Arches National Park: Your Complete Travel, Hiking and Photography Guide

Arches National Park is one of Utah’s most iconic destinations, located just five miles north of Moab.

With over 2,000 natural stone arches, towering rock formations, and stunning desert landscapes, it’s a must-see for hikers, photographers, and outdoor enthusiasts.

This guide provides all the essential information to plan an unforgettable visit, including the best hiking trails, photography tips, camping options, and more.

This post may contain affiliate links to trusted partners. If you purchase through these links, I earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!

Women walking under arch at Arches National Park — *Turret Arch, Arches National Park. Photo © JJ Trailwalker*

Things to do in Arches National Park

Arches National Park offers diverse activities that cater to all types of visitors. Here are some highlights:

Hiking: Trails range from easy walks to strenuous backcountry routes, each leading to breathtaking vistas and formations.
Scenic Driving: A scenic drive winds through the park, offering access to major viewpoints and trailheads.
Photography: Capture iconic landscapes, including Delicate Arch and Balanced Rock, during golden and blue hours.
Stargazing: Designated as an International Dark Sky Park, Arches is perfect for viewing the Milky Way and starry skies.
Ranger Programs: Join guided hikes and educational programs to learn about the park’s geology and history.

Best Hikes in Arches National Park

Easy:

Delicate Arch Viewpoint (0.7 miles): A short walk to see Utah’s most famous arch from a distance.
Sand Dune Arch Trail (0.3 miles): A fun and family-friendly trail through sandy pathways.
Double Arch Trail (0.6 miles): A quick hike leading to a massive double arch.
Balanced Rock Loop Trail (0.3 miles): Circle this gravity-defying formation.
The Windows and Turret Arch (1.2 miles): Explore this cluster of arches, perfect for sunrise photography.
Park Avenue Trail (1.8 miles)

Moderate:

Landscape Arch Trail (1.9 miles): Witness one of the longest natural arches in the world.
Tower Arch Trail (2.4 miles): A less-crowded hike with stunning rock formations.

Strenuous:

Devil’s Garden Primitive Loop (7.9 miles): A challenging trek through landscapes filled with arches.
Delicate Arch Trail (3 miles): A steep hike to the park’s most iconic arch; best done at sunrise or sunset.
Fiery Furnace (2 miles): Requires a permit or ranger-guided tour; navigate through a maze of sandstone.

Tips

Check trail conditions on the official park website.
Bring plenty of water, wear sturdy footwear, and avoid peak heat hours in summer.

Arches National Park Scenic Drive

The 18-mile scenic drive offers access to the park’s main attractions. Key stops include:

Balanced Rock
Courthouse Towers Viewpoint
Delicate Arch Viewpoint
The Windows Section
Fiery Furnace Viewpoint
Las Sal Mountains Viewpoint
Park Avenue Viewpoint

Plan for at least half a day to fully enjoy the drive and short hikes along the way. Download the NPS App for interactive maps and audio tours.

couple holding hands walking under arch with stars and night sky in background. Arches National Park — *Delicate Arch, Arches National Park. Photo © JJ Trailwalker*

Stargazing in Arches National Park

Arches’ remote location and dark skies make it a premier stargazing destination. Popular spots include:

Devils Garden Campground
Balanced Rock Picnic Area
The Windows Section
Panorama Point
Delicate Arch
- If you opt for a nighttime stargazing hike, it is crucial to be well-acquainted with the trail and stick to its course.
- Every hiker should carry a reliable light source.

Best Viewing Times: April to September, especially during new moon phases. Summer is ideal for the glalactic center of the Milky Way being most visible. Bring a red-light flashlight to preserve night vision.

Women walking in sand under arch at Arches National Park — *Sand Dune Arch, Arches National Park. Photo © JJ Trailwalker*

Photography Tips for Arches National Park

Best Times to Shoot:

Golden Hour: Sunrise and sunset provide warm, dramatic lighting.
Blue Hour: The soft, cool light just before sunrise or after sunset.
Night: Capture star trails and the Milky Way.

Top Spots to Photograph:

Delicate Arch: Frame it against the Milky Way or capture its glow during sunset.
The Windows and Turret Arch: Sunrise compositions are spectacular here.
Park Avenue: The canyon-like valley flanked by towering red rock walls. Good at both sunrise and sunset.
Balanced Rock: Stunning at night when silhouetted against the stars.
Devils Garden Area: Home to numerous arches including Landscape Arch. This area offers diverse photographic opportunites, especially in the early morning or late afternoon.
Sand Dune Arch: Best shot mid-morning when the light illuminates its interior.

For more detail photography information view my Guide to Arches National Park Photography.

Man view Delicate Arch during sunset at Arches National Park — Delicate Arch Arches National Park. Photo ©JJ. Trailwalker

Planning Your Trip to Arches National Park

Best Time to Visit

Spring (April-May) and Fall (September-October): Pleasant temperatures (60-80°F).
Summer: Highs can exceed 100°F; start activities early.
Winter: Minimal crowds, but cooler temperatures (30-50°F).

Camping

Devils Garden Campground: The only in-park campground; reserve early.
BLM Campgrounds: Budget-friendly options along the Colorado River.
- For more information on the myriad of camping visit Discover Moab.

Lodging

Nearby Moab offers accommodations for every budget as there is no lodging directly in the park:

Luxury: Hoodoo Moab, Red Cliffs Lodge
Midrange: Hyatt Place Moab, Aarchway Inn
Budget: The Gonzo Inn, Best Western Plus Canyonlands

Check lodging options here.

Dining Recommendations

Breakfast: Sweet Cravings Bakery & Bistro, Jailhouse Cafe, Moab Dinner
Lunch: Moab Food Truck Park, Quesadilla Mobilla
Dinner: The Broken Oar, 98 Center Moab, Desert Bristro

There are many amazing options for dining in Moab, but there are no eating options in the park.

Women stading under Double Arch, Arches National Park — *Double Arch, Arches National Park. Photo © JJ Trailwalker*

Arches National Park Hours and Cost:

Park Hours & Fees

Open 24/7. Entry fee: $30/vehicle for seven days.
Consider the $80 America the Beautiful Pass for access to all national parks.

Timed Entry Reservations

Required April 1 – October 31 from 7 AM to 4 PM.
Book at Recreation.gov.

Getting Around

Transportation
- There is no shuttle system inside Arches
- There are some commercial tours offered by companies in Moab, Utah. Find the companies that are authorized concessioners of the National Park Service for Arches here.
Closest Airports:
- Canyonlands Regional Airport (15 min)
- Grand Junction Regional Airport (1.5 hrs)
- Salt Lake City International Airport (3.5 hrs)