Moab-centric: A mini-Guide to Arches National Park

Arches Visitor Center
Moab, UT 84532

With over 2,500 stone arches, Arches is one of the most visited parks in the U.S. because of its greatest concentration of arches. Though wildlife sightings are minimal, it’s the rocks that seem to speak a language that visitors learn to understand. With all the adventure opportunities in this area, including mountain biking, off-roading, rafting trips, and family-friendly horseback riding, it’s easy to see why many vacations in Southeast Utah are Moab-centric.

I’ve returned twice since my first visit, each time, bringing family and friends to discover this high-desert wonderland. Despite encountering jam-packed parking lots with displaced large gatherings for events such as weddings-in-the-park, I am highly likely to find my way back to Arches National Park in the near future. When do you plan to visit?

Arches has a special place in my heart. I first arrived in Moab, Utah, in October 2013, from Flagstaff, passing signs that said the Grand Canyon was closed due to a government shutdown. As I drove closer to the entrance of Arches National Park, I saw the welcoming signs: “Arches Now Open.” My excitement grew as I stood at the trailhead for the iconic Delicate Arch. It felt surreal. This was the start of my journey through “Utah’s Mighty 5,” and really the start of my love of the USA’s National Parks.

Hey there! I’m Jenn from jenonthetrail.com, and I’m here to share my experiences in America’s incredible national parks. I’ve traveled to 62 of the 63 national parks in the U.S., and many of them I’ve visited more than once. People often ask me, “What park is your favorite?” and that’s a tough one to answer. One would think I had a ranking system, and yes I do. But honestly, when it comes to favorites, I don’t pick ’em. I believe everyone should try to visit as many as possible! Let’s discover more of America’s natural heirloom, The National Park System.

5 Fast Facts about Arches National Park

1. Over 2,000 Natural Arches: Arches National Park in Utah is home to over 2,000 natural stone arches, including the famous Delicate Arch, which is one of the most photographed in the world.
2. Geological History: The park’s stunning formations are primarily made of sandstone and were shaped by millions of years of erosion, weathering, and the movement of underground salt deposits.
3. Established in 1929: Arches National Monument was designated in 1929 by President Herbert Hoover, and it was upgraded to a national park in 1971.
4. Highest Arch: Landscape Arch, one of the largest natural arches in the world, stretches 306 feet (93 meters) and is incredibly thin in places, making it a geological marvel.
5. Stunning Night Skies: Arches National Park is designated as an International Dark Sky Park, making it a perfect spot for stargazing with minimal light pollution.

Scenic in Arches National Park

The dramatic arches, spires, and fins in the park were not crafted overnight. Millions of years of erosion, glaciation, and volcanic activity have sculpted Arches into a land of striking contrasts. Though glaciers never covered this region, tectonic forces uplifted the landscape, and the ever-present desert winds and rain began their slow but steady work.

Catching a glimpse of the snow-covered La Sal Mountains as the backdrop for the red sandstone arches is a personal favorite image of mine and for those who recall, a desktop screensaver on Windows 7 and 8 (circa 2012).

Aes·thet·ic in Arches National Park

While the park’s environment is primarily desert, each spring (typically April and May) a burst of color occurs as desert wildflowers bloom. Species like Indian paintbrush, evening primrose, and prickly pear cactus flowers appear, providing a contrast to the park’s red rock formations.

The Visitor Experience

This section of the mini-Guide is where I focus on the visitor experience, offering a well-thought-out itinerary and highlighting recreational activities within the national park. Yet, as the title hints, the reality is that the Arches National Park experience now extends beyond the park’s borders. It spills over to reach the Green and Colorado rivers and it likely leads travelers down paths to dramatic arches in the surrounding area (outside of the park).

Many national park visitors are familiar with incorporating activities in gateway communities—like staying in Bar Harbor when visiting Acadia National Park—but writing a guide for Arches National Park presents a unique challenge. First and foremost, kudos to the National Park System for implementing crowd mitigation changes to park visitation. As a naturalist, I commend well-planned actions that limit overcrowding. However there is an elephant in the room scenario that I will discuss below.

Entry into the Park (having come all this way, you may not get in!)

With the new timed-entry system, an entire itinerary could fall apart if visitors don’t secure their entry slot. This reality makes planning much more complex, both for me as a blogger and for visitors trying to execute their trip smoothly. With this in mind, I am designing this mini-Guide to give Arches National Park its due as a spectacular destination while including extensive recreation ideas from Moab—an epicenter for recreation in its own right. In short, Grand County is seizing the opportunity to enhance the visitor experience. This serves as a good lesson in allowing flexibility and recognizing that absolutes in planning are often out of our control.

Overpacked parking lots, promoting the guest experience on trails and the pursuit of protecting the fragile cyanobacteria crust have led the National Park System to implement crowd mitigation. Timed-entry is one part of this program. Timed-entry at the bottleneck of the park, the entrance gate, a single road and the only access to Arches National Park is an effective measure to achieve traffic control. Timed-entry operates at peak hours during peak season. Yet the time-entry program could thwart would-be visitors dreams of entering the park. And dreaming, is the most likely way to not enter the park. Hint: wake up early to enter before 7 AM.

View an article on the Recreation.gov Help Center for detailed information on reserving a Timed-Entry.

Unlike parks such as Yosemite or Mount Rainier, where a booking for lodging doubles as a timed-entry, planning for Arches leaves you exasperated, asking, “What now?” Here’s one scenario for Arches planning: focus on securing a lodging reservation (outside of the park) then figure out how to deal with the Timed-Entry. Another option is to head to the park early in the morning, as well it is recommended to beat the heat and even get a glimpse of the park’s wildlife. Therefore, during timed-entry mandated peak season, enter the park much earlier than 7 AM (before cars begin to line up) or after 4 PM.

Another tip would be to plan a visit to Arches National Park during the off-season. Travel between the months of November and March will not require timed-entry. Visiting the park during winter gives visitors a chance to see the dazzling red rocks in a blanket of snow. I have not yet visited in winter, I am really looking forward to seeing Arches give me the “cold-shoulder”.

And here is the crux: if you don’t secure a timed-entry admission, there is plenty of recreation in to fill up a 2-day itinerary. Nearby Fischer Towers, Grandstaff trail, Dead Horse Point State Park, and Canyonlands National Park are several places to see the stunning red canyon walls, take hikes in the fins and slots, and view the flora and fauna of the Colorado Plateau. And yes, you can view arches outside of the park: Colorado National Monument has a high concentration of arches and is en-route to Arches National Park, when traveling from Denver or from Grand Junction (2 hours away).

Roll-Out System: Timed-entry is required from April to October in 2024 (this year) and April to October 2025 (next year). Timed Entry Tickets will be available in block releases 3 months in advance at 8 am Mountain Time (MT) from Recreation.gov. The first release in early January, 2025 and will include tickets for April 1st through April 30th on a first come, first serve basis. An example of the schedule is found below:   

For 2025: January 2nd (tba): April reservations (April 1–30, 2025) will be available for 1-hour time interval between the hours of 7AM and 4PM from Recreation.gov. The full schedule is not yet posted an has been a roll out 3 months in advance since 2022. ProTip: Set up your account on Recreation.gov ahead of time. Refresh your log-in and download the APP Store or Google Play

One Day Prior: A limited number of tickets will be available one day prior to entry at 7 pm MDT through Recreation.gov. These are expected to sell out quickly through Recreation.gov. I read in the comments section on Recreation.gov that a visitor was able to change the time on the entrance ticket by signing into the app the day prior.

Advance purchases need to be made for all timed-entry (well before arrival at the park gate):

• Using the recreation.gov app Recreation.gov mobile app (iOS/Android)
• calling the Reservation Line: 877-444-6777
• Reservation International Line: 606-515-6777
• Reservation Line (TDD): 877-833-6777

Visitor Center(s) at Arches National Park

There is one visitor center conveniently (or not so conveniently) located at the entrance to the park just after the ticket booth. The desire to stop after waiting in a long line leading up to the park is (understandably) rather low. Stopping at the visitor center on the way out of the park is another option. Arches Visitor Center: Moab, UT 84532.

Navigating the Park

Park Shuttle: There is no park shuttle, navigation of the park is possible via bicycle and personal vehicle.

Roadways: Are well maintained and easy to travel with only one steep road at the entrance to the main layout of the park.

Personal Vehicle: Rent a vehicle or drive your personal vehicle.

Bicycle: Bicycles are often the best way to see the park. Consider renting an e-bicycle. Wear a ball cap or visor and plenty of sunscreen since the entire park is exposed. Summer temperatures soar into the 100s Fahrenheit so bring plenty of water. Bicycles will share the road with vehicles; bicycles are not permitted on trails within the park. Highly Recommend: A sun hoodie and Refillable water bottle for the 2 water stations.

2-Day Itinerary for Arches National Park

Option: Select a 3-Day Itinerary to include activities in Canyonlands National Park and Dead Horse Point State Park

Considering timed-entry in 2022, it is unlikely that visitors will have 2 days (back to back) in Arches National Park.

With the timed-entry system at Arches National Park, maximizing your time and focusing on key experiences is essential. Here’s a recommended itinerary for one late-day visit and a full day in the park:

Day 1: Explore Moab area for hikes or float trips in the mornig and a Sunset Hike at Arches National Park (visit does not have to coincide with timed-entry – entry is after peak hours)

Day 1: Spend the morning exploring Dead Horse Point State Park for the rim hike, taking a half-day guided float trip down the Colorado River or hike Fisher Towers.

In the Late afternoon make plans to enter Arches National Park for a sunset hike.

Arrival (Late Afternoon)
Drive or bike into the park after 4 PM when timed-entry reservations are not required. This allows you to experience the park with fewer crowds and cooler temperatures, perfect for a sunset hike.

Hike: Delicate Arch (3 miles round-trip)

• Difficulty: Moderate
• Time: 2-3 hours
• Why it’s perfect: Delicate Arch is the park’s most iconic landmark and an ideal spot to witness a stunning sunset. The 1.5-mile trail (one-way) offers a gradual climb through slickrock and leads to an awe-inspiring view of the arch framed against the sunset sky.
• Tip: Bring a headlamp, as the return hike will likely be in dim light.

Post-Hike:

• Enjoy the fading light and take time to stargaze. Arches is a certified International Dark Sky Park, so the night sky views are incredible once the sun goes down. Make sure to stay and admire the stars before heading back to Moab for the night.

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Day 2: Full Day in Arches National Park

(Plan to enter the park early in the morning with a timed-entry reservation)

Start: Park Avenue Trail (1-mile one-way)

• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
• Time: 1-1.5 hours
• Why it’s great: This is a spectacular way to start your day, with towering rock walls that give the feeling of walking through a canyon of skyscrapers. It’s a relatively short hike with plenty of dramatic scenery.

Scenic Drive: Windows Section
After Park Avenue, head to the Windows Section, a short drive north. This area contains several easy, beautiful stops:

• Double Arch (0.5 miles round-trip): A short, easy hike to one of the largest and most impressive arches in the park.
• North & South Windows and Turret Arch: Another short, easy loop that allows you to explore multiple arches in a compact area.

Midday: Balanced Rock

• Difficulty: Easy (short loop)
• Time: 15-30 minutes
• Why it’s worth it: A quick stop along the main road to see this incredible natural balancing act. It’s a great spot for photos and doesn’t require much time or effort.

Lunch

• Pack a picnic and stop at Devils Garden area for a break, where picnic tables are available. You’ll also have restrooms nearby, making it an ideal spot for a mid-day pause. Refill water bottles at the filling station.

Afternoon: Devils Garden Trail

• Hike: Landscape Arch (2 miles round-trip)
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Time: 1-2 hours
  • Why it’s a must-see: This iconic arch is one of the longest in the world. The trail is mostly flat, making it accessible for most hikers. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider hiking further to Navajo Arch and Partition Arch (additional 1.5 miles round-trip).

Late Afternoon: Fiery Furnace Viewpoint

• After your hike in Devils Garden, drive to the Fiery Furnace Viewpoint for stunning panoramic views of the park’s intricate and rugged landscape. Permits are required for the actual Fiery Furnace hike, but the viewpoint alone is breathtaking.

End of Day: Courthouse Towers Viewpoint

• On your way out of the park, stop at Courthouse Towers for one last look at the towering formations as the sun sets lower in the sky.

Return to Moab

• Head back to Moab for dinner and relaxation after a full day of exploring Arches.

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Key Tips for This Itinerary:

• Reservations: Make sure you secure your timed-entry pass for Day 2, as entry slots fill up fast.
• Stay Hydrated: Bring plenty of water, especially for the hikes. Bring a refillable water bottle.
• Packing: Wear layers to accommodate both hot midday temperatures and cooler evening breezes.
• Flashlights/Headlamps: If you’re staying late into the evening for sunset or stargazing, bring a flashlight for safety.

This itinerary makes the most of your limited time in the park, offering a great balance of iconic sights, easy hikes, and unique sunset and stargazing experiences.

Recreation and Idea Boards

Popular Trails for Hiking

Trails in Arches National Park are limited to hikers only. Bicycles are considered transport as they are not permitted on trails.

Hiking:

Moab-Centric Popular Hikes

Corona Arch
This scenic hike is often considered one of Southeast Utah’s best, featuring a massive free-standing arch. It’s a 3-mile round-trip with a moderate climb, offering views of the Colorado River and red rock formations.

Fisher Towers
This is a touch one! A 4.4-mile round-trip trail, Fisher Towers is a great hike that showcases towering red rock spires and monoliths, making it a favorite for photography and dramatic landscapes. I have attempted this hike on two separate occasions in May (2020 and 2021). For one reason or another, I have had to turn back, one time being that a hiking companion lost the sole of his shoe 2/3 of the distance on trail.

Grandstaff Canyon
This moderate 4.3-mile round-trip hike follows a creek to the impressive Morning Glory Natural Bridge, the sixth longest natural rock span in the U.S. An enjoyable hike I took in May of 2020, watch out for the poison ivy on this trail that traverses along and across a creek.

Dead Horse Point State Park
Just outside Moab, Dead Horse Point offers breathtaking vistas over the Colorado River. Several hiking trails, like the 5-mile round-trip Rim Trail, provide stunning overlooks and opportunities for sunset views. In fact, the overlooks are a bird’s eye view of Canyonlands. It’s arguably the only “drone-like” view you snag in the national parks. I have enjoyed this hike on every visit to Moab area (2013, 2020 and 2021).

Swimming (outside of Arches National Park)

• Ken’s Lake: Located about 10 miles south of Moab, Ken’s Lake is a reservoir where swimming is allowed. It’s a calm spot for relaxing in the water with scenic mountain views.
• Mill Creek: A popular swimming hole with natural pools and waterfalls, this spot requires a short hike. It’s a favorite among locals for cooling off during hot weather.

Paddleboarding (outside of Arches National Park)

• Colorado River: Paddleboarding on the Colorado River is a unique experience, offering everything from calm flat water to more challenging sections for the adventurous. Popular launch points include Potash Boat Rampand Lion’s Park.
• Ken’s Lake: This reservoir also offers great conditions for paddleboarding, especially for beginners or those looking for a calmer setting.

For rentals, several local outfitters in Moab, such as Moab Adventure Center and Paddle Moab, offer paddleboards, kayaks, and guided tours if you want extra support or an introduction to the area’s waters.

Kayaking (Outside of Arches)

Colorado River: Kayaking on the Colorado River is the most popular choice in Moab. There are multiple sections of the river, ranging from calm, flat-water stretches (ideal for beginners) to sections with Class I-II rapids for more adventurous kayakers.

• Moab Daily: This stretch of the Colorado River, just outside of Moab, is great for beginners and families. It’s a scenic section with mild rapids.
• Fisher Towers Section: More suited for experienced kayakers, this stretch offers moderate rapids along with stunning views of towering red rock formations.

Green River: The Labyrinth Canyon section of the Green River offers a more tranquil kayaking experience, with calm waters and remote, scenic landscapes.

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Guided Tours:

Rafting on the Colorado River
For a refreshing break from the desert heat, join a whitewater rafting trip down the Colorado River. Trips range from family-friendly floats to more intense rapids through Westwater Canyon.

Moabadventurecenter.com offers guided rafting for half-day and full-day trips starting at Fisher Towers. The scenery along the Colorado River was something out of western movie and the knowledgable guide on the raft trip made a lasting impact. Since 2013, I have returned to Moab Adventure Center for all my recreation gear purchases and rentals. They are a full service outfitter with guides to take you on float trips, white-water rafting, and canyoneering. If you want to explore the trails, canyons and slick rock on your own, rent one of their ATV, Jeeps or mountain bikes. Navigation devices are essential if you forego the guided trips as there is no cell reception in much of “Canyon Country”.

Road Touring:

If hiking is not for you or you want a change from hiking, the scenic drive in Arches National Park is a feast for the eyes. The main park road is dotted with turnouts and several parking lots where you can stop for photo opportunities as you cannot stop your vehicle on the road, unless forced to do so by grid-lock and traffic. Along the drive, you will see such features as the “three gossips”, “park avenue” and “balanced rock”.

Idea Boards for Winter (Inside the Park)

Snowshoeing: If there’s enough snow, snowshoeing can be a fun way to explore less-traveled areas of the park.

Wildlife Viewing: Winter is a good time for spotting wildlife, as animals are more active in the cooler temperatures.

Moab Centric: Idea Boards

1. Mountain Biking
   Moab is famous for its world-class mountain biking trails, particularly the Slickrock Bike Trail, an 11-mile loop of challenging terrain, with breathtaking views of the surrounding desert.
2. Off-Roading
   Moab offers some of the best off-roading experiences in the country. The Hell’s Revenge Trail is a thrilling option for 4×4 enthusiasts, offering steep climbs and descents through slickrock formations.
3. Canyoneering
   Moab offers fantastic canyoneering opportunities. Entrajo Canyon is a popular spot for beginners, offering a combination of hiking, scrambling, and rappelling.
4. Rock Climbing
   The sandstone cliffs around Moab are a haven for climbers. Popular climbing areas include Wall Street, a roadside cliff just minutes from downtown Moab, and Castle Valley for more adventurous routes.

Historic Places/Lodging/Camping

Arches National Park has one campground and reservations are difficult to secure. Backcountry permits in Arches National Park are available for primitive camping. Despite the limited camping within the park, nearby Moab offers hotels, many motels, cabins and RV/tent camping.

Historic Places (Arches national Park)

The Wolfe Ranch Cabin, located at the start of the Delicate Arch trail, serves as the only historic building in the park. Named by the Wolfe family as DX Bar Ranch, it offers no lodging. There is one Campground, Devil’s Garden Campground. There are no historic lodges in the park and no other lodging available within the park’s boundaries.

Hotels/Motels/Lodges/Cabins

Nearby Moab boasts a wide range of lodges, cabins, and motels, catering to travelers who appreciate comfort and a daily shower. By staying in Moab, you’re strategically located to enjoy not just Arches National Park, but also a wide range of outdoor activities and local dining options that enrich your visit to this iconic part of Utah. Despite the abundance of options, securing reservations feels almost impossible making the timed-entry reservation system all the more frustrating.

Arches National Park offers a one-of-a-kind experience, but what are you supposed to do when you’re stuck in this maddening loop of finding a rare open reservation for lodging and not knowing if the date(s) will coincide with timed-entry reservation (t.b.a. sometime in the future). It is prudent to focus on locking in your lodging reservations as these may be booked well in advance. After which, travelers can navigate the timed-entry system discussed in the timed-entry section with a course that’s already set in motion. Be sure to get your timed-entry at 3 months before your visit when the time slot becomes available and the first day the roll-out is available..

For much of the reasons aforementioned, lodging, dining and recreation is focused on the map below which is beyond the boundaries of the park unabashedly Moab-centric.

1. Glamping: Under Canvas Moab
   For those seeking a glamping experience, Under Canvas offers safari-style tents with stunning views of the surrounding red rock landscape, just minutes from both Arches and Canyonlands National Park.
2. Sorrel River Ranch Resort & Spa
   This luxurious riverside resort offers a mix of upscale rustic cabins and modern amenities, including horseback riding and spa treatments, making it an ideal place to relax after a long day of hiking.
3. Moab Springs Ranch
   Featuring charming bungalows and townhouses, Moab Springs Ranch offers a peaceful environment with shaded hammocks, a private pond, and a natural spring for guests to enjoy.
4. Motel/Hotel: Hampton Inn
   A standard and convenient place to call basecamp when visiting Arches National Park. I have stayed at this location and would highly recommend returning.
5. Motel/Hotel: Gonzo Inn
   Staying at Gonzo Inn in the past was a less than favorable experience with filthy bathrooms. The thing about Moab, if I scored a reservation at a good price, I could “suck it up” and give them another chance. Besides, we can all have bad days and hopefully my visit in May, 2021 was just that. The cafe on property was delightful and quite possibly the saving grace.
6. Motel-style Lodge: Red Cliffs Lodge
   Located adjacent to the Colorado River and surrounded by local trails is the Red Cliffs Lodge. In early summer of 2021, I stayed in this full suite motel style lodge with my sister. We had a full kitchen a large sunken living room and a back patio facing the river. Red Cliffs Lodge is a take-in stop for many of the float trip/rafting outfitters. On property you will see a herd of horses with guides ready to take you into the rock spires, fins and canyons on horseback to explore the landscape of the Colorado Plateau. See the lodges website for information about tours for mountain biking, canyoneering, flight-seeing tours, float trips, jetboat tours, horseback riding and sunset tours, among others at Redcliffslodge.com.

Camping

While there are several backcountry campsites, Devil’s Garden Campground is the only “front country” campground in Arches National Park. This fact does not detract from the experience at Arches (IMO) since the outdoors experience can still be met by securing a night at Canyonlands campground, any one of the BLM campsites, National Forest campsites, or state campgrounds.

Dispersed camping and backcountry permits are available for the intrepid traveler and backpackers. A strong theme of caution in Canyon Country (Arches Moab and Canyonlands) is that backcountry hikes come with a cautionary stamp: navigation skills = survival. Heat and maze-like terrain make for an arduous task for even the most skilled of hikers. If you lack these skills, forego the backcountry, there is no learning curve in these parts (of the country).

Places to Eat in Moab

There is a full-sized grocery store at the south end of Moab. During a recent 4-night stay, I took advantage of the bbq grill on premises. I stocked up on groceries and fired up a delicious meal and ate it fire-side with my sister (while several kangaroo rats hung around for scraps). Think of the consequences and don’t feed the wildlife! Moab itself, caters to the vibrant recreation lifestyle with casual dining and plenty of great options.

1. The Spoke on Center
   A casual eatery offering delicious burgers, sandwiches, and salads. It’s known for its laid-back atmosphere and refreshing milkshakes—perfect for refueling after a hike.
2. Desert Bistro
   This upscale dining option offers Southwest-inspired gourmet dishes. The menu features fresh local ingredients, and the restaurant is set in a quiet part of town, making for a relaxed dining experience.
3. Moab Brewery
   Popular among hikers and bikers, Moab Brewery is the largest restaurant in Moab, serving craft beer brewed on-site, alongside hearty dishes like pub fare, steaks, and pasta.
4. Love Muffin Café
   Perfect for a quick bite or breakfast before hitting the trails, this cafe offers delicious smoothies, coffee, and breakfast burritos, with many vegetarian and vegan options.
5. 98 Center
   For something different, 98 Center offers Vietnamese-inspired dishes using fresh, local ingredients. It’s a great option for a healthy and flavorful meal after a long day outdoors.
6. Moab Food Truck Park
   With something for everyone in your group, the Moab Food Truck Park offers outdoor seating and a great vibe.

Field Notes

Naturalist Perspective

Geology

A special arch which tells a story of recent past as wall as the age old tale within the park is Sand Dune Arch. In the past 20 years the Arch pictured below has become more visible as the surrounding topsoil and sand slowly erode and wash away with rainwater and snowmelt. Combine the Sand Dune Arch hike with the Broken Arch hike for early morning hike starting at the “back” of the park and make your way to the “front” of the park, stopping at the turnouts and parking lots along the main park road.

Ranger-Led Programs

Outdoor Ethics and Safety

Leave No Trace: Always follow the park’s guidelines for responsible recreation, including packing out all trash.

Wilderness Safety:

Safety in Arches is whole different story. The wilderness and desert present some truly remarkable terrain and it comes as no surprise that there are extremities in this harsh environment.

Potable Water

Summer temperatures soar, hikes are largely without shade or cover and water stations are few and far between. Sources are potable water are Devil’s Garden and the Visitor Center.

When exploring Arches National Park, being aware of potential risks is essential for safety. Here are some key wilderness safety considerations and risks to keep in mind:

Weather Conditions

• Heat: Summer temperatures can be extreme. Always carry plenty of water and wear sun protection.
• Cold: In winter, temperatures can drop significantly. Dress in layers and be prepared for changing conditions.

Terrain Hazards

• Rock Falls: Loose rocks can be a danger, especially in steep areas. Stay on marked trails and be cautious when climbing.
• Icy Trails: In winter, trails can become icy and slippery. Use appropriate footwear and consider trekking poles for stability.

Wildlife Encounters

• Snakes: Rattlesnakes can be present. Stay on trails and watch where you step.
• Bears and Mountain Lions: Though rare, they can be found in the area. Make noise while hiking to avoid surprising them, and know how to react if you encounter one.

Dehydration and Heat Exhaustion

• Always carry enough water, especially on longer hikes. Watch for signs of dehydration and heat exhaustion.

Getting Lost

• Stay on marked trails and carry a map or GPS device. Cell service can be unreliable in the park.

Altitude Sickness

• Parts of the park can be at higher elevations, which may affect some visitors. Ascend slowly and stay hydrated.

Limited Services

• The park has limited facilities, so plan ahead for food, water, and emergency supplies.

Flash Floods

• In the canyons, be cautious of potential flash floods during rainstorms. Avoid hiking in dry washes during bad weather.

Tips for Safety:

• Plan Ahead: Know your route and the time it will take to complete it.
• Inform Someone: Let someone know your plans and expected return time.
• First Aid Kit: Carry a basic first aid kit for minor injuries.
• Emergency Contact: Have a way to communicate in case of emergencies, like a satellite phone or a personal locator beacon.

Being prepared and aware of these risks will help ensure a safe and enjoyable visit to Arches National Park!

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Wildlife Viewing

Large mammals are not a common sighting in the park. Mule deer, gray foxes and kangaroo rats are seen with relative frequency. There is not a habitat within the park which makes the visibility or prevalence of fauna more abundant. Rather, desert animals are predominately nocturnal and their activity at night puts them at risk (from you). Crows and lizards are the most prevalent wildlife sightings in Arches National Park. On the many visits to both Canyonlands NP and Arches NP, the sightings were outside the park. Foxes, owls and kangaroo rats were all seen near the roadside or crossing the road, late at night. Which brings me to the next point.

As the hours when the timed-entry is not in effect and the window when the park’s animals are hunting coincide, so does the need to travel slowly and with extreme caution. Small mammals are not inside the general field of view of most drivers and are notoriously difficult to see on roads with no street lights, as the park is a dark sky park. These creatures are the residents of the Arches National Park and their survival deserves your full attention and support.

Gear-Up for Preparedness

Gear Checklist for Arches National Park

Arches Gear List

Be sure to pack a pair of long pants, gaiters or socks as many of the trails in Moab are overgrown with poison ivy. Separate clothing and shoes and do not rub eyes, nose or bare skin after touching shoes and clothing worn during your hike. Oils from poison ivy can pack a one-two punch and “creep” up several days after a hike.