If you plan to visit Arches National Park, you’ll need to know what to pack.
The climate and altitude in southeast Utah can be harsh if you’re not prepared with the right clothing, hydration, food, personal items and hiking gear.
We are lucky to live close enough to visit the park at various times of the year so we have a good understanding of what should be on your Arches National Park Packing List!
Click to download the summer and winter packing lists for Arches:
And be sure to check out this list of awesome Arches National Park vacation ideas as well as Utah National Park vacation ideas.
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ARCHES NATIONAL PARK PACKING LIST
The first thing on any packing list when you are visiting national parks in the US: National Parks Pass!
The America the Beautiful Annual Pass costs $80 and is valid for one year from the date of purchase. For the most current information on passes, reference the National Park Service website.
The pass allows two signatures so it can be shared, and the two people don’t have to be related. You will need to show photo ID each time you use the pass.
Order passes online or get them at any of these Federal Recreation Areas.
We like to BUY THE PASS AT REI because we can get it right away… and they will donate 10% of sales to the National Park Foundation.
Hiking Gear
Don’t overlook the important of sturdy hiking shoes when visiting Arches National Park. Sneakers and sandals aren’t the best when walking on the slickrock at Arches.
• HIKING SHOES – our favorite are Merrell Moab hiking shoes of course!
• WINTER BOOTS – you’ll want Insulated boots for winter hiking – there won’t be much snow, but it will be cold!
• HIKING SOCKS – Darn Tough socks are the BEST socks ever – really!
Clothing to Wear
Wicking is important for any clothing that touches skin. The awesome thing about wicking fabric is it pulls moisture (sweat) away from you and moves it to the fabric’s outer surface, where it can dry quickly.
This type of clothing lets you break a sweat without feeling clammy or chilled, and it’s perfect for the desert climate found at Arches.
It’s all about the LAYERS when doing outdoor activity.
• CLOTHING – wicking, quick-drying clothing: underclothes, long sleeve UV shirts, pants or shorts
• FLEECE JACKET is a staple clothing item for outdoor adventure!
• HEAD WEAR – bandana, buff headband or brimmed sun hat
• WINTER HAT – insulating hat
• WINTER GLOVES – Insulating gloves, photographer gloves
Daypack Items
Hydration at Arches is so important due to the climate and altitude in the southeastern part of Utah.
READ: Hydration Basics by REI
• Lip balm – you’ll feel the dry air at Arches!
• Hand lotion – your skin will be happy!
• Disposable urination device & feminie hygiene products
• Hand sanitizer or wet wipes
• Bags to pack out trash
Other Items to Pack
• Cell phone
• Blister balm – you won’t need this if you wear Darn Tough socks (just sayin’)
• Moleskin
Camera Equipment to Pack
The photos you’ll take at Arches National Park will be unlike any others! Make sure you have all the camera gear necessary to capture the stunning landscape beauty of Arches!
• Extra batteries
Plan Your Arches Vacation:
- Arches National Park Travel Guide
- Arches & Canyonlands 3 Day Itinerary
- Arches in the Fall
- Arches in the Winter
- Arches National Park Hiking Trails
- Arches Packing List
- Where to Stay in Moab Near Arches
- Tours Near Moab, Utah
Where to Stay Near Arches:
There are no hotels in Arches so most people stay in the nearby town of Moab. You’ll find restaurants and places to shop which adds to the appeal to find accommodations in 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
READ OUR FULL GUIDE: Places to stay near Arches National Park in Moab
• 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. → Book the Purple Sage via Airbnb
• Red Cliffs Lodge – rooms up to 6 people – located 17 miles from Moab, this lodge is known for its beautiful location, winery and activities like horseback riding, fishing and more!
• Condos south of town – we really like the King size bed in the master, washer and dryer in the unit and a swimming pool/hot tub (just a 5 minute drive south of Moab).
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