With timed reservations a must when visiting Arches National Park for most of the year, we asked a guide for some tips to make the most of your time.
In the summer of 2024, the spectacular Double Arch located in southern Utah’s Glen Canyon National Recreation Area collapsed.
Geologists say that natural erosions like this are part of the life cycle of rock formations, but it’s safe to say the end of the Double Arch, located just outside of Monument Valley, was a shock to national park lovers everywhere. Concern continues to grow for the future of other natural wonders protected by the National Park Service, and though Arches National Park hasn’t seen a collapse since the Rainbow Arch fell in 2018, there’s no time like the present to plan a trip as geologists are warning the collapse of the park’s Landscape Arch may be imminent.
In order to plan that trip, though, you’re going to have to plan ahead. In 2022, Arches National Park became one of a handful of national parks (along with Yosemite, Glacier, and Rocky Mountain) to require timed entry. From April 1 through July 6 and August 28 through October 31, visitors entering the park in a vehicle will need two things: a timed entry ticket booked prior to entering the park and either a standard pass (good for up to seven days) or a valid annual park pass. Ticketed entry runs daily from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.
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INSIDER TIPThe park is open 24/7, so those without a reservation can enter the park before 7 a.m. or after 4 p.m.
Located five miles north of the town of Moab, the 119-square-mile park has more than 2,000 natural rock formations that range from arches and pinnacles to rock fins and rocks balanced on rocks that will make you scratch your head in awe. There are also more than 40 trails to explore, with about 19 that are good for families, and a number that have mobility accessibility.
With so much to see in a limited time, we asked a professional guide for some advice on how to make the most of your visit. Michael Hage has been an Adventure Guide with Adventures by Disney since 2008. His adventures have taken him from Costa Rica to Egypt to Vietnam, but Arches is one of his favorite destinations.
“The surreal beauty and raw nature seem to really come alive for me…in that park specifically,” Hage explains. “I’ve been 50+ times over the years, and it just never gets old. I actually see and find something new every time I get to experience it, but the sunrises and sunsets are epic. It’s an unprecedented kaleidoscope of colors hitting the rocks, and it’s unpredictable.”
INSIDER TIPArches is part of Utah’s Mighty Five national parks, which also include Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Zion. While it is doable to see all five in one week (with a lot of driving), Canyonlands is only about 26 miles southwest of Arches and makes a good companion park visit.
So what’s his first tip? “Hike to Delicate Arch in the evening for sunset. Temperatures in the summer are a little cooler at the end of the day,” he says, adding, “Don’t forget to pack a flashlight and/or headlamp for the hike back down.” Once you’re at the Delicate Arch, Hage suggests climbing up the rocks a little to the left to find a spot for sunset, noting, “You’ll witness some amazing views of both Delicate Arch and the horizon sunset in the background of the arch.” While you’re on the Delicate Arch trail, Hage suggests looking for signs that point you to the petroglyphs left by the Ute tribe at the base of the trail. “My two favorite spots to observe petroglyphs are here and along Potash Road just outside of Arches National Park where the rock climbers gather at a popular climbing spot called ‘Wall Street.’”
If you have a hard time getting a reservation for the park before 4 pm on your chosen date, Hage suggests first driving to Dead Horse State Park; it’s on the same road that leads to Canyonlands (State Route 313). “You can park and walk a short distance along the rim to witness some dramatic views from the overlook before heading back to Arches to enter after 4 pm.”
After exploring the park, head to Moab to refuel on an array of delicious food options, such as authentic Southwestern fare like quesadillas and tacos at the Moab Food Truck Park. Afterward, Hage suggests heading to one of the nearby coffee/ice cream shops to grab an ice cream or shake to cool down.
INSIDER TIPAdventures by Disney offers an 8-day Arizona & Utah trip that includes a stop in Arches National Park as well as Sedona, Grand Canyon National Park, Monument Valley, and Moab.
Another tip from Hage? If you need any supplies for hiking, camping, or just road-tripping before or after visiting Arches, stop by Moab’s Walker Drug Company. Yes, it’s a pharmacy, but it’s also a department store,e so it’s a great place to get sunscreen, snacks, a bathing suit if you’re going on the Colorado River, or even a gift.
