Arches

Arches Planning Guide

Welcome to Arches National Park!

A trip to Arches can be unforgettable. Plan ahead to make the most of your visit by using this trip planning guide!
 
 

A Red-Rock Wonderland

Discover a landscape of contrasting colors, land forms, and taxtures unlike any other. The park has over 2,000 natural stone arches, hundreds of soaring pinnacles, massive rock fins, and giant balanced rocks. This red-rock wonderland will amaze you with its formations, refresh you with its trails, and inspire you with its sunsets. In this planning guide, you'll find tips to plan your visit, information on hikes, maps & more!

 
a tall, balanced rock
Places to Go

Learn about the major sites inside the park.

a distant person is dwarfed by a massive rock arch
Plan Like a Park Ranger - Top 10 Tips

Where should I begin? What should I see? Start here to plan your visit.

 

 
A visitor drinks water on a hot day
Plan on drinking at least 1 gallon (4 L) of water per day.

NPS/Veronica Verdin

Safety is Your Responsibility

  • Drink water. It is easy to become dehydrated here, even in cold temperatures. Plan on drinking at least 1 gallon (4 L) of water per day. You can get water at Arches Visitor Center and Devils Garden.

  • Do not rely on cell service at Arches. Emergency? Call 911.

  • Find your way. Cairns (small rock piles) mark routes. Don’t build your own; they could mislead other hikers. If you get lost, stay where you are, and wait for rescue.

  • Stay on trails to protect fragile living soil crusts and plant and animal habitat, and to reduce your risk of getting lost.

  • Keep off the arches. It’s prohibited—and dangerous—to climb on any arch or on prominent features like Balanced Rock.

  • The sun is intense, and shade is rare. Avoid exertion during peak heat (>90°F /32°C). Protect yourself with sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.

  • Drones and ATVs are prohibited. You are responsible for knowing all rules and regulations before you arrive.

 

Activities

  • a hiker on a rock fin
    Take a Hike!

    Arches has popular trails ranging in length from a few hundred yards to more than 7 miles. Find the right one for you.

  • a pop-up trailer and two vehicles in front of red rock cliffs
    Campground Reservations

    You can reserve campsites during peak season up to six months in advance. Check here for information and other area camping options.

  • A blue and yellow graphic outlining what is required to enter arches, including a reservation.
    Reserve your Ticket

    Visiting Arches? From April 1 to October 31, visitors are required to have a timed entry ticket to enter the park.

  • stars and the milky way above a silhouetted arch
    Windows to the Universe
    Stargazing

    Enjoy the dark skies of Arches National Park. Explore on your own or join a ranger-led stargazing program in summer.

  • a drawing of children beneath a tall arch
    Be a Junior Ranger

    Learn about the park and have fun during your visit! You can earn a badge for completing a junior ranger book.

  • a ranger speaks with a child
    Ranger Programs

    Take in a ranger program to discover the wonders of Arches National Park.

 

Learn More About The Park

 

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Last updated: April 2, 2024

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

PO Box 907
Moab, UT 84532

Phone:

435 719-2299

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