Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to many common and some not-so-common questions asked by our visitors. If you feel we've left one out, please let us know!

 

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Facilities & Services

What facilities or services does Arches offer?
Aside from the visitor center and bathrooms, there are no facilities in Arches. Gas, groceries, lodging and other amenities are available in Moab. Read more about area goods and services.

When is the visitor center open?
The visitor center is open daily at least from 9 am to 4 pm, (except December 25), with extended hours spring through fall. Read more about operating hours and seasons.

Do you accept checks?
Yes. We take personal, business, and travelers checks for entrance fees and tour fees. We accept travelers checks for bookstore purchases. All checks must be drawn in US dollars from a US bank. Personal checks $50 and over must include a social security number. Business checks $50 and over must include a tax ID number.

Do you accept credit cards or debit cards?
Yes. We accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express for entrance fees and tour fees. You may use your Visa, MasterCard, and Discover for bookstore purchases.

Can I get information mailed to me?
Yes. Contact us to request mailed information. You can save our printing costs by downloading brochures and newspapers from the website. Print them at home, and bring them with you to the park. Students: If you're doing a school project on Arches, check out our Student Information Page.

Where can I get extra brochures?
Canyonlands Natural History Association operates the bookstore in our visitor center and sells the official Arches National Park brochure that is handed out at the entrance station. You can visit them online at www.cnha.org.

Where can I buy an item I saw in your visitor center?
Canyonlands Natural History Association operates the bookstores in our visitor centers. Visit them online at www.cnha.org.

Does the park close at night?
No, the park is open 24 hours a day. View Operating Hours and Seasons. Arches is a great place for stargazing.

Can I get an entrance fee waiver?
Yes. If you are an educational group whose visit is educational rather than recreational, you can apply for an entrance fee waiver.

What is the weather?
You can get a general idea of seasonal conditions and temperature and precipitation averages on our weather page. Get a current forecast from the National Weather Service.

Are there public phones in the park?
Yes. There are pay phones available outside the visitor center. There are no pay phones at the campground.

Will my cell phone work in Arches?
Maybe. You may find limited coverage in some areas of the park. In other areas, coverage is poor to nonexistent. Do not count on being able to receive service. Read more about area goods and services.

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Traffic

Do I need a permit to enter the park?
No. You can enter the park at any time, but you may have to sit in line at the entrance gate. Read more about traffic tips.

When is the busy time of year?
Generally March through October. The park is especially busy on these weekends and holidays:

  • Easter week (date varies; in late March or April)
  • Memorial Day (last Monday in May)
  • Labor Day (first Monday in September)
  • Utah Education Association break (date varies; mid-October)

What time of day is the park busiest?
The park is usually busiest mid-morning through mid-afternoon. There can be limited parking, crowded trails, and long lines at the entrance station.

When is the best time to enter the park?
We recommend entering the park before 8 am or after 3 pm to avoid long lines and parking congestion. Read more about traffic tips.

Can I see what the entrance road looks like before I visit?
Yes. Check out our webcams page for a current view of the entrance road.

 

Pets

Can I bring my pet to Arches?
Yes, but there are limits on where they can go. They are allowed on roads and parking areas; they are not allowed on hiking trails. Read more about visiting with your pet.

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Camping

Can I camp at Arches?
Yes, Devils Garden Campground is open year-round.

Can I reserve a campsite?
Yes, you can reserve for nights between March 1 and October 31. Between November 1 and February 28, the campground is first-come, first-served. You can make a reservation up to six months in advance. Read more about camping.

Where else can I camp?
There are many camping opportunities in the Moab area. Visit discovermoab.com for camping options outside the park.

What facilities does the campground have?
Devils Garden Campground has 50 sites with fire rings, picnic tables, bathrooms and running water. There are no showers. You can find showers in Moab. Read more about camping.

Can I backpack in Arches?
Yes. You need a permit. Read more about backpacking.

Where else can I go backpacking?
Nearby Canyonlands National Park is a great place for backpacking. There are also lands administered by the Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management where you can backpack. Read more about backpacking.

What about winter camping?
During the winter (November 1 through February 28), 24 campsites are available, first-come, first-served. Read more about camping.

RVs

What's the maximum RV length in the campground?
Some sites will accommodate RVs up to 30 feet long.

Is there an RV dump station in the park?
No. There are RV dump stations in Moab.

Do any sites have RV hookups?
No. There are no RV hookups in the park. There are many campgrounds in Moab that have RV hookups. Visit discovermoab.com for information.


 

Ranger Programs

What kind of ranger programs do you offer?
We offer ranger-led talks, evening programs, and hikes in the Fiery Furnace.

When do you offer programs?
We offer programs most days spring through fall. Schedules are subject to change. Read more about ranger-led programs.

How can I get Fiery Furnace tickets?
You can reserve tickets up to four months in advance online. If there are any tickets available, you can also purchase tickets at the visitor center up to seven days in advance. Read more about ranger-led programs.

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Regulations

Can I ride my ATV in Arches?
No. Off-highway vehicles (ATVs, UTVs, etc.) are not allowed. Read more about park regulations.

Can I fly my drone in Arches?
No. Launching, landing, or operating unmanned aircraft (such as drones, quadcopters, or model airplanes) is prohibited. Read more about the prohibition on drones.

Can I have a wedding ceremony in Arches?
Yes. You will need a wedding permit to hold a ceremony in the park.

Can I scatter ashes in Arches?
Yes. You will need a memorialization permit.

Can I film a movie in Arches?
All commercial photography and filming requires a special use permit.

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Volunteering & Employment

Can I volunteer at Arches?
Yes! The National Park Service needs volunteers throughout the year to assist with all aspects of park management. Read more about volunteer opportunities.

How do I get a job at Arches?
Learn more about Working With Us

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Last updated: July 13, 2018

Contact the Park

Mailing Address:

PO Box 907
Moab, UT 84532

Phone:

(435) 719-2299

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