Planning to visit Arches this year? To ensure the best experience, please anticipate potentially long wait times at the entrance station. If trailhead parking is full, plan to return a little later. Please avoid parking on vegetation and roadways to help preserve this beautiful place for everyone to enjoy.

Trip-planning tips for 2026

Discover a landscape of contrasting colors, land forms, and textures unlike any other. The park has over 2,000 natural stone arches, hundreds of soaring pinnacles, massive rock fins, and giant balanced rocks. This red-rock wonderland will amaze you with its formations, refresh you with its trails, and inspire you with its sunsets.

Admits one private, non-commercial vehicle (15 passenger capacity or less) and all its occupants.

Entrance - Private Vehicle

Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.

Entrance - Motorcycle

Admits one individual with no car. Typically used for bicyclists, hikers, and pedestrians. Youth 15 and under are admitted free.

Entrance - Per Person

Valid for one year through the month of purchase. Admits one (1) private, non-commercial vehicle or its pass holder to Arches and Canyonlands national parks, and Natural Bridges and Hovenweep national monuments. U.S. residents only.

Annual Entrance - Park

A crowd of people sit and watch the sunset at delicate arch.

An afternoon at Delicate Arch

a broad, red arch with rock pinnacles in the background

Double O Arch

Delicate Arch

the Milky Way arcs above silhouetted stone pinnacles

Milky Way over the Garden of Eden

two hikers descend a broad wash with tall rock walls on either side.

Park Avenue Trail

Arches

Arches National Park is generally open 24 hours a day, year-round. Fees apply. The park is very busy between March and October. To avoid traffic, we recommend entering the park before 8 am or after 3 pm.

Park Hours

Off-Trail Permitted Hiking

<h4>Fiery Furnace Permit Fees</h4> The cost of Self-Guided Fiery Furnace Exploration Permits are: <ul> <li>$6 for hikers aged 13 and over</li> <li>$3 for hikers aged 5-12</li> <li>$3 for hikers with an Interagency Senior Pass or Interagency Access Pass</li> </ul>   <h4>Fiery Furnace Ranger-Led Hike Fees</h4> Ranger-led Loop Hike <ul> <li>$16 for adults</li> <li>$8 for children age 5–12</li> </ul> Ranger-led Out-and-Back Hike <ul> <li>$10 for adults</li> <li>$5 for children age 5–12</li> </ul>

hiker with permit in narrow path between tall rock walls

Hiker in the Fiery Furnace

There are two ways to see the Fiery Furnace beyond the viewpoint and fence: <ul> <li>Get a permit to explore on your own (year-round, ages 5 and older, fee, permit required)</li> <li>Join a ranger-led hike (spring through fall, ages 5 and older, fee, reservation required)</li> </ul> <h2>A different kind of hiking</h2> Hiking in the Fiery Furnace is a different experience from other trails in the park. You encounter many dead ends and it can be easy to get lost. There are small markers for one counter-clockwise route in the Fiery Furnace, but there are many other possible paths, and getting lost is a real possibility. GPS units do not work well due to the towering sandstone walls. Navigating its complex passages requires physical agility and careful observation. To protect the wildlife and plants that inhabit sand dunes and drainages between the rock walls, you will need to choose your steps wisely. We recommend first-time visitors to the Fiery Furnace join a ranger-guided tour or get a permit with someone who has been before. <h3>Fiery Furnace Permits</h3> If you want to enter the Fiery Furnace on your own, you must obtain the permit in advance. <ul> <li>You must reserve a Self-Guided Fiery Furnace Exploration Permit online from <a href="https://www.recreation.gov/ticket/234668/ticket/10087108">Recreation.gov</a> or by calling 1-877-444-6777. See fee information below.</li> <li>Permits may be reserved up to seven days in advance and must be reserved at least two days prior to the trip date.</li> <li>Group size is limited to six people and children under age five are not allowed. Pets are prohibited.</li> <li>Fiery Furnace permits are valid for a specified date and for day-use only (sunrise to sunset).</li> <li>Reserved Fiery Furnace permits must be picked up at a designated time on the day before or day of your hike. All persons going on the permit must be present. The required orientation film will be played at the following times: 8, 8:30, 9, 9:30, and 10 am and 2, 2:30, 3, and 3:30 pm.</li> <li>Self-Guided Fiery Furnace Exploration Permits are for private use only; commercial groups are not permitted in the Fiery Furnace. You can find trails approved for commercial use in the guided interpretive day hike conditions document: <a href="https://www.nps.gov/arch/getinvolved/dobusinesswithus.htm">Read more about commercial use.</a> Permits sell out very quickly during the busy season.</li> </ul> <h2>Go with a ranger</h2> Rangers offer Fiery Furnace hikes spring through fall. Tickets for these hikes are in high demand, and reservations are required. What should I expect? Everyone attending a Fiery Furnace hike should be aware of the challenging nature of the terrain and properly equipped for current conditions, including temperature extremes. During these physically demanding hikes, you will walk and climb on irregular and broken sandstone, along narrow ledges above drop-offs, and in loose sand. There are gaps you must jump across and narrow places that you must squeeze into and pull yourself up and through. In some places, you must hold yourself off the ground by pushing against the sandstone walls with your hands and feet. Due to the maze-like nature of the terrain, all participants must complete the hike once they enter the Fiery Furnace. To better judge the hikes' difficulty, you can <a href="https://www.nps.gov/arch/learn/photosmultimedia/ffvideo.htm">watch a video</a> or view a <a href="https://www.nps.gov/arch/learn/photosmultimedia/index.htm">photo gallery.</a> You must wear good hiking shoes or boots with gripping soles. No sandals or high heeled shoes are allowed. Each person must carry at least one quart or liter of water. You should stow water and other gear in a backpack so that your hands are free to help navigate the terrain. Tripods are not recommended. Age Restrictions Due to the terrain's difficulty, we do not allow children under the age of 5 on either hike. An adult must accompany all children aged 12 and under. <h3>What is the hike schedule?</h3> Hikes are only offered spring through fall, and schedules may change. Confirm availability on the park website or at the visitor center. How do I get a ticket? <ul> <li>You can reserve tickets up to six months in advance at <a href="https://www.recreation.gov/tourParkDetail.do?contractCode=NRSO&parkId=93768">www.recreation.gov</a> or by calling 877-444-6777 (in North America) or +1 518-885-3639 (international).</li> </ul> <h3>Do I need to check in?</h3> Yes, if you have a reservation, you must check in—in person—at Arches Visitor Center at least one hour before the hike begins, or up to four days in advance. Be sure to allow plenty of time <a href="https://www.nps.gov/arch/planyourvisit/traffic.htm">during the busy season</a> to enter the park and to drive to the meeting location.

Reserve Fiery Furnace permits and ranger-led hike tickets online at <a href="https://www.recreation.gov/tourParkDetail.do?contractCode=NRSO&parkId=93768">www.recreation.gov</a> or by calling 877-444-6777 (in North America) or +1 518-885-3639 (international). Tickets for afternoon ranger-led hikes may be available at Arches Visitor Center, though they often sell out up to seven days in advance.

Entry to the Fiery Furnace is managed by permits and ranger-led tours to ensure the experience of solitude and wilderness.

Explore the Fiery Furnace

Rock Landscapes and Features

Canyoneering

A person harnessed to a rope prepares to rappel into a canyon

Canyoneering at Arches

Canyoneering is an adventure sport using climbing equipment for rappels and other technical descents through canyons. While Arches has no real "slot canyons," many of its sandstone walls are cross-hatched with narrow passages appropriate for this type of exploration. Arches National Park developed a Climbing and Canyoneering Management Plan in December 2013 in order to protect the natural environment and the park's resources and visitors' experience. Primary subjects in the management plan are the implementation of group size limits, canyoneer registration, better canyoneer education, safety standards, and canyoneering <a href="https://www.nps.gov/arch/planyourvisit/accessegress.htm">access and egress routes</a>. Please act responsibly and observe park regulations. <h2>Regulations</h2> <ul> <li>Canyoneers must complete a free self-registration permit (unless <a href="https://www.nps.gov/arch/planyourvisit/canyoneer.htm#CP_JUMP_2567604">canyoneering in the Fiery Furnace</a>).</li> <li>Groups canyoneering in the Fiery Furnace or <a href="https://www.nps.gov/arch/planyourvisit/accessegress.htm">Lost Spring Canyon</a> are limited to 6 persons. All other canyoneering groups are limited to 10 persons. Larger groups must split and use different routes or use the same route at different times of the day to avoid queuing at rappel sites and to minimize impact on resources and on other visitors.</li> <li>It is prohibited to climb, scramble or walk upon, wrap webbing or rope around, or rappel off any named or unnamed arch with an opening greater than three feet.</li> <li>The physical altering of rock from its natural positions, such as chiseling, breaking rocks to reinforce crevices and pockets as anchors, glue reinforcement of existing holds, and gluing of new holds is prohibited. The intentional removal or "gardening" of lichen or plants from rock is prohibited.</li> <li>Bathing and immersing human bodies is prohibited in water sources that do not have water flowing both in and out at the time of the activity. Swimming and wading also are prohibited in water sources that do not currently have water flowing both in and out, except in cases where it will be necessary to enter the water source in order to traverse a route.</li> <li>Use of deadman anchors is prohibited.</li> <li>Any new installation of fixed gear requires a permit. If an existing item or fixed anchor is judged unsafe, it may be replaced, in kind, without a permit.</li> <li>Software left in place is required to match the rock surface in color. Bolts, hangers and chains must be painted the color of the rock surface before installation (<a href="https://www.nps.gov/arch/planyourvisit/images/painted-chain.jpg">see photo</a>).</li> <li>The installation of pitons is prohibited.</li> <li>Use of motorized drills within proposed wilderness areas is prohibited. Drilling outside of proposed wilderness areas requires a special use permit.</li> <li>Slacklining or "highlining" is prohibited.</li> <li>Guided canyoneering services are prohibited.</li> </ul> <h2>Registration</h2> If you are planning to canyoneer in Arches National Park, you must register by obtaining a free permit. There are no daily limits on routes (except the Fiery Furnace - see below), so you can get a permit on the day of your trip. Registration is free, it increases your safety, and it helps us maintain the desired conditions of the backcountry zone. There are two ways to obtain permits: <ul> <li>obtain a permit via the <a href="https://archespermits.nps.gov/">on-line reservation system</a>, or</li> <li>self-register at the kiosk outside the visitor center</li> </ul> Planning to canyoneer in the Fiery Furnace? Your entire party must come to the visitor center front desk to get a Fiery Furnace permit ($6 per person). Fiery Furnace permits are limited to 75 persons a day, and they often sell out during the busy season. <h2>Canyoneering Safety</h2> We cannot guarantee your safety. Safety remains your responsibility. Canyoneering has inherent risks and you assume complete responsibility for your own safety. You canyoneer at your own risk! Honestly assess your own skill level and your limitations. You should not attempt routes that are not within you abilities or those within your group. Check the weather. Obtain forecast information before beginning your canyoneering route and observe changing weather conditions. Desert temperatures can soar above 100°F (37°C) in the summer, making strenuous exercise difficult. We recommend drinking at least one gallon (4 L) of water per day during the summer. Late summer monsoons bring violent storm cells which quickly bring lightning, hail, rain, slippery rock surfaces, and hypothermia and often cause flash floods. Flash floods can also occur during blue skies when heavy rains hit the Book Cliffs. Winter temperatures often drop below 32ºF (0°C), and significant ice can persist on north-facing slopes. Temperatures may range 50 degrees in a 24-hour period. <a href="https://www.nps.gov/arch/planyourvisit/weather.htm">Read more about weather.</a> Do your homework and know your route(s). Many websites, guide books, and local gear shops have specific route information. Canyoneering in the Fiery Furnace is best with the guidance of someone who already knows the route. Inspect all fixed gear, especially knots in webbing. The harsh desert weather deteriorates webbing quickly. The National Park Service explicitly disclaims all responsibility for the safety of equipment, bolts, or anchor systems in the park. We do not maintain anchors. If an existing item or fixed anchor is judged unsafe, you may replace it in kind, without a permit, to enable a safe rappel when no other means of descent is possible, to enable emergency retreat, and during self-rescue situations. When existing anchors are deemed to be unsafe, make a reasonable effort to remove the existing hardware and use the existing drill holes for the installation of replacement fixed anchors whenever possible. Before placing fixed anchors on a route, think seriously about whether the route warrants them. Only place fixed anchors as a last resort. Please notify park staff when replacing fixed hardware to help keep an up-to-date inventory of the park's fixed gear. Be prepared to self-rescue. Be prepared to know what to do in emergency situations – including injury treatment, evacuations, unplanned overnights, or responding to rapid changes in weather. Ask yourself, "If my leader gets hurt, does my group have the ability to continue and get help?" Cell phone service is limited in the park. If a phone is available, call 911. Be prepared to tell the dispatcher the canyoneering route name, nearest landmark and meeting place so you can direct rescuers to the accident site. Park staff, if available, will provide assistance to the limit of their abilities; however, help may not arrive on scene for several hours. Report significant hazards and any injuries to a ranger, even those that do not require assistance, so that future canyoneers can be warned of the situation. The closest medical facility is Moab Regional Hospital. Watch for snakes, spiny plants, poison ivy, biting insects, and falling rocks. Always wear a helmet!   <h2>Established Canyoneering Routes</h2> Here is a list of established routes the park has approved. To establish any other canyoneering routes with fixed gear, you must obtain a special use permit. We reserve the right to remove all fixed gear that is not associated with the following routes: <table border="1" summary="a listing of canyoneering routes arranged by their location in the park"> <tbody> <tr bgcolor="dcdcdc"> <td>Area</td> <td>Route Name</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Fiery Furnace</td> <td>Krill Lomatium</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Great Wall</td> <td>Bighorn</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Lost Spring Canyon</td> <td>Lost and Found / Undercover MMI</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Park Avenue</td> <td>Tierdrop Not Tierdrop U-Turn</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Petrified Dunes</td> <td>Dragonfly</td> </tr> <tr> <td>The Windows</td> <td>Elephant Butte</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> New Route Establishment You may establish new routes, but you must obtain a special use permit before establishing any new routes requiring the installation of new fixed gear. You must travel to and from routes only within sandy wash systems, on rock, or on delineated trails. To request an application to establish a new route, <a href="https://www.nps.gov/common/utilities/sendmail/sendemail.cfm?o=4A97D8B394DDA9B3B4B503BCB710A4BB&r=/arch/planyourvisit/canyoneer.htm">email us.</a> <h2>Good Canyoneering Practices</h2> Only by following a low-impact canyoneering ethic can you protect the park's outstanding natural features and biological diversity for future generations. To accomplish this goal, renew your commitment to leaving no trace and adopt this code of ethics for low impact canyoneering: Tread lightly. Practice "Leave No Trace" ethics. Pack out what you pack in. Don't mark on rocks; scratches and carvings are considered graffiti which is against the law. We recommend using a bag system for human waste; supplies are available for a minimal charge at the visitor center. Your steps matter! Help protect the park's <a href="https://www.nps.gov/articles/seug-soil-crust.htm">sensitive desert soils</a>. Travel to and from routes in sandy washes (where water flows when it rains) on rock, or on <a href="https://www.nps.gov/arch/planyourvisit/accessegress.htm">delineated trails</a>. Approach trails to some canyoneering routes have been established with labeled brown posts. Don't create multiple paths to the same route (known as "social trails"), even if looks like the shortest distance on a GPS. Short-cutting damages vegetation, increases soil erosion, destroys animal burrows, and promotes the spread of exotic plants. Be considerate of other visitors. Some of Arches' canyoneering routes begin in busy visitor areas or intersect with large visitor groups, especially in the Fiery Furnace. Do your part to maintain a low profile. Be respectful of visitors and wait to rappel. During peak visitation, spring and fall, we recommend you park in established pullouts and parking lots. Consider leaving your pet at home. While you may have pets in the park, you must have them on a leash at all times, and you may only have them in developed areas like campgrounds and paved areas. You may not take them on or off trails. Desert heat can be deadly to your pet. Temperatures over 65°F (18°C) can turn the inside of your car into an oven. Even tied outside to your car, temperatures can be harmful for your pet. Experts use gear expertly. It is important that all fixed gear be of high quality and you be experienced and skilled in setting bolts to ensure not only the first party's safety but also the safety of future canyoneers. Please keep the following best practices in mind regarding fixed gear: <ul> <li>We recommend using retrievable anchor systems (also known as "ghosting").</li> <li>Brightly colored software can be a visual impact to other people. Software left in place must match the rock surface in color.</li> <li>We recommend hardware for new and replacement anchors be modern climbing-specific hardware and of a length adequate for rock conditions at the installation site. We strongly discourage quarter-inch bolts.</li> <li>We recommend climbing-specific hangers.</li> <li>Homemade hardware is prohibited.</li> <li>It is always preferable to use the old bolt hole rather than adding a new scar. Only in a worst-case scenario should you add a new hole.</li> <li>Fill old holes with epoxy and top them with sand to best camouflage the unused hole.</li> <li>Bolts, hangers and chains must be painted the color of the rock surface or primered brown before installation (<a href="https://www.nps.gov/arch/planyourvisit/images/painted-chain.jpg">see photo</a>).</li> </ul> <h2>Closures</h2> Some routes or features inside Arches National Park are closed to canyoneering, temporarily or permanently. Access and egress trails may be rerouted to avoid disturbance to wildlife and other resources. Check this webpage or the canyoneering kiosks for updated route closures when you register. We strictly enforce closures. No established canyoneering routes are closed at this time. <h2>Definitions</h2> Access Route is the route from an existing parking area, trail or road in which a canyoneer walks to the base of a climb or beginning of a canyoneering route. The park does not formally maintain routes. Anchors can be any way of attaching the canyoneer, the rope, or a load to rock or tree, by either permanent or temporary means for belaying or rappelling. The goal of an anchor depends on the type of climbing under consideration but usually consists of stopping a fall, or holding a static load. Anchors can be either retrievable or permanent. Bolts are permanent, man-made articles that require a hole to be drilled or hammered into the rock for their placement, usually consisting of a glued-in or expansion bolt. Bolts are small anchoring devices (usually 3/8 inch diameter by about 3 inches length) used to protect climbers where there are no cracks or openings for other types of protection. Canyoneering (also known as Canyoning) is traveling across land and into canyons using a variety of techniques that are associated with technical descents: requiring rappels (abseils) and ropework, technical climbing or down-climbing, technical jumps, and/or technical swims. Deadman anchor is a buried object such as a large rock or log that functions as an anchor for an attached rope. Use of deadman anchors is prohibited. Egress or Exit Route is the route from the completed climbing or canyoneering route back to the parking area. The park does not formally maintain routes. Ephemeral Pool is a naturally occurring sandstone basin that collects rain water and wind-blown sediment that can range from a few millimeters to a few meters in depth and may or may not be located in drainages. <a href="https://www.nps.gov/articles/ephemeral-pools.htm">Read more about ephemeral pools.</a> Fixed belay/rappel station or "anchor systems" shall be deemed any configuration of fixed anchor hardware (requiring rock alteration for installation) or software placed at the top of a pitch or rappel for the purpose of belaying or placed for the sole intent of rappelling. The hardware or software is left behind. Fixed gear is any manufactured article, either hardware or software (webbing, rope, cordelette, etc.), that is used to aid ascent or descent, or as protection, and is left on the route by a canyoneering party after the completion of the route. Hardware is climbing equipment placed in cracks or on faces to protect climbers and canyoneers from falling. This specialized equipment includes wired nuts, camming devices, hexes, pitons and bolts. Pothole is a depression in the rock that is large enough to accommodate one or more persons. Rap rings are made of a single ring of aluminum or steel. Soft aluminum rings are prone to destruction as you pull your sand-impregnated rope across the metal. You may often find rap rings on anchors in canyons. Rock alteration is the intentional removal of rock from its natural position, drilling, chipping, or gluing of hold. Vegetation alteration is any intentional removal of vegetation from its natural position, destruction, or damage of vegetation. Webbing is a synthetic flat rope that is used to tie around anchors.

If you are planning to canyoneer in Arches National Park, you must register by obtaining a free permit. There are no daily limits on routes (except the Fiery Furnace - see below), so you can get a permit on the day of your trip. Registration is free, it increases your safety, and it helps us maintain the desired conditions of the backcountry zone. There are two ways to obtain permits: <ul> <li>obtain a permit via the <a href="https://archespermits.nps.gov/">on-line reservation system</a>, or</li> <li>self-register at the kiosk outside the visitor center</li> </ul> Planning to canyoneer in the Fiery Furnace? Your entire party must obtain a Fiery Furnace Self-Guided Exploration permit ($6 per person) through <a href="https://www.recreation.gov/ticket/234668/ticket/10087108">www.Recreation.gov</a>. Fiery Furnace permits are limited and they often sell out up to seven days in advance during the busy season.

Arches has no real "slot canyons" but does afford some unique on-rope opportunities.

Rock Climbing

Rock climbing at Arches

The rock at Arches offers excellent climbing opportunities, despite its sandy nature. Most climbing routes in the park require advanced techniques. Arches National Park developed a Climbing and Canyoneering Management Plan (CCMP) in December 2013 in order to protect the natural environment and the park's resources and visitor experience. Primary actions of the CCMP are the implementation of group size limits, climber registration, improved climber education program, safety standards, and climbing access routes. We ask all climbers to act responsibly and observe park regulations. <h2>Regulations</h2> <ul> <li>Rock climbing groups are limited to five persons per group.</li> <li>White chalk is prohibited. Chalk must be similar in color to the rock being climbed.</li> <li>The physical altering of rock faces by chiseling, glue reinforcement of existing holds, gluing of new holds, and the intentional removal of lichen or plants from rock are prohibited.</li> <li>Rock climbing should be mostly free climbing or clean aid climbing.</li> <li>Any new installation of fixed gear requires a permit. If an existing item or fixed anchor is judged unsafe, it may be replaced, in kind, without a permit. Bolts, hangers and chains must be painted the color of the rock surface (<a href="https://www.nps.gov/arch/planyourvisit/images/painted-chain.jpg">see photo</a>).</li> <li>Protection may not be placed with the use of a hammer except to replace existing belay and rappel anchors and bolts on existing routes, or for emergency self-rescue. The use of motorized power drills is prohibited.</li> <li>If an existing software item (sling, etc.) is unsafe, it may be replaced. Software left in place must match the rock surface in color.</li> <li>Leaving fixed ropes in place for more than 24 hours is prohibited, unless the park has been notified.</li> <li>Slacklining (or “highlining”) and BASE jumping are prohibited.</li> <li>Guided rock climbing services are prohibited.</li> <li>Use of motorized drills within wilderness boundaries is prohibited. Use of motorized drills outside of wilderness boundaries requires a special use permit.</li> <li>Overnight camping in Arches is only allowed in the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/arch/planyourvisit/camping.htm">Devils Garden Campground</a> and in designated <a href="https://www.nps.gov/arch/planyourvisit/backpacking.htm">backcountry camping</a> sites and zones. Permits for the designated backcountry campsites and zones can be acquired at the visitor center up to seven days in advance.</li> </ul> <h3>New Route Establishment</h3> Establishment of new climbing routes is allowed. However, climbers must obtain a special use permit before establishing any new routes requiring the installation of new fixed gear. Travel to and from new routes must be on rock, within drainages or sandy washes, or on designated trails. To apply for a new route, <a href="http://cms.nps.doi.net/common/utilities/sendmail/sendemail.cfm?o=4A97D8B394DDA9B3B4B503BCB710A4BB&r=/arch/planyourvisit/rockclimbing.htm">email us to request a new fixed gear application.</a> <h2>Climber Registration</h2> All persons planning to climb in Arches National Park are encouraged to register by obtaining a free permit. There are no daily limits on routes, so climbers can get their permits on the day of the climb. Registration is free, it increases climbers' safety, and helps the park maintain desired conditions in the backcountry zone. It is in your best interest to register. Climbers have two options to obtain permits: <ul> <li>obtain a permit via the <a href="https://archespermits.nps.gov/">on-line reservation system</a>, or</li> <li>self-register at the kiosk outside the visitor center.</li> </ul> <h2>Climbing Safely</h2> The National Park Service cannot guarantee the safety of park visitors. Safety remains the sole responsibility of the climber. Climbers should understand the inherent danger of the activity, have basic knowledge of self-rescue methods and plan accordingly. Climbers should not attempt routes that are not within their abilities or those within their group. <a href="https://www.nps.gov/arch/planyourvisit/weather.htm">Check the weather first.</a> Obtain forecast information before beginning your climb and observe changing weather conditions. Thunderstorms can develop quickly bringing lightning, hail, rain, slippery rock surfaces, and hypothermia. Summer days can reach a scorching 100°F. Do your homework and know your route. Most climbing in Arches is technical and requires advanced skills. Arches National Park offers sustained multi-pitch towers, easier one pitch towers, and hard cracks on amazing buttresses. Routes are typically sandy or in soft Entrada Sandstone. Many websites, guide books, and local gear shops are available for specific route information. Inspect all fixed gear. The NPS explicitly disclaims all responsibility for the safety of equipment, bolts, or anchor systems in the park. The NPS does not maintain anchors. If an existing item or fixed anchor is judged unsafe, it may be replaced to enable a safe rappel when no other means of descent is possible, to enable emergency retreat, and during self-rescue situations, in kind, without a permit. When existing anchors are deemed to be unsafe, a reasonable effort to remove the existing hardware will be made and existing drill holes will be used in the installation of replacement fixed anchors whenever possible. Before placing fixed anchors on a route, think seriously about whether the route warrants them. Only place fixed anchors as a last resort. Please notify the NPS when replacing fixed gear to help keep an up to date inventory of the park's fixed gear. Be prepared to self-rescue. Cell phone service is limited in the park. Make plans for self-rescue or get assistance from other climbers should an unexpected incident arise. Clearly and loudly call out for help. If a phone is available, call 911. Be prepared to tell the dispatcher the rock formation, climbing route name, nearest landmark and meeting place so that you can direct rescuers to the accident site. Park staff, if available, will provide assistance to the limit of their abilities;however, help may not arrive on-scene for several hours. Report significant hazards and any injuries to a ranger, even those that do not require assistance, so that future climbers can be warned of the situation. The closest medical facility is Moab Regional Hospital. Watch for snakes, spiny plants, poison ivy, biting insects, and falling rocks. Always wear a helmet! <h2>Good Climbing Practices</h2> Only by following a low-impact climbing ethic can climbers protect the park's outstanding natural features and biological diversity for future generations. To accomplish this goal, renew your commitment to leaving no trace and adopt this code of ethics for low impact climbing: Tread Lightly. Practice "Leave No Trace" ethics. Pack out what you pack in. Don't mark on rocks; scratches and carvings are considered graffiti which is against the law. Use of a bag system for human waste is recommended. Supplies are available for a minimal charge at the visitor center. Your steps matter! Help protect the park's sensitive desert soils. Travel to and from routes in sandy washes (where water flows when it rains), on rock, or on designated trails. Approach trails to some climbing routes will be established with labeled brown carsonite posts. Don't create multiple paths to the same cliff (known as "social trails"), even if it is the shortest distance to your climb. Short-cutting damages vegetation, increases soil erosion, destroys animal burrows, and promotes the spread of exotic plants. Be considerate of other visitors. The majority of Arches' rock climbs are very close to the road or located in busy areas of the park. Do your part to maintain a low profile. During peak visitation, spring through fall, climbers are recommended to park in established pullouts and parking lots. Consider leaving your pet at home. While pets are allowed in the park, they must be on a leash at all times and are only allowed in developed areas like campgrounds and paved areas. They are not allowed on or off trails. Desert heat can be deadly to your pet. Temperatures over 65°F can turn the inside of your car into an oven, and animals tied outside to your car can suffer just as much. Experts use gear expertly.It is essential that fixed gear be of high quality and the installers be experienced and skilled in setting bolts to ensure not only the first ascent party's safety but ensure the safety of future climbers. Please keep the following best practices in mind regarding fixed gear: <ul> <li>We recommend hardware for new and replacement anchors be modern climbing-specific hardware and of a length adequate for rock conditions at the installation site. Quarter-inch bolts are highly discouraged.</li> <li>Climbing-specific hangers are recommended.</li> <li>Homemade hardware is prohibited.</li> <li>It is always preferable to use the old bolt hole rather than adding a new scar. Only in a worst-case scenario should a new hole be added.</li> <li>All old holes will be filled with epoxy and topped with sand to best camouflage the unused hole.</li> <li>Software left in place is required to match the rock surface in color.</li> <li>Bolts, hangers and chains must be painted the color of the rock surface or primered brown before installation.</li> </ul> <h2>Climbing Closures</h2> It is your responsibility to know all route closures. Some routes or features inside Arches National Park are closed to rock climbing, temporarily or permanently, and access and/or egress trails may be rerouted to avoid harm to wildlife and other resources. Check this list or the visitor center's climber kiosk for updated route closures every time you register to climb. Closures are strictly enforced. <h3>Permanent Closures</h3> <ul> <li>It is prohibited to climb, scramble or walk upon, wrap webbing or rope around, or rappel off any named or unnamed arch with an opening greater than three feet.</li> <li>Balanced Rock is closed to climbing.</li> <li>Bouldering, rock climbing, rock scrambling and other similar activities are prohibited in the area known as "Arches Boulders" or "Highway 191 Boulders" (<a href="https://www.nps.gov/arch/planyourvisit/images/Closure_area_near-HWY-191_web.jpg">see photo</a>).</li> </ul> <h3>Temporary Closures</h3> The craggy rock outcroppings of Arches National Park are excellent habitat for birds of prey. Raptors are sensitive to human disturbance, so climbing routes are frequently closed between January and August -- the period of many raptors' breeding seasons. Even when climbers do not have direct contact with eggs, young, or adults, behavior such as shouting and other noises are disturbing enough to cause a parent bird to abandon its nest. Intentionally disturbing wildlife nesting, breeding, and other activities is a violation of Title 36 of the Code of Federal Regulations (Section 2.2 (a) (2)). Thank you for your assistance in protecting these magnificent birds. By coming to Arches and following these recommendations, you are a vital component to the success of maintaining a healthy raptor population. The following list of closures will remain in effect through the time specified below, or until surveys determine habitats to be unoccupied by sensitive wildlife. See Arches website for a list of <a href="https://www.nps.gov/arch/planyourvisit/rockclimbing.htm">current route closures</a>. <h2>Definitions</h2> Access route is the route from an existing parking area, trail or road in which a climber or canyoneer walks to the base of a climb or beginning of a canyoneering route. Routes are not formally maintained. Anchors can be any way of attaching the climber/canyoneer, the rope, or a load to rock or tree, by either permanent or temporary means for belaying or rappelling. The goal of an anchor depends on the type of climbing under consideration but usually consists of stopping a fall, or holding a static load. Anchors can be either retrievable or permanent. Bivying (also known as bivouacking) is the act of camping overnight while on a climbing route above the ground. This may involve nothing more than lying down or sitting on a rock ledge overnight, or use of a cot or 'portaledge' suspended from anchors to serve as a bivouac. Bolt is a permanent, man-made article that requires a hole to be drilled or hammered into the rock for its placement, usually consisting of a glued-in or expansion bolt. Bolts are small anchoring devices (usually 3/8" diameter by about 3" length) used to protect climbers where there are no cracks or openings for other types of protection. Bouldering is a style of rock climbing undertaken without a rope that requires the use of specialized equipment (rock climbing shoes, crash pads, etc.) and normally limited to very short climbs over a crash pad so that a fall will not result in serious injury. It is typically practiced on large natural boulders or at the base of larger rock faces. Chalk is typically used. Chalk is the common name for magnesium carbonate powder, which climbers carry in a pouch (chalk bag) at the waist. It dries the hands and is used in rock climbing in the same way it is used in gymnastics, to improve grip. Clean aid climbing is aid climbing without the use of bolting gear, pitons or other gear that scars the rock or becomes fixed after ascent. Egress or Exit route is the route from the completed climbing or canyoneering route back to the parking area. Routes are not formally maintained. Fixed belay/rappel station or "anchor systems" shall be deemed any configuration of fixed anchor hardware (requiring rock alteration for installation) or software placed at the top of a pitch or rappel for the purpose of belaying or placed for the sole intent of rappelling. The hardware or software is left behind. Fixed gear is any man-made article, either hardware or software (webbing, rope, cordelette, etc.), that is used to aid ascent or descent, or as protection, and is left on the route by a climbing party after the completion of the climb. Free climbing (also known as Traditional climbing) is a minimum-impact approach that employs chocks, stoppers, nuts and camming devices, rather than pitons or bolts, for protection or direct support. These are climbing aids that are removable and do not damage the rock. Traditional climbing is how the sport of rock climbing has been practiced since its inception, and has strong historic associations. Hardware is climbing equipment placed in cracks or on faces to protect climbers from falling. This specialized equipment includes wired nuts, camming devices, hexes, pitons and bolts. Nut (or chock) is a metal wedge threaded on a wire, used for protection by wedging it into a crack in the rock. Piton (also called a pin or peg) is a metal spike (usually steel) that is driven into a crack or seam in the rock with a hammer, and which acts as an anchor to protect the climber against the consequences of a fall, or to assist progress in aid climbing. Pitons are equipped with an eye hole or a ring to which a carabiner is attached; the carabiner can then be directly or indirectly attached (through more equipment) to a climbing rope. Rap rings are made of a single ring of aluminum or steel. Soft aluminum rings are prone to destruction as you pull your sand-impregnated rope across the metal. Rap rings are often found on anchors in canyons. Rock alteration is the intentional removal of rock from its natural position, drilling, chipping, or gluing of hold. Rock climb is any independent line of ascent of a rock face. A climb may follow a crack system or other natural features, or it may strike out across a "blank" face. A climb is considered to be created when it is first ascended, and is usually given a name by the first ascensionist. The climb is typically recorded and described in a guidebook or internet site so that other climbers can identify and climb the route. Slacklining/highlining is defined as walking on a rope, webbing, or other line that is tensioned horizontally between two points such as rock formations, trees, or any other natural features. Height of the rope above the ground is immaterial. Spring-loaded camming device (also SLCD, cam) is used for protecting a climber's fall. It consists of three or four cams mounted on a common axle or two adjacent axles, so that pulling on the axle forces the cams to spread farther apart. The SLCD is used by pulling on the "trigger" (a small handle) so the cams move together, then inserting it into a crack or pocket in the rock and releasing the trigger to allow the cams to expand. Camming devices can be manually removed and should leave no trace of use on the rock. Stopper is a wedge-shaped nut or a knot used as passive protection while rock climbing. Technical rock climbing is defined as ascending or descending a rock formation utilizing specialized rock climbing equipment. Vegetation alteration is any intentional removal of vegetation from its natural position, destruction, or damage of vegetation. Webbing is synthetic flat rope that is used to tie around anchors.

Pets are not allowed on any hiking trails or anywhere off-trail, even in a carrier. 

Most climbing routes in the park require advanced techniques. Climbing is not allowed on any arches or certain named features, such as Balanced Rock.

Rock Climbing at Arches

Stargazing

people illuminated in red gather around a telescope pointed at a starry sky

Rangers offer stargazing programs at Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Hovenweep National Monument, and Natural Bridges National Monument. Rangers may also assist at stargazing programs at Dead Horse Point State Park. Check at park visitor centers for details.

Explore the night sky with a ranger in southeast Utah! Arches and Canyonlands national parks and Hovenweep and Natural Bridges national monuments occasionally offer ranger-led stargazing programs spring through fall. Check out program details below. Bring a chair or a blanket to sit on, a red flashlight (if you have one), and warm clothes. Can't make it for a ranger-led stargazing program? Don't worry! All the parks offer incredible night skies and excellent places to stargaze on your own. <h2>Ranger-led Stargazing Programs</h2> <h3>Annual Southeast Utah AstroFest</h3> Attention stargazers, astronomy enthusiasts, and celestial explorers! Get ready to embark on a journey through the cosmos at the annual Southeast Utah AstroFest! This festival happens each summer under vast skies of <a href="https://www.nps.gov/arch/planyourvisit/stargazing.htm">Arches National Park</a>, <a href="https://www.nps.gov/cany/planyourvisit/stargazing.htm">Canyonlands National Park</a>, and <a href="https://stateparks.utah.gov/parks/dead-horse/">Dead Horse Point State Park</a>. <a href="https://www.nps.gov/cany/planyourvisit/annual-southeast-utah-astrofest.htm">Learn more</a> about the event.  Arches National Park During the spring and fall, Arches rangers sometimes team up with rangers from Canyonlands National Park's <a href="https://www.nps.gov/cany/planyourvisit/islandinthesky.htm">Island in the Sky</a> district and <a href="http://stateparks.utah.gov/parks/dead-horse/">Dead Horse Point State Park</a> to introduce visitors to the wonders of the night sky. Programs rotate among the three parks and may occur around the new moon. A ranger program is typically followed by stargazing and telescope viewing. Programs at Arches begin at either the visitor center or Panorama Point. Check at the visitor center for details. Programs will take place in good weather or bad. <h3>Canyonlands National Park</h3> <h4>Island in the Sky</h4> During the spring and fall, <a href="https://www.nps.gov/cany/planyourvisit/islandinthesky.htm">Island in the Sky</a> district rangers sometimes team up with rangers from <a href="https://www.nps.gov/arch/index.htm">Arches National Park</a> and <a href="http://stateparks.utah.gov/parks/dead-horse/">Dead Horse Point State Park</a> to introduce visitors to the wonders of the night sky. Locations will rotate among the three parks and the start time will vary with the time of sunset. Programs at Island in the Sky begin at Grand View Point. Check at the visitor center for details. A ranger program is typically followed by stargazing and telescope viewing. Programs will take place in good weather or bad.  <h4>The Needles</h4> Stargazing events at <a href="https://www.nps.gov/cany/planyourvisit/needles.htm">The Needles</a> district occur occasionally in spring and fall. They include a night sky program, followed by a constellation tour or telescope viewing. Programs begin at The Needles Visitor Center. Start times will vary based on the time of sunset. Programs will take place in good weather or bad.  <h4>The Maze</h4> Stargazing events at <a href="https://www.nps.gov/cany/planyourvisit/maze.htm">The Maze</a> district occur occasionally in spring and fall. <h3>Hovenweep National Monument</h3> Rangers offer occasional stargazing programs at <a href="https://www.nps.gov/hove/index.htm">Hovenweep National Monument</a>. Programs begin at the visitor center. <h3>Natural Bridges National Monument</h3> Rangers offer occasional stargazing programs at <a href="https://www.nps.gov/nabr/index.htm">Natural Bridges National Monument</a>. Programs begin at the visitor center.

Rules about pets in parks vary. Check with each park on stargazing locations and whether pets are allowed.

Rangers occasionally lead stargazing programs and events at parks throughout southeast Utah. Learn about what to expect and check out a schedule of stargazing events at Arches and Canyonlands national parks and Hovenweep and Natural Bridges national monuments. Even when formal programs are not offered, people are welcome to enjoy the parks after dark on their own.

Stargazing Events in Southeast Utah

Night Sky

Astronomy

Hiking

Three hikers walk on a narrow fin of sandstone, with more fins behind them

Hiking in Devils Garden

Arches contains a variety of hiking trails, from easy/moderate to long and strenuous. Trails provide access to outstanding viewpoints and arches not visible from the road. Many trails use cairns (stacks of rocks) for markers and cross broad rock surfaces, requiring attention to follow. Find lists of short, moderate, and longer trails in the What to See section of this app. <h2>Protect Yourself</h2> Each year, park rangers respond to hundreds of search or rescue incidents in the park. These frequently involve heat exhaustion, dehydration, climbing or scrambling and improper footwear. We want your visit to be safe and enjoyable. Below are some of the potential hazards you may experience during your visit. Please become familiar with them, and keep them in mind while you're here. <h4>Heat & Sun </h4> During the summer, expect high temperatures, intense sunlight and low humidity. Eat plenty of food and drink at least one gallon of water, per person, each day. Carry and drink water (at least 2 liters) during all activities in the park, such as hiking. Wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing and a wide-brimmed hat. Apply sunscreen to all exposed skin. Avoid hiking in the middle of the day. Save strenuous activity for early mornings or evenings. You can get water at the visitor center and at the Devils Garden trailhead and campground. <h4>Proper Footwear</h4> Wear sturdy shoes with enough tread to give you good traction. Do not hike in smooth-soled shoes or boots. Some trails cover uneven terrain and follow rock ledges. In <a href="https://www.nps.gov/arch/planyourvisit/winter.htm">winter</a>, trails may be icy. We recommend you wear traction devices on your shoes. <h4>Climbing & Scrambling</h4> Slickrock invites adventure. When you climb or scramble, be sure you can retrace your steps. Climbing up is easier than climbing back down. Sandstone is slippery when wet or covered in sand. Do not climb or walk on arches or major features like Balanced Rock. <h4>Make a Plan with Others</h4> Stay with companions while hiking; separation can mean getting lost. Do not count on a cellular phone to summon help; cellular service will not reach into many areas of Arches. If you become lost, stay where you are and wait for rescue. Wandering will endanger your life and make finding you difficult. When traveling alone, always tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return. <h4>Lightning & Flash Floods</h4> Storms and flash floods can be powerful and sudden. When lightning is present, avoid lone trees, cliff edges and high ridges. Crouch low to the ground. Return to your vehicle if possible. Never try to cross a wash that is flooding. <a href="https://www.nps.gov/arch/planyourvisit/weather.htm">Read more on weather.</a>   <h4><a href="https://www.nps.gov/arch/planyourvisit/bears.htm">Wildlife Safety: Bears</a></h4> Black bears occasionally wander into the park from the nearby mountains. <h4><a href="https://www.nps.gov/arch/planyourvisit/winter.htm">Winter Safety</a></h4> After a snowfall, the park road may close for several hours for plowing. Park roads, parking lots, and pullouts can still be icy, especially in shaded areas. Most <a href="https://www.nps.gov/arch/planyourvisit/hiking.htm">hiking trails</a><a href="https://www.nps.gov/arch/planyourvisit/hiking.htm"> </a>remain open year-round. After a snowfall, packed snow and ice make popular trails slippery. We recommend traction devices and trekking poles. Drifting snow can cover trail markers, making even "easy" trails harder to follow. Even in colder temperatures, it is important to drink water. You can get water at the visitor center or Devils Garden Campground. <h2>Protect Your Park and <a href="https://www.nps.gov/arch/planyourvisit/leave-no-trace.htm">Leave No Trace</a></h2> <ul> <li>Watch Your Step: Help us protect <a href="https://www.nps.gov/articles/seug-soil-crust.htm">biological soil crusts</a> during your visit. Please walk only on trails, rock or in sandy washes (where water flows when it rains), and keep all vehicles and bikes on designated roads.</li> <li>Protect Ephemeral Pools: Sandstone basins called <a href="https://www.nps.gov/articles/ephemeral-pools.htm">ephemeral pools</a> or potholes are home to a variety of life. Tiny organisms depend on the water in these shallow pools. To protect these life forms, please do not swim, bathe, or drink the water in desert potholes, and do not walk through dry ones.</li> <li>Keep off the Arches: To promote visitor safety and the opportunity to view natural features undisturbed, climbing, scrambling, walking or standing upon, or rappelling off any arch is prohibited in the park.</li> <li>Leave the Rocks as You See Them: <a href="https://www.nps.gov/arch/planyourvisit/graffiti.htm">Graffiti</a>—carving, scratching, chalking, or any type of marking—is illegal and unsightly. If you see someone marking on the rocks, please report it to a ranger. Learn how to <a href="https://www.nps.gov/articles/archeology-house-rules.htm">be a good visitor to archeological sites</a>.</li> </ul>

Arches contains a variety of hiking trails, from easy/moderate to long and strenuous. Many trails use cairns (stacks of rocks) for markers and cross broad rock surfaces, requiring attention to follow. Learn how to Protect Yourself and Protect Your Park with hiking safety and Leave No Trace tips.

Hiking at Arches

Scenic Views

Trails

Backcountry Camping

Overnight backcountry permit fees cost $7 per person.

Hikers after sunset

<h2>Backpacking at Arches</h2> The park’s backcountry is mostly rough terrain, inaccessible by established trails with very limited water sources. While Arches National Park is known for its outstanding geologic features, it also contains irreplaceable cultural resources and sensitive high desert ecosystems. Water is rarely available in the backcountry; plan to carry all you need. Primary safety considerations include steep terrain, loose rock, lightning, flash floods, and dehydration. You must know and comply with all regulations. <h2>Permits</h2> You must have a permit for all overnight stays in the backcountry. Backpacking permits are no longer issued at Arches Visitor Center. We now issue permits in person at the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/cany/planyourvisit/hours.htm">Backcountry Permit Office</a> two miles south of Moab up to seven days before the trip start date. Each permit is limited to seven people, three nights per campsite, for a total of seven nights. Permits cost $7 per person. Backcountry Permit Office <a href="https://www.nps.gov/cany/planyourvisit/hours.htm">Open Weekdays</a> (Monday-Friday) 8 am-12 pm and 1-4 pm MT except federal holidays NPS Backcountry Permit Office 2282 SW Resource Blvd. Moab, UT, 84532 Note: The Backcountry Permit Office may close when rangers are needed to respond to emergency search and rescue efforts in the park. <h2>Backcountry Use Requirements</h2> <ul> <li>All backcountry use and vehicle access is at your own risk. Plan ahead and prepare for backcountry conditions. Some routes are not trails and are unmarked.</li> <li>You must have a landfill safe commercial toilet bag system, such as Wag Bag or Restop II. All solid human waste must be packed out of the backcountry. Do not dispose of these bags in toilets.</li> <li>Courthouse Wash is an active flowing drainage with unpredictable flow. Take caution when travelling in a wash during flood conditions.</li> <li>You are responsible for knowing and abiding by all park rules and regulations including those outlined on your backcountry permit: <ul> <li>Wood campfires are not allowed.</li> <li>You must store food securely to prevent animals from gaining access to it. You must pack out all trash.</li> <li>Swimming, bathing, or immersing human bodies is only allowed in water sources with a continuous supply of water.</li> <li>You must keep all camping activities within campsite boundaries at designated campsites and within the boundaries of at-large zones. You must vacate campsites by 10 am.</li> <li>All natural plants, objects, and cultural artifacts are protected and must be left where they are found. Touching rock art and drawing graffiti is not allowed.</li> <li>Pets, discharging firearms, hunting, and feeding wildlife are prohibited.</li> </ul> </li> </ul> <h2>Safety</h2> We cannot guarantee your safety. Safety remains your responsibility. <a href="https://www.nps.gov/arch/planyourvisit/weather.htm">Check the weather.</a> Get forecast information before beginning your trip, and observe changing weather conditions. Desert temperatures can soar above 100°F (37°C) in the summer, making strenuous exercise difficult. We recommend drinking at least one gallon (4 L) of water per day during the summer. Late summer monsoons bring violent storm cells which bring lightning, hail, rain, slippery rock surfaces, hypothermia, and often cause flash floods. Flash floods can also occur during blue skies when heavy rains hit the Book Cliffs. Winter temperatures often drop below 32°F (0°C), and significant ice can persist on north-facing slopes. Temperatures may range 50 degrees in a 24-hour period. Lightning is a serious concern during a thunderstorm. Rock overhangs and shallow caves are not safe places to hide. Consider returning to your vehicle as soon as a storm approaches. If your hair begins to stand on end, remove large metal objects (such as internal frame backpacks) and squat down low, covering your ears with your hands. It is often easier to climb up slickrock than to get back down. Sandstone crumbles easily and is slippery when wet or icy. Numerous accidents and rescues as well as several deaths have occurred due to careless climbing. Consider your routes carefully and use common sense. Do not feed wildlife; your food does not meet their nutritional needs and might encourage animals to linger near roads where they might be injured or killed. Hand-fed animals can bite and may carry diseases such as rabies. Help keep wild animals wild—don't feed them. Scorpions, rattlesnakes, black widow spiders, cone-nosed kissing bugs and other desert creatures make their homes here. Watch out for them and give them the right-of way. Place your hands and feet carefully, particularly in dark or damp places. Check clothing, tents, and shoes for unwanted visitors. Leave everything you find undisturbed. Do your homework and know your route(s). Ask rangers at the backcountry permit office for information on campsite and zone access, or <a href="https://www.nps.gov/common/utilities/sendmail/sendemail.cfm?o=4884D5A28FD6BC9C9AAB00E1FE18BD&r=/arch/planyourvisit/backpacking.htm">contact us by email</a>. Be prepared to self-rescue. Know what to do in emergency situations—including injury treatment, evacuations, unplanned overnights, or responding to rapid changes in weather. Ask yourself, "If my leader gets hurt, does my group have the ability to continue and get help?" Cell phone service is limited in the park. If a phone is available, call 911. Be prepared to tell the dispatcher where you are so you can direct assistance to your location. Park staff, if available, will provide assistance to the limit of their abilities; however, help may not arrive on scene for several hours.

You must have a permit for all overnight stays in the backcountry. Backpacking permits are no longer issued at Arches Visitor Center. We now issue permits in person only at the Backcountry Permit Office two miles south of Moab up to seven days before the trip start date and up to 4:00 PM MST. Each permit is limited to seven people, three nights per campsite, for a total of seven nights. Permits cost $7 per person. NPS Backcountry Permit Office 2282 SW Resource Blvd. Moab, UT

Backpacking at Arches is allowed in designated sites only and requires a permit.

Backpacking at Arches

Wilderness

Scenic Driving

A tan car drives through Arches, sandstone features are visible in the back.

Enjoy Arches from the Road

<h3>Short on time? Don't want to hike?</h3> If you don't have the time or ability to hike during your visit to Arches National Park, don't worry! There are many famous arches and rock formations visible from the park's scenic drive. You can see arches from the road or with a short walk. Check out this <a href="https://www.nps.gov/tripideas/arches-from-the-road.htm">suggested itinerary</a> for a driving tour through Arches National Park. <h3>Touring by Car</h3> In 1½ hours, you can do either of these two drives: <ul> <li>Drive to The Windows Section and see some of the park’s largest arches.</li> <li>Drive to <a href="https://www.nps.gov/arch/planyourvisit/delicate-arch.htm">Delicate Arch</a> Viewpoint and see the world’s most famous arch from a distance. Stop at Wolfe Ranch on your way back, and imagine homesteading here in the late 1800s.</li> </ul> In 3 hours: <ul> <li>Drive the whole park road, spending 10 minutes at each viewpoint.</li> </ul> In half a day: <ul> <li>Drive the whole park road, spending 10 minutes at each viewpoint, and take a short walk at The Windows Section, Delicate Arch Viewpoint, or Balanced Rock.</li> </ul>

Leashed pets are allowed only along established roads, parking lots, picnic areas, and campgrounds. Pets are not allowed on any trails or overlooks in the park.

If you pay close attention, you can see close to two dozen arches from the comfort of your car.

Museum Exhibits

a red stone building with sculptures of animals in front

Start your visit at Arches Visitor Center, located just one mile inside the entrance. The visitor center is open every day except December 25. <a href="https://www.nps.gov/arch/planyourvisit/hours.htm">Hours</a> vary by season. Plan Your Visit Rangers are on duty to help you make the most of your visit. They have information on drive times, <a href="https://www.nps.gov/arch/planyourvisit/hiking.htm">hiking trails</a>, <a href="https://www.nps.gov/arch/planyourvisit/programs.htm">ranger programs</a>, and more. They can make suggestions about the best way to spend your time. Rangers can also help you have a <a href="https://www.nps.gov/arch/planyourvisit/safety.htm">safe</a> visit. There are few sources of drinking water in the park. You can fill up water bottles here at the visitor center. Water and restrooms are available 24 hours a day. Kids can pick up a <a href="https://www.nps.gov/arch/learn/kidsyouth/junior-ranger.htm">junior ranger</a> activity book to get started on earning a junior ranger badge.

Stop at the visitor center to plan your visit, fill your water bottle, learn about the park, and pick up a souvenir.

Start at Arches Visitor Center

Ancient Seas

Archeology

Canyons and Canyonlands

Geology

Junior Ranger Program

wooden badge with the words "Junior Ranger Arches" and a drawing of a stone arch

Arches Junior Ranger badge

Free junior ranger booklets are available at the visitor center, or you can download one below. Filled with fun activities, these books reveal the wonders of Arches to kids and parents alike. By completing five or more exercises and three adventures, participants earn a junior ranger badge and signed certificate. Activities are designed for all ages. <a href="https://www.nps.gov/arch/planyourvisit/upload/Arches-Junior-Ranger-web.pdf">Junior Ranger Booklet</a> [5.3 MB PDF File] If you complete your Junior Ranger booklet at home, mail the booklet to the park to receive your Junior Ranger badge! Arches Interpretive Rangers Arches National Park PO Box 907 Moab, UT 84532

Filled with fun activities, free Arches Junior Ranger books reveal the wonders of Arches to kids and parents alike.

Arches Junior Ranger Program

Animals

telescopes illuminated red beneath a star-filled sky

Panorama Point is about 10 miles (16 km) from the park entrance.

<h3>How to Stargaze</h3> Plan.  Even the light from a thin crescent moon can make it more difficult to see fainter stars or even the Milky Way. You'll see the darkest skies during a new moon or when the moon is below the horizon. Check sunrise and sunset times and moon phases at <a href="https://www.discovermoab.com/celestial-bodies/">discovermoab.com</a>. Give yourself time. It can take 20-30 minutes for your eyes to adjust to the dark. Spend enough time outside away from bright lights to allow your eyes to adjust. Use a red light. White lights from flashlights, cell phones, or vehicle headlights can harm your night vision. A red light won't impact your night vision as much. Many flashlights and headlamps have a red-light feature, or you can simply cover your white light with red cellophane. Bring a star chart. A star chart or planisphere can help you find the constellations and Milky Way.

<a href="https://www.nps.gov/arch/planyourvisit/pets.htm">Pets</a> are allowed on roads and parking lots, but you may not take pets away from a road or on trails.

Arches National Park and the surrounding Colorado Plateau offer some of the darkest night skies remaining in the United States. You can enjoy the park after dark by viewing spectacular night skies.

Arches

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Explore the Fiery Furnace

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Canyoneering at Arches

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Rock Climbing at Arches

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Stargazing Events in Southeast Utah

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Hiking at Arches

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Backpacking at Arches

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