Arches National Park Packing List

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 for a trip to Arches National Park. You can download the checklist below for FREE!

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!

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Packing for a Trip to Arches National Park

Season and weather are important to consider when packing for your Arches National Park trip. Weather can be unpredictable any time of year, so be sure to check the forecast and pack accordingly!

Spring Weather at Arches National Park

Springtime at Arches varies quite a bit from month to month. When visiting Arches National Park in the spring, it’s important to pack for all types of weather because you never know when the weather will change.

• Arches National Park in March: Highs 64 | Lows 35 degrees F
• Arches National Park in April: Highs 71 | Lows 42 degrees F 
• Arches National Park in May: Highs 82 | Lows 51 degrees F

Summer Weather at Arches National Park

When planning your Arches National Park summer vacation expect HOT temperatures! Since the temperatures are brutal this time of year, plan your outdoor activities for the cooler mornings and evenings!

• Arches National Park in June: Highs 93 | Lows 60 degrees F
• Arches National Park in July: Highs 100 | Lows 67 degrees F
• Arches National Park in August: Highs 97 | Lows 66 degrees F

Fall Weather at Arches National Park

The weather at Arches National Park in the fall starts to cool down making it a great time to explore the park because it will be cooler in the mornings and evenings, and the daytime temperatures aren’t too hot compared to the summer.

• Arches National Park in September: Highs 85 | Lows 54 degrees F
• Arches National Park in October: Highs 71 | Lows 40 degrees F
• Arches National Park in November: Highs 55 | Lows 30 degrees F 

The temperatures really drop at Arches National Park in the winter so it’s the least busy season. We don’t mind the colder weather for enjoying outdoor activities, which makes the winter the best time for us to visit to escape the crowds!

BUT the cold winter weather may not be for everyone.

• Arches National Park in December: Highs 45 | Lows 23 degrees F
• Arches National Park in January: Highs 44 | Lows 22 degrees F
• Arches National Park in February: Highs 52 | Lows 28 degrees F

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 for Arches National PArk

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. 

Be sure you have the right winter hiking gear if you’ll be visiting that time of year!

• HIKING SHOES
• INSULATED BOOTS – in the winter there might not be much snow, but it will be cold!
• HIKING SOCKS
• TREKKING POLES
• TRACTION DEVICES – might be needed for icy trails in the winter!

Clothing to Wear at Arches National Park

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 activities.

• WICKING CLOTHING
• FLEECE JACKET
• RAIN JACKET
• WINTER INSULATED JACKET 
• SUN HAT
• WINTER HAT
• WINTER GLOVES
• PHOTOGRAPHER GLOVES

Daypack Items for Arches National Park

Hydration at Arches is so important due to the climate and altitude in the southeastern part of Utah. You’ll also want items to keep your skin hydrated!

• Refillable water bottle
• Hydration system
• Healthy snacks
• 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
• Hand sanitizer
• First aid kit
• Rechargeable hand warmers
• Bags to pack out trash

Other Items to Pack for an Arches Vacation

• Cell phone
• Portable charger
• Arches guide books & maps 
• Blister balm or moleskin – not needed if you wear Darn Tough socks (just sayin’)

Camera Equipment for Taking Pictures at Arches

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

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.

• Places to Stay Near Arches National Park
• Hotels Near Arches National Park
• Places to Stay Near Arches National Park with Kids
• 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 Near Arches – we really like rentals with a kitchen, washer and dryer and amenities like a swimming pool and hot tub.

Planning an Arches National Park Vacation:

• Arches National Park Travel Guide
• Best Time to Visit Arches National Park
• Things to Do at Arches National Park
• Arches National Park Packing List
• Arches National Park with Kids
• Arches National Park Photography
• Tours Near Moab, Utah

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