Safety

Your Guide to a Safe Visit to Arches National Park

Each year, park rangers respond to hundreds of search and rescues in Arches due to the extreme conditions and hazards that come with being in canyon country. It’s important to both mentally and physically prepare before setting out on your trip to help you avoid the common pitfalls that could impact your visit and even lead to injury. Use our safety guidelines below to help you "Plan Like a Ranger" for your adventure!

 

Duration:

4 minutes, 5 seconds

Are you prepared for your next visit to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks? Each year, park rangers respond to hundreds of search and rescue incidents (SARs) in Arches and Canyonlands. It can take hours to locate and extract injured individuals. Luckily, SARs can be prevented. In this video, rangers Collin and Kat talk about Preventative Search and Rescue (PSAR) and show you how to plan ahead, pack the 10 essentials, and hike safely in the park.

 

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Beating the Heat and Staying Hydrated

Temperatures in the desert can exceed 85°F (38°C) between April and September, with the hottest temperatures occurring in July and August, often exceeding 100°F (38°C). These temperatures, combined with a lack of shade and elevation, lead to an increased risk of dehydration and heat illness. To mitigate these risks:

• Pick a “Cool” Activity in the Park: Pick an activity that reduces your time in high temps. Consider doing a shorter hike, visiting the visitor center, or attending a ranger program to keep you and your travel companions cooler.
• Stay Hydrated: Carrying at least 2-3 liters per person for front country hikes, and 4 liters or more for backcountry, can help you avoid dehydration. Drink when thirsty, and remember that when you’re halfway through your water, you are halfway through your hike. Water is available at the visitor center and the Devil’s Garden Campground.
• Eat Salty Snacks: You need to take in calories to fuel your body. Eat foods that have the fats, carbohydrates, and salt that you need to replace electrolytes that are lost through sweating.
• Be Summer Smart and Get an Early Start: Plan your activities during the cooler parts of the day (early morning or late evening) avoiding the period between 10 AM and 4 PM when the sun is strongest.

• Watch For Heat Illness Symptoms: Be aware of signs of heat exhaustion, such as dizziness, weakness, or excessive sweating. Take breaks in shaded areas, drink water, and rest frequently. If your symptoms get worse, seek immediate medical attention.

 

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Watching the Weather

Weather in the park can change quickly. Temperatures can wing between hot days and cool nights. In the summer months, monsoons can bring heavy rain, flooding, lightning, wind, and hail. Once severe weather hits, there is no safe place in the park except inside of your car or in a building. Keep these things in mind to help plan for what you might encounter:

• Check Park Alerts and Weather Forecasts: You can find current weather and other safety information on the NPS app and on the park’s Alerts and Conditions page. Check weather conditions before beginning your adventure and keep a weather eye on the sky as you hike.
• Be Prepared For the Unexpected: Bring or dress in layers to adapt to changing conditions, especially if camping in fall, winter, or spring, and have rain gear just in case. Understand that sudden storms can occur with little to no warning.
• Learn About Flash Floods: Flash floods can suddenly occur in the park, even when it’s sunny. If you see the signs of a flood, such as a surge in water, a change in water color, increased debris in water, or hear the sound of rushing water, move to higher ground. Do not try to cross flooded washes, as even 6 inches of water can knock you off your feet. To check the flood forecast for our area, check the National Weather Service Flash Flood Information page.
• Watch For Lightning: If you hear thunder, seek shelter immediately and wait until you haven’t heard thunder for a least 30 minutes before proceeding. Ideally, shelter will take the form of your vehicle or a nearby building, but those optionsare not always available in the park. Avoid trees or tall rocky outcroppings, as those are more at risk for lightning strikes. If you are caught outside during a thunderstorm, assume the lightning safety position of being crouched downwith your hands over your ears and wait for the stormto pass.
• “Turn Around, Don’t Drown”: If you come to a section of road that is covered in water, it’s best to turn around instead of pressing onward.

 

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Knowing Your Limits

Exploring canyon country can be an amazing adventure but pushing it too far can turn your best memories into your worst nightmares. Knowing your own limits, the limits of those in your group, and the limits of your gear can prevent you from ending up in a sticky situation. Make sure that you:

• Maintain Your Sense of Direction: Ensure you can retrace your steps.
• Be Cautious of Conditions: Sandstone can be slippery when wet or sandy. Make sure you have good footing before you move and avoid climbing on arches or balanced rock features.
• Check the Weather: If you are coming from another climate or lower elevation, you might need to take extra precautions. Look at weather conditions to help you dress and pack appropriately.
• Do Your Homework and Know Your Route: Checking the map and having a sense of how far you plan to be out and how far you plan to hike sets your expectations and helps you know what to prepare for.
• Inspect Your Gear: Gear should include footwear with good tread that can keep traction on uneven terrain, a sturdy backpack to carry water and supplies, sun protection, etc. Avoid breaking in new hiking boots on backcountry trails. Be aware that the temperature of the rocks can exceed the temperature of the air and effect gear and provisions.
• Be Prepared to Self-Rescue: Your safety is your responsibility. Although the National Park Service responds to many search and rescues each year, it is possible immediate help may be unavailable.

 

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Keeping an Eye Out for Wildlife:

Arches National Park is home to many types of wildlife, from pronghorn to bighorn sheep, black bears to snakes and lizards. To make your visit safe for yourself and the critters that call Arches home, follow these steps:

• Store Food in Appropriate Containers: Leaving food out where wildlife can get it increases the risk of habituation. Keep food in bear-proof containers or vehicles to prevent access.
• Give Wildlife Their Space: Viewing wildlife can be exciting, but make sure it is from a safe distance. For large animals like black bears, 150 feet or 46 meters is the recommended distance. This is equivalent to 4 school busses. For smaller animals like snakes, give them at least 75 feet or 24 meters of space.
• Be Bear Aware: Black Bears can wander into the park from the La Sal Mountains. Visit our Bear Safety page to learn more about them and how to reduce your risk of an encounter.
• Watch Your Hands: While climbing or scrambling, look before putting your hands in nooks and crannies, as black widow spiders, lizards, and other animals can make their homes in these spaces.

 

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Navigation Challenges:

Spotty cellular service can lead to getting lost, especially in remote areas of the park. Trails can be unmarked, making navigation difficult without proper tools.

• Use Maps and GPS: Before you leave cell service, download park maps for offline use using the NPS App. In addition, bring a physical park map and compass as a backup in case your cellphone battery dies.
• Stay on Marked Trails: Remain on designated paths to protect the ecosystem and prevent injury.
• Share Your Trip Plan: Always share your intended route and itinerary with someone you trust at home before you head out. They can contact emergency services if you don’t return on time.

 

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Driving Safely:

Park roads are winding with narrow lanes and soft shoulders designed for leisurely travel and low driving speeds. Speeding, distracted driving, and stopping on the road to view wildlife or take photos can increase your risk of a motor vehicle crash. Some areas of the park are very remote; if your car breaks down, it may take emergency roadside services time to reach you. To mitigate your risks:

• Follow the Speed Limit: Always obey posted speed limits to safely navigate the narrow lanes and winding roads.
• Carry Extra Water: Keep additional water in your vehicle in case of emergencies or car troubles. If your vehicle becomes disabled, stay with it until help arrives.
• Stay Alert For Wildlife: Scan the road and shoulders to spot wildlife, particularly around dawn and dusk when animals are more active.
• Use Designated Pullouts: Always pull into designated areas or parking lots to avoid blocking the travel lane when stopping to view wildlife or take photographs.
• Drive on Established Roads: Always drive on established parked roads. Off-Roading is illegal and strictly prohibited to protect the delicate desert environment.

 

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Winter Safety:

Arches National Park is open year-round and is subject to winter weather conditions. Icy conditions after snowfall can make trails and roads hazardous. To prepare for wintery conditions in the park:

• Check Road Conditions: Park roads may close for plowing after snowfall. Check the park website for updates and check the Utah Department of Transportation page for road conditions leading into the park before starting your trip.
• Use Traction Devices: Wear traction aids such as crampons and carry trekking poles for stability.
• Get Up-to-date Trail Information: Drifting snow can cover trail markers, making even “easy” trails harder to follow. You can get updated information and photographs of trail conditions at the visitor center.
• Stay Hydrated: Continue to drink water even in colder temperatures.

 

We can’t wait for you to come and explore! Safety is a shared responsibility at our park, please do your part by maintaining a safety-first mindset during your visit. Safe travels and enjoy the magic of Arches National Park.

 

It's vital to drink water in the desert, particularly in summer.

NPS/Neal Herbert