Visiting Arches National Park in April
Arches National Park is a stunning landscape located in southeast Utah. Moderate temperatures in the spring make it a good time to visit Arches National Park in April.
As you plan your trip, use this Arches National Park travel guide to help you know the things to do, what to pack, where to stay and more for an April vacation.
April is an ideal time to visit as temperatures are mild to enjoy all the fun outdoor activities at Arches. Whether you’re looking for a hiking adventure or just want to take in the scenery, Arches National Park in April is sure to provide an unforgettable experience.
Check out these done-for-you itineraries for Arches National Park:
- Arches National Park in One Day
- Two Days in Arches National Park
- Three Days in Arches National Park
- Arches National Park and Canyonlands in One Day
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A Photo Tour of Arches National Park
Take a visual tour through Arches National Park to see the stunning landscapes you’ll see when you visit!
What It’s Like at Arches National Park in April
Arches National Park is open 24/7. Beginning April 1 you’ll need an Arches Timed Entry Ticket to enter the park during the busy daytime hours.
You can still visit the park as long as you enter before 6 a.m. We like to head in early enough to see and photograph the sunrise at Arches National Park and beat the crowds!
You can also plan to visit Arches after 5 p.m. when you won’t need a ticket to see and photograph sunset at Arches National Park, or enjoy stargazing at night!
Is Arches National Park Busy in April?
Arches is a popular Utah National Park, especially during the peak spring season.
April is one of the busiest months when it’s spring break in Utah. We recommend going into the park early in the morning before 6 a.m. or late afternoon after 5 p.m.
Weather at Arches National Park in April
April is one of the best times to visit Arches National Park due to the moderate temperatures that aren’t too hot or too cold.
April weather in Arches National Park is “just right” with cooler mornings and evenings, yet daytime temperatures are still moderate. The average highs are near 70 degrees with the lows around 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
Dress in layers when visiting in April and pack at a minimum:
Arches is a dry desert environment so be sure to also pack and use sunscreen, lip balm and lotion!
Download our free Arches National Park Packing List!
Things to Do at Arches National Park in April
You’ll find a variety of Arches National Park spring activities to enjoy the outdoors and explore this stunning park!
Visitor Center and Ranger Program at Arches in April
The Arches visitor center is open every day in April. We recommend you stop to talk with the park ranger, tell them what you are most interested in, and ask for recommendations.
Arches Ranger-led programs are a good way to get to know more about this unique National Park. Find out what activities are available during your stay in April!
If you’re visiting Arches National Park with kids, be sure to grab the Junior Ranger booklet so they can earn their Junior Ranger Badge!
Scenic Drive in April at Arches National Park
You’ll enjoy driving the Arches National Park scenic drive. It’s a 43 mile paved road with two short spur roads. Plan about 2 to 3 hours, and add more time if you’ll be taking photos or hiking at any of the stops.
There are many pullouts and parking lots along the scenic drive that are perfect for any Arches National Park photography you want to do. You’ll be able to see many arches and landmarks from these pullouts and parking lots. Others require a hike to see.
Download the Arches National Park map to navigate along the scenic road to each point of interest.
We recommend the Arches GyPSy Guide App to hear fun behind-the scenes stories and local tips that play automatically as you drive, based on your GPS location.
April Hiking at Arches National Park
Arches National Park hiking trails are enjoyable in April because when the sun is out, it’s not overly hot. This is quite different from summer when you’re sweating and worrying about heat exhaustion.
It’s important to carry water bottles to stay hydrated, wear sunscreen and a sun hat! Most of the trails at Arches are fully exposed to the sun, which is perfect for your visit in April since you aren’t really worrying about finding shade!
Keep in mind the Windows Area and Devil’s Garden Trail are popular hiking areas so you’ll want to do them in the morning so you don’t have to fight the crowds.
You’ll find Delicate Arch crowded in the afternoon because it’s a popular spot for sunset photography. It will be hard to get a parking spot so you may want to plan to hike this in the morning.
These other Arches National Park spring hikes are shorter and can be done any time: Sand Dune Arch, Skyline Arch and Balanced Rock.
April Photography at Arches National Park
April is an amazing time for Arches National Park photography because the snow-capped La Sal Mountains provide a stunning background for many of the landscape photos you’ll take.
We recommend La Sal Viewpoints, Balanced Rock, Turret Arch or the Windows, for taking photos of the sunrise at Arches National Park!
Delicate Arch is the most popular photo spot for sunset at Arches National Park. In April, you won’t have this location to yourself so be patient waiting for everyone to take their turn to get a photo under the arch!
CHECK OUT our 3 day Arches & Canyonlands Itinerary and Photography Guide to capitalize on all the best places and times to take pictures in the park!
April Stargazing at Arches National Park
Definitely take one evening to stay after the sun set and LOOK UP! The slogan “Half the Park is After Dark” encourages visiting at night to simply Look up! On a clear night, the sky is literally filled with stars.
Arches National Park is internationally recognized as one of the best places for stargazing because of its remote location, accessibility, altitude and clear skies.
Arches is a popular destination for astrophotographers so you won’t be alone in the park at night. Don’t forget to use your headlamp with a red light so you don’t interfere with the other photographers using a bright white light.
In April you can see the milky way from 1:00 to 5:00 am. Yes, this is a bit early for most, but rewarding for those who want to make the effort!
April Camping at Arches National Park
You will need a reservation for Arches National Park camping in April at Devil’s Garden Campground.
Reservations for camping at Arches are required from March 1- October 31. If you don’t reserve a spot ahead of time, you most likely will need to find a place to camp outside the park. You can reserve these spots up to 6 months in advance.
You’ll also find RV Parks near Arches National Park for camping in case you can’t get a spot in the park.
More April Activities to Do at Arches National Park
- Biking the park (on the road)
- Canyoneering
- Backpacking
- Rock climbing
- Horseback riding
- TOURS near Arches
Things To Do Near Arches in April
You’ll find a ton of other places to visit in Utah that are near Arches National Park to add to your April vacation:
- Things to Do in Moab
- Kid-Friendly Things to do in Moab, Utah
- Canyonlands National Park Island in the Sky
- Needles Canyonlands
- Dead Horse Point State Park
BUY AT AMAZON: Arches and Canyonlands Guides and Maps
Places to Stay Near Arches National Park:
There are no hotels in Arches National Park so most people stay in the nearby town of Moab. There are all types of lodging in and near Moab from budget-friendly hotels to higher-prices resorts. You’ll also find vacation rentals, a hostel, campgrounds and RV parks.
- Places to Stay Near Arches National Park
- Hotels Near Arches National Park
- Places to Stay Near Arches National Park with Kids
- Vacation Rentals Near Arches
