Arches National Park

Arches National Park preserves over 2,000 natural sandstone arches in Utah's Canyon Country near the town of Moab. This area contains the largest concentration of arches found anywhere in the world, including the world-famous Delicate Arch as seen on the Utah state license plate, in addition to a variety of unique geological resources and formations. In some areas, faulting has exposed millions of years of geologic history. The extraordinary features of the park, including balanced rocks, fins and pinnacles, are highlighted by a striking environment of contrasting colors, landforms and textures.

Throughout the park, rock layers reveal millions of years of deposition, erosion and other geologic events. These layers continue to shape life in Arches today, as their erosion influences elemental features like soil chemistry and where water flows when it rains. Arches is in a "high desert," with elevations ranging from 4,085 ft (1,245 m) to 5,653 ft (1,723 m) above sea level. In 1923 Alexander Ringhoffer, a prospector, wrote the Rio Grande Western Railroad to publicize the area and gain support for creating a national park. In 1929, President Herbert Hoover signed the legislation creating Arches National Monument. In 1971 Congress changed the status of Arches to a National Park, recognizing over 10,000 years of cultural history.

Southeast Utah is part of the Colorado Plateau, a "high desert" region that experiences wide temperature fluctuations, sometimes over 40°F (4°C) in a single day. The temperate (and most popular) seasons are spring (April through May) and fall (mid-September through October), when daytime highs average 60 to 80°F (16 to 27°C) and lows average 30 to 50°F (-1 to 10°C). Summer temperatures often exceed 100°F (38°C), making strenuous exercise difficult. Late summer monsoon season brings violent storm cells which often cause flash floods. Winters are cold, with highs averaging 30 to 50°F (-1 to 10°C), and lows averaging 0 to 20°F (-18 to -7°C). Winters are the low season, when the trails are quiet and parking is plentiful.

By Plane

Moab's Canyonland Field Airport (CNY) has daily service to Denver on Great Lakes Airlines. The next closest major airports are Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC), about a 4-hour drive away by way of Interstate 15 and US Highway 6/191; Walker Field in Grand Junction, approximately 2 hours from the park via Interstate 70; and Denver International Airport (DEN), about 5 hours 45 minutes via Interstate 70.

By Car / Road

The entrance to Arches National Park is located 5 miles (8 km) north of Moab along US Highway 191. Most visitors arrive by car from Moab. The Salt Lake Express and Greyhound provide intercity bus service to Moab, from where the park can be reached by car or taxi.

A car is the most common way of exploring the park; most visitors will drive to sites and then take short walks to view the amazing geologic formations. There are several four-wheel drive roads in the park's backcountry that may appeal to those with appropriate vehicles. Hiking at or around sunrise (5-6AM) can provide a less crowded experience and easier parking. Although the summer heat can make biking a masochistic way of viewing the park, in cooler months it can be a popular option. Bicycles are only permitted on roads: there is no single track or trail riding in the park.

• Delicate Arch — The park's most iconic formation and one of Utah's most recognized landmarks. A 3-mile round trip hike with 480 feet of elevation gain leads to the arch. Best visited at sunset.

• Landscape Arch — One of the longest natural stone arches in the world, measuring 306 ft (93 m) from base to base. An easy 1.6-mile round trip trail leads to the arch.

• Windows Section — Contains several large arches including North Window, South Window, and Turret Arch. Easy trails provide close access to these formations.

• Balanced Rock — A massive boulder perched atop a sandstone pedestal, visible from the main road. A short 0.3-mile loop trail circles the formation.

• Skyline Arch — One of the largest arches in the park, visible from the road. A short trail leads to the base.

• Devil's Garden — An area with numerous arches and formations connected by trails. Includes Landscape Arch, Double Arch, and several other features.

• Hiking — The park offers trails ranging from easy paved paths to strenuous backcountry routes. Popular hikes include Delicate Arch, Landscape Arch, and the Devils Garden Loop.

• Backcountry driving — Several four-wheel drive roads including Salt Valley Road and Willow Springs Road provide access to remote areas of the park.

• Stargazing — The park's remote location and dark skies make it an excellent spot for stargazing. The park hosts night sky programs during the summer.

• Photography — The park's unique formations and dramatic lighting conditions make it a premier photography destination. Sunrise and sunset provide the best light.

• Cycling — Bicycles are permitted on paved roads in the park, offering a unique way to experience the scenery during cooler months.

There are no restaurants or food services within Arches National Park. All dining is in Moab, about 5 miles south of the park entrance along US-191. Moab offers a range of dining options from casual to upscale.

• Moab Brewery — 686 S Main St. Great food and great beer since 1996. The Black Raven Stout is a local favorite. Open Su-Th 11:30AM-10PM, F Sa 11:30AM-11PM.
• Pasta Jay's — 4 South Main St. Popular Italian restaurant. Try the Tortellone Alfredo or the Chicken Pesto Tortellone.
• ZAX — 100 South and Main St. Family restaurant with a pizza bar and a sports bar. Open 11:00AM to close.

Moab is the nearest place for drinks and nightlife. The Moab Brewery (686 S Main St) is the local favorite, serving house-brewed beers alongside food. The Spoke Bar at 5 N Main St is another option for a drink. Water is scarce in the park — bring plenty of water for any outdoor activity.

There are no lodging facilities inside Arches National Park. All accommodation is in Moab.

• Budget: Lazy Lizard Hostel, 1213 S Hwy 191. Probably the cheapest accommodation in Moab. Dorms from $13/bed, private rooms from $35/single.
• Mid-range: Best Western Plus Canyonlands Inn, 16 S Main St. Offers rooms and suites with a pool, hot tub, and secure bike storage.
• Upscale / heritage: Aarchway Inn, 1551 North Highway 191. A 97-room lodging facility nestled between red rock cliffs. Offers complimentary hot breakfast and indoor secure storage for bicycles.

Moab, located 5 miles south of the park entrance, is the closest place to stock up on supplies, snacks, and outdoor gear. Several outfitters in Moab offer gear rentals and guided tours. The Arches National Park visitor center has a bookstore with maps, books, and souvenirs.

• Canyonlands National Park — 32 miles from Moab. Three distinct districts offer dramatically different landscapes and experiences.
• Dead Horse Point State Park — 32 miles from Moab. Stunning overlooks of the Colorado River and Canyonlands.
• Moab — 5 miles south. The gateway town with restaurants, shops, lodging, and outdoor recreation outfitters.
• Colorado River — Rafting, kayaking, and scenic float trips available from Moab.
• Goblin Valley State Park — About 1.5 hours west. Unique mushroom-shaped rock formations and dark sky stargazing.
• Green River — 110 miles west. Known for river trips and fishing on the Green River.