Arches National Park Visitors Guide
Welcome to the Arches National Park Visitors Guide.
Here you will find general visitors information on regulations about bringing dogs to the park, wheelchair access, entrance fees, visitor centers, and reservations.
You will also learn what outdoor activities are available such as hiking, biking, camping, and fishing.
Here you will find general visitors information on regulations about bringing dogs to the park, wheelchair access, entrance fees, visitor centers, and reservations.
You will also learn what outdoor activities are available such as hiking, biking, camping, and fishing.
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Arches National Park Visitors Guide
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Accessibility
Visitors with mobility impairments can access the visitor center, restrooms throughout the park, Devils Garden Campground site #37, the Park Avenue Viewpoint and the Delicate Arch Viewpoint. For visitors with hearing impairments, a variety of publications may be obtained at the Visitor Center. Wayside exhibits with illustrations and text on natural and cultural features are situated throughout the Park and in the Vistitor Center. Park Information is also available by TDD phone at: 435-719-2319.
Backpacking
Arches is a relatively small park, with very few areas far enough from roads to qualify as backcountry. Outside the developed areas there are no designated trails, campsites, or reliable water sources.
For more information on Backpacking, see the Hiking Page.
Basic Visit Recommendations
The basic road tour with stops at overlooks requires several hours to a half day. Allow more time if you plan to hike or otherwise experience the park.
Biking
Bicycles are welcome on roads in the park. There are no designated bike trails. All bicycles must abide by vehicle regulations and are not allowed on any hiking trails or off established roads.
For more information on Biking, see the Hiking Page.
Camping
The Devils Garden Campground, located 18 miles from the park entrance, has 52 tent and trailer sites, plus two walk-in group sites limited to tenting for ten or more persons. Facilities include flush toilets and water until frost. Camping reservation may be made and you can pre-register for individual campsites at the Arches Visitor Center between 7:30 and 8:00 am, or at the Entrance Atation after 8:00 am. Group campsite reservations are available for the two group sites. The campground fills daily mid-March through October, often by early to mid-morning.
See the Camping Page for reservation and detailed information.
Climbing
Technical climbing is allowed but is only for experienced climbers. Climbing is not permitted on any arches named on the USGS topographic map, on Balanced Rock and a few other locations.
For more information on Climbing, see the Hiking Page.
| Individual Entry (Bike, Foot) | $ 5.00 (7 Day Pass) |
| Private Non-commercial Vehicle | $ 10.00 (7 Day Pass) |
| Gold Access Pass (Blind or permanently disabled individuals) | Free (Lifetime - good in all natl parks) |
| Golden Age Pass (1 time fee - for those 62+ years young) | $ 10.00 (Lifetime - good in all natl parks) |
| Golden Eagle Pass (Good 1 year from date of purchase) | $ 50.00 (Good in all natl parks) |
Waivers
Entrance fee waivers are available to groups when the purpose of their visit is educational rather than recreational.
LOCAL PASSPORT
Southeast Utah Group
Fees: $ 25.00 - Annual Pass
Good for Entrance to Arches, Canyonlands, Hovenweep and Natural Bridges.
National Park Pass Information
National Parks Pass
The National Parks Pass is an annual pass that provides admission to any national park charging an entrance fee. The Pass costs $ 50.00 and is valid for 12 months (ending the last day of the purchase month, one year later). More than 80% of the proceeds from the sales of National Park Passes go directly into supporting priority projects in national parks.
Where a "Per Vehicle" entrance fee is charged, the Pass admits the Pass signee and accompanying passengers in a single, private*, non-commercial vehicle. Where a "Per Person" entrance fee is charged, the Pass admits the Pass signee, spouse, children and parents. The Pass is nontransferable and does not cover or reduce use fees such as charges for camping, parking, tours and concessions.
Golden Eagle Pass
For an additional $ 15.00, a Golden Eagle hologram may be purchased and affixed to a National Parks Pass to cover entrance fees at not only national parks, but also at sites managed by the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the U. S. Forest Service, and the Bureau of Land Management. The Golden Eagle holograms are available at National Park Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, and Bureau of Land Management fee stations. The Golden Eagle admits the pass signee and any accompanying passengers in a private* vehicle if a park has a per vehicle entrance fee. Where a per person entrance fee is charged, the Golden Eagle admits the pass signee, spouse, children and parents. The Golden Eagle is nontransferable and does NOT cover or reduce use fees such as charges for camping, parking, tours, and concessions. It is valid for entrance fees only. The Golden Eagle hologram is valid until the expiration of the National Parks Pass to which it is affixed.
Golden Age Pass
If you are age 62 or older, you qualify for a Golden Age Passport. The Golden Age Pass is available to U.S. citizens or permanent residents who are age 62 or older. The Golden Age Pass is a lifetime entrance pass to national parks, monuments, historic sites, recreation areas, and national wildlife refuges that charge an entrance fee. The Golden Age Pass admits the pass signee and any accompanying passengers in a private* vehicle if a park has a per vehicle entrance fee. Where a per person entrance fee is charged, the Golden Age Pass admits the pass signee, spouse, and children.
The Golden Age Pass also provides a 50% discount on federal use fees charged for facilities and services such as camping, swimming, parking, boat launching, and tours. In some cases where use fees are charged, only the pass signee will be given the 50% price reduction. The Pass is nontransferable and does NOT cover or reduce special recreation permit fees or fees charged by concessioners. A Golden Age Pass must be obtained in person at a federal area where an entrance fee is charged. There is a one-time $ 10.00 processing charge to obtain the Golden Age Pass. It is available only to citizens or permanent residents of the United States who are 62 years of age or older. You must show proof of age, such as a state driver's license, birth certificate, or similar document.
Golden Access Pass
If you have a permanent disability, you may qualify for a Golden Access Passport. The Golden Access Pass is a lifetime entrance pass to national parks, monuments, historic sites, recreation areas, and national wildlife refuges that charge an entrance fee. The Golden Access Pass admits the pass signee and any accompanying passengers in a private* vehicle if a park has a per vehicle entrance fee. Where a per person entrance fee is charged, the Golden Access Pass admits the pass signee, spouse, and children.
The Golden Access Pass also provides a 50% discount on federal use fees charged for facilities and services such as camping, swimming, parking, boat launching, and tours. In some cases where use fees are charged, only the pass signee will be given the 50% price reduction. The Pass is nontransferable and does NOT cover or reduce special recreation permit fees or fees charged by concessioners. A Golden Access Pass must be obtained in person at a federal area where an entrance fee is charged. It is available only to citizens or permanent residents of the United States who are medically determined to be blind or permanently disabled. You may obtain a Golden Access Pass by showing proof of medically determined permanent disability, or eligibility for receiving benefits under federal law.
* A private vehicle is defined as any noncommercial vehicle that is being used for private recreational purposes.
The National Parks Pass may be purchased at any National Park office or entry station.
To purchase a pass Online, click on this Link, or to purchase via phone, call: 1-888-467-2757.
Commercial Tours
Fee depends upon the capacity of the vehicle.
- 1 to 6 passenger vehicles are charged: $ 25.00 + $ 5.00 per person.
- 7 to 25 passenger vehicles are charged: $ 40.00.
- 26 or more passenger vehicles are charged: $100.00.
Flora and Fauna
Pinyon and gnarled juniper trees add a splash of green contrast to the red sandstone terrain. When conditions are just right, wildflowers bloom in profusion from April to July. Most species of mammals are nocturnal, but you might see mule deer, kit fox, or more often, jackrabbits and cottontails, kangaroo rats and other rodents, and small reptiles. Flocks of blue pinyon jays chatter in tree tops; migratory species such as mountain bluebirds and residents such as golden eagles are seen by careful observers.
See the Park Information Page for more information.
Food and Supplies
No food is available in the park. In the Arches Visitor Center, you may buy film, water containers or chilled bottled water, as well as informational materials. Bring your own food or there are restaurants in the local communities.
Hiking
Hiking trails of varying length and difficulty lead to and through arches and into the heart of the park.
See the Hiking Page for detailed information.
Lodging
Park lodging is limited to one campground. Devils Garden Campgrounds takes reservations. There are local campgrounds and lodging in the nearby communities. The Devils Garden Campground, located l8 miles from the park entrance, has 52 tent and trailer sites, plus two walk-in group sites limited to tenting for ten or more persons. Facilities include flush toilets and water until frost.
See the Camping Guide or Lodging Page for more information.
Permits and Fees
Camping fee is $ 10.00 per night for individual sites in summer; $ 5.00 when water is off (November through mid-March). You must pre-register for individual campsites at the Arches Visitor Center between 7:30 and 8:00 am, or at the entrance station after 8:00 am. Group campsite reservations are available. The Arches campground fills daily mid-March through October, often by early to mid-morning.
Rangers lead walks into the Fiery Furnace twice each day. The cost is $ 8.00 for adults; $ 4.00 for children 6 to 12 years old and Golden Age Pass holders. Group size is limited, and walks often fill a day or two in advance. Reservations can be made in person at the visitor center up to seven days in advance.
Pet Information
Pets are allowed only on park road, in parking lots, or in your campsite. They must be physically restrained at all times in these locations. Pets are not allowed on or off trails, in the backcountry, or in buildings. Pets left unattended in vehicles during the heat of the day can die from heat exhaustion.
Programs and Activities
Regularly scheduled walks, guided hikes and evening campfire programs by rangers, mid-March through October. Check bulletin boards in the park for details. Tickets may be purchased up to seven days in advance for the popular Fiery Furnace guided hike at the Arches Visitor Center. Also, check at the visitor center for information on the Junior Ranger program for children ages six through eleven.
Rangers lead walks into the Fiery Furnace twice each day. The cost is $ 8.00 for adults; $ 4.00 for children 6 to 12 years old and Golden Age Pass holders. Group size is limited, and walks often fill a day or two in advance. Reservations can be made in person at the visitor center up to seven days in advance.
See the Calendar Page for more information.
Roads and Trails
The 48 mile round trip paved road in the park travels through spectacular scenery and leads to major park features. Hiking trails of varying length and difficulty lead to and through arches and into the heart of the park.
Visitor Center
Open: All Year
Located: Just inside the Park Entrance.
Hours: 8:00 am to 4:30 pm - Daily - November through March. Closed December 25.
Extended Hours - April through September.
The visitor center houses a museum and exhibits. A short orientation program is shown in the auditorium on the hour and half hour. Information is available and books and maps are sold by the Canyonlands Natural History Association, in the visitor center.
Weather
In summer, June through September, temperatures may exceed 100° Fahrenheit and in winter, December through February, temperatures often drop below 32° Fahrenheit. Temperatures may range 50° in a 24-hour period. Dress accordingly. Very dry! Carry drinking water at all times.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Annual | |
| Max Temp - °F | 41.0 | 52.0 | 61.0 | 71.0 | 82.0 | 86.0 | 99.0 | 96.0 | 86.0 | 73.0 | 54.0 | 44.0 | 70.0 |
| Min Temp - °F | 18.0 | 27.0 | 33.0 | 42.0 | 51.0 | 55.0 | 65.0 | 64.0 | 57.0 | 42.0 | 29.0 | 22.0 | 42.0 |
| Avg Precip (in) | 0.35 | 0.48 | 0.50 | 0.75 | 0.57 | 0.43 | 0.54 | 0.89 | 0.86 | 1.15 | 0.52 | 0.67 | 7.71 |
See the Weather Page for current conditions, forecasts and other weather data.
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