A Super Detailed Guide to Arches National Park, USA
Basic Information
- English: Arches National Park
- Tickets: $30/vehicle/7 days (recommended to use the America the Beautiful Pass)
- Reservations: A Timed Entry Ticket is required in addition to the entrance fee from Apr 1 to Jul 6 and from Aug 28 to Oct 31, between 7am and 4pm. Most tickets are released 3 months in advance, and a limited number are released at 7pm the day before. If you don't get a ticket, you can enter before 7am or after 4pm.
- Tourist Season: Open year-round, 24 hours a day. Peak season is from March to October.
- Food and Drinks: There are no restaurants inside the park. Go to Moab for meals.
Transportation and Accommodation
- Transportation: Located in Utah. Most people choose to drive, as public transportation is inconvenient.
- Accommodation: Most people stay in Moab, near the park entrance. There are many hotels, restaurants, and gas stations. Recommended hotels: Scenic View Inn & Suites Moab, Expedition Lodge, Big Horn Lodge.
Tour Planning
- Time: A 3-hour drive is enough for a quick overview, but 5 hours to 1 day is recommended for hiking.
-🌟 Must-see attractions: "5. Double Arch and the North and South Windows" and "6. Delicate Arch"
- Sample Itinerary: Starting from Moab, visit Park Avenue Viewpoint (10–50 min), La Sal Mountains Viewpoint (5 min), Courthouse Towers Viewpoint (0–15 min), Balanced Rock (10–20 min), Double Arch and the North and South Windows (1 hr), Delicate Arch (1.5–2 hrs), Fiery Furnace Viewpoint (15 min–3.5 hrs, optional), and Landscape Arch (1–1.5 hrs).
Things to Do at Each Attraction
🌟1. Park Avenue Viewpoint: Enjoy the view from the parking lot or hike the Park Avenue Trail deeper into the park.
🌟2. La Sal Mountains Viewpoint: Enjoy the view from the parking lot.
🌟3. Courthouse Towers Viewpoint: View from the car or stop for a closer look.
🌟4. Balanced Rock: View from a distance in the parking lot or walk closer.
🌟5. Double Arch and the North and South Windows: Follow the route to see different arches.
🌟6. Delicate Arch: Hike to the base of the arch or drive to a viewpoint for a distant view. Wear sunscreen and hiking boots if hiking. Bring a headlamp if watching the sunset.
🌟7. Fiery Furnace Viewpoint: View from the parking lot or hike the loop trail (requires a permit in advance).
🌟8. Landscape Arch: An easy trail suitable for all ages, but you can't walk directly beneath the arch. Hike the entire Devil's Garden Trail if you're up for it.
Winter Travel Tips
The average daytime temperature in winter is -1 to 10°C, and there are fewer tourists. Light snow may affect traffic, but most trails remain open. Bring trekking poles and wear hiking boots if there is snow. Prepare crampons if going to Delicate Arch.
💡Important Notes
- Drones, graffiti, climbing on arches, and touching or feeding wildlife are prohibited.
- Wear sunscreen and mosquito repellent. Stay on marked trails. Wear appropriate footwear. Seek shelter during lightning storms in summer.