Visiting Arches National Park in September
Located in southeast Utah, Arches National Park features over 2,000 natural sandstone arches! If you’re planning to visit Arches National Park in September, it’s important to know what to expect: weather, things to do, what to pack, and where to stay.
Arches National Park in the fall is one of the best times to visit due to more pleasant temperatures. The Arches weather in September is perfect for outdoor activities like hiking, biking, scenic drives, and more!
We live only a few hours away from Arches and have visited during all four seasons. The tips we share are based on our experiences visiting the area throughout the years, and specifically for the month of September! This Arches National Park travel guide includes everything you need to know to plan your September vacation!
You can’t beat the September weather for outdoor activities like hiking, biking, scenic drives, photography, stargazing and more! But fall is a busy time at Arches so be prepared for crowds, they just aren’t as bad as the summer crowds.
Our biggest tip is to be prepared for the weather and temperatures for the time you’ll be at the park so you’re able to enjoy the outdoor activities you want to do! Use our Arches National Park Packing List to make sure you have the right clothing and gear for visiting in September! Grab your free printable packing checklist by clicking the image below!
This site contains affiliate links which means WE may receive commissions for purchases made through these links. We only provide links to products we actually use and/or wholeheartedly recommend! As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Read the full Disclosure Policy.
Arches National Park Photo Spots
Take a look at the jaw-dropping landscape you can photograph at Arches National Park!
Visiting Arches National Park in September
Arches is a small park in comparison to others in the US. In September Arches is one of the nine US National Parks requiring reservations. You must have a timed entry reservation to enter the park from April 1 to October 31.
Don’t worry if you can’t get a ticket because you can still visit the park as long as you enter before 6 am. Time your entry so you can see and photograph the sunrise at Arches National Park!
Another option is to visit the park after 5 p.m. when the crowds in the late afternoon start to diminish. You won’t need a ticket to see and photograph sunset at Arches National Park, or enjoy stargazing at night!
Is September a Good Time to Visit Arches National Park?
September is a terrific time of year for visiting Arches National Park. But it’s considered the busy season so be prepared for crowds.
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 September is the best time for you to go to Arches.
Arches Weather in September
September begins the fall season at Arches. Expect Arches National Park weather to be moderate with highs around 88 and lows around 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
At Arches National Park in the fall we like enjoying the park in the cooler mornings and evenings. It’s the best way to avoid the crowds as well. Dress in layers and remember to stay hydrated and use sun protection:
Arches is a dry desert environment so be sure to also pack and use sunscreen, lip balm and lotion!
Things to Do at Arches National Park in September
Here’s a list of Arches National Park fall activities to explore this stunning park! Here is a list of things to see, do and photograph at Arches in September.
There are fun way to get the family excited before, during and after the trip with National Park activities:
- Arches National Park Coloring Page
- Arches National Park Facts
- National Park Activity Pack (FREE PRINTABLE)
- National Park Activity Books for Kids
All ages 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!
Ranger Programs in September at Arches
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 September.
Be sure to stop by the visitor center and have a chat with one of the park rangers. Let them know what interests you and get their recommendations.
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!
Arches Scenic Drive in September
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.
Arches Hiking Trails in September
Most of the Arches National Park fall hikes are fully exposed to the sun. To avoid that harsh sun when hiking, head out in the morning or late afternoon when it’s a bit cooler.
When hiking at Arches in September it’s important to stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun: pack water bottles, wear sunscreen and a sunhat!
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.
Arches Photography in September
You’ll find yourself taking a ton of Arches National Park photos. In September you’ll want to get up early to photograph sunrise at Arches National Park. Doing this you won’t need to worry about getting a timed permit!
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.
We share tips like this in our 3 day Arches & Canyonlands Itinerary and Photography Guide. It details all the best places and times to take pictures!
You can also download a free checklist of the Arches National Park photo spots!
Stargazing at Arches in September
You can’t beat stargazing at Arches National Park! The slogan “Half the Park is After Dark” invites you to take one evening to enjoy a star-filled sky! In September the milky way is visible right after sunset!
Did you know Arches (and the Moab area) is internationally recognized as one of the best places for stargazing? It gets that distinction because of its remote location, accessibility, altitude and clear skies.
Arches National Park is a popular destination for astrophotographers so you won’t be alone in the park at night. Be sure to use a headlamp with a red light!
Arches National Park Tours in September
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.
Arches Camping in September
In September you will need a reservation for Arches National Park camping at the one campground in the park.
Reservations for camping at Devil’s Garden Campground 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.
Lodging Near Arches National Park in September
If camping isn’t your thing, there are more lodging options near Arches. 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:
- Hotels near Arches National Park
- Cabins Near Arches National Park
- Glamping Near Arches National Park
- Places to Stay Near Arches National Park with Kids
BUY AT AMAZON: Arches and Canyonlands Guides and Maps
Arches National Park Travel Planner
Check out these Arches National Park itineraries to help you plan your trip in September based on the number of days you have to spend in the park. Click the graphic below to get a free travel bundle that includes printable daily itineraries. Or click the links below to see detailed itineraries of the best things to do at Arches!
- 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
