Arches National Park

Over 2,000 Natural Sandstone Arches

Arches National Park

Arches National Park contains the greatest density of natural sandstone arches in the world, more than two thousand. The arches and numerous other extraordinary geologic features such as spires, pinnacles, pedestals and balanced rocks, are highlighted in striking foreground and background views created by contrasting colors, land forms and textures.

Explore the Park

Destinations and Photo Opportunities - There are many spectacular locations that will define your visit to the park and present some great photo opportunities. More...

Map and Weather - Temperatures may range 50 degrees in a 24-hour period. Dress accordingly. It's very dry! Carry drinking water at all times. More...

Park History - Proclaimed as National Monument: April 12, 1929. Established as Arches National Park: November 12, 1971 More...

Scenic Drives - A 48-mile round-trip, paved park road winds through spectacular scenery and leads to major park features. These features can be viewed from the road; numerous parking areas are also avaiable. More...

Watch Video

Wildflowers - Each year, the unique combination of sun, wind, water, temperature and elevation sets the stage for the springtime blooms. From late March through May, you can find blossoms on the desert floor. For weekly updates on the best locations, and pictures of what you will find there, read our Wildflower Watch.

Camping in Arches NP

Where to stay There is no lodging in Arches National Park. Moab, Utah, five miles south on U.S. Route 191 offers numerous hotels, motels and bed and breakfasts, as well as commercial campgrounds, where showers may be obtained for a fee. There is only one camping area in Arches National Park, the Devils Garden Campground, located 18 miles from the park entrance. More...

Related Blog Posts

Hiking to Delicate Arch: One hundred yards to go along the Delicate Arch Trail — I leaned into the rock wall behind me to take in the scenery and to photograph the breathtaking view. It was overcast and a brilliant slice of rainbow peeked through the gray clouds. It was August and I was hiking with a friend. Our goal was to see the Arch at sunset. More...

Fiery Furnace Hike: Fiery Furnace is a labyrinth of narrow sandstone canyons, orange and tan colored fins, towers, spires and arches. The colorful sandstone lights up when the setting sun casts its rays on the canyon walls, making it look like a “fiery furnace.” More...

Nearby

List of Cities and Parks that are in the area around Arches National Park.

General Information

Seasons / Hours

  • Arches is open year-round, 24 hours a day.
  • The Visitor Center is open daily during the following hours:
    April through October: 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
    November through March: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • The visitor center is closed on December 25th.
  • Elevation: 4,085 feet

Facilities/Features

Stores/Museums
Located near the park entrance, the Visitor Center houses a museum and exhibits. A bookstore located in the center is managed by the Canyonlands Natural History Association. Concessionaires offer horseback riding and vehicle tours in the park by permit.

Programs & Events
A short orientation program is shown in the Visitor Center auditorium on the hour and half hour. An annual Easter Sunrise Service in held in the park. Check bulletin boards for other special events or programs during your visit.

Ranger Nature Tours
Regularly scheduled walks, guided hikes and evening campfire programs are conducted by rangers, mid-March through October. Check bulletin boards in the park for details.

Reservations must be made for the popular Fiery Furnace guided hike in person at the Arches Visitor Center, up to 48 hours in advance. Also, check there for information on the Junior Ranger program for children ages six through eleven.

Food/Supplies
No food is available in the park. In the Arches Visitor Center, you may buy film and water containers, as well as informational materials. The town of Moab, Utah, five miles south, has all the conveniences of a modern city.

Accessibility
The Visitor Center is handicapped-accessible and there is one designated accessible site in the campground. All flush and vault toilets in the park are accessible. The new Delicate Arch Viewpoint and trail area are accessible.

Rules, Regulations, Precautions

It is the visitor's responsibility to know and obey park rules. Regulations are designed for visitor's protection and to protect natural resources.

  • All state and federal laws are enforced in the park.
  • Parking is restricted to designated areas.
  • Wood gathering is prohibited.
  • No hunting or firearms are permitted.
  • Mountain bikes are allowed on established roads only .
  • Pets must be restrained at all times. They are allowed only on park roads, in parking lots and campsites. Pets are not allowed on hiking trails.
  • Carry out all trash, including cigarette butts .

Overview | Climate/Map | Description | Things To Do
Lodging/Camping | Nearby Resources | Video

Arches National Park
P.O. Box 907
Moab, UT 84532
Phone: (435) 719-2299

 

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