Arches National Park

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Exploring Arches National Park: Your Ultimate Guide to Hikes, Camping, and More!

Arches National Park, located in the red rock country of southeastern Utah, is a mesmerizing landscape that draws visitors from all over the world. Known for its striking rock formations, including over 2,000 natural stone arches, the park offers an unforgettable adventure for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Whether you're into hiking, photography, or simply enjoying breathtaking views, Arches has something for everyone. In this blog, we'll explore the best hikes, how to get to the park, ticket prices, camping options, and more to help you plan the perfect trip to this iconic national park.

How to Get to Arches National Park

Arches National Park is located just outside of Moab, Utah, which serves as the gateway city for many visitors. If you're flying in, the closest major airport is Canyonlands Field Airport (CNY), located about 18 miles from Moab. Alternatively, you can fly into Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC), about a 4-hour drive away, and rent a car to reach the park.

Driving Directions:

From Moab: Arches is just a short 5-mile drive from downtown Moab. Head north on US-191, and you'll see the entrance to the park on your right.
From Salt Lake City: Take I-15 South to US-6 East to US-191 South, and continue to Moab. Once in Moab, follow the signs to Arches.

Once you arrive at the park, you’ll be greeted with stunning views right from the entrance, making the journey worth it!

Best Hikes in Arches National Park

Arches is famous for its incredible rock formations, and there’s no better way to explore them than by hiking. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced hiker, the park offers a variety of trails that showcase its geological wonders.

Delicate Arch Trail

Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous
Distance: 3 miles (4.8 km) round trip
Duration: 2-3 hours
Why It’s Famous: Delicate Arch is the park’s most iconic formation and one of the most photographed arches in the world. The hike is moderately challenging, with some steep sections and exposed ledges. But the reward is a stunning view of the arch against the backdrop of the La Sal Mountains.
Tip: Try to arrive early or late in the day to avoid crowds and catch the best light for photography.
Devil’s Garden Trail
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 7.2 miles (11.6 km) round trip (with options for shorter loops)
Duration: 3-4 hours
Why It’s Special: This trail takes you through one of the park’s most diverse and scenic areas, passing by multiple arches like Landscape Arch, Double O Arch, and Navajo Arch. You can shorten the hike by taking alternate routes, or if you're up for a challenge, you can complete the entire loop.
Tip: Make sure to check out Landscape Arch, which has the longest span of any arch in the park.

The Windows Section

Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Distance: 1-1.5 miles (1.6-2.4 km) round trip
Duration: 30-45 minutes
Why It’s Great: The Windows Section includes a series of easily accessible arches, including the famous North and South Windows and Turret Arch. These arches are all within a short walk of each other, making it a great option for those looking for a relatively easy hike with big rewards.
Tip: Sunrise and sunset are the best times to visit for great lighting and fewer crowds.
You’ll find it to be so unique and beautiful. We were able to see wild jack rabbits and other wildlife. We had a chance to do this trail in the light and decided to go back at dark and take night pictures. So gorgeous… just don’t get lost like we did on the way back and get stuck in a wild jack rabbit home. 🙂 You’ll have a story for the grandchildren at least! Park Avenue Trail
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Distance: 2 miles (3.2 km) one-way
Duration: 1-1.5 hours
Why It’s Unique: This short, relatively easy hike offers an impressive view of massive rock formations resembling skyscrapers, hence the name "Park Avenue." The trail descends through a canyon and provides panoramic views of the towering rock faces.
Tip: If you don’t want to hike back, you can arrange for a shuttle or take a short drive to return to the trailhead.

Ticket Prices and Park Fees

Arches National Park has a straightforward fee structure for entry:

Entrance Fees:
- Private Vehicle: $30 (valid for 7 days)
- Motorcycle: $25 (valid for 7 days)
- Individual (by foot or bike): $15 (valid for 7 days)
Annual Pass: If you plan to visit multiple national parks in a year, the America the Beautiful Pass costs $80 and provides access to all federal recreation sites, including Arches.

Note: Entrance fees are subject to change, so it’s a good idea to check the official National Park Service website for up-to-date pricing before your trip.

Camping in Arches National Park

Camping is a popular way to experience Arches National Park, especially with its stunning sunsets and starry nights. The park offers two main options for camping:

1. Devil’s Garden Campground

Location: Near the end of the park road
Sites: 51 campsites (including one group site)
Reservations: Highly recommended, especially during the peak season (March to October). Reservations can be made through Recreation.gov.
Facilities: Picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets. No showers, but there is potable water.
Cost: $30 per night

2. Backcountry Camping

Location: Designated backcountry campsites can be accessed by hiking trails.
Permit: Required for all backcountry campsites. Permits can be obtained at the visitor center or online through Recreation.gov.
Cost: $10 per permit, plus a $5 per person fee.

While there is no developed campground outside of Devil's Garden within the park itself, there are a variety of options in nearby Moab, ranging from established campgrounds to dispersed camping on public lands.

Tips for Visiting Arches National Park

Arrive Early or Late: Arches can get crowded, especially in the summer months. Arriving early in the morning or later in the afternoon not only helps you avoid the crowds but also provides beautiful lighting for photography.
Stay Hydrated: The desert climate can be intense, especially during the warmer months. Make sure to carry plenty of water, sunscreen, and wear appropriate clothing for sun protection.
Check for Road Closures: The park occasionally closes roads for maintenance or during inclement weather. Be sure to check the Arches National Park website for up-to-date information on road conditions.
Respect the Park: Stay on designated trails, pack out all trash, and leave no trace. Preserve the natural beauty of the park for future generations.

Final Thoughts

Arches National Park is a bucket-list destination for nature lovers, adventurers, and photographers alike. With its awe-inspiring rock formations, diverse hiking trails, and plentiful camping opportunities, there's no shortage of things to see and do. Whether you're scaling the rocks on the Delicate Arch trail, capturing the beauty of the arches at sunrise, or camping under a blanket of stars, Arches National Park promises a truly unforgettable experience.

Have you visited Arches National Park? What was your favorite trail or arch? Drop a comment below – we’d love to hear your stories! Devils Garden Campground