Arches National Park

Arches National Park protects a remarkable concentration of more than 2,000 documented natural stone arches in the desert of southeastern Utah. The landscape also contains towering rock fins, narrow openings, sandstone pinnacles, massive cliffs, and formations that appear to balance against gravity. Located near Moab, the park’s contrasting red rock, blue sky, and distant mountain views make it one of the most recognizable destinations in the American Southwest.

The park’s approximately 18-mile scenic road connects many of its most popular areas and can be explored even with limited hiking time. Visitors can stop at Park Avenue, Balanced Rock, Delicate Arch Viewpoint, the Windows Section, and Devils Garden. Short walks lead to formations such as Double Arch, Turret Arch, North Window, and South Window, while roadside viewpoints provide additional opportunities to appreciate the park’s scale, geology, and constantly changing light.

Hiking ranges from brief, relatively easy walks to longer routes across exposed desert terrain. The Delicate Arch Trail leads to Utah’s most famous natural arch, while the Windows area offers several impressive formations within a compact area. Devils Garden contains Landscape Arch and a network of longer, more challenging trails leading to additional arches and sandstone features. Park Avenue provides a different experience, descending between tall rock walls that resemble a city skyline.

Photography is especially popular around sunrise and sunset, when low-angle light brings out the texture and color of the sandstone. Visitors can also participate in ranger programs, camp at Devils Garden, explore designated canyoneering routes, or experience the park’s dark skies after sunset. Stargazing can be enjoyed independently, and seasonal ranger-led astronomy programs may also be offered. Rock climbing and canyoneering are permitted in certain areas but are subject to park regulations and permit requirements.

Arches is an exposed, high-desert environment with intense sun, limited shade, and rapidly changing weather. Visitors should carry plenty of water, avoid strenuous midday activity during extreme heat, and remain on established trails to protect fragile biological soil crusts. Climbing, walking, or rappelling on named arches is prohibited. For 2026, the park is not requiring general timed-entry reservations, although reservations remain necessary for Devils Garden Campground and Fiery Furnace experiences.