Arches National Park begins about five miles north of downtown Moab, and its paved scenic drive climbs quickly from the entrance station into a landscape of red sandstone fins, towers and, of course, arches. The park protects more than two thousand of them, formed as salt beds below the rock shifted and the sandstone above cracked and eroded. Most visitors drive the main road to the big stops: Park Avenue, the Courthouse Towers, Balanced Rock, the Windows Section with its pair of huge arches, and Devils Garden at the far end, where the trail to Landscape Arch begins. Each stop is a short walk from a parking area, so you can see a great deal without a major hike. The park charges an entrance fee per vehicle, and a valid pass is required. In some recent peak seasons, roughly spring through autumn, the park has required timed-entry reservations for daytime arrivals, and in other periods and years it has not, so check the park's site before you travel. Without a reservation requirement a spontaneous visit is easy, although busy days still bring entrance lines and full parking lots.
Plan the day around light and crowds. Sunrise and early morning are the quietest and coolest times, and the low sun makes the red rock glow. The Windows Section and Devils Garden are the busiest stops by late morning, so many visitors drive to the far end first and work back toward the entrance.
In November the days are short and the nights are cold, with frost possible on the slickrock, so check conditions and dress in layers. The visitor center near the entrance has shortened winter hours, but it is the place to ask rangers about road and trail conditions.
A guided sightseeing tour is an easy way in if you would rather not drive: the booking page for the tour linked here covers the highlights with a local guide, which is useful for the geology and for skipping the parking hunt. If you drive yourself, fill the tank in Moab, carry plenty of water (the park advises about a gallon per person per day), and expect little or no mobile signal. Stay on the trails to protect the fragile living soil crust, and never climb on arches or on Balanced Rock.
Know the exceptions to the no-reservation rule. Fiery Furnace, a maze of narrow canyons, is open only on a ranger-led or self-guided permit, and the Devils Garden campground needs a reservation. If a day in Arches whets your appetite, pair it with the Delicate Arch hike for the icon, Corona Arch outside the park for a free, quieter alternative, and a stargazing night, since the park is an International Dark Sky Park.
What to expect
The experience
A paved scenic drive of about eighteen miles with short walks to the major arches, plus longer trails at Devils Garden and the Windows.
Best time
Early morning for cool air and fewer cars; late afternoon for warm light on the rock. In November, plan to be off the trails before dark.
How long
Four to six hours covers the main stops; a full day lets you add a longer hike.
Tips
Arrive early on weekends and holidays, carry plenty of water, fill your fuel tank in Moab and check the park's site for road and trail conditions before you go.
Quick picks
- Best for
- First-time visitors who want the classic arches in a single day without technical hiking.
- Families
- Balanced Rock, Park Avenue and the Windows are short, kid-friendly walks; keep children away from drop-offs.
- Couples
- Late afternoon at the Windows, then a sunset stop and a quiet dinner back in Moab.
- Pair with
- The Delicate Arch hike, a Dead Horse Point sunset and a stargazing night.
- Time needed
- Half a day at minimum; a full day is better.
Good questions
Do I need a timed-entry reservation for Arches?+
It depends on the season. In recent years the park has required timed-entry reservations for daytime arrivals during peak months, roughly spring through autumn, and not at other times or in every year, so check the park's site. A valid entrance pass is always required, and Fiery Furnace and the Devils Garden campground have their own reservation rules.
How much does it cost to enter?+
Private vehicles pay a per-vehicle entrance fee, and the park pass is valid for several days. Annual park passes are available, and visitors from outside the United States should check the park's site for current non-resident fees.
How long do I need in Arches?+
Allow at least half a day for the scenic drive and short walks. A full day lets you add the Windows loop, the Devils Garden trail to Landscape Arch or the Delicate Arch hike.
Can I visit in winter?+
Yes, the park stays open year-round and winter is quiet, but nights are cold and ice can form on trails and viewpoints. Bring layers and traction for icy sandstone.
Is there food or fuel inside the park?+
There is no restaurant or fuel in the park. Water is available at the visitor center and Devils Garden, so fill up and bring snacks from Moab.
