
Located in eastern Utah, Arches National Park is a breathtaking natural wonder known for its impressive collection of over 2,000 sandstone arches. This unique geological formation spans across an area of 76,679 acres near the Colorado River and encompasses parts of the Colorado Plateau.
Arches National Park holds a rich historical background, with evidence of human activity dating back over 10,000 years. Native American tribes, such as the Ute and Paiute, inhabited the region before European settlers arrived. The 1800s brought explorers and pioneers to the area, with the establishment of a trading post in 1883. Later, in 1929, President Herbert Hoover designated the area as a national monument, which eventually became a national park in 1971.
The park's most iconic feature is Delicate Arch, a 65-foot freestanding arch that has become an emblem for the state of Utah. Visitors can hike up to Delicate Arch, witnessing its majestic beauty up close. Another popular attraction, Landscape Arch, is one of the world's longest natural arches, stretching 306 feet across.
Beyond the arches, Arches National Park offers numerous activities for visitors of all ages. Hiking trails of varying difficulty levels allow visitors to explore the diverse terrain and witness the stunning rock formations firsthand. The fiery hues of the park's sandstone formations are especially vibrant during sunrise and sunset, making it an ideal time for photography enthusiasts.
Nearby, other natural attractions beckon visitors. Canyonlands National Park, home to the convergence of the Green and Colorado Rivers, offers stunning vistas and opportunities for hiking, camping, and stargazing. Dead Horse Point State Park, with its panoramic views of the Colorado River and Canyonlands, is another popular nearby destination worth exploring.
In conclusion, Arches National Park stands as a testament to the wonders of nature, captivating visitors with its striking sandstone arches and awe-inspiring landscapes. Its unique geological formations, coupled with a rich historical background and a range of outdoor activities, make it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventurers alike.
Arches National Park is located in the eastern part of the state of Utah. Nestled within the Colorado Plateau region, the park covers an area of approximately 76,679 acres. Geographically, Arches National Park sits in Grand County, near the town of Moab. The park's unique and captivating landscape is characterized by its abundance of natural sandstone arches, which have been shaped over millions of years by erosion, weathering, and geological forces. Surrounded by stunning red rock formations and picturesque vistas, Arches National Park is a haven for nature enthusiasts, hikers, and photographers alike.
5 miles north of Moab, Utah, on US 191Moab, UT 84532Driving DirectionsPhone: 4357192299Web: Link
The best time to visit Arches National Park would be in April or May. During these months, the average maximum temperatures range from 70°F to 80°F, providing pleasant weather for outdoor activities. Additionally, the average monthly precipitation is relatively low, ranging from 0.8 in to 0.9 in, ensuring suitable conditions for exploring the park. These months also have moderate visitor counts. By choosing this timeframe, you can enjoy the park without being overcrowded by large crowds.
Some of the activities you can do in Arches National Park are: Astronomy Stargazing Guided Tours Junior Ranger Program Shopping Bookstore and Park Store Arts and Culture Biking Camping Backcountry Camping Car or Front Country Camping Canyoneering Climbing Rock Climbing Hiking Horse Trekking Horseback Riding Group Camping
Learn about these topics at Arches National Park: Animals Birds Geology Night Sky Archeology Native American Heritage Rock Landscapes and Features Arches Trails Ranches Farming and Agriculture
The visitor center is generally open every day except December 25. Hours vary by season. You can learn about the park from exhibits and a bookstore. Rangers are on duty to answer your questions. Restrooms and drinking water are available.
The following locations have passport stamps for your "Passport to Your National Parks" booklet: Arches Visitor Center.
Camp among slickrock outcroppings at Devils Garden Campground, 18 miles from the park entrance. You can reserve standard campsites up to 6 months in advance for stays March 1-October 31. All sites are usually reserved months in advance. Between November 1 and February 28, sites are first-come, first-served. Facilities include drinking water, picnic tables, grills, and both pit-style and flush toilets.
Fees (US$): 25.00 (Standard Individual Site), 75.00 (Canyon Wren Group Site 11-16 Campers), 100.00 (Canyon Wren Group Site 17-22 Campers), 125.00 (Canyon Wren Group Site 23-28 Campers), 160.00 (Canyon Wren Group Site 29-35 Campers), 100.00 (Juniper Group Site 11-22 Campers), 150.00 (Juniper Group Site 23-33 Campers), 200.00 (Juniper Group Site 34-44 Campers), 250.00 (Juniper Group Site 45-55 Campers)
Total Campsites: 51
Toilets: Flush Toilets - year round
Showers: None
Potable Water: No water
Located in Moab, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Moab, an IHG Hotel is within a 5-minute drive of Lions Park and Colorado River. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a business center, and express check-in. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1515 N Highway 191, Moab, Utah 84532
Web: Link
With a stay at Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Moab in Moab, you'll be 1.7 mi (2.8 km) from Arches National Park and 13.3 mi (21.4 km) from Mill Canyon Dinosaur Tracks. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, express check-out, and a 24-hour front desk. Planning an event in Moab? This hotel has 576 square feet (54 square meters) of space consisting of conference space and a meeting room. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1863 North Highway 191, Moab, Utah 84532
Web: Link
With a stay at Moab Valley RV Resort & Campground in Moab, you'll be within a 5-minute walk of Lions Park and Colorado River. Featured amenities include laundry facilities and a library. Self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite.
Address: 1773 US 191, Moab, Utah 84532
Web: Link
Located in Moab, Aarchway Inn is on the riverwalk, within a 15-minute walk of Lions Park and Colorado River. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and dry cleaning/laundry services. A roundtrip airport shuttle is complimentary during limited hours.
Address: 1551 North Highway 191, Moab, Utah 84532
Web: Link
Located in Moab, Moab Springs Ranch is in the mountains, within a 5-minute drive of Lions Park and Arches National Park. Featured amenities include express check-out and luggage storage. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1266 US HIGHWAY 191, Moab, Utah 84532
Web: Link
Located in Moab, SpringHill Suites by Marriott Moab is on the riverwalk, a 2-minute drive from Arches National Park and 13 minutes from Mill Canyon Dinosaur Tracks. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a 24-hour business center, and express check-out. Planning an event in Moab? This hotel has facilities measuring 1783 square feet (166 square meters), including conference space. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1865 N Highway 191, Moab, Utah 84532
Web: Link
When you stay at this condo in Moab, you'll be next to a golf course, within a 5-minute drive of Lions Park and Colorado River. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1266 N Hwy 191, #2, Moab, Utah 84532
Web: Link
When you stay at this vacation home in Moab, you'll be next to a golf course, within a 5-minute drive of Lions Park and Swanny City Park. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1266 N Hwy 191, #3, Moab, Utah 84532
Web: Link
With a stay at My Place Hotel-Moab, UT in Moab, you'll be within a 5-minute drive of Lions Park and Colorado River. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a 24-hour business center, and a 24-hour front desk. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1500â1522 N Main St Moab, Moab, Utah 84532
Web: Link
Located in Moab, Wander Camp Moab is in a rural location, within a 5-minute drive of Colorado River and Lions Park. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 19 UT-128, Moab, Utah 84532
Web: Link
| Date issued | Details |
|---|---|
| 2026-03-18 | Trip-planning tips for 2026 Planning to visit Arches this year? To ensure the best experience, please anticipate potentially long wait times at the entrance station. If trailhead parking is full, plan to return a little later. Please avoid parking on vegetation and roadways to help preserve this beautiful place for everyone to enjoy. |
| 2026-02-18 | Arches National Park Lifts Entry Reservation Requirement for 2026 Arches National Park today announced it will not require advanced timed-entry reservations this year. Visitors may enter the park at any time during operating hours. More |
| 2025-12-31 | 2026 Community Artist in Parks announced The National Park Service Southeast Utah Group is pleased to announce the selection of Chrissy Noel Kinslow as the 2026 Community Artist in the Parks More |
| 2025-09-30 | Tourism to Southeast Utah Group parks contributes $447M to local economy A new National Park Service report shows that nearly 2.4M visitors to parks of the Southeast Utah Group in 2024 spent $421.9M in communities near the park. That spending had a cumulative benefit to the local economy of $447 million. More |
| 2025-09-09 | Call for 2026 Community Artist in the Parks The Southeast Utah Group of parks will accept applications for the 2026 Community Artist in the Parks (CAIP) program September 15 to October 15, 2025. More |
| 2025-08-25 | Arches National Park timed entry pilot resumes for Labor Day weekend Arches National Park’s fourth timed entry pilot program—paused during peak summer heat— will resume August 28th. Visitors will need to reserve a ticket in advance in order to enter the park between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. daily through October 31. More |