Best Time to Visit Arches National Park | 2024 Guide

Visiting Arches National Park in Southeastern Utah soon? You’re in the right place. Located near the town of Moab and the Colorado River, this park is renowned for its natural sandstone arches, giant balancing rocks, and massive rock fins.

With over 2,000 stone arches and stunning red rock formations, it’s no wonder visitors find themselves here year-round. Whether you’re interested in hiking, photography, rock climbing, or simply taking in the majestic views, Arches National Park offers something for every traveler.

If you’ve been struggling to decide when to visit Arches, this guide will tell you exactly that, along with the worst time to go, the best things to do, and FAQs you may be curious about.

Let’s dive in on the Best Time to Visit Arches National Park.

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How to Get to Arches National Park

Arches National Park is conveniently located 5.2 miles near Moab in eastern Utah. The most common way to reach the park is by car. 

If you’re driving from Salt Lake City, it’s about a 230-mile journey southeast via US-191, taking approximately four hours. From Grand Junction, Colorado, it’s a shorter drive of about 110 miles west on I-70 and then south on US-191, taking roughly two hours.

If you prefer flying, consider flying into Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) or Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT) and renting a car to drive to the park.

Once you arrive in Moab, the entrance to Arches National Park is just a five-mile drive north on US-191. The park has one main entrance, making access straightforward.

Best Time to Go to Arches National Park

Many visitors find spring (April to May) and fall (September to October) to be the ideal times to explore the park. That said, the best time to visit Arches National Park depends on your preferences for weather and crowd levels. 

During these shoulder seasons, the temperatures are mild, ranging from 60°F to 80°F (16°C to 27°C). The crowds are also more manageable compared to the peak summer months.

Summer, from June to August, is the busiest time at Arches. Despite the high temperatures, often exceeding 100°F (38°C), this season offers the longest days and the most activities. 

If you plan to visit in summer, be prepared for extreme heat, and try to schedule your hikes and outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon.

Worst Time to Go to Arches National Park

The winter months (November to March) are considered the least popular time to go to Arches National Park. During this period, temperatures can drop to 20°F (-6°C) at night and rarely rise above 50°F (10°C) during the day.

Snow and ice can make some trails and roads difficult to navigate, and certain areas of the park may be temporarily inaccessible.

However, if you don’t mind cold weather and want to experience the park without the crowds, winter can offer a unique and serene perspective of Arches. 

Visit Arches National Park in Spring

If you’re visiting Arches in spring, it’s a great opportunity to enjoy the cool daytime temperatures. They range from 60°F to 80°F (16°C to 27°C), creating ideal conditions for outdoor activities.

Spring is a great time for visitors. By April, the sun has melted any possible snow, and you can expect pleasant temperatures and good weather for walking, hiking, and exploring.

Things to Do in Arches National Park in Spring

As the park enters spring, you’ll find many things to do. Here are a few spring-based activities to enjoy when visiting the park.

Hike the Delicate Arch Trail

• Distance: 3.1 miles (out and back)
• Elevation Gain: 630 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trail Guide: Link

One of the most famous park features is the Delicate Arch. To see the park’s most recognizable natural arch, you’ll need to hike this moderate 3.1-mile trek. It takes about an hour and 35 minutes to complete and is beautiful to visit anytime. But spring is a particularly lovely time, thanks to fewer crowds in April and May.

Go Stargazing

Stargazing can be a wonderful experience in spring. With clear skies and quiet nights, you can spend hours gazing up at the cosmos. Arches is an official International Dark Sky-certified park that will undoubtedly offer picture-perfect views of various constellations. You might even see shooting stars. 

Let the Arches park rangers take you on guided adventures to see incredible views of the stars at spots like The Windows, Panorama Point, Devils Garden Area, and many more.

Visit Arches National Park in the Summer

Summer is jam-packed with activity since kids are out of school, and families capitalize on the holidays to visit.  Daytime temperatures in summer frequently exceed 100°F (38°C).

You’ll need to visit in the early morning or late afternoon to find the summer heat bearable. There are fewer crowds during the hottest parts of the day. However, the summer months are the most visited and crowded time.

In July, the monsoon season starts until about September and can cause flash floods. But don’t worry too much. Just check the weather forecast on the National Weather Service before visiting to ensure a safe trip.

Things to Do in Arches National Park in the Summer

Summer visitors heading to Arches can enjoy a variety of activities, but it’s essential to bring plenty of water and avoid outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day. Also note — if you’re worried about getting heat stroke, contact a park ranger or go to the visitor center.

Visit Balanced Rock on a Quick Loop Trail

• Distance: 0.3 miles (loop)
• Elevation Gain: 56 feet
• Difficulty: Easy
• Trail Guide: Link

This balancing rock formation is quite the sight and worth the quick, easy, and partially paved walk from the Arches National Park main road. You get to see the 3600-ton boulder perched on a spire in only a 9-minute loop. This attraction also gives you a great view of The Windows and La Sal Mountains.

Walk the Landscape Arch Trail

• Distance: 1.9 miles (out and back)
• Elevation Gain: 253 feet
• Difficulty: Easy
• Trail Guide: Link

Landscape Arch is located in the Devils Garden area and is quite the sight. It’s North America’s longest arch, stretching 306 feet. You can get there with this 50-minute, out-and-back hike on easy, flat terrain. Start at Devils Garden Trailhead and follow your way back when done being in awe of the magnificent arch.

Visit Arches National Park in the Fall

Visitors can expect cooler temperatures in the fall. Daytime temperatures are around 60°F to 80°F (16°C to 27°C), and the summer crowds begin to dissipate. Fall also brings a beautiful change in the foliage, adding vibrant colors to the landscape.

Labor Day and Labor Day weekend will be especially busy during the fall. However, from mid-September to October, you can expect fewer crowds, emptier trails for walking, and ample opportunities for morning exploration well into late fall.

Things to Do in Arches National Park in the Fall

With fewer crowds and pleasant temperatures, visitors can enjoy more popular trails and attractions in the fall. Here are some things to do during this time.

Explore the Fiery Furnace

This attraction is a series of narrow passageways that move through towering sandstone walls. Taking on this adventure should not be done alone. It’s easy to get lost in this labyrinth because GPS doesn’t work within the walls.

Park rangers offer ranger-led hikes through this trail. You’ll need to make reservations on the recreation website. Or, if you’re adamant about going it alone, get the self-guided fiery furnace exploration permit.

Walk the Double Arch Trail

• Distance: 0.6 miles (out and back)
• Elevation Gain: 95 feet
• Difficulty: Easy
• Trail Guide: Link

If you’re keen to see the massive Double O Arch rock formation without a long walk, do this easy, albeit a bit sandy, walk to the arch. You get a great view from the trailhead. 

Drive just over nine miles up Main Park Road from the Visitor Center to get there. Nearby, you’ll see landmarks like the Parade of Elephants, Cove of Caves, and Ribbon Arch.

Visit Arches National Park in Winter

Winter in Arches National Park spans from November to March and offers a tranquil and unique experience. Daytime temperatures range from 30°F to 50°F (-1°C to 10°C), while nighttime temperatures can drop below freezing. 

You can expect minimal snowfall during winter. But that doesn’t mean there won’t be snow. Be careful on roads and trails, as snow can make them slippery and dangerous.

If you visit in winter, you can avoid the crowds, meaning you won’t have to worry about finding a parking spot or waiting in long lines to get into the park. You might even have some hiking trails all to yourself. There is also no need for a permit in winter, which is a bonus.

Things to Do in Arches National Park in Winter

Winter visitors can enjoy several activities in cool temperatures, but it’s essential to dress warmly and check weather conditions.

Take the Arches Scenic Drive

There’s no better time to view the expansive red rock landscape dusted in snow than during winter. The 19-mile road leads past numerous sites and trails, like Double Arch, Devils Garden Trailhead, Park Avenue Viewpoint, and Sand Dune Arch.

The roads may be icy before midday, so check the weather conditions before driving. If you’re unsure, check in with the staff at the Arches Visitor Center for advice. 

Take Snapshots of the Windows Section and Turret Arch

• Distance: 1.18 miles (loop)
• Elevation Gain: 154 feet
• Difficulty: Easy
• Trail Guide: Link

As one of the most popular attractions in the park, it would be best to trek to this natural wonder in winter, where you can freely take photos without worrying about other visitors. The trail is open year-round, takes 30 minutes to complete, and is an easy loop. Dogs aren’t allowed on this trail, but it’s very popular for walking and snowshoeing.

FAQs About the Arches National Parks Best Time to Visit

You may have questions about going to Arches National Park and what you need to know while there. Take a look at these frequently asked questions and their answers.

Where Can I Camp and Park At Arches?

You can camp at Devils Garden Campground, which is the only campground in Arches. You’ll need to plan ahead and make reservations between March 1st and October 31st. It’s first-come, first-served, so be prepared to be there early to get a chance to stay at one of the 51 sites. The campground is only 18 miles from the park entrance.

There are three designated areas to park: Devils Garden Parking Lot, The Windows Section Parking Lot, and Wolfe Ranch Parking Lot. Parking is limited at all destinations, so go as early in the morning as you can to get a spot.

Do I Need Permits or Passes When Visiting Arches?

Yes, from April 1st to October 31st, between 7:00 AM and 4:00 PM, you need to get a timed entry ticket from recreation.gov to gain access to the park. You’ll also need an entrance pass. Choose between a standard pass ($15-$30), an annual pass ($55), or an America the Beautiful Pass ($80).

You should get your passes online, but you can also visit the Arches Visitor Center for more information. The visitor center is open from 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM.

Wrapping Up the Best Time of Year to Visit Arches National Park

There you have it: everything you need to know about visiting the wondrous landscape of Arches National Park in southeast Utah. There’s no wrong time to go, but spring and fall are ideal as summer is too busy, and winter can be cold.

Besides watching the weather, public holidays like Memorial Day and Labor Day are the main things to look out for when you visit. Besides that and avoiding the peak summer heat, your visit to Arches should be a great time no matter the season.

Read next: Look at more things to do in Arches National Park.

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