Over 2,000 Natural Arches
Arches contains more natural sandstone arches than anywhere else in the world. Delicate Arch — the park’s most iconic feature — has become a symbol of Utah itself.
A Landscape Built on Salt
The park sits atop a massive underground salt bed deposited roughly 300 million years ago. As the salt shifted and dissolved, it caused the sandstone above to crack, fracture, and eventually erode into arches, fins, and towers.
Arches Are Temporary
Arches are not permanent formations. Some collapse while others are still forming. One of the park’s most famous arches, Wall Arch, collapsed suddenly in 2008 — a reminder that this landscape is always changing.
Balanced Rock Won’t Last Forever
Balanced Rock weighs an estimated 3,500 tons. The pedestal beneath it continues to erode, and while no one knows when it will fall, it eventually will.
Dark Sky Designation
Arches is an International Dark Sky Park, making it an incredible place for stargazing. On clear nights, the Milky Way is often visible with the naked eye.
The Fiery Furnace
This dense maze of narrow sandstone passages requires either a permit or ranger-led tour. It’s easy to get lost here, which is why access is controlled — and why it remains one of the most unique hikes in the park.
Extreme Temperatures
Summer highs frequently exceed 100°F, while winter nights can dip below freezing. These temperature swings contribute to freeze-thaw cycles that slowly pry rock apart.
Devils Garden
Devils Garden is home to eight major arches, including Landscape Arch, one of the longest natural arches in the world at 290 feet — and one that has thinned dramatically in recent decades.
Human History
Evidence of human presence in the area dates back over 10,000 years, including petroglyphs and artifacts from Indigenous peoples, including the Ute and Paiute tribes.
Hollywood Favorite
Arches has appeared in films like Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, Thelma & Louise, and Mission: Impossible 2.
76,000 acres
Small compared to many Western national parks, but incredibly dense with features — making it easy to see a lot in one day if planned well.
$30 per vehicle (valid for 7 days)
$25 per motorcycle
$15 per person (on foot or bicycle)
The America the Beautiful Annual Pass is accepted
Cost: $80/year (resident) $250/year (non-resident)
Can be purchased:
At the entrance station - RECOMMENDED, why? When you make a purchase at a park, they retain 80% of the fees. When you purchase online, the fees are dispersed and don't impact that park directly
Online through the National Park Service - be sure to select add physical pass if you want a physical pass (this is the link for the resident pass - if you are a non-resident, please see my travel tip for changes to the Park's Pass for non-residents)
At many other national park entrances nationwide
Timed entry tickets are required from April 1 - July 6 and August 28 - October 31 to enter Arches National Park between 7 AM and 4 PM daily. If you plan to visit the park during these dates and times, you’ll need the following:
1. A timed entry ticket -- purchase HERE in advance
2. Park entrance fee paid upon arrival or paid in advance OR a valid annual or lifetime pass (e.g., Annual, Senior, Access, Military, 4th Grade, or Volunteer passes) presented upon arrival
Reservations are released in advance and sell out quickly
This is not your park entrance fee — it’s a separate entry reservation
No shuttle system inside Arches
All access is by private vehicle, bike, or on foot
Parking is limited and fills early — especially at Devils Garden and Delicate Arch trailheads
Spring and fall for cooler temperatures and the most ideal for travel
Early mornings or evenings year-round for fewer crowds
Summer visits require careful heat planning and lots of water
Winter is actually my favorite time to visit - crowds are minimal and snow on the red rocks is simply amazing
