Arches National Park
Stone Arches, Red Rock Vistas, and Desert Skies
Featured Experiences
Arches is famous for its icons, but going with a guide brings the park alive. Local experts know the best times to catch Delicate Arch glowing, where to find quiet trails away from crowds, and how to read the desert’s fragile ecosystem.
Guided tours range from photography hikes and ranger-led walks to jeep adventures that reach rugged corners of the park. Stargazing tours connect you with one of the darkest skies in the Southwest, while cultural tours reveal the Native American history carved into rock art panels.
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Arches Air Tour
See Arches National Park in just 30 minutes.... More
- 30 Minutes • Moab, UT
- Perfect for travelers sho
- Aerial views of iconic ar
- Professional pilot narrat
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Afternoon Arches or Canyonlands
Private afternoon luxury SUV tour of Arches or Canyonlands.... More
- 4 Hours • Moab, UT
- Ideal for small groups
- Scenic sunset views possible
- Snacks, wine & beer included
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Morning Arches or Canyonlands
Private luxury morning tour of Arches or Canyonlands.... More
- 4 Hours • Moab, UT
- Ideal for small groups
- Signature viewpoints & photo stops
- Gourmet pastries, espresso, and wine service
Suggested Itineraries
Arches may be smaller than Zion or Grand Canyon, but it delivers big experiences in a short time. You can see highlights in a single day, or stay two to three days to mix scenic drives, short hikes, and evening stargazing. These itineraries help you make the most of every hour in red rock country.
1 Day Itinerary
Start at the Visitor Center for maps and orientation. Drive the scenic road, stopping at Park Avenue, Balanced Rock, and The Windows Section for short walks among arches and spires. In the afternoon, hike to Delicate Arch for sunset — the most iconic view in Utah. Stay after dark if you can, as Arches offers some of the clearest stargazing skies in the U.S.
👉 Best for first-timers wanting the highlights.
3 Day Itinerary
Day one covers the scenic drive and Delicate Arch. Day two takes you deeper — hike Devil’s Garden to Landscape Arch and Double O Arch, or join a ranger program. Day three, try a guided jeep tour into remote areas or combine a morning hike with an afternoon rafting trip on the Colorado River outside the park.
👉 Balanced mix of classic hikes, ranger insight, and adventure.
Weeklong Adventure
With a week, combine Arches with Moab’s wider red rock playground. Spend several days exploring arches big and small — Tower Arch, Double Arch, Sand Dune Arch — and join a photography or stargazing tour. Add side trips into nearby Canyonlands National Park or Dead Horse Point State Park. Your final evening, hike Delicate Arch one more time — it never looks the same twice.
👉 Best for travelers wanting to savor both Arches and the greater Moab region.
Arches is easy to love but trickier to plan — parking fills by sunrise, timed-entry reservations are required in peak months, and desert weather can be unpredictable. Share your travel dates and interests, and we’ll create a custom Arches plan so you can focus on enjoying the hoodoos, hikes, and starry skies without stress.
What to Expect Each Season
Desert Beauty, Four Distinct Seasons
Arches is a desert park, and each season shapes your visit. Spring and fall are most popular, with mild temperatures perfect for hiking. Summer brings intense heat and crowds but also long evenings and stunning sunsets. Winter is quiet, with fewer visitors and a dusting of snow that makes the red rocks glow even brighter.
Spring (March–May)
Mild days, wildflowers in desert washes, and busy trails.
Best for: Hiking, photography, and ranger programs.
Summer (June–August)
Hot days often exceed 100°F. Plan hikes at sunrise or sunset, and spend mid-days at shaded overlooks or in Moab.
Best for: Sunrise photography and stargazing.
Fall (September–November)
Cooler air returns, crowds thin, and the light softens over the red rocks.
Best for: Long hikes like Devil’s Garden, scenic drives, and cultural programs.
Winter (December–February)
Snow dusts the arches, trails are quiet, and the park feels wild and empty. Cold nights but peaceful days.
Best for: Solitude, photography, and short rim walks.
Arches National Park Tours
View All Arches Tours & Activities
From sunrise rim walks to photography workshops and jeep adventures, tours at Arches make it easier to experience the icons without stress. Guides bring stories, safety, and hidden insights to every outing.
Sightseeing & Multi-Day Trips
For a relaxed experience, sightseeing tours let you enjoy the highlights without the stress of parking or navigation. Multi-day trips often combine Arches with Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, or Monument Valley for the ultimate red rock loop.
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Afternoon Arches or Canyonlands
Private afternoon luxury SUV tour of Arches or Canyonlands.... More
- 4 Hours • Moab, UT
- Ideal for small groups
- Scenic sunset views possible
- Snacks, wine & beer included
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Morning Arches or Canyonlands
Private luxury morning tour of Arches or Canyonlands.... More
- 4 Hours • Moab, UT
- Ideal for small groups
- Signature viewpoints & photo stops
- Gourmet pastries, espresso, and wine service
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4 Day Arches, Canyonlands, Goblin Valley & Capitol Reef
Discover Utah’s red rock icons in comfort and style.... More
- 4 Days • Salt Lake City,
- Perfect for families and
- Explore Arches, Canyonlan
- Includes lodging, SUV tra
Air Tours
Seeing Arches from above puts the desert into perspective. From Moab, small planes and helicopters reveal Delicate Arch, Canyonlands, and the Colorado River in one sweeping flight.
Visitor Centers At The Park
Even though Arches is small compared to other Utah parks, the Visitor Center is your launch pad. It’s more than maps and permits — it’s where geology, ecology, and cultural history come together in exhibits that explain the magic of the arches.
Arches Visitor Center
Located at the park entrance near Moab, the Visitor Center is the best starting point for any visit. Interactive exhibits explain the geology that created arches and spires, the ecology of desert plants, and the stories of ancestral peoples who left rock art nearby. A park film orients you to the landscape, while rangers provide maps, safety tips, and sunrise/sunset recommendations. The bookstore offers field guides, souvenirs, and even junior ranger activities for kids.
Tip: Stop here first — parking fills quickly at Delicate Arch and Devils Garden, and rangers can help you plan the smartest route for the day.
Visiting On Your Own
Arches is easy to explore by car — one main scenic drive connects viewpoints and trailheads. Parking fills quickly, especially at Delicate Arch and Devil’s Garden, so arrive early. There is no in-park shuttle, but private tours and local outfitters offer transport options.
Entrance fees are $30 per vehicle for a 7-day pass, or $80 for the America the Beautiful pass. Timed-entry reservations are required in peak season (April–October).
Tips:
Carry at least one gallon of water per person per day.
Start hikes at sunrise to beat heat and crowds.
Watch for flash floods in narrow canyons.
Download maps offline — cell service is limited.
Park Information & Details
Food & Drink
There are no restaurants in the park. Bring snacks and meals with you. Moab, just outside the entrance, offers everything from cafés to breweries.
Tip: Stock up in Moab before entering — there are no services once you’re inside.
What to Bring
Water, sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses), sturdy hiking shoes, and layers for chilly nights.
Tip: A headlamp is handy for pre-dawn hikes and stargazing.
Safety Tips
Stay on marked trails to protect fragile soil. Heat is the biggest risk — carry water and pace yourself. Afternoon storms can bring lightning and flash floods.
Tip: Never climb on arches — it’s unsafe and prohibited.
Shuttle / Transport Info
No park shuttle system exists. The best way to explore is by personal vehicle, guided tour, or bike.
Tip: In summer, parking at Delicate Arch often fills before 8 a.m. — plan accordingly.
Accessibility For All
Arches’ desert terrain is rugged, but visitors of all abilities can enjoy its beauty thanks to accessible overlooks, paved paths, and ranger-led programs.
Balanced Rock: A paved loop provides a close-up view of this iconic formation.
The Windows Section: Flat, short paved paths lead to spectacular arches without long hikes.
Delicate Arch Viewpoint: A paved path offers a distant but dramatic perspective of Utah’s most famous arch.
Rim Viewpoints: Many pullouts along the scenic drive are accessible and deliver sweeping red rock vistas.
Visitor Center & Facilities: Fully accessible, with exhibits, restrooms, and ranger-led talks.
Tips:
Desert heat can make even short paths exhausting — visit early or late in the day.
Carry water, wear a hat, and pace yourself.
Many guided tours from Moab are wheelchair accessible — check when booking.
Information About Visiting
Tips & Tricks For Making Your Day Great
Staying Safe In The Park
Showing Rescues And Tips For Completing Your Adventure
Canyoneering In Arches
Tips For Leaving No Trace In Our Parks
Maps Of The Park & Region
Maps are essential for planning your stops, hikes, and timing along the 18-mile scenic drive.
Overall Park Map
Park Area Map
Park Gateway Towns
Moab is the heart of any Arches trip. The town blends red rock adventure with small-town charm, offering everything from hotels and restaurants to outfitters and art galleries. It’s the perfect base for Arches and the wider Canyonlands region.
Moab, UT
Gateway to Arches, Canyonlands, and the Colorado River. Moab buzzes with outfitters, restaurants, and everything from rustic campgrounds to luxury resorts.
Salt Lake City, UT
Four hours north, Salt Lake City is Utah’s main airport hub and the start of most national park road trips. With museums, dining, and culture, it’s where your red rock journey begins or ends.
What Visitors Say About The Park
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CONTACT US
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National Park Tours
700 Rochelle Cir
Fort Collins, CO 80526 -
Meeting locations vary for each tour: You will be sent a meeting location after you book
