The Ultimate Guide to Arches National Park

Permits and Passes

• Arches National Park Pass: Cost is $30 per private vehicle or $15 a person.
• Timed Entry Tickets: To help manage the crowds, timed entry tickets ($2 service fee) will be required from April 3 to October 3, 2022. The exception is if you have camping, backcountry, Fiery Furnace, or special use permits. You also don’t need one if you are doing a tour with an approved company.
• National Parks Annual Pass: If you plan on visiting multiple National Parks this year, we highly recommend you get the America the Beautiful National Parks Pass. It will save you money and goes toward a good cause.
• Ranger-Led Fiery Furnace Hike: The cost is $16 for adults and $8 for children, and you can book online here. Spots fill up in advance, so it’s recommended you book sooner than later. They highly recommend the ranger led hike if it’s your first time since it’s easy to get lost here.
• Fiery Furnace Permit: If you’re not on a ranger-led hike, you’re required to obtain a permit at the Arches Visitor Center during business hours and required to watch an orientation video. Cost is $6 and $3 for children. You can also get an annual permit for $15.
• Canyoneering Permit: you are required to register for a free permit online or at the kiosk outside the visitor center.
• Rock Climbing Permit: not a requirement, but it’s encouraged to register for a free permit online or at the kiosk outside the visitor center.

Arches National Park Lay of the Land

Here are the main areas in the park to explore:

Best Things to Do

1. Enjoy Sunset or Sunrise at Delicate Arch
2. Hike the Devils Garden Trail
3. Drive the 18-mile Scenic Road
4. Horseback Riding
5. Climbing / Canyoneering

See More: 9 Things You Can’t Miss at Arches National Park

Best Arches to See

1. Delicate Arch
2. Double Arch
3. Landscape Arch
4. Turret Arch
5. Private Arch

See More: 9 Best Arches in Arches National Park

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Best Hikes in the Park

1. Devils Garden Trail
2. Delicate Arch
3. Fiery Furnace
4. Double Arch
5. Windows Loop

See More: 11 Best Hikes in Arches National Park You Simply Can’t Miss

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Where to Stay

• Reserve a Camping Site within the National Park: There are 50 sites within the park that are usually reserved in advance during the busy season. Each site is $25 per night and can accommodate up to 10 people. There is potable water, picnic tables, grills, and both primitive and flush toilets. There are no showers or RV dump/fill stations.
• Camping Nearby: The Moab area is full of campgrounds in National Parks or State Parks and commercial campgrounds that offer tons of amenities. We stayed at the Moab KOA so that we could get full hook-ups in our Airstream.
• Camping in BLM Land: There are 24 campgrounds in the Moab area that are maintained by the Bureau of Land Management. You typically won’t get the amenities here, but they are typically much cheaper and often offer great views.
• Hotel, Motel, Holiday Inn: Moab has a lot of hotels, but keep in mind that they will be booked during the busy season. Book your hotel early if you want to stay close to the park.

What’s Nearby

• Canyonlands National Park (26.2 mi / 30 min, map)
• Capitol Reef National Park (133 mi / 2 hr 5 min, map)
• Mesa Verde National Park (150 mi / 2 hr 50 min, map)
• Grand Staircase-Escalante National Park (191 mi / 3 hr 22 min, map)

More Resources

• Arches & Canyonlands National Park Guide
• Best Easy Day Hikes Canyonlands and Arches National Parks
• Utah Map
• Arches National Park Map
• Annual National Park Pass
• USA National Parks Guide
• National Park Passport