Arches National Park

Click the above video poster image to experience the magic of "Sunrise at Arches National Park" in this virtual visit through the stunning red rock landscapes in Arches National Park in Utah. Arches is one of the Big 5 Utah National Parks! There are over 2000 natural arches in the park. Get the pro tips you need for a successful one day visit to Arches National Park and drive through some of the major s ites in Arches National Park at sunrise including Delicate Arch, North and South Windows, Turret Arch, Sand Dune Arch, Balanced Rock, and more. Join us to learn what you need to know before you visit.

• When was Arches National Park Created?

  The park was originally established as a National Monument on April 12, 1929, by President Herbert Hoover. In 1971, Congress changed the status of Arches to National Park from National Monument.

• What are the types of arches found in Arches National Park?

  There are four main categories of Arches found in the Park; Cliff Wall Arches, Free-Standing Arches, Pothole Arches and Natural Bridges.

• How was Arches National Park formed?

  The entire region began to rise 15 million years ago, and increasing erosion caused removal of the sedimentary rocks above the Entrada Sandstone. Once at the surface, erosional forces began to act upon the sandstone layers creating the famous arches with the national park.

• How much rainfall does Arches National Park receive? Arches National Park receives about 8-10 inches of Rain every year.
• What is the temperature range in Arches National Park?

  Temperatures in Arches National Park can fluctuate over 40 Degrees in a single day. Annual low temperatures can reach 22 degrees farenheit in January and over 100 degrees farenheit in July.

• What plants exist in Arches National Park?

  There are over 400 types of plants found in Arches National Park.

• How many animals live in Arches National Park?

  There are over 50 species of mammals that live in Arches National Park.

• How big is Balanced Rock in Arches National Park?
  Balanced Rock weighs 3,577 tons and is 128 feet in height.

• How big is Arches National Park?

  The park's area is 310.31 square kilometers (76,680 acres; 119.81 square miles) in size.

• What is the annual visitation to Arches National Park?

  The park receives over 1.8 million visitors annually. Between 2011 and 2021, the park saw a 74% increase in visitation, leading to infrastructure challenges and the implementation of a timed entry reservation system during peak seasons to manage the crowds.

• How many arches are in Arches National Park?

  Arches National Park has the densest concentration of natural stone arches in the world. There are over 2,000 documented arches in the park, plus pinnacles, balanced rocks, fins and other geologic formations. Some of the most famous arches include Delicate Arch, Landscape Arch, and Double Arch.

• Do I need a permit to enter Arches National Park?

  Yes, during peak season (April 1 - October 31) timed entry permits are required. Reserve yours online in advance at this link.

• Is the World’s Longest Arch here?

  No, Landscape Arch is the longest natural arch in North America, stretching 306 feet (93.3 m) across. At its thinnest point, it is only 6 feet (1.8 meters) thick. The largest natural arch in the world is Fairy Bridge (Xianren Bridge) in Guangxi, China.

• What makes Arches National Park unique? With over 2,000 natural sandstone arches, plus countless spires, pinnacles, and balanced rocks, Arches is a masterpiece of natural erosion. It's the world's densest concentration of these unique and awe-inspiring formations.
• When is the best time to visit Arches National Park? Shoulder seasons – spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) – offer the perfect balance of pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Summer (June-August) is the most popular but temperatures often exceed 100°F. Winter brings cooler weather but may occasionally bring snow. The park is open 24 hours a day. Late afternoon and evening hours offer beautiful sunsets and reduced crowding, and naturally dark night skies sparkle overhead. During summer months, many trailhead parking lots fill by 7:30 am.
• How long should I stay in Arches National Park? You can see the highlights within a day, but we recommend two or three days to fully explore and appreciate its wonders. Multiple days allow for longer hikes, stargazing, and less rushed itineraries.
• Does the Park allow Dogs? Activities with pets are very limited at Arches. You may not take a pet on any hiking trails. You may have your pet with you in the campground, and at pullouts along the paved scenic drives. You may walk your pets on roads or in parking lots, but they must be leashed at all times when outside a vehicle.
• Are Reservations required for the Park? Yes. A timed entry reservation is required to enter the park even if you have an existing pass. Annual passes cover the payment of entrance fees, so annual or senior pass holders only need to pay the $2 reservation fee.
• The National Park Service Page for Arches National Park has a lot of good information, and we would suggest that you go there if you have more questions.
• How can I avoid the crowds at Arches National Park?
   Avoid visiting on holidays & weekends in the Summer Time.
   To beat the crowds, try entering the park early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Temperatures are cooler and the light is better for photography.
   Carpool if you can. Consider hiring a company to shuttle you to and from the park (visit Discover Moab Website to see what's available).
   Parking for oversize vehicles (RVs, trailers) is extremely limited. Leave oversized vehicles in town, or in the visitor center parking lot.
• What are the must-see sights in Arches National Park?
   Delicate Arch: The iconic symbol of Utah and the most famous arch in the park.
   Landscape Arch: The longest arch in North America.
   Balanced Rock: A precariously balanced boulder defying gravity.
   Devils Garden: A fascinating area with a concentration of arches.
   Windows Section: A cluster of photogenic arches close together.
• What are the best hikes in Arches National Park?
   Delicate Arch Trail: Moderate 3-mile hike to the park's most iconic arch.
   Landscape Arch Trail: Easy 1.6-mile hike to the longest arch.
   Devils Garden Trail: Moderate hike with options to see multiple arches.
   Double O Arch Trail: Challenging hike showcasing two impressive arches.
   Or click here to view an AllTrails list of hikes in Arches National Park.
• Can I drive through Arches National Park? Yes! The main park road provides scenic views and access to many trailheads. Keep in mind that traffic backs up during peak season. Consider biking or using park shuttles to avoid congestion.
• What tips can make my park visit smoother?
   Beat the heat: Summer temperatures are extreme. Hike early, bring plenty of water, and seek shade during midday.
   Timed entry: Reserve your timed entry ticket in advance online at The National Park Service Website.
   Plan ahead: Research trails, pack snacks, dress in layers, and check weather forecasts.
• The National Park Service Senior Lifetime Pass is a bargain, and if you visit parks often, your Senior Pass will provide you (and up to 3 passengers in your vehicle) with a no-cost entrance. Click here to visit the NPS site to obtain more info and purchase your own Senior Pass.

Arches National Park is located in eastern Utah, near the town of Moab. It sits approximately:

• 5 miles (8 km) north of Moab, making it a short 10-minute drive from the town center.
• 230 miles (370 km) southeast of Salt Lake City, which is about a 4-hour drive via I-15 and US-6.
• 110 miles (177 km) southwest of Grand Junction, Colorado, around a 1-hour and 45-minute drive on I-70 and US-191.
• 360 miles (580 km) northeast of Las Vegas, Nevada, approximately a 6-hour drive via I-15 and US-191.
• 234 miles southeast of Salt Lake City, UT, approximately a 3 hour 45 minute drive via I-15 S, US-6 E, I-70 E and US-191 S to E Center St in Moab.

As of 2020, the Moab area featured approximately 2,888 hotel and resort rooms, 71 bed and breakfast units, 524 condos and miscellaneous units, and 1,223 commercial campground sites. Additionally, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) maintains 26 campgrounds in the Moab area, providing numerous first-come, first-served campsites for visitors seeking a more rustic experience. These options collectively offer a wide array of lodging choices for travelers exploring Moab and its surrounding natural attractions. The following are the top five most popular accommodations in Moab based upon Google Reviews;

1. Desert Hills Inn: Good location overall for sightseeing, recreation, dining, and getting around (Google Reviews Rating 5.0)
2. Modern Mesa: Great location overall for sightseeing, recreation, dining, and getting around (Google Reviews Rating 5.0)
3. Moab Springs Ranch: This collection of woodsy bungalows on an 18-acre site is off US Highway 191. It's a 1.1-mile drive from the Colorado River and a 1.6-mile drive from the center of Moab. Arches National Park Visitor Center is a 3.9-mile drive away. (Google Reviews Rating 4.9)
4. Kokopelli West: Easy walking distance to dining and shopping. Quiet and immaculately clean. (Google Reviews Rating 4.9)
5. Purple Sage Flats: boutique property in the heart of Moab located 3 short blocks from the restaurants, shops, and galleries on Main Street. (Google Reviews Rating 4.9)

Moab, Utah is essentially the only major town in the area and so it is the best place to stay when visiting Arches. There are tons of restaurants and hotels and a community that supports the parks in the area including Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, and Dead Horse State park. Here you can find just about anything you need including jeep rentals and other off roading vehicles and locals with lots of knowledge that can tell you the best places to explore. Check out our Canyonlands page for our exploration of the Shafer Trail in Canyonlands and other info about renting your offroad vehicle. (To view how we did that drive, click here)

We stayed at a Hampton Inn in Moab, Utah. We often select Hilton properties and this Hampton Inn was what you would expect for a Hilton property. We had a king suite and the room was very large. It was clean, had good beds, a refrigerator and free breakfast. That’s all that we needed.

Moab Restaurants

We wound up eating out only one night while we were there, at the Moab Diner. I had one of the best liver & onions meals I have had in a long time ! An incredibly good meal, the service was prompt, efficient and friendly. Just for the record, we didn't eat dinner out on the other nights there because we had some nice charcuterie fixins from the Moab City Market (and a good bottle of red!).

There are many other places where you can find a meal, click here to view a Google Search Results List for restaurants in Moab.

The Moab Brewery was on our list to visit from our research, but we could not work in a visit that fit into our schedule. We found numerous people who said that it is a good pub. The Trip Advisor reviews vary all over the place, perhaps your experience will be better?

Three Gossips is a mid-sized sandstone tower (about 350 feet at its tallest wall) sitting atop a roundish pedestal within the Courthouse Towers "cluster" that also includes The Argon Tower, The Organ, Tower Of Babel, Sheep Rock, and The Lamb.

Image Credits: Images 1 & 2 are the property of Just Traveling Thru, LLC. Image # 3 is the property of Wine Country Inn via Wikimedia (CC-by-SA 3.0).

Click here to view a Google Search Results Images Set for the Three Gossips Tower.

Balanced Rock is one of the most iconic and accessible landmarks in Arches National Park, located just 9.2 miles from the park entrance along the main road. This stunning formation is impossible to miss and serves as a must-see for visitors due to its unique and captivating appearance. The total height of Balanced Rock is 128 feet, with the enormous rock perched precariously atop its base rising 55 feet above the ground. Weighing an estimated 3,600 tons, the massive boulder defies gravity, creating a breathtaking natural spectacle.

What makes Balanced Rock particularly remarkable is how it showcases the geological processes that shaped this region over millions of years. Erosion has played a key role in sculpting the delicate pedestal that supports the immense weight of the rock above. Visitors can enjoy a short, easy walking trail that loops around the formation, offering multiple angles to admire its structure and the surrounding desert landscape.

Balanced Rock is not only a photographer’s dream but also a testament to the power of nature's artistry. As one of the park’s most photographed and recognizable features, it encapsulates the awe-inspiring beauty of Arches National Park and the dynamic forces that continue to shape its landscape.

As you can see in image # 1, it was still not quite daylight and the image is quite dark. Image credits are as follows;

• Just Traveling Thru Travel Planning Tips
• Arches National Park on the "National Park Service" site
• Guide to Arches National Park Site on the "Outside Online" site
• VRBO Search Results list for rentals near Arches National Park
• Lodging near Arches National Park on the "Expedia" site
• Visit our Youtube Channel
• Google Search Results list for "accommodations in Moab Utah"
• Google Search Results list for "restaurants in Moab Utah"
• Google Search Results list for "where to rent off road vehicles in moab utah"
• Youtube Search Results list for "Arches National Park"
• Our Image Gallery for Arches National Park
• Wikipedia Article for Arches National Park
• Google Image Gallery for Arches National Park
• Google Reviews for Arches National Park

As you can see by the this map, our trip covered 3 different states, approximately 1,600 road miles and allowed us to see some spectacular geography. You might think that a trip of this distance would be something that would result in a "tired of driving" mood - but our stops were so diverse with such incredible geography and fun things to do, that we found that we looked forward to each morning to where we could continue our adventures!

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