Arches National Park, UT
Compact enough to see in a weekend, and best at the two ends of the day when the rock turns color.
Best time: April to May, October to November
Best time to visit
April to May, October to November
Desert temperatures that make midday walking possible and low light that suits the rock. Midsummer is dangerously hot on exposed slickrock.
Local gems
The kind of local gems Runes weaves into your plan — beyond the obvious landmarks.
- 01Delicate Arch
- 02The Windows
- 03Devils Garden
- 04Landscape Arch
- 05Fiery Furnace
Know before you go
Arches packs thousands of surreal sandstone fins, balanced rocks, and natural spans into a compact, dramatic high-desert playground. It is built for dawn and dusk, when low-angle sunlight sets the Entrada sandstone ablaze in crimson and gold. Midday heat clears the trails, making a split-shift schedule of early mornings and late evenings the smartest way to explore.
You need a personal vehicle or rental car to travel the park's 19-mile scenic drive, as there is no shuttle system. Trailhead parking fills quickly, making early morning and late afternoon the easiest times to park.
- Arrive before sunrise to watch the sandstone light up and to secure parking at popular trailheads before peak crowds.
- Never step on the dark, bumpy biological soil crust; stay strictly on trails, bare slickrock, or sandy washes.
- Head back into Moab during the blistering midday hours to rest and rehydrate before returning for the evening light.
- Bring a headlamp with a red-light setting for the return hike from Delicate Arch after sunset.
- Reserve a Fiery Furnace permit or ranger-led tour well ahead of time to explore the sandstone labyrinth safely.
Neighborhoods to know
The northernmost sector of the park, packed with narrow sandstone fins, Landscape Arch, and rugged primitive loop trails.
An easily accessible basin featuring massive natural spans like Double Arch, North Window, and Turret Arch.
A dense, permits-only maze of towering canyon walls and narrow sandstone slots that requires careful navigation.
The park's iconic freestanding span, reached via a steady slickrock climb starting from a historic desert homestead.
What to eat
Frequently asked
How much time do you need in the park?
Two full days give you plenty of time to hike the major trail systems at dawn and dusk without rushing through the heat of the day.
How much time do you need in the park?
Two full days give you plenty of time to hike the major trail systems at dawn and dusk without rushing through the heat of the day.
When is the best time of year to visit?
Spring and fall bring comfortable hiking temperatures. Winter is crisp and quiet, while summer brings intense heat that limits hiking to early mornings.
Is the hike to Delicate Arch difficult?
It is a moderate three-mile round trip over exposed slickrock with sustained incline, requiring proper footwear and ample water rather than technical climbing skills.
Where should visitors base themselves?
Most travelers stay in Moab, located five miles south of the entrance, or camp at the single established campground inside at Devils Garden.
Plan your trip to Arches National Park, UT
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