What are the rules of Arches National Park?

Climbing, scrambling, walking or standing upon, or rapelling off any named or unnamed arch with an opening greater than three feet is prohibited in the park. This is to promote visitor safety and the opportunity to view natural features undisturbed. Balanced Rock is also closed to climbing.



People Also Ask

Top 10 Tips
  • Pack your Patience. ...
  • Plan out the activities you want to do ahead of time.
  • Have a backup plan in case Arches is already full (temporarily restricting access) when you arrive. ...
  • Stay up to date on park closures and restricted access times by checking our Alerts or visiting Twitter.
  • Be ready for the desert.


MORE DETAILS

Firearms and Other Weapons As of February 22, 2010, a federal law allows people who can legally possess firearms under applicable federal, state, and local laws, to legally possess firearms in this park.

MORE DETAILS

The only fully-paved road in Arches is Scenic Drive, a 25-mile, out-and-back road that passes the majority of the park's viewpoints and trailheads. If you're tight on time or don't enjoy hiking, you could drive the park—stopping 10 minutes at each viewpoint—in about three hours.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

Visitors may enter the park before 7 am and after 4 pm without a timed entry ticket.

MORE DETAILS

You can also exit and re-enter the park on that same day if your ticket was validated during your designated time window. What time of day can I enter Arches National Park without a reservation? If you enter the park prior to 6:00 AM or after 5:00 PM you do not need an entrance ticket.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

Climbing, scrambling, walking or standing upon, or rapelling off any named or unnamed arch with an opening greater than three feet is prohibited in the park. This is to promote visitor safety and the opportunity to view natural features undisturbed. Balanced Rock is also closed to climbing.

MORE DETAILS

7 Not To Miss Arches National Park Hikes
  • DELICATE ARCH.
  • PARK AVENUE.
  • BALANCED ROCK.
  • THE WINDOWS LOOP.
  • DEVILS GARDEN.
  • FIERY FURNACE.
  • SAND DUNE AND BROKEN ARCH.


MORE DETAILS

You cannot sleep in your car at Arches National Park unless you have a reserved campsite at the Devils Garden Campground, which is the only designated campground within the park.

MORE DETAILS

Here's how to minimize the crowds at Arches National Park:
  1. Avoid summer travel and during holidays. ...
  2. Plan your trip to arrive and explore during the week, avoiding weekends.
  3. Start your day early. ...
  4. Get out and hike. ...
  5. If you're in a hurry, with limited time, save this park for another vacation.


MORE DETAILS

The best time to visit Arches National Park is April through May and September through October, when daytime temperatures average about 60 to 80 degrees. In the summer, temperatures can exceed 100 degrees, which can make exploring the park's trails very uncomfortable.

MORE DETAILS

Arches contains a variety of hiking trails, many of which are considered easy to moderate. Trails provide access to outstanding viewpoints and arches not visible from the road. Many trails use cairns (stacks of rocks) for markers and cross broad rock surfaces, requiring attention to follow.

MORE DETAILS

The best time for stargazing is when you can't see the moon and the skies are at their darkest — which would be during the time around the new moon. You can check out Discover Moab for more information about the moon phases. However, the park is open year-round, so you can plan your visit for any time of year.

MORE DETAILS

Arches National Park is Open On very busy days, when parking lots fill to capacity we temporarily delay additional park entries. Visitors who encounter a closed gate may try back in a few hours or consider visiting other nearby destinations.

MORE DETAILS

The best easy hikes in Arches are The Windows, Landscape Arch, Double Arch, Sand Dune Arch, and Park Avenue. My name is Ash, and I'm a former park ranger.

MORE DETAILS