Arches National Park
Arches National Park
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- Kelly YCape Coral, Florida196 contributionsAbsolutely amazing National Park!!!Incredible park, packed with natural, beautiful, mind-blowing features. As always, the National Park Service does an outstanding job creating accessible paths and viewpoints to view the features. Please go see Double Arch. Easy hike and so much prettier than the less accessible, but more famous, Delicate Arch. Allow at least 6-7 hours to stop at most viewpoints and walk a few easy trails. Don't forget you need timed entry here most of the year. It's a $2 fee. You reserve online.Visited October 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten October 7, 2023
- bubba07339 contributionsArchesBeautiful. Used national park pass and a reservation time. No issues getting in and only took about 20 minutes. Prepare to do some walking but not difficult. Drink lots of water or you will pay a price in how you feel.Visited September 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten October 9, 2023
- Radiohutch40 contributionsArches National Park is one of Utah's top attractions.This was our third visit to Arches National Park. There are many great parks near Moab, but Arches will always be our first stop Arches has a timed entry system which can be a bit frustrating, but I do realize that with the tremendous tourist influx at this and other popular National Parks it is necessary. There is only one auto entry which is located just off of Highway 191. I am a photographer so I would have preferred an early morning entry, but fortunately the light is pretty good all day most days in Utah. Our timed entry was at 11 AM on Wednesday morning. We drove the entire paved road system in Arches as I photographed almost every rock. We were in the Park for approximately 6 hours. Traffic was actually pretty good. My favorite stops were Fiery Furnace and Double Arch. I am pretty patient and I never had to worry about anyone getting in front of my camera. This has got to be the best park in America for rock formations and of course the arches. Most of the trails are very easy. There are plenty of pull offs, much better than most parks. Bathrooms are plentiful. There is also a wonderful visitors center with helpful Parks people, plenty of books and clothing items. I left Arches with thoughts about my next return trip.Visited September 2023Traveled with familyWritten October 9, 2023
- LovtorunKansas City, Missouri664 contributionsAmazing ArchesWe had a very good experience in early October. We had 7am passes but arrived on a weekday morning before 7. Steady line of vehicles entering. We got to the Delicate Arch trailhead before 7:30 and quite busy. Fun hike up and back and great photo ops that early. Long line for bathrooms. We also hiked Devils Garden and enjoyed very much. We returned on a Saturday morning at 6:45 am. Two steady lines of vehicles. We visited the Windows area and walked the Park Avenue trail before our road trip home. Saw multiple tour busses by 8am. Get a timed pass if needed but recommend entering before 7am. You still need pass or fee but beautiful and less crowded.Visited October 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten October 9, 2023
- Kiara SChester, United Kingdom1,031 contributionsGet the GuideAlong app for the best experienceThis is beautiful beyond words. Fascinating geology and breathtaking to experience. We got the GuideAlong app and it made the experience like having our own private tour. There’s a nominal fee, you download it before you enter the park, and it will provide commentary all along the journey. Valuable information is provided about the formations, the history, geology and best places two take photos or hikes. It made the experience even more memorable.Visited October 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten October 12, 2023
- liquidpromises76 contributionsBeautiful ViewsSo everyone knows Arches NP, which has become one of the most popular NPs. With that said keep in mind they have a timed entry pass system which you will have to go to the NP web site to obtain a time slot to enter the park on the day you'll be visiting. We weren't able to obtain a pass on the day we went but before 7am and after 4pm you don't need a pass. Honestly we were able to get in after 4pm (still had to wait in line to enter) and were able to get to a number of the arches before sunset and got some very nice pic. The park is beautiful and worth some wait, just be aware you'll be waiting to enter and fighting some congestion at certain popular areas even during off season.Visited October 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten October 14, 2023
- gwviper331 contributionsneatThe arches are really cool. Most can be seen from the road but it is worth it to get out of the car. Delicate Arch is quite the hike but worth it. Went at sunset and hiked out in the dark. Have a head lamp if doing sunset or sunrise. Go to arches in the morning or early evening as it gets hot. Would not do in the summer.Visited September 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten October 17, 2023
- RBonTheLakeYork, South Carolina660 contributionsDidn't need as much time here as we thoughtWe scheduled two days for the park but only needed one. Even though we had timed entry, we were able to get to the park before 7am when no time entry is needed. This allowed us to be at the park most of the day and hike the trails we wanted. There are A LOT of people later in the day so if you can, I highly recommend you go to the park before 7, especially if you want to hike.Visited October 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten October 18, 2023
- Heather BNorwich, Connecticut551 contributionsOne of a kind parkIt is quite a hike to the delicate arch, but it is worth it. The "trail" is a bit sketchy at times, so I don't suggest hiking it if you are scared of heights. And if you go in the summer, go very early- because it is hot! Walking though the park is one marvel after another! Make sure you visit if you are in the area, because it is so unique and picture worthy!Visited August 2023Traveled with familyWritten October 19, 2023
- Lisa MKernersville, North Carolina18 contributionsDon’t forget your sunscreen and water!!We spent the day here and had the nicest time! We didn’t bring enough water and forgot sunscreen. Don’t recommend doing either. The weather was ideal and the people from all over were wonderful. The scenery was post card perfect. We packed a lunch and had it at delicate arch.Visited October 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten October 19, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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gsaz71
Tucson, AZ41 contributions
Jul 2020 • Solo
Simply amazing place. A Completely unique experience. Any review you read will say that the park will be busy but as with many places, if you avoid weekends and peak hours you can have more space to yourself. For me, I visited on Tuesday evening, Wednesday morning and evening and it wasn't busy at all. I hiked to Delicate Arch before sunrise and I encountered maybe 20 people or so at the Arch. It also was much more manageable than in the heat of the day. Sunset delivers the true 'red rock' experience but I am told that brings a lot more people. So up to you! But make sure you visit all the Arches on the different trails. Each bring their own unique experience. I purchased the annual National Park subscription which at $80 is a great deal if you plan to visit a few National parks throughout the year. My pictures are of Delicate Arch, Landscape Arch and the Windows.
Written July 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jill V
San Antonio, TX1,237 contributions
Jun 2020
Located about 10 minutes out of Moab, Utah, Arches National Park has one of the largest collections of natural arches in the world.
Cost to get into the park is $30.00 per car, you can purchase a National Parks Pass for $80.00 that is good for one year and allows you access to all National State Parks.
Most of the the arches and rock formations can be seen from the park road, there are turnouts and parking spaces so you can leave your car to take pictures.
Hiking is allowed, you are can go right up to many of the arches.
The double arch is a pretty easy hike. Delicate Arch is a 3 mile hike, we were not able to get there due to a thunderstorm that moved into the area, but we got a glimpse of it from the path.
Our visit was on a Friday in June late afternoon.
There was no line to enter the park and it was easy to find parking at each of the stops.
The area has little to no shade and is extremely hot be sure to drink plenty of water, use sun screen and cover your head.
Only a few visitors wore masks, but most people were good about social distance. An occasional family would crowd around while we were looking at informational signs, but when we asked for space, promising them we were almost done reading, the would respect our request and move away.
The natural arches and stone sculptors were magnificent, we enjoyed coming up with ideas of what we thought each one resembled.
Visiting was definitely worth the trip on our visit from Texas.
Cost to get into the park is $30.00 per car, you can purchase a National Parks Pass for $80.00 that is good for one year and allows you access to all National State Parks.
Most of the the arches and rock formations can be seen from the park road, there are turnouts and parking spaces so you can leave your car to take pictures.
Hiking is allowed, you are can go right up to many of the arches.
The double arch is a pretty easy hike. Delicate Arch is a 3 mile hike, we were not able to get there due to a thunderstorm that moved into the area, but we got a glimpse of it from the path.
Our visit was on a Friday in June late afternoon.
There was no line to enter the park and it was easy to find parking at each of the stops.
The area has little to no shade and is extremely hot be sure to drink plenty of water, use sun screen and cover your head.
Only a few visitors wore masks, but most people were good about social distance. An occasional family would crowd around while we were looking at informational signs, but when we asked for space, promising them we were almost done reading, the would respect our request and move away.
The natural arches and stone sculptors were magnificent, we enjoyed coming up with ideas of what we thought each one resembled.
Visiting was definitely worth the trip on our visit from Texas.
Written June 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Robyn P
Sun City, AZ1,114 contributions
Nov 2021 • Couples
Arches National Park contains the world’s largest concentration of natural sandstone arches. There are over over 2,000 arches are located within the park’s 76,518 acres! The park also contains an astounding variety of other geological formations. A paved scenic drive takes visitors to many of the major viewpoints within the park, although many required hiking ( hikes range from beginner to expert level).
The topography is stunning! The paved road that winds through the park is well maintained, and provides beauty from all sides even from the car. We chose some small hikes, but saw the majority of the formations while driving. This is one of the remarkable things about the park. There is a perfect level of activity for everyone.
Admission is $30.00, and can be paid by credit card. This allows re-entry to the park for one week. There is a visitor's center immediately upon arrival that is primarily a store to sell souvenirs. There is a bathroom at the visitor's center, and a few other toilets in the park.
We purchased an audio guide from website "Get Your Guide" that I highly recommend. For only $8.39, the audio narrates all of the stops along the way, in addition to story telling about the park from your car audio player.
The park is immaculate. I didn't see ao single piece of trash any where. There is NO restaurant inside the park, so be sure and bring water and snacks. We spent 3 hours there in total. A wonderful day for all ages to experience the beauty of mother nature and crisp mountain air.
The topography is stunning! The paved road that winds through the park is well maintained, and provides beauty from all sides even from the car. We chose some small hikes, but saw the majority of the formations while driving. This is one of the remarkable things about the park. There is a perfect level of activity for everyone.
Admission is $30.00, and can be paid by credit card. This allows re-entry to the park for one week. There is a visitor's center immediately upon arrival that is primarily a store to sell souvenirs. There is a bathroom at the visitor's center, and a few other toilets in the park.
We purchased an audio guide from website "Get Your Guide" that I highly recommend. For only $8.39, the audio narrates all of the stops along the way, in addition to story telling about the park from your car audio player.
The park is immaculate. I didn't see ao single piece of trash any where. There is NO restaurant inside the park, so be sure and bring water and snacks. We spent 3 hours there in total. A wonderful day for all ages to experience the beauty of mother nature and crisp mountain air.
Written November 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Emilie J
78 contributions
May 2021 • Couples
Jacob, our driver was wonderful! We went in back entrance and we’re on “so called roads” that only the best vehicle snd driver can manage.
Highly recommend this tour- you can drive on main road to see major arches with all the crowd. If driving yourself go in by 7am, long lines and waits when full over 2 hours. Enjoyed... but Canyonlands was our favorite for scenery snd no crowds
Highly recommend this tour- you can drive on main road to see major arches with all the crowd. If driving yourself go in by 7am, long lines and waits when full over 2 hours. Enjoyed... but Canyonlands was our favorite for scenery snd no crowds
Written May 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
carrot9936
Arlington, TX84 contributions
May 2021
The line to enter the park took about 20 minutes all 3 times we went. The road through the whole park is paved and there are many places to pull off for taking pics. There are camp style bathrooms in numerous locations & considering the amount of people there, they were very clean. The park is open 24 hrs & the view at sunset is spectacular. The visitor center is open till 5pm for the gift shop only & masks are required to enter. They do monitor how many are inside & we had to wait about 5 mins before we could go in.
Written May 18, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Liddy4253
Chicago, IL30 contributions
Mar 2021
The only problem with this National Park is that it's run by the government. We left Cortez CO on March 20th before dawn and arrived at the entrance to Arches at 9AM. By then the two lanes were backed up nearly back to the highway, at least a half a mile maybe a mile.
As we waited we kept thinking "they can't have just two people taking the money" and "this must eventually branch out to more toll takers". No one would be that inefficient. But... that's what the government has at Arches, two very over-worked rangers taking entry fees for thousands of very angry families with kids trapped in their cars needing to pee. It took over an hour (of precious vacation time) to enter the park.
How hard would it be for the government to set up two or three more of the little outhouse sized stations to take the money? How much gas and air pollution would that save?
That's really my only complaint. The place is unbelievable, incredible, spectacular. One of the most beautiful places on earth. We drove most of the park in 3 hours, stopping several times for some short hikes. Like a lot of people we wanted to do Canyon lands NP in the afternoon.
As we waited we kept thinking "they can't have just two people taking the money" and "this must eventually branch out to more toll takers". No one would be that inefficient. But... that's what the government has at Arches, two very over-worked rangers taking entry fees for thousands of very angry families with kids trapped in their cars needing to pee. It took over an hour (of precious vacation time) to enter the park.
How hard would it be for the government to set up two or three more of the little outhouse sized stations to take the money? How much gas and air pollution would that save?
That's really my only complaint. The place is unbelievable, incredible, spectacular. One of the most beautiful places on earth. We drove most of the park in 3 hours, stopping several times for some short hikes. Like a lot of people we wanted to do Canyon lands NP in the afternoon.
Written March 28, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mona Lisha
123 contributions
Oct 2020
Arches National Park is a treasure trove of excitement and adventure. You need at least 2-3 days in the park to cover all the hikes they offer. In October, the weather in the morning is cool and it gets hot by noon. We did our hikes in the morning and tried to avoid hikes in the afternoon heat, which worked out well. Plenty of parking and hikes for all ages and abilities. If you get to the park early in the morning (earliest we arrived was 6:30AM), you don't have to pay the park entrance fee. Definitely recommend Delicate Arch and The Windows hikes. There are many points to look out from, including the Petrified Dunes. The vistas are gorgeous and pictures do not capture their beauty. There are other activities to do besides hiking, including riding 4-wheelers, climbing up the sand dunes, and rafting on the river.
Written October 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bee80204
Denver, CO5,023 contributions
Oct 2021 • Couples
This park gets crowded. Even though we were here on an off season it was still busy. There was a sign saying that they were full and to come back in three to five hours. So we explored another spot and returned to find the sign gone. So we waited in one of the two lines. Paid with cash to simplify the process and received a map with information on the park as well.
We drove to the Park Avenue viewpoint and trailhead but it was too crowded and we couldn’t even drive close to parking so we turned around. We drove past the Courthouse Towers, the Organ, the Three Gossips, Sheep Rock and the Tower of Babel. Identifying them while in a car was challenging but he wanted to get to the Landscape Arch first. I could tell when we passed the Petrified Dunes as the landscape changed. Balanced Rock was cool. I’m always amazed at how the rocks stay in place especially on a smaller joint than usual.
On our hike from Devil’s Garden Trailhead to Landscape arch we stopped to admire Pine Tree Arch and saw Tunnel Arch. The trail to those two were even enough that an older lady on a motorized scooter could also enjoy them. The distance to the two was not bad and you have to walk back out again to head to Landscape Arch. But halfway there it started to rain so we made the decision to head back to the trailhead as we didn’t want to be caught in the rain and then be soaking wet for the rest of the hike out and back again. It wasn’t warm enough to be wet. Bummer. Well it was still fun to see the different landscapes and to admire the rock formations and the arches we did see.
There were also plenty of restroom facilities at the trailheads and as we drove around which was surprising and welcome. The ones at Devil’s Garden trailhead were clean and well stocked. I find it sad that people draw graffiti on the rocks. They are so majestic and beautiful. Recommended that you come early or stay later so it’s not as crowded. And your pass is good for 7 days so you can always come back if you have time and it’s too late in the day to see it all. I wish we did return early the next day but we were on a slightly scheduled road trip so we couldn’t. Next time.
We drove to the Park Avenue viewpoint and trailhead but it was too crowded and we couldn’t even drive close to parking so we turned around. We drove past the Courthouse Towers, the Organ, the Three Gossips, Sheep Rock and the Tower of Babel. Identifying them while in a car was challenging but he wanted to get to the Landscape Arch first. I could tell when we passed the Petrified Dunes as the landscape changed. Balanced Rock was cool. I’m always amazed at how the rocks stay in place especially on a smaller joint than usual.
On our hike from Devil’s Garden Trailhead to Landscape arch we stopped to admire Pine Tree Arch and saw Tunnel Arch. The trail to those two were even enough that an older lady on a motorized scooter could also enjoy them. The distance to the two was not bad and you have to walk back out again to head to Landscape Arch. But halfway there it started to rain so we made the decision to head back to the trailhead as we didn’t want to be caught in the rain and then be soaking wet for the rest of the hike out and back again. It wasn’t warm enough to be wet. Bummer. Well it was still fun to see the different landscapes and to admire the rock formations and the arches we did see.
There were also plenty of restroom facilities at the trailheads and as we drove around which was surprising and welcome. The ones at Devil’s Garden trailhead were clean and well stocked. I find it sad that people draw graffiti on the rocks. They are so majestic and beautiful. Recommended that you come early or stay later so it’s not as crowded. And your pass is good for 7 days so you can always come back if you have time and it’s too late in the day to see it all. I wish we did return early the next day but we were on a slightly scheduled road trip so we couldn’t. Next time.
Written October 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kathy B
7 contributions
Jul 2020 • Family
We visited The Arches during the cool of the evening in July 2020. Although the rangers were limited in contact with visitors due to CoVid, one ranger did recommend to us a specific time to visit, between 6:15- 7:30. We took his advice and were definitely blessed by what we experienced. The Arches’ beauty and wonder was enhanced by the evening changes of light. It was cool enough to walk to many specific arches and marvel in the architecture of nature. Our family visited the Windows and the Double Arch that evening. They were amazing!!! We stood beneath the opening of the Double Arch and viewed the clear blue sky and fluffy clouds. Wow!
There was a brief shower which brought a rainbow to crown the already regal landscape. Beautiful!!!
There was a brief shower which brought a rainbow to crown the already regal landscape. Beautiful!!!
Written July 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kai C
Half Moon Bay, CA1,329 contributions
Feb 2021
Words cannot express the magic and beauty of this iconic place. There are many trails, all of them worth taking. Definitely do the Devils Garden - Dark Angel hike, with perhaps the caution that while the Primitive trail is outstanding, there are a few sketch spots that require balance and a steady foot. Wildlife. The trails are well maintained but I'd still recommend downloading GPS maps (such as the Gaia or AllTrails GPS apps) because the trails can be easy to miss, especially as the sun is coming down.
Written February 18, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What is the best entry time for Arches NP in August? Is it more crowded in the morning or afternoon?
Written June 2, 2024
We went before 7 when we were there in April. You don't need a pass.
Written June 15, 2023
I have a fear of heights and get vertigo. Which hikes can I do and which should I avoid? Thanks.
Written May 21, 2023
The bus tour was a great way to see the park. It stops at most of the most popular spots and you can get off and walk around. If visiting more than one day , this is a good way to see the park and then go back and hike the points you have further interest in exploring. Have fun. Moab is great!
Written May 22, 2023
I'm a bit confused with the timed entry & the vehicle pass. If I go to Arches, do I need to purchase both? I just got a vehicle pass for it but not sure if I should also get the timed entry pass. Also, do I need to get another entry pass if I go to the Canyonlands or I can use the one I got for Arches?
Written May 8, 2023
Hi Amber! We went in November and didn't have to use a timed entry pass. I know that during some of the busier months you do have to sign up to enter the park. Check the website NPS.gov, select the state, and it will list all the parks with various amounts of info. I would highly recommend the NPS annual pass since it allows you to enter all national parks under the one singular pass. We bought ours at REI and it cost a little under $80. Enjoy!
Written May 21, 2023
Hi, I am visiting Arches NP next week with a 30ft RV. Are there any restrictions to RV's?
Written April 26, 2023
I would contact the Park for Camping with your RV. I am sorry I cannot directly answer your question. By now in 2023 they might have space for the 30ft RV>
Written April 27, 2023
On average how long does it take to does it take to do the 29.4 mile car tour
Written April 12, 2023
I would agree with others that 4 or 5 hours is the minimum to see the basics. You could easily extend it to all day with some basic walking/hiking.
Written April 19, 2023
We will be heading out to Utah in late March. We are borrowing our daughter's 35mm camera as our camera no longer works. She only has a regular lens with hers, no telephoto. Should we invest in a telephoto lens for her camera or will a regular lens give us some excellent photos. Just an fyi: I'm not a hiker, only short distances 1 mile or so. So if it helps to get fantastic photos, we may have to consider it. Thoughts?
Written February 11, 2023
if your explore is the main reason, zoom lens will do the job. I left all my gears and fancy lens in the car. Hiking did require a lot of energy and didn't want to carry anything at all. I ended up using phone and go pro mostly.
Written April 10, 2023
Do you have to hike to see arches? Looking to make a quick stop on a long road trip.
Written September 4, 2021
No- you can see a lot by driving through. You can take some short hikes if you want to or long ones if you have a lot of time.
Written September 5, 2021
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