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Nov 18, 2023

10 Things To Do In Arches National Park: Complete Guide To Moab's Most Scenic Gem

Explore the complete guide to Arches National Park, with helpful information on the top things to do, where to stay, and the best time to visit. Arches National Park, situated just outside Moab, Utah,

Explore the complete guide to Arches National Park, with helpful information on the top things to do, where to stay, and the best time to visit.

Arches National Park, situated just outside Moab, Utah, has a unique charm that leaves visitors in awe. This national treasure, home to over 2,000 natural sandstone arches, is a testament to the power of time and elements. The park's crown jewel, Delicate Arch, stands out against the sky, captivating the attention of those who venture to see it.

The park also offers a wealth of activities, from hiking trails that wind through the stunning landscape to star-gazing opportunities in the clear desert nights. History buffs would be intrigued by the traces of past civilizations found in the form of petroglyphs etched onto rock walls. Arches National Park is not just a collection of beautiful arches but a destination offering a rich, multi-faceted experience. It's undeniably a place worth exploring, one where nature's grandeur is on full display, offering a memorable experience for all who visit. Explore the complete guide to Arches National Park, with helpful information for those planning a day trip or longer.

This park’s name defines what one should expect; stunning rock arches that have been formed over millions of years. The Arches National Park is famous for a lot of things; below is a deeper look at the top things to see and do in this attraction.

Related: 10 Completely Free Things To Do In And Around Moab, Utah

Found in the eastern section of Arches National Park, Delicate Arch is among the most popular arches. To get here, visitors have to drive about 12 miles from the visitor center to the Delicate Arch Trailhead, and then hike about 1.5 miles to the arch.

Less experienced hikers might find this a strenuous hike, with steep drop-offs in the final stretch. However, the reward at the end is a stunning view of the La Sal Mountains, elegantly framed by the arch. The arch itself is a wondrous 46-foot natural stone structure with a width of 32 feet (10 meters).

If hiking to Delicate Arch is too strenuous, visitors can opt to visit Landscape Arch, which is found at the national park’s northern end. The drive from the park’s entrance is about 18 miles, but the hike from the trailhead is just 1.8 miles to and from the arch.

This is an easy hike that cuts through desert terrain and passes other arches like Pine Tree and Tunnel before getting to the 290-foot Landscape Arch.

Although the hike is relatively short, visitors should allow more time to explore the other parts of the Devil’s Garden area.

Another popular arch, Double Arch is unique because it has two massive arches that intersect. Found in the Windows Section of Arches National Park, this attraction is easy to get to as the hike is only about 0.3 miles long one way. The Double Arch Trail is among the best hikes in Arches National Park.

Once at the end of the trail, visitors are rewarded with a magnificent view of the 112-foot-tall arch, which is the tallest in the park.

Lovers of adventure are fascinated by Fiery Furnace, a labyrinth of sandstone walls, narrow passages, and unique rock formations. This attraction is found in the Devil’s Garden area, but visitors can only access the site on a ranger-guided tour or by reserving a self-guided permit.

The tour involves exploring the tight spaces and navigating uneven terrain within Fiery Furnace, making it ideal for more experienced hikers.

Those who want to explore Fiery Furnace should make a reservation in advance. Spaces fill up quickly, so visitors should book their slots early.

The Windows Section is regarded as one of the most popular areas in the Arches National Park. Found close to the park’s entrance, this section is home to arches like the North Window Arch, South Window Arch, and Turret Arch, among many others.

Other than arches, visitors also get to explore sites like the Garden of Eden, Elephant Butte, and Parade of Elephants.

Those intending to explore the Windows Section should visit one of the park’s visitor centers to get information about the trail conditions and necessary permits.

Courthouse Towers is in the Park Avenue area of Arches National Park. The said ‘towers’ are a series of towers that resemble the buildings in the eponymous Park Avenue in New York. Some of the rock formations here include Three Gossips, Tower of Babel, Ring Arch, and Baby Arch, among many others.

Plus, with several viewpoints found in the Courthouse Towers area, visitors can admire the rock formations from different angles.

Early morning and late afternoon offer the best lighting for photography.

Arches National Park is an official International Dark Sky Park, offering excellent opportunities for stargazing due to low light pollution. Visitors can experience this anywhere in the park, but certain areas are better suited than others.

Those who want the best views of the night sky can head to Balanced Rock, the Windows Section, and the Delicate Arch Viewpoints. Visitors may also consider camping to get the best stargazing experience.

It is recommended to use a red-filtered flashlight instead of regular flashlights as the red light preserves night vision better.

There are several designated picnic areas in Arches National Park, each one offering a view of the stunning desert landscape. For instance, the Courthouse Towers Picnic Area is found close to the park entrance, and it offers views of The Three Gossips, Courthouse Towers, and the Tower of Babel.

There are also picnic areas at the La Sal Mountains viewpoints and The Windows Section, among others around the park.

Picnic tables are available in these areas, but visitors are advised to carry enough food as there aren’t any food services within Arches National Park.

For those interested in getting a more in-depth understanding of Arches National Park’s geological features, a geology tour is the perfect experience. These educational and informative tours reveal a lot about the processes that shaped the area’s landscape over millions of years.

Geology tours are mainly led by park rangers, but there are also companies like Science Moab that organize these tours.

There are also audio tours available for sale online, for a cheaper geological tour option.

Related: Moab's Rock Formations: Exploring The Unique Geology Of Utah's Red Rock Country

Instead of just viewing the rock formations from afar, how about interacting with them on a rock climbing expedition? Visitors who love the thrill of rock climbing can experience this in areas like Devils Garden, Garden of Eden, and the Windows Section.

Rock climbers are required to follow various regulations to help protect the fragile landscape. For instance, climbing groups are only limited to five people per group, and climbers should register for a free permit.

Different sections are open for rock climbing at different times of the year, so visitors should check the website for details.

Arches National Park is near convenient dining options, so there's no shortage of choices.

Jailhouse Café

Moab Diner

Arches Thai

Trailhead Public House and Eatery

The Broken Oar

The Spoke on Center

Whether visitors want to camp in Arches National Park or hole up in a hotel nearby, there's accommodation for every budget.

Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott Moab

Moab Springs Ranch Resort

Sunny Acres Cabin

Books Cliffs

Related: 10 RV Parks & Campsites In Moab Perfect For The Adventure Seeker

Devils Garden Campground

Camping Tent in Ballard RV Park

Arches National Park, with its desert climate, experiences extreme temperature fluctuations and varying weather conditions throughout the year. The optimal months to visit are April to June and September to October when the weather is mild and rainfall is minimal.

Here's an in-depth look at what to expect in Arches National Park during the different seasons.

These are some of the best months to visit Arches National Park as the weather is generally mild and pleasant, with temperatures averaging highs of 80 degrees Fahrenheit (27 degrees Celsius) and lows of 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius).

Spring brings with it a low chance of rain, making it an ideal time to explore the park's numerous outdoor attractions. Visitors should be aware that the park can be quite busy during this period, and prices for local accommodations may be at their highest.

The summer months in Arches National Park are characterized by soaring temperatures, with highs reaching up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) and lows of 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 degrees Celsius).

The humidity levels are relatively low, but the heat can be intense, especially during midday. Despite the high temperatures, this period can still be an interesting time to visit as the crowds begin to thin out and prices become more reasonable.

However, visitors should be prepared for potential heat waves and always carry plenty of water.

Fall in Arches National Park offers a respite from the summer heat, with temperatures ranging between highs of 80 degrees Fahrenheit (27 degrees Celsius) and lows of 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius).

While the occasional rain shower can occur, it generally doesn't hinder the exploration of the park's attractions. The crowds are noticeably smaller during this period, and the prices are quite affordable, making it an appealing time for budget-conscious travelers to visit.

The winter months in Arches National Park can be quite chilly, with temperatures averaging highs of 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius) and lows of 20 degrees Fahrenheit (-6 degrees Celsius). Snowfall is common during this season, adding a unique beauty to the park's landscape.

While the cold weather may limit some outdoor activities, it also results in fewer tourists and lower prices for accommodations. Those who don't mind the cold and are looking for a serene, uncrowded experience may consider visiting during this season.

Travelers making their way to Arches National Park may choose to fly into Canyonlands Regional Airport in Moab. SkyWest and United Airlines offer daily flights to and from this airport to Denver. The airport is just 14 miles from Arches National Park, about a 15-minute drive.

Alternatively, visitors can land at the Grand Junction Regional Airport, found about 110 miles from the park. This airport accommodates daily flights from major cities such as Denver, Dallas, Phoenix, and Salt Lake City. For those visiting from overseas, Salt Lake City International Airport is a viable option, albeit a 236-mile drive from the park.

To reach the park, visitors have several options:

Interstate 70 (I-70) is the main highway leading to Arches National Park. From this highway, travelers can take exit 182 towards US-191 S, which leads directly to the park. The journey from Moab city center to the park takes approximately 10 minutes.

Numerous car rental services are available at Grand Junction and Salt Lake City airports, but Canyonlands Airport only has shuttle and taxi services.

Once inside the park, visitors can explore the stunning landscapes and iconic arches using the following modes of transport:

Arches National Park has a paved scenic drive that is perfect for biking. This 36-mile round trip allows cyclists to explore the park's main sights. Visitors should note that off-road biking is not permitted in the park.

Related: Off-Roading In Arches & Moab: Where Thrill-Seekers Can Do It & How

The park boasts an extensive network of hiking trails, ranging from easy walks to challenging hikes. These trails offer visitors the chance to experience the park's stunning geology up close.

Several companies offer guided shuttle tours within the park. These tours provide a convenient way to see the park's main attractions, without the hassle of driving and parking. Prices and schedules vary by company, so it's advisable to check in advance.

Begin the perfect day in Arches National Park with a hearty breakfast at Moab Diner. Then, head to the Park Avenue Trail for a morning hike, taking in the awe-inspiring rock formations. Afterward, enjoy a packed lunch, while basking in the natural beauty of the park.

Spend the afternoon exploring Delicate Arch, the park's most iconic feature, before heading to Balanced Rock for some memorable photos. As evening falls, grab dinner at Pasta Jay's then end the day with stargazing, a must-do activity in the park, offering tourists a chance to appreciate the clear, star-filled sky.

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Barry has written hundreds of travel articles for multiple publications. He also loves to travel whenever he can, to learn about different cultures and ways of life.