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!

 

Quick Links

• Arches Timed Entry Reservations
• Current Conditions
• Operating Hours and Seasons
• Fees & Passes
• Camping
• Visiting with Pets
• Accessibility

 

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!

 

 

Explore the Landscape

Download & View Maps

 

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

• 

  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.

• 

  Campground Reservations

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

• 

  Reserve your Ticket

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

• 

  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.

• 

  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.

• 

  Ranger Programs

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

 

Learn More About The Park

• 

  Cultural History

  Learn about historic and current tribal connections to Arches National Park.

• 

  Why all the arches?

  The Geology of Arches National Park

  Why are there so many arches here? How do they form? Learn all about the geology and the famous namesake features of Arches National Park.

• 

  Nature

  Learn about the park's plant and animal life, geology, ecosystems, and other natural features.

 

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