Visiting Arches National Park in the Spring

Arches National Park is a stunningly beautiful place located in southeast Utah. When visiting Arches National Park in the spring you’ll find the weather is “just right” to enjoy the outdoors.

This Arches National Park travel guide will help you plan your spring vacation: weather, things to do, what to pack, where to stay, and more!

Arches National Park in the spring

A spring vacation to Arches National Park is an ideal destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy hiking, biking, scenic drives, and photography!

Check out these done-for-you Arches National Park itineraries:

Arches National Park Travel Bundle
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Visiting Arches National Park in the Spring

Arches National Park is the perfect destination for an unforgettable spring vacation. But Arches gets crowded during the peak spring season. The first part of March is your best bet to avoid the crowds when it’s spring break in Utah.

Timed Entry at Arches in the Spring

Arches National Park is open 24/7. You will need an Arches Timed Entry Ticket from April 1 to October 31. Tickets are required from 7 am to 4 pm daily.

You can still visit Arches even if you don’t have a ticket! Just plan to get into the park around 6 am or after 5 pm. Going at those times will help you avoid the crowds, and those are great times for Arches National Park photography!

Spring Weather at Arches

The Arches National Park weather varies from month-to-month in the spring:

With the temperatures changing so much throughout the day, it is especially important to dress in layers. We recommend a fleece jacket, warm hat and gloves for the cooler mornings and evenings, especially in early spring.

Check out this Arches National Park packing list that lists all the clothing and gear you’ll need when visiting in the spring!

La Sal overlook at Blue Hour at Arches NP
La Sal Viewpoint

Things to Do in Arches National Park in the Spring

Here’s a list of Arches National Park spring activities you can do to enjoy the outdoors at this park!

Arches Visitor Center in the Spring

Stopping at the visitor center is the first place you want to stop! It is open every day in the Spring and is full of so much useful information.

There you can talk with the park ranger, tell them what you are most interested in and ask for recommendations. You can also find out if there are any closures currently within the park. 

If you’re visiting Arches National Park with kids, a fun way to get to know more about the park is to participate in Arches National park ranger-led hikes and campfire talks.

Kids can earn an Arches National Park Junior Ranger badge by completing a booklet full of activities to do while in the park.

Arches National Park scenic drive
View of the scenic drive

Arches National Park Scenic Drive in the Spring

While visiting take the time to explore the Arches National Park scenic drive. It’s a 43-mile road with spur roads. It will take about 2 to 3 hours, but plan more time if you’ll be taking photos or hiking along the way.

There are a ton of Arches National Park photography locations along the drive. You’ll see many arches and landmarks at the various pullouts and parking lot, or by a short walk.

There are some unpaved roads you can take to explore further, but you will want to check at the visitor center for up to date road conditions to see if they are safe to go on during your trip. 

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.

Delicate Arch
Delicate Arch

Arches National Park Photography in the Spring

If you plan to take Arches National Park photos, here are some tips to get great pictures.

Some of our favorite places to catch sunrise at Arches National Park are La Sal Overlook, Courthouse Towers, and the Windows area. If you don’t want people climbing on the rocks in your photos, plan to visit Balanced Rock, Turret Arch and the Windows in the morning.

Delicate Arch is an iconic location to see and photograph, and the most popular spot for sunset at Arches National Park. It’s hard to get a photo of the arch without people at sunset!

We’ve created a 3 day Arches & Canyonlands Itinerary and Photography Guide that details all the places and times to take pictures! Download the printable Arches National Park photo spots checklist to take with you as well!

Balanced Rock with the milky way at Arches
Balanced Rock with the milky way

Arches National Park Stargazing in the Spring

There is a reason why Arches National Park is internationally recognized as one of the best places to stargaze. The skies are clear and with the park in a remote location it allows you to get some of the most incredible views of the night sky that you will ever see. 

In the spring you’ll be able to see and photograph the milky way! Good Arches locations for stargazing:

  • Balanced Rock
  • The Windows
  • Garden of Eden Viewpoint
  • Panorama Point

Here’s the list of times the milky way is visible in the sky during the spring:

  • March: 3:00 am to 5:45 am
  • April: 1:00 am to 4:45 am
  • May 11:00 pm to 4:00 am
The Spectacles at Arches
The Windows Area

Arches Hiking Trails in the Spring

You’ll find a variety of Arches National Park hiking trails that are perfect for families, casual visitors, and avid hikers. 

Some of the easiest trails we recommend are Balanced Rock, The Windows, and Double Arch. Many of these are paved and easy enough for kids to enjoy as well. Kids will love the Sand Dune Arch trail!

Many of the best hikes in Arches National Park are considered moderate trails like Delicate Arch, Devil’s Garden Trail or Park Avenue.

For the more difficult trails you can do any of the primitive trails, Fiery Furnace or Tower Arch.

When hiking it is especially important that you take the proper gear and plenty of water as well as dress in moisture-wicking layers.

Arches Camping in the Spring

If you want to do Arches National Park camping in the spring, you will need to reserve a spot at Devil’s Garden Campground.

These spots are available to reserve 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 Things to Do at Arches in the Spring

  • Biking the park (on the road)
  • Canyoneering 
  • Backpacking
  • Rock climbing
  • Horseback riding
  • TOURS near Arches 

Things To Do Near Arches National Park

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

Arches Canyonlands guides and maps

BUY AT AMAZON: Arches and Canyonlands Guides and Maps

Where to Stay Near Arches National Park:

There are no hotels in Arches 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.

Here are a few of our favorite places to stay near Arches:

  • Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Moab – we enjoyed our stay and highly recommend this hotel due to its location close to Arches.
  • Purple Sage – our all-time favorite place to stay in Moab – walking distance to shopping, full kitchen, and only 8 units so you don’t feel lost in a large hotel. 
  • Red Cliffs Lodge – rooms up to 6 people – located 17 miles from Moab, this lodge is known for its beautiful location, winery and actiities like horseback riding, fishing and more!
  • Vacation Rentals Near Arches – we really like rentals with a kitchen, washer and dryer and amenities like a swimming pool and hot tub.

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