A Trip to Arches National Park: Useful Tips and Lifehacks

Arches National Park is one of the most unique places in the southwestern United States, where nature has created hundreds of stone arches, balancing rock formations, and strange red sandstone structures. This park feels like a set from a fantasy film, but it is completely real and open to travelers. The most convenient way to explore it is by car. This allows you to avoid relying on tour routes, choose your own pace, and visit even the most secluded spots.

The Best Time to Visit

Arches National Park is beautiful year-round, but the best times to visit are in the spring or fall. In the summer, temperatures can reach up to 100°F, making even a short walk a challenging experience. In the winter, the park is covered in snow, and while this adds a unique charm to the landscapes, some trails may be slippery and difficult to navigate.

The optimal times of day to visit Arches National Park are early morning or evening. Firstly, the soft light during these hours makes the landscapes especially stunning, and secondly, you can avoid the crowds that typically arrive closer to noon. Another bonus: if you enter the park before 6 AM, you can get in without needing a timed entry pass, which is required during peak hours.

If you plan to cook outdoors, it’s helpful to bring portable camping kitchens , which will allow you to easily and comfortably prepare meals in this incredible location.

Which Route to Choose?

It’s best to start your journey in the park with Delicate Arch, the most famous arch and a symbol of the state of Utah. The trail leading to it is three miles long, but the effort is worth it. If you arrive at sunset, you can watch the arch change into a rich orange-red color.

After visiting Delicate Arch, head to the Windows Section. Here you will find the North and South Windows–two massive arches that resemble natural windows–as well as Turret Arch, which looks like a tower.

Another must-see spot is Double Arch. These two arches meet at a single point, creating a stunning visual effect. It’s just a couple of minutes' walk from the parking area at Windows Section. The trail is short and perfect even for those who are not ready for long hikes.

End the day at Balanced Rock, a massive boulder that balances precariously on a narrow base. It’s especially beautiful in the evening, with long shadows creating a dramatic effect, and the sunset makes the landscape even more spectacular.

For those planning to camp for a few days, a small camping kitchen is the ideal solution. It won’t take up much space in your trunk, but it will allow you to cook delicious meals while camping, making every meal easy and enjoyable.

Hidden Gems in the Park

In addition to the popular spots, Arches National Park has places that not everyone knows about. One of them is Fiery Furnace. It’s a true labyrinth of narrow canyons and stone towers. The trail here is challenging, and you need a special permit to hike, which you can reserve in advance through the official park website. If you want to feel like an explorer, this is the perfect spot.

Please note that from April 1 to July 6 and from August 28 to October 31, 2025, a reserved timed-entry ticket will be required to enter the park from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM daily.

Tower Arch is located in a more remote part of the park. It’s accessible via a dirt road, so there are very few tourists here. If you want to enjoy nature in peace and solitude, this spot is a hidden gem.

Eye of the Whale Arch is another lesser-known arch, located off the main trails. You can only reach it via off-road routes, so if you have an SUV, it’s a great opportunity to explore this unique location.

To make your trip even more convenient, consider a car camping drawer system, which will help organize the space in your car so that everything you need for camping is easily accessible and at hand.

Lifehacks for Road Travelers

Before you set off, make sure to fill up your gas tank, as there are no gas stations in the park. Having plenty of water is also–the climate is dry, and even if the heat seems bearable, dehydration can set in quickly.

Mobile phone service in the park is unreliable. In some areas, especially in more remote parts, there may be no signal at all. Therefore, it’s best to download offline maps from Google Maps or Maps.me in advance. This will help you avoid getting lost and plan your route without needing internet access.

Wear comfortable shoes with good soles. While many trails don’t require advanced skills, the rocks can be slippery, especially early in the morning or after rain.

There are no shops or cafes in the park, so it’s best to take care of snacks in advance.

An overland camp kitchen is a great solution, allowing you to prepare tasty meals in nature without wasting time looking for cafes or restaurants.

Arches National Park is a unique place where nature reveals its beauty through fantastic stone arches and stunning landscapes. A road trip through this park is not only a great way to see its main attractions but also to soak in the atmosphere, enjoy the peace, and find solitude in its most picturesque corners. This journey will leave you with vivid memories and a desire to return.