Visiting Arches National Park in November

Arches in the fall is one of the best times to go due to the moderate temperatures. But what is it like to visit Arches National Park in November?

Use our Arches National Park travel guide to get started planning your vacation! Keep reading for a list of things to do, what to pack and where to stay.

Arches National Park is located in southeast Utah and features over 2,000 natural sandstone arches! In November you’ll enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, biking and photography at Arches.

Arches National Park in November plus packing list and things to do

We live only a few hours away from Arches so we’ve had the opportunity to visit many times. The tips we share are based on our experiences visiting the area throughout the years, and specifically for the month of November!

Use our done-for-you 1, 2, and 3-day Arches National Park itineraries to plan your dream vacation:

Arches National Park Travel Bundle
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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!

Visiting Arches National Park in November

Arches National Park is open 24/7. You don’t need a Timed Entry Ticket for Arches in November.

The mornings and evenings will be cold, but the daytime temperatures are just right to enjoy all the outdoor activities you’ll find at Arches National Park.

Is November a Good Time to Visit Arches National Park?

November is our favorite month for visiting Arches National Park. The park is transitioning to the off-season so there aren’t as many visitors which is so nice!

Check out our list of best times to visit Arches National Park with information about what to expect during each season and every month of the year to decide if November is the best time for you to go to Arches.

Arches Weather in November

In November Arches National Park weather is usually a dry month, but there may be rain storm here and there. The temperatures will be about 55° high and 29° low Fahrenheit. You can see current weather conditions at Arches on the NPS website and check weather forecasts in advance for rain.

You’ll find cold temperatures in the mornings and at night so we recommend you pack:

Things to Do at Arches National Park in November

Here’s a list of Arches National Park fall activities to explore this stunning park in November!

There are fun way to get the family excited before, during and after the trip with National Park activities:

Kids, and adults, will enjoy collecting stamps in their National Park Passport book! Passport booklets and stamp sets are “usually” available at the park visitor centers, but we recommend you get the passport book before the trip, just in case!! We’ve seen sad kiddos when a visitor center is out of passport books. Rangers can stamp a piece of paper, but it’s not just the same experience!

Arches Ranger Programs in November

While visiting Arches National Park we love to make the visitor center our very first spot! It is open every day in the fall. Take time to talk to the park ranger and tell him things that are of interest to you and get tips and ideas on other things to do. 

Arches Ranger-led programs are a great way to learn about the park and it’s attractions. Check out what activities are available during your stay in November.

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!

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La Sal Viewpoint along the Scenic Drive

Arches Scenic Drive

The Arches National Park scenic drive is a must-do activity. It includes two spur roads and takes about 2 to 3 hours to complete. You’ll add more time if you plan to stop and take photos or hike any of the trails along the route.

The 43 mile road is paved with pullouts and parking lots perfect for any Arches National Park photography you want to do. Some of the arches and landmarks can be seen from the parking lot, or by a short walk.

We recommend the Arches GuideAlong App to hear fun behind-the scenes stories and local tips that play automatically as you drive, based on your GPS location.

Double Arch at Arches National Park
Double Arch

Hiking at Arches in November

Arches National Park fall hikes in November are awesome if you don’t mind wearing layers. Remember it’s important to stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun: pack water bottles, wear sunscreen and a sunhat!

Because it’s the perfect weather for hiking, the park and trails will be busy. We always recommend getting up early to hit the trails!

We recommend you visit The Windows Area and Devil’s Garden Trail in the morning so you don’t have to fight the crowds. Delicate Arch is awesome at sunset for photography, but it may be impossible to get a parking spot. You may want to hike to Delicate Arch in the morning as well!

You’ll want to plan the popular and busy hikes first thing then fit in the other shorter hikes like Sand Dune Arch, Skyline Arch and Balanced Rock during the later afternoon when parking spots open up more frequently.

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Delicate Arch at sunrise

Photography at Arches in November

November is a great time for Arches National Park photography. The best times to photograph the park are sunrise and sunset. The colors are vibrant and the light creates a spectacular glow on the red rocks that cannot be missed.

CHECK OUT our 3 day Arches and Canyonlands itinerary and photography guide to capitalize on all the best places and times to take pictures in the park!

Sunrise at Arches National Park: We enjoy taking sunrise photos at La Sal Overlook, Courthouse Towers, and the Windows area. If you don’t want your photos to have people climbing on the rocks, you’ll also want to photograph Balanced Rock, Turret Arch or the Windows in the morning.

Sunset at Arches National Park is awesome. You’ll find many locations it will be hard to get photos without people! This is especially true at Delicate Arch, Balanced Rock and The Windows. Delicate Arch will be crowded so pack your patience. And don’t forget a headlamp for the hike back to your car!

You can also download a free checklist of the Arches National Park photo spots!

You will definitely want a fleece jacket, photographer gloves and rechargeable hand warmers for those sunrise and sunset photography outings.

Stargazing in November at Arches

Definitely take one evening to stay after the sun set and LOOK UP! Arches National Park is internationally recognized as one of the best places for stargazing because of its remote location, accessibility, altitude and clear skies.

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.

Keep in mind the milky way is NOT visible in November. But capturing a photo of a starry sky at Arches is amazing!

Arches National Park Tours in November

With experienced guides on Arches National Park tours, you can explore all the amazing sights the park has to offer and make sure you don’t miss anything.

Booking a tour to explore Arches National Park is a great way to learn more about the area and its history: hiking, scenic drive, rock climbing, off road driving, and photography to name a few.

Here are few tours at Arches we recommend for November:

Arches Camping in November

In November you won’t need a reservation for Arches National Park camping at Devil’s Garden Campground. Between November 1 and February 28, all camping sites at Arches are first-come, first served.

There is one campground at Arches National Park with 51 total camp sites, each one accommodating ten people. Facilities include: drinking water, picnic tables, grills and both pit-style and flush toilets.

You’ll also find RV Parks near Arches National Park for camping in case you can’t get a spot in the park.

If you want to enjoy camping in style, check out these options for Glamping near Arches National Park!

Arches Canyonlands guides and maps

BUY AT AMAZON: Arches and Canyonlands Guides and Maps

Things To Do Near Arches National Park in November

You’ll find a ton of other places to visit in Utah that are near Arches National Park to add to your itinerary:

Lodging Near Arches National Park in November

There are no lodges inside Arches National Park so most people stay in the nearby town of Moab. There are all types of lodging options in and near Moab from budget-friendly hotels to higher-prices resorts.

Packing List for Arches National Park

Use our Arches National Park Packing List to make sure you have the right clothing and gear for visiting in November! Grab your free printable packing checklist by clicking the image below!

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