Arches National Park Guide

Panorama of Arches National Park, Utah
Arches National Park, Utah (courtesy, National Park Service)

Arches National Park Highlights

  • In Arches National Park, the forces of nature have—over an immense span of time—created a wondrous landscape. Slickrock caps of Navajo sandstone cover layers of sediment from ancient oceans, shores, and deserts. Folds and warps in the layers indicate movement of long-buried salt deposits in an incomprehensibly slow geological drama that seems to have culminated—fortunately for us—in the present day.
  • Front-country camping within Arches National Park is limited to Devils Garden Campground, the only developed site in the park. There are 52 sites in the campground. Thirty of the sites can be reserved in advance. The remaining sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis beginning each day at 7:30 a.m. at the visitor center.
  • Backcountry camping is allowed by permit, which is obtained only at the visitor center. In Arches, there are no designated backcountry campsites. No fires are allowed, and you must carry in your own water and practice low-impact camping techniques.
  • The primary scenic drive in Arches is an 18-mile tour beginning at the visitor center and ending near the Devils Garden Campground. Major points of interest along this stretch are the Courthouse Towers, Tower of Babel, Balanced Rock, Garden of Eden, the Windows Section, Fiery Furnace, and Skyline Arch. Give yourself about three hours for this drive. It is a great introduction to the scenery of Arches.
  • For wildlife viewing, your best bet is to wait until nightfall. Most of the smaller mammals here, such as packrats and jackrabbits, wait until the hot Utah sun (and most of the tourists) have left for the day to emerge from their burrows to feed. Far more rare are the bobcats and mountain lions that inhabit the park, stalking mule deer and keeping very much to themselves.

By Travel Expert: Kim Lipker

  • To see lots of arches, head down Devils Garden Trail. The central trail is four miles roundtrip, but side trails lead to additional arches.
  • Oft-photographed Delicate Arch has a spectacular setting high atop a sandstone ridge of gracefully curving slickrock. The hike is three miles roundtrip with a 480-foot elevation gain. Sweeping views take in many canyons and the distant La Sal Mountains.
  • You can reach almost any spot in the park on a day hike, though backpacking (all off-trail) is an option as long as you obtain a permit.
  • The rock at Arches offers excellent rock climbing opportunities, despite its sandy nature. Most climbing routes in the park require advanced techniques. Obey park regulations and route closures.

By Travel Expert: Bill Weir
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