Exploring Arches National Park: A Guide to Gigantic Red Stone Arches and Amazing Landscapes
Discover the Natural Wonders of Arches National Park
Embark on an enlightening journey through the geology, flora, fauna, and history of the Arches National Park located in Grand County, Southeastern Utah. This information guide offers insights into the park's fascinating natural features and rich heritage.
Accessing Arches National Park
The closest major airport to the park is Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC). To reach Arches National Park from SLC, follow these directions:
- Drive south on I-15 from the airport, then merge onto US-6 East.
- After approximately 292 miles, switch to I-70 East.
- Continue on I-70 East for about 53 miles and take the exit for US-191 South, which leads directly to Moab, the gateway town to Arches National Park.
- From Moab, travel approximately 5 miles south on US-191 to reach the park's entrance.
Establishment of Arches National Park
Arches National Monument was first designated by President Herbert C. Hoover in 1929. During the 1920s, Alexander Ringhoffer, a southeastern Utah prospector, encouraged representatives from the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad to visit the area, paving the way for its eventual transformation into a national park. In 1969, President Richard M. Nixon signed a bill elevating the monument to national park status, followed by expansions under subsequent presidents.
Exploring Arches National Park
Covering 76,519 acres, Arches National Park boasts one of the world's largest concentrations of natural sandstone arches. The park's awe-inspiring geologic features, including spires, pinnacles, pedestals, and balanced rocks, create striking landscapes highlighted by contrasting colors, landforms, and textures.
The park welcomes visitors year-round, with peak visitation occurring from March through October and the lowest visitation in December and January. Activities include sightseeing by car, hiking, biking on established roads, picnicking, and camping.
The park's history dates back to ancient times, with evidence of Native American presence for thousands of years. Paleo-Indians, Archaic people, ancestral Puebloans, Fremont, and Ute tribes once roamed the area, leaving reminders of their presence in the form of pictographs and petroglyphs. Euro-American explorers arrived in search of minerals, followed by ranchers seeking rich grasslands for their cattle and sheep.
Today, the park's vegetation primarily consists of pinyon and juniper trees, with wildflowers blooming profusely from April to July under the right conditions. Wildlife sightings may include mule deer, kit foxes, jackrabbits, cottontails, kangaroo rats, and various reptiles. Keen observers may spot blue pinyon jays, mountain bluebirds, and golden eagles.
Visitors with mobility impairments can access the visitor center, restrooms, Devils Garden Campground site #37, the Devils Garden Viewpoint, and the Delicate Arch Viewpoint. For those with hearing impairments, publications are available at the Visitor Center, and TDD phone services are available at 435-719-2319.
Backpacking, Camping, and Permits
Although there are no designated trails or campsites outside the developed areas, backpackers are welcome in Arches' relatively small backcountry. Visitors should be aware that there are no reliable water sources outside the developed areas.
Camping is available at the Devils Garden Campground, which accommodates 52 tent and trailer sites and two walk-in group sites. Reservations may be made at the Arches Visitor Center or the Entrance Station.
Rangers lead walks into the Fiery Furnace twice daily for a fee, and group size is limited. Reservations can be made in person at the visitor center up to seven days in advance.
Entrance Fees, Food, and Lodging
Entry fees for a private, non-commercial vehicle are $30 for a 7-day pass, while individual entries (bike, foot) are $15 for the same period. Golden Access, Golden Age, and Golden Eagle passes offer lifetime or annual fee discounts or exemptions for eligible visitors.
Food is not available within the park, but you can purchase informational materials, film, water containers, and chilled bottled water at the visitor center. Local communities offer restaurants for those requiring sustenance.
Lodging is limited to the Devils Garden Campground, which takes reservations. Devils Garden Campground, located 18 miles from the park entrance, has 52 tent and trailer sites, plus two walk-in group sites, with facilities including flush toilets and water until frost.
** visitor center, Weather, and Additional Information**
The Visitor Center is open all year, located just inside the park entrance. Hours vary seasonally, with extended hours from April through September. Visit the park website for the most up-to-date information on fees and regulations: https://www.nps.gov/arch/planyourvisit/fees.htm
Dress appropriately for the varying temperatures that can reach over 100°F in summer and drop below 32°F in winter, with temperatures often fluctuating by 50°F within a 24-hour period. Always carry drinking water when visiting the park.
Pets are allowed only on park roads, in parking lots, or in campsites and must be physically restrained at all times in these locations. Pets are not allowed on or off trails, in the backcountry, or in buildings.
For more information on visiting Arches National Park, follow Arches National Park on Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest.
- Embark on a journey through the geology, flora, fauna, and history of the Arches National Park, a natural wonder located in Grand County, Southeastern Utah.
- To reach Arches National Park from Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC), drive south on I-15, then merge onto US-6 East, switch to I-70 East, and take US-191 South.
- Arches National Monument was first designated by President Herbert C. Hoover in 1929, paving the way for its eventual transformation into a national park.
- Activities in the park include sightseeing by car, hiking, biking, picnicking, and camping, with peak visitation occurring from March to October.
- The park's vegetation primarily consists of pinyon and juniper trees, with wildflowers blooming profusely in the right conditions.
- Wildlife sightings may include mule deer, kit foxes, jackrabbits, and various reptiles, while keen observers might spot blue pinyon jays, mountain bluebirds, and golden eagles.
- Backpackers are welcome in Arches' backcountry, but visitors should be aware that there are no reliable water sources outside the developed areas.
- Camping is available at the Devils Garden Campground, located 18 miles from the park entrance, with facilities including flush toilets and water until frost.
- Rangers lead walks into the Fiery Furnace twice daily for a fee, and reservations can be made in person at the visitor center up to seven days in advance.
- Entry fees for a private, non-commercial vehicle are $30 for a 7-day pass, with Golden Access, Golden Age, and Golden Eagle passes offering discounts or exemptions.
- The Visitor Center is open all year and offers informational materials, water, and chilled bottled water for purchase.
- Dress appropriately for the park's varying temperatures, which can reach over 100°F in summer and drop below 32°F in winter, with temperatures often fluctuating by 50°F within a 24-hour period.
- Pets are allowed only on park roads, in parking lots, or in campsites and must be physically restrained at all times in these locations.
- For more information on visiting Arches National Park, follow Arches National Park on Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest.
- Traveling to the park offers a chance to explore the park's diverse terrain, which features sandstone arches, spires, pinnacles, and balanced rocks, creating striking landscapes highlighted by contrasting colors and landforms.
