Arches National Park Packing List for Summer and Winter

If you’re planning an Arches National Park vacation, you’ll need to know what to pack.

Here’s our Arches National Park Packing List for summer and winter so you’re prepared no matter when you go!

And use our helpful Arches National Park travel guide with other helpful tips and resources to plan your trip.

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.

Keep reading to see the full list of items to pack. You can download the checklist below!

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PLEASE NOTE: Arches will be doing a TIMED ENTRY pilot program April through October, 2022.

Timed entry tickets will be required to enter the park from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily and will allow visitors to enter the park during a one-hour specified window of availability. After entering, visitors may stay in the park as long as they wish for the remainder of the day. Reservation holders may exit and re-enter the park on the same day with a correctly validated ticket.

Visitors can book reservations first-come, first-served on Recreation.gov. The park will release reservations three months in advance in monthly blocks.

ARCHES NATIONAL PARK PACKING LIST

The first thing your packing list should be 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!
• TREKKING POLES

Outdoor Gear we recommend! Travel Gear & Hiking Gear

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! 
• RAIN JACKET
• WINTER INSULATED JACKET 
• 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

• Reusable water bottle
• Hydration system
• Healthy snacks
• Map of Arches National Park
• Sunscreen
• Lip balm – you’ll feel the dry air at Arches!
• Hand lotion – your skin will be happy!
• Sunglasses
• Toilet paper
• Disposable urination device & feminine hygiene products
• Toilet bags
• Hand sanitizer or wet wipes
• First aid kit
• Bags to pack out trash

Other Items to Pack

• Cell phone
• Portable charger
• Arches guide books & maps 
• Blister balm – you won’t need this if you wear Darn Tough socks (just sayin’)
• Moleskin 

Camera Equipment to Pack

For Arches National Park photography, be sure you have all the camera gear necessary to capture the stunning landscape!

• BEST compact travel cameras
• Camera bag
• BEST travel tripods
• Memory cards
• Extra batteries

Grab our Arches & Canyonlands Itinerary and Photography Guide with tips and best times to take pictures at each point of interest!

Visiting Arches National Park:

• Arches National Park Travel Guide
• Best Time to Visit Arches National Park
• Things to Do at Arches National Park
• Arches National Park Photography
• Arches National Park Packing List
• Arches National Park Camping
• Where to Stay Near Arches National Park
• 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. 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.

• Where to Stay Near Arches National Park
• Hotels Near Arches National Park
• Arches National Park Camping

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 activities like horseback riding, fishing and more!
• Vacation Rentals – we really like rentals with a kitchen, washer and dryer and amenities like a swimming pool and hot tub.

BUY AT AMAZON: Arches and Canyonlands Guides and Maps: