Arches National Park Vacation Ideas
Looking for an epic outdoor getaway? Arches National Park in Utah is the spot for you. This is the ultimate Arches National Park vacation ideas guide: things to do, hiking trails, scenic drives and photography spots as well as best times to visit, where to stay and what to pack!
Use this Arches National Park travel guide to plan your trip to visit this park with unique landscapes. Go hiking on trails that wind through the wild rock formations. For the daring, try some rock climbing or canyoneering. Or just kick back, stargaze, and take in the surreal scenery.
We live close enough to the park to visit various times throughout year so we have lots of Arches National Park vacation ideas to share! This guide includes tips from us as well as our travel friends!
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. You can enter Arches National Park before 7am and after 4pm without an advance reservation.
Another tip for visiting Arches is to plan for the temperatures and weather for the time you’ll be at the park. Use our Arches National Park Packing List to make sure you have the right clothing and gear for visiting any time of year. Grab your free printable packing checklist by clicking the image below!
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Arches National Park Packing List
DOWNLOAD and print the packing checklist for Arches National Park!
- Merrell Moab hiking shoes or Oboz hiking shoes
- Darn Tough hiking socks
- Water – carry a hydration pack or a refillable water bottle in your backpack
- Healthy food that’s portable and filling!
- Columbia fleece jacket
- Wicking, quick-drying clothing
- Lip balm with UV protection
- Sun protection – sunscreen (even in the winter) and a sunhat
- UV sunglasses are good for summer and winter
- Travel hand sanitizer
- Flashlight or headlamp
- Arches National Park guide books and maps
- First aid kit
- Insect repellent
- Camera gear – DOWNLOAD the free checklist!
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!
Best Time to Visit Arches National Park
There are important things to know about visiting Arches during each season. Check out these lists of the things to do, and what to expect at Arches during the spring, summer, fall and winter.
- Arches National Park in the Spring
- Arches National Park in the Summer
- Arches National Park in the Fall
- Arches National Park in the Winter
Arches National Park Vacation Ideas
Check out this list of Arches National Park vacation ideas: things to do, hiking trails, scenic drives, photography spots, and more!
Everything you need to know about visiting Arches National Park with kids and toddlers.
Here’s a list of our favorite Arches National Park photo spots with tips for the best times to photograph each location.
List of the best places for Arches National Park sunrise photography and camera gear you’ll need to pack.
Reasons why sunset is the ideal time to view the iconic rocky masterpiece in Arches National Park.
There are many easy-to-moderate hikes at Arches National Park that are suited well for experienced and beginner hikers alike.
Landscape Arch Hike: One Of The Best Hikes In Arches National Park
Guide to hiking to Landscape Arch and all the other arches you can see along the trail!
Skyline Arch is a quick and easy hike that almost anyone can do that leads to an impressive arch!
Not a fan of hiking? Check out this non-hiking guide to explore Arches National Park.
Plan the perfect 24 hour visit to Arches National Park.
Arches National Park 2 day itinerary to see the best arches in the park.
Guide to beat the crowds, stay safe, and have a wonderful time exploring Arches in the winter.
Yes, you can see Arches and Canyonlands National Parks in one day!
How do you choose which part to visit: Arches or Canyonlands?
9 Amazing Tours of Arches National Park to Book on Your Next Trip to Moab
Sometimes you can get even more out of your trip by going with a guide. Read all about the best tours of Arches National Park, and even nearby Canyonlands, Dead Horse Point and the surrounding area of Moab!
13 Moab Airbnbs That Will Make You Want to Pack Up and Move to the Desert
There are tons of Moab Airbnbs to choose from, and we’ve narrowed down the list to 13 of the very best.
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.
- 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 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.
