaped one of the world’s most iconic landscapes, we’ve got the full breakdown waiting for you.

Arches National Park Map

With so many trails, arches, and photo stops packed into Arches National Park, having a map is more than helpful. It’s essential. It’s the best way to get a sense of where the major highlights are, how far they are from one another, and what lesser-known spots might be worth adding to your list. Whether you’re planning to hike, drive, or take a guided tour, having a visual reference makes it easier to build an itinerary that fits your timing and interests, so you spend more time exploring and less time figuring things out.