Why Go to Arches National Park
YOUR DESTINATION AT A GLANCE
Arches National Park feels like another planet. More than 2,000 natural sandstone arches, balanced rocks and towering red fins fill this corner of eastern Utah, and the light shifts so dramatically through the day that the landscape never looks the same twice. Photographers love it at sunrise and sunset, but you don't need a fancy camera to be amazed.
The park sits just outside Moab, and a scenic drive of about 18 miles one way connects many of its highlights. There's a hike for every ability. Take short, easy walks to Balanced Rock and Double Arch, or challenge yourself on the classic hike to Delicate Arch, Utah's most famous landmark. For a true adventure, explore the maze-like Fiery Furnace on a ranger-led or permitted hike. After dark, look up: the skies here are some of the darkest in the lower 48, and the Milky Way is spectacular.
Arches can get very busy, and timed-entry reservations are often required in peak season. I'll handle your park reservations and Moab lodging and pair Arches with Canyonlands and Utah's other national parks.
BEST FOR
Photographers, hikers, road-trippers and geology enthusiasts
BEST MONTHS
April–May and September–October
EXPLORE
The park road connects viewpoints such as Balanced Rock and the Windows; Devils Garden offers popular hiking routes; Moab is the main lodging and dining gateway.
SIX18 SIGNATURE DESTINATION GUIDE
Arches National Park
North America › Southwest › USA › Utah
Sculpted sandstone arches and vast red-rock horizons
Desert & Arid
Hiking
Photography
Adventure
SIX18 INSIDER TIP
Carry generous drinking water, start exposed hikes early, and check current National Park Service entry and road guidance.
Experiences Worth Exploring
THINGS TO DO
Carry generous drinking water, start exposed hikes early, and check current National Park Service entry and road guidance.
Delicate Arch
Utah’s iconic freestanding arch is reached by an exposed slickrock hike with little shade.
Carry generous drinking water, start exposed hikes early, and check current National Park Service entry and road guidance.
Delicate Arch Viewpoints
Lower and upper viewpoints provide alternatives for travelers not hiking all the way to the arch.
Carry generous drinking water, start exposed hikes early, and check current National Park Service entry and road guidance.
The Windows
North Window, South Window and Turret Arch cluster within a short hiking area.
Carry generous drinking water, start exposed hikes early, and check current National Park Service entry and road guidance.
Double Arch
A short path leads beneath two immense joined sandstone spans.
Carry generous drinking water, start exposed hikes early, and check current National Park Service entry and road guidance.
Landscape Arch
A relatively approachable Devils Garden walk leads to a remarkably long, thin stone span.
An upscale downtown-edge base for early drives to Arches National Park, with Moab restaurants and shops close by. Reserve park entry when required and plan for limited shade and hot afternoons on trails.
Hoodoo Moab, Curio Collection by Hilton
Moab / North Downtown
Boutique
A practical hotel toward the north side of Moab, positioned for a relatively direct drive to the Arches entrance. It suits travelers balancing park days with convenient access to town services.
Hyatt Place Moab
Moab / North Main Street
Value
A quieter ranch-style property north of Moab’s central blocks, suited to travelers seeking a more relaxed setting between hiking days. Drive to town restaurants and verify the accommodation layout that fits your party.
Moab Springs Ranch
Moab / North Side
Family
A central Main Street lodging choice within reach of Moab dining and outfitter services, good for guests who prefer to walk around town after exploring Arches. Allow time to drive to trailheads early.
Best Western Plus Canyonlands Inn
Moab / Main Street Downtown
Value
A scenic lodge along the Colorado River east of town, trading downtown walkability for a canyon landscape. Budget additional driving time for Arches and Moab dining, particularly after dark.
Red Cliffs Lodge
Colorado River Scenic Byway / East of Moab
Family
A luxury ranch on the Colorado River surrounded by red-rock cliffs.
Sorrel River Ranch Resort & Spa
Colorado River / east of Moab
Boutique
Glamping safari tents with views of the La Sal Mountains, close to the park entrance.
Under Canvas Moab
North of Moab
Family
A reliable, good-value hotel with a pool near downtown restaurants.
Hampton Inn Moab
Downtown Moab
Value · Family
Modern suites with kitchens, a short drive from Arches.
Element Moab
North Moab
Value · Family
A good-value inn with a pool, close to the park entrance.
Moab Valley Inn
Moab
Value
Curated Accommodations
WHERE TO STAY
November in Arches National Park
High 55°F · Low 29°F · Rain 0.6 in
Cool days and fewer crowds make November peaceful.
Spring and fall generally bring more comfortable hiking temperatures; summer heat can be severe.
Best Times to Visit Arches National Park
WHEN TO GO
06
Heat and Remote Access
Trails are exposed and summer heat is intense. Bring substantial water and check conditions for unpaved routes before driving.
05
Trailhead Parking
Delicate Arch and Devils Garden parking can fill quickly. Start early and stay within designated lots.
04
Timed Entry and Entry Rules
Check current National Park Service entrance and timed-entry requirements; arrangements may change between seasons.
03
Rental Cars and Main Scenic Road
The park is normally explored by private vehicle from Moab. Allow time for overlooks and traffic at popular trailheads.
02
Local Travel Strategy
Carry generous drinking water, start exposed hikes early, and check current National Park Service entry and road guidance.
01
Arrival & Main Connections
Explore by car along the park road, then walk to arches; there is no regular parkwide shuttle.
Explore by car along the park road, then walk to arches; there is no regular parkwide shuttle.
Getting Around Arches National Park