Arches National Park is a wonderland of rock formations, arches, and beautiful views. It’s also a fairly accessible park – most of the trails are less than 3 miles round trip, and views can be had within steps of the parking area in many cases. In this post, I’ll answer some of the most frequently asked questions about the park (and probably a few questions you never thought to ask but might be helpful in planning your adventure).

What is the Best Time to Visit Arches National Park?

The park is hot and dry. I prefer October-November and March-early May. Note that the heat reflected off the ground will make the temperature feel higher than the projected forecast. (For example, 80F was sweltering in late May, and 30F was perfectly comfortable hiking in November.) The park can see snow in the winter months.

Light and shadow changes throughout the day, though most people agree that the first couple of hours after sunrise and the 2-3 hours before sunset are best for light on the arches and rock formations. The sun is deeply in the south from November to February, making ideal lighting conditions for much of the day.

What is the Entry Fee to Arches National Park?

$30 per vehicle (no per person fee), valid for 7 days from the day of purchase. Motorcycles are charged $25, and walk-in or bicyclists are charged $15 per person.

Annual passes ($55; valid at Arches and Canyonlands National Parks and Natural Bridges and Hovenweep National Monuments) and America the Beautiful National Parks & Federal Lands Passes are accepted.

(All prices as of January 2025.)

More info about current fees can be seen here.

Does Arches National Park have Timed Entry?

Yes, at some times of the year. For the 2025 season, the park has timed entry April 1 to July 6 and August 28 to October 31 between the times of 7am and 4pm. No timed entry ticket is required on other dates or any day between the hours of 4:01pm and 6:59am. (The park never closes except in extreme cases of inclement weather.)

Timed entry tickets are $2 per day and are per vehicle, not per person. No timed entry permit is required if you have a Devils Garden Campground reservation, a backcountry camping permit, a Fiery Furnace permit (I’ve tested this one, and it works!), a Special Use Permit, or if you arrive by foot or bicycle (motorcycles and scooters do need a timed entry ticket during applicable times). Annual and America the Beautiful passes are not timed entry permits, though they do waive the park entry fee (but not the $2 timed entry fee).

Timed entry tickets are valid for a 1 hour period – 30 minutes before the time on the entry ticket and 30 minutes after the same. So if you have a timed entry ticket for 10:00am, you can enter anytime between 9:30am and 10:30am. (I think that’s right; check your reservation.) After entering during your time slot, you may exit and reenter the park at any time for the remainder of the day (but you’ll need a new timed entry ticket for another day). You should check your reservation for the most up-to-date information about exactly when you can enter the park with a timed entry ticket.

Note that you’re welcome to queue up at the entry station before your assigned time. However, if you reach the gate before your 1 hour time slot, you will be sent to the back of the queue. The park has put up signs suggesting how long a wait time you’ll have from each sign, but I find the lines usually move faster than the sign suggests.

For more information on Timed Entry and to secure your ticket, visit Recreation.gov or Arches’ fee page.

Where Can I Get Information Inside Arches National Park?

Stop at the Visitor Center shortly after the park entrance station. The rangers will be happy to help you plan your visit. (And it also has a small museum, a park movie, and a souvenir shop!)

If you want maps and to talk with knowledgeable and helpful people before you arrive at Arches National Park, I highly recommend the Moab Information Center (25 E Center St, Moab, UT 84532).

Is there Lodging in Arches National Park?

No, there is no lodging in Arches National Park. However, Moab has many lodging options for different budgets, and it is conveniently located near the park entrance.

Can I Camp in Arches National Park?

The park has one camping area – Devils Garden Campground. From March 1 to October 31, reservations are accepted up to six months in advance; November 1-February 28/29, the campground is first-come, first serve only. There are 47 campsites, 2 ADA accessible campsites (1 is always held first-come, first serve for those with disabilities only), and 2 group campsites. Standard and ADA accessible sites are currently $25/night; group sites vary by group size. Expect the campground to be full all year round.

For amenities, reservations, and more information, visit Recreation.gov.

Important! If you plan to camp during a no-reservation season, download the Recreation.gov app before you arrive – I can attest to the fact that there is no cell service in the campground. You’ll likely need to “scan and pay” using the app, especially during the winter months when the campground is only intermittently staffed.

Can I Backpack in Arches National Park?

The short answer is “yes,” the longer answer is “not likely.” There are only 4 backcountry sites in Arches National Park. Permits for these are only available in person at the Backcountry Permit Office 2 miles south of Moab. Permits cost $7 per person; each permit is limited to 7 people, three nights per campsite, for a total of up to seven nights. You can reserve a site up to 7 days in advance to the start of your trip.

For more information about backpacking in Arches National Park, visit the NPS site.

Can I Purchase Ice, Snacks, Meals, or Souvenirs in Arches National Park?

There are no restaurants or ice for purchase inside the park (guess why I needed to use my Fiery Furnace permit to reenter the park? It was spelled I-C-E for my cooler!) The visitor center has a nice gift shop for souvenirs and a few hiking snacks.

Where can I get Water in Arches National Park?

The visitor center has a water bottle filling station (but no water fountain) – take advantage of this to fill multiple bottles, as water is scarce in the rest of the park. I used a spigot at the Devils Garden Picnic Area, there is a water fountain or filling station at the Devils Garden Trailhead, and the dishwashing sink in the Devils Garden Campground also usually has running water.

When is the Best Time to See Delicate Arch?

About 1 hour before sunset is the best time to photograph Delicate Arch. Give yourself an extra 30-60 minutes for the steep climb, choosing various vantage points, waiting your turn to stand under the arch, and hiking back before dark.

For more tips on getting the most out of your hike to Delicate Arch, visit this post.

Note: The best time to photograph Delicate Arch from the Upper (and Lower) Delicate Arch Overlooks is in the morning due to the position of the overlook vs. hiking up to the arch itself.

When is the Best Time to See the Windows?

Morning (about 1-2 hours after sunrise) is the classic time to see the Windows and Turret Arch. However, if you don’t care about the classic shots, the Windows are actually very scenic in the afternoon. (You can see photos of what they look like in the afternoon by clicking here!)

Is Devils Garden Worth the Hike?

In a word, yes!! Devils Garden is one of the most scenic trails in Arches National Park, showing off dozens of arches and views. Hike only to Landscape Arch, out to Double O Arch, or explore the entirety of the primitive loop with all of its spurs – you won’t be disappointed!

Looking for more trails in Arches National Park? You can read about some of my favorites here!

Or see how I hiked all of the trails in Arches in only 6 days!

More About Arches National Park

Explore more of Arches National Park with this “opinionated” guide to the park’s best trails. Twenty-four hikes plus useful information make it a great resource both before and during your adventures in the park. Buy your copy here.