Arches National Park near Moab in Grand County, Utah, protects more than 2,000 natural stone arches — the greatest concentration of natural arches in the world — alongside soaring pinnacles, balanced rocks, and ribbon canyons carved from Entrada Sandstone. The park covers 76,679 acres of red rock landscape at elevations ranging from 4,085 to 5,653 feet above sea level. Landscape Arch, accessible via the 1.6-mile (one-way) Devils Garden Trail, spans 290 feet and is one of the longest natural stone arches on Earth. Delicate Arch, the most recognized formation and an emblem of the state of Utah, is reached via a 3-mile round-trip hike from Wolfe Ranch, 12 miles from the visitor center; the 480-foot elevation gain crosses open Entrada Sandstone slickrock with no shade. The Windows Section, a short quarter-mile loop off the main park road, clusters multiple large arches — North and South Windows and Turret Arch — within easy walking distance and suits visitors with limited time. Double Arch, a pair of intersecting arches sharing a common base, is a five-minute walk from the Windows parking area. Balanced Rock, a 3,577-ton boulder perched on a tapered base, is visible roadside and requires no hiking. The Fiery Furnace, a labyrinthine network of sandstone fins and narrow passages, can only be entered with a ranger-guided tour or a self-guided permit from the visitor center. Timed-entry permits for the park are required April through October; permits open 90 days in advance on recreation.gov and sell out quickly for popular dates. Sunrise and sunset produce spectacular warm light on the red sandstone; midday in summer is harsh and exposed trail temperatures regularly exceed 100°F (38°C).
Good to know
- Hours
- Open 24 hours; Arches Visitor Center 8 AM–4:30 PM (extended hours spring–fall)
- Best time
- March–May and September–October; arrive before 9 AM or after 5 PM to avoid summer heat and crowds
Location
Arches National Park, Moab, UT 84532
38.7331, -109.5925 View on map
Highlights
- Hike 3 miles round-trip across open slickrock to Delicate Arch, Utah's most iconic formation, for a sunset view above the canyon
- Walk the short Windows Section loop to see North and South Windows and Turret Arch side by side
- Follow the Devils Garden Trail to Landscape Arch, which spans 290 feet of open sky
- Photograph Balanced Rock — a 3,577-ton boulder on a narrow stone pedestal — from the roadside pullout
- Join a ranger-guided Fiery Furnace tour to navigate the maze of narrow sandstone fins and hidden passages
Tips for visiting
- Timed-entry permits (April–October) are required and sell out weeks in advance — book at recreation.gov as soon as they open
- Arrive before 8 AM or after 5 PM to beat the timed-entry window and avoid midday temperatures above 100°F
- Carry at least 3 liters of water per person; no water is available on any trail and desert dehydration sets in quickly
- The America the Beautiful annual pass ($80 USD) covers the $35/vehicle entry fee
- Check sunset time before hiking Delicate Arch — reaching the arch bowl 90 minutes before sunset secures a photo position
- Wolfe Ranch Trailhead parking fills entirely by 9 AM in peak season — arrive before 8 AM or plan an afternoon start
When to visit
March through May and September through October offer temperatures of 60–80°F ideal for hiking. Sunrise and sunset provide the warmest, most photogenic light on the red sandstone. Summer midday temperatures regularly exceed 100°F on exposed trails — early morning starts before 8 AM are essential from June through August.
Accessibility
The Windows Section includes a paved 0.4-mile accessible loop suitable for wheelchairs. The park visitor center and main parking areas have accessible facilities and restrooms. The Delicate Arch and Devils Garden trails are unpaved and involve significant elevation gain on slickrock, making them unsuitable for wheelchair users.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to Arches National Park take?
The Windows Section and Balanced Rock can be seen in 2–3 hours. Adding the Delicate Arch hike extends a visit to a full day of 6–8 hours. The complete Devils Garden primitive loop is 7.8 miles and requires a full day on its own.
Is photography allowed in Arches National Park?
Yes, photography for personal use is unrestricted throughout the park. Commercial shoots require a permit from the park superintendent. Delicate Arch at sunset and the Windows Section are the most photographed locations.
Is Arches National Park suitable for families with young children?
The Windows Section (flat 1-mile loop) and Balanced Rock (short paved path) are ideal for young children. The Delicate Arch hike (3 miles, 480-foot gain on exposed slickrock) suits children aged 7 and older with preparation and plenty of water.