If you love the outdoors, you’ll find a ton of things to do at Arches National Park.
We’ve created a list of Arches National Park vacation ideas to help you plan the activities you’ll do each day.
Use our list below to learn more about the hiking trails, scenic drives, photography spots and more!
We also share a general travel guide to help you get started planning your Arches vacation. And don’t forget to check out our favorite 3 day itinerary for Arches and Canyonlands!
The best tip we can give anyone visiting Arches, especially during the busy season, is to ARRIVE EARLY, like before 8 am! When the parking lots at the main attractions fill up, the park will close for a short time. As people leave and more spots open, the park will resume allowing people in. We also find the late afternoon to be another good time to avoid the lines.
Some of the links on this site are affiliate links, meaning if you book or buy something through one of these links, we may earn a small commission – at no extra cost to you! Read the full Disclosure Policy.
Things to Do at Arches National Park
There are so many fun ways to explore Arches: hiking trails, scenic drive, rock climbing, offroad driving and photography to name a few. Use our guides below to help you plan the perfect itinerary when visiting Arches!
- 3 Day Itinerary and Photography Guide
- Arches Travel Guide
- Arches Photo Spots
- Arches Hiking Trails
- Devil’s Garden Trail at Arches
- Arches National Park Camping
- Arches National Park Tours
What to Expect at Arches National Park by Season
There are important things to know about visiting Arches during each season. Check out these lists of what it’s like to visit 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 by Month
Check out these articles to know all about planning a trip to Arches during a specific month so you know in advance what to expect. You’ll find general travel information, list of activities, packing checklist, travel tips and weather information for each month at Arches National Park!
RESOURCES TO PLAN A TRIP TO ARCHES
- Arches National Park Vacation Ideas
- Best Time to Visit Arches
- Things to Do at Arches
- Arches National Park Hiking Trails
- Arches Packing List
- Arches National Park Camping
- Where to Stay in Moab Near Arches
- Tours Near Moab, Utah
More Places to Visit Near Arches
- Canyonlands Island in the Sky
- Canyonlands Needles
- Dead Horse Point State Park
- Moab Adventures: Cool Things to Do
WHAT TO PACK FOR ARCHES NATIONAL PARK
To get the most out of visiting this park, you must be prepared with the right clothing and gear.
DOWNLOAD our Arches National Park packing list for summer and winter.
Hiking Shoes – Injuries from improper footwear is a common problem that casual visitors and hikers encounter. To make your trip as safe and enjoyable as possible, avoid smooth-soled shoes and only wear sturdy shoes with ample tread. We always recommend Merrell Moab hiking shoes of course!
Hydration and Food – Due to the high desert and altitude in Southeastern Utah, you should drink at least one gallon of water per day, and always carry water with you during all hiking activities (water is also available at the Arches National Park Visitor Center and at the Devils Garden trailhead and Campground). Accordingly, be sure to eat plenty of healthy snacks and food. We use Camelbak hydration packs or carry Hydroflask bottles in our packs.
Lip Balm and Lotion – Utah’s high elevation and dry air can be hard on your skin. You’ll want to carry lip balm with sunscreen and hydrating lotion to apply as needed when you’re out exploring the trails.
Clothing – Summers in the park mean soaring temperatures, unrelenting sunlight, and low humidity. To keep cool, wear light colored, loose fitting UV clothing that does not absorb sunlight. Also avoid sun burn by wearing a wide brimmed hat and by generously applying sunscreen to any parts of your body that are exposed to the sun.
During the winter, wearing the right clothing is important to stay dry and warm. Take note that snow and ice can accumulate and make popular trails quite slippery. That’s why trekking poles and traction devices for your shoes are essential. It’s also just as easy to become dehydrated in the cold as it is in the heat. It’s important to carry plenty of water during the winter, and not just during the summer.
During spring and fall, it’s all about layers! The mornings and evenings will be cool so have a fleece jacket handy!
National Parks Pass – Before you visit Arches National Park be sure to pack your The America the Beautiful Annual Pass.
Other items we recommend – US national parks packing list
- Darn Tough socks
- Fleece jacket
- Buff headbands
- Sunscreen
- Hand sanitizer
- Flashlight or headlamp
- Maps
- Sunglasses
- First aid kit
- Camera gear
The main thind to do at Arches is wait forever to get in, if you can at all.
Yes, it can be frustrating for sure! We added this to the article so people know in advance about the lines/closure: “The best tip we can give anyone visiting Arches, especially during the busy season, is to ARRIVE EARLY, like before 8 am! When the parking lots at the main attractions fill up, the park will close for a short time. As people leave and more spots open, the park will resume allowing people in. We also find the late afternoon to be another good time to avoid the lines.”