Imagine gazing at more than 2,000 naturally formed sandstone arches in one place. That’s the magic of Arches National Park, which saw around 1.8 million visitors in 2021. We’ve been lucky enough to see it in both snowy December and during a mild September, each time finding new reasons to love this vast desert landscape. Today, we’ll cover essential tips, fun stories, and key facts to help you plan your own visit with family, friends, and even your four-legged companions.
The Scenic Draw of Arches National Park
- Majestic rock arches formed by millions of years of erosion
- Clear desert skies perfect for star-watching
- Top highlights like Delicate Arch, Balanced Rock, and Windows Section
- Opportunities for personal reflection in a timeless desert setting
Arches National Park covers about 76,678 acres in eastern Utah near Moab. Its distinctive red sandstone has been shaped by wind, water, and geological shifts, creating arches, pinnacles, and massive rock fins. Some arches are small enough to be missed if you blink; others span more than 300 feet. This variability keeps every hike interesting. Even if you’ve seen pictures of iconic arches like Delicate Arch, nothing compares to standing under it.
Delicate Arch Trail on our Christmas Eve 2018 Trip
Delicate Arch from the Upper Viewpoint in September 2024
A surprising fact is that these arches aren’t permanent. Time and weather keep eroding them, and new openings sometimes appear. We witnessed this sense of change firsthand during our December 2018 and September 2024 trips. Winter dusted the red rocks in white, creating a surreal photo opportunity. Autumn brought cooler daytime temperatures and fewer crowds than peak summer. Each season offered a unique perspective on the park’s geology, light, and wildlife.
When you wander among these formations, the stillness is striking. The gentle desert breeze feels soothing, especially if you drive in from busy cities. Many visitors combine a stop at Arches with a tour of other spots in Utah. You can learn more by checking out A Week Exploring the “Big 5” National Parks in Utah for tips on linking multiple parks in one trip.
Those looking for even more variety might explore Canyonlands National Park “Island in the Sky” Section near Moab, too. It’s only about half an hour away from Arches, making Moab a prime basecamp for multi-park adventures.
Our toddler and beagle, Sniffy, also enjoyed the region’s wide-open spaces, though pets aren’t allowed on most trails inside national parks. We often balanced a brief visit inside the park with scenic driving routes that offered glimpses of iconic sites from designated viewpoints. Despite restrictions, simply being there together felt special. Arches National Park provides more than a beautiful backdrop for photos—it’s a place that stays with you long after you leave.
Stunning North Window Arch at Arches National Park
When to Visit and What to Expect
- Hot summers with temps exceeding 100°F
- Crisp winters with occasional snow
- Spring and fall as comfortable middle grounds
- Timed entry or reservation systems during peak seasons
Each season at Arches National Park brings a distinct mood. We first visited on Christmas Day in 2018, drawn by the idea of a peaceful holiday away from crowds. Temperatures hovered around 40°F during the day and dropped into the 20s at night. Snow dusted iconic formations like Delicate Arch, highlighting the red rock in sharp contrast. The park felt quiet, and we rarely saw other hikers on the trails.
By September 2024, we found warmer conditions (mid-80s to low 90s). This shift changed how we dressed, but we still enjoyed less-crowded trails than in mid-summer. Many families had returned home for the start of the school year, so we navigated the park more freely. If you plan a trip in late summer or early fall, consider grabbing a campsite at Devils Garden, the only campground inside the park. Make sure to book early on Recreation.gov if you’re aiming for prime dates.
Summer can be intense. Temperatures commonly exceed 100°F (37.8°C), and flash floods can occur during sudden thunderstorms. Always keep extra water and a car emergency kit. High heat is also a big reason to check out early morning or evening hikes, when the air cools and the rocks emit a gentler radiance.
Winter visits might involve road closures if storms roll in, but the National Park Service plows main roads quickly. We had to watch for black ice, especially in shaded spots. However, the quiet ambiance made winter magical. If you’re interested in a less touristy approach, explore these tips in National Parks in Crisis or Opportunity? Slashing Budgets Needs Strategy to learn how varying visitation times might help relieve crowd pressure.
In any season, the park might use timed entry systems to control overcrowding. Details vary year to year, so check the official website. Bring your patience on busy days. Even with a reservation, lines can form at the entrance. If you’re flexible, weekdays often see fewer visitors than weekends. No matter when you go, keep an eye on weather forecasts from the National Weather Service to avoid surprises.
Arches National Park in winter: snow adds a magical contrast
Exploring Key Hiking Trails
- Delicate Arch: The park’s iconic landmark
- Windows Section: Easy loops with several arches
- Fiery Furnace: Requires a permit or guided tour
- Devils Garden: Longest trail network with multiple arches
Most visitors come to Arches National Park for the trails, which vary from short paved paths to rugged, hours-long treks. Our family made Delicate Arch Trail a priority during both visits. In winter, we bundled up in jackets to ascend the short but moderately steep path leading to Delicate Arch. The reward? A dusting of snow on the arch that made it look even more dramatic against the pale sky. In autumn, we caught a sunset there, watching the arch glow in orange and red hues.
For a more low-key outing, check out the Windows Section. It’s home to North Window, South Window, and Turret Arch. The paths are fairly short, and you’ll see multiple arches in a compact area, making it perfect if you have a toddler or are short on time. We enjoyed letting our little one toddle around the well-marked trails, though we kept a close eye to ensure they stayed on designated paths.
If you prefer a challenge, consider Fiery Furnace. This maze-like area requires a special permit or a guided ranger tour. The intricate network of narrow sandstone walls can confuse newcomers, but the scenery feels otherworldly. Devils Garden is another prime spot, offering glimpses of Landscape Arch (one of the world’s longest natural arches) and other features like Partition Arch. On our second trip, we tackled parts of Devils Garden early in the morning. This strategy let us avoid the midday sun and gave our beagle some time in the truck with the A/C running while one of us hiked.
After a day of exploring, you might want more national park adventures. Check out Exploring Canyonlands National Park ‘Needles’ Section for more sandstone wonders near Moab. Or if you have your sights set on the entire state, Guide to Zion National Park in Utah is another resource for planning a bigger loop.
Keep in mind the “no dogs on trails” rule inside Arches. We rotated dog duty and baby duty. One adult hiked while the other stayed behind for short intervals. This approach let everyone enjoy the park without breaking rules or tiring out our beagle’s paws on hot rocks.
Turret Arch in the Windows Section offers short, kid-friendly trails
Wildlife and Ecosystems
- Desert animals like mule deer, coyotes, and black-tailed jackrabbits
- Pinyon pines and juniper trees dominating the flora
- Cryptobiotic soil crust crucial for erosion control
- Bird species like red-tailed hawks and ravens
Despite its barren look, Arches National Park supports a variety of plants and animals adapted to harsh desert conditions. On our December 2018 trip, we saw mule deer near Turret Arch. In fall 2024, we spotted a few coyotes at dawn while driving to a trailhead. Temperatures were cooler, and the animals were more active.
In rocky areas, you might encounter black-tailed jackrabbits nibbling on sparse vegetation. Birdwatchers can look for golden eagles or ravens soaring overhead, catching desert thermals in wide arcs. If you keep binoculars handy, you’ll also have a better chance of seeing smaller reptiles like collared lizards warming themselves on sunlit rocks.
Plant life is equally intriguing. Arches is dotted with pinyon pines and junipers, plus small shrubs that cling to red sandstone. You’ll notice black crusty patches on the ground known as cryptobiotic soil. This living soil helps lock moisture in and prevents erosion. Because it’s so fragile, stepping off established trails can destroy decades of growth in seconds. If you’re curious about how national parks balance human visitation and ecology, read more in US National Parks and Big Oil for a look at environmental pressures on protected lands.
Our toddler loved spotting animals, but we kept a respectful distance—wildlife can get stressed if people get too close. We also carried a telephoto lens for taking photos, so we didn’t disturb the animals. If you bring your beagle, remember that wildlife might see dogs as predators. Keep your dog in designated areas only. For more on traveling with pets in national parks, see Why Does the US National Park Service Hate My Dog and Drone? to learn about common restrictions.
Mule deer often forage near the Windows Section, especially during quieter hours
Camping and Nearby Stays
- Devils Garden Campground inside the park
- Moab for hotels, motels, and vacation rentals
- Early reservations recommended in peak seasons
- Daytrip-friendly if you prefer outside accommodations
For many travelers, waking up among red rock formations is an essential part of the experience. Devils Garden Campground is the lone campground within Arches National Park. Sites fill quickly from March through October, so plan ahead. In winter, the campground usually switches to first-come, first-served, though fewer people visit then. Keep in mind that winter nights can be cold. We once woke up to 20°F temps inside our RV on Christmas morning—perfect for a short winter stroll but not so much for a leisurely breakfast outdoors.
If you prefer more amenities, Moab is just a 5-mile drive from the park entrance. The town has a range of lodging, from budget motels to fully decked-out resorts. It’s also a hub for off-roading, river rafting, and biking. After a day of hiking in Arches, you can grab a hearty meal in Moab’s downtown. This convenience is great for families traveling with toddlers who might benefit from an early bedtime in a more controlled setting.
When you want to extend your southern Utah tour, lodging near Moab also works as a base for visiting Bryce Canyon National Park with Your Dog or Capitol Reef, though those are a few hours away. If you’re game for a bigger circuit, read about our multi-park drive in Celebrating an Epic Road Trip Across America: 20,000 Miles, 17 National Parks, and 12 Fuses to see how we juggled everything from lodging to dog care.
If you have a beagle, like Sniffy, it’s crucial to choose dog-friendly places. Moab has several pet-welcoming hotels, but always confirm rules about size or breed. As for the toddler, a safe sleeping arrangement often meant booking a unit with a separate bedroom or a quiet corner for a portable crib.
Family with toddler and Ford F-150, ready to explore Arches from nearby Moab accommodations
Respecting the Landscape
- Leave No Trace guidelines
- Stay on marked trails to protect cryptobiotic soil
- Pack out all trash
- Limited campfires only in designated grills
Arches National Park might look sturdy with all that sandstone, but the ecosystem can be fragile. Venturing off-trail breaks the surface soil crust. Once destroyed, it could take decades to recover. During one of our visits, we encountered footprints off the designated path, slicing through living soil. It was a clear reminder of how even well-meaning visitors can cause harm.
Leave No Trace principles help protect the desert. They’re straightforward: dispose of waste properly, respect wildlife, and be considerate of other visitors. Arches National Park doesn’t allow fires outside of official campground grills. Gathering firewood is also prohibited because dead wood provides shelter for desert creatures. If you’re new to these guidelines, the National Park Service has an excellent overview.
We also suggest packing reusable water bottles and cloth shopping bags to cut down on single-use plastic. On hot days, you’ll need a lot of water anyway, so a larger reusable container can be handy. If you plan to explore multiple parks in one trip, the knowledge you gain at Arches about preserving delicate terrain will serve you well at places like North Cascades National Park in the Springtime or Rocky Mountain National Park Late Winter & Spring Travel Guide.
Our toddler loved picking up small rocks, so we explained that everything should stay where it is. Even a tiny stone contributes to the natural scene. We turned it into a fun game, asking them to “say goodbye” to each rock before placing it gently back. The same goes for “souvenirs.” Taking rocks, plants, or artifacts violates park rules and can disrupt the ecosystem. Sniffy, on the other hand, was happy sniffing around the designated parking lots. He was fascinated by desert scents but never left the official areas. We always cleaned up after him, even if that meant carrying waste bags for miles until finding a trash bin.
Toddlers love to explore—teach them early about keeping parks pristine
Road Trips and Nearby Parks
- Moab’s strategic location near Canyonlands and Dead Horse Point
- Great add-on stops like Capitol Reef or Bryce Canyon
- Tips for combining multiple national parks in one drive
- Advice on traveling with pets and young kids on long stretches
Arches National Park often appears on bucket lists for those driving cross-country. We included it on our epic route from the East Coast to California. Even though we had to break up the journey for our toddler, the park’s proximity to other well-known places made it worthwhile. You can drive roughly 30 minutes to Exploring Canyonlands National Park ‘Island in the Sky’ Section or about an hour to Canyonlands National Park ‘Needles’ Section. Each location offers different desert scenes. For instance, Island in the Sky is known for scenic overlooks, while the Needles area features spiky rock formations.
If you’re traveling from the south, you might also visit Saguaro National Park with Your Dog before heading north. Utah’s other parks—Zion, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, and Capitol Reef—form the “Mighty 5.” We’ve visited each, but Arches stands out for its towering arches that seem almost unreal against the deep blue sky.
When traveling with a beagle, plan frequent rest stops. Our dog loves exploring roadside pull-offs, and the toddler does, too. Extra breaks also let you discover lesser-known viewpoints. We once pulled over at a random scenic area south of Moab and found a hidden canyon. It wasn’t part of any major guidebook, but it became a memorable highlight.
For more tips on extensive road trips with kids and dogs, see Taking Dogs to Grand Canyon National Park or Our Adventure Taking Dogs to Zion National Park. These stories share how we juggled feedings, potty breaks, and the occasional meltdown along the way. Doing a multi-park run can be tiring, but the variety keeps everyone engaged. With strategic planning, even younger travelers can handle a big loop that includes Arches.
A quick selfie stop before hitting the road to the next national park
Family Adventures with a Toddler and Beagle
- Short scenic walks suitable for children
- Pet policies requiring dogs to stay on paved or developed areas
- Off-park adventures for more flexible dog time
- Balancing parental responsibilities during hikes
Traveling with both a toddler and a beagle means adjusting your schedule around feeding times, nap times, and walk times. Arches National Park has strict rules for pets. Dogs aren’t allowed on trails, in the backcountry, or in most buildings. They can only be in parking lots, picnic areas, and paved roads. To make the most of it, we took turns hiking. While one parent explored Delicate Arch Trail, the other stayed in the air-conditioned truck with the dog and toddler, reading stories and snacking. Then we swapped. This way, no one missed out, and we stuck to park rules.
Toddlers usually love exploring visitors’ centers. Ours enjoyed the displays and statues at the entrance station in Arches. We also used that opportunity to grab a Junior Ranger booklet from the rangers, which is fun for older kids. If your child is too young to complete activities, you can still let them color or scribble in the booklet. For more toddler-friendly activities in national parks, check out The US National Parks Junior Ranger Program for Toddlers.
Because we wanted to give Sniffy some off-leash exercise, we found dog-friendly trails outside the park boundaries, like certain Bureau of Land Management (BLM) areas near Moab. BLM lands often allow pets on trails if they’re under voice control or on a leash. It’s worth exploring these options if your pup needs to stretch their legs. You can then focus your time inside the park on seeing key arches and viewpoints.
Our toddler’s favorite part? Sliding down the sand near the Windows Section parking lot. Even though dogs couldn’t join us on the actual trails, the wide vistas from the lot satisfied our beagle’s curiosity. Traveling this way took extra planning, but it rewarded us with lasting memories—like our toddler’s excitement upon spotting deer at sunrise, or the quiet joy of a winter morning among red rocks.
For a deeper look at dog-related rules in southwestern parks, you can glance at Exploring Bryce Canyon National Park with Your Dog, which outlines tips for pet-friendly viewpoints. With enough creativity, a toddler and a dog can both enjoy the desert wonders without missing out on safety or comfort.
Our beagle, Sniffy, and the toddler finding fun at the Arches visitor center
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I bring my dog on the hiking trails at Arches National Park?
No. Dogs must stay in paved or developed areas such as parking lots, roads, and campgrounds. They cannot go on official hiking trails.
2. What is the entrance fee for Arches National Park?
A private vehicle pass is typically $30 for seven days. Consider the America the Beautiful Annual Pass if you plan to visit multiple national parks.
3. Is Arches suitable for very young children?
Yes, with caution. Some trails are short and relatively flat. Plan around naps and use strollers in paved areas only. Also, watch the heat in summer.
4. Which season is best for avoiding crowds?
Winter and early spring usually have fewer visitors. However, roads may close after snowstorms. Fall can be a good balance of moderate crowds and cooler weather.
5. Are there any guided tours I should consider?
Yes. The Fiery Furnace area requires a permit or ranger-led tour. These tours help visitors navigate the maze-like terrain safely.
6. Can I see arches without hiking long distances?
Absolutely. Many arches are visible from short walks near parking lots, such as the Windows Section or Balanced Rock. Delicate Arch can be viewed from a lower viewpoint if you can’t do the full hike.
7. Does Arches National Park have a Junior Ranger program?
Yes, our toddler was able to complete the Junior Ranger workbook and get the Junior Ranger badge for both Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park.
We’ve visited Arches National Park during both a snowy Christmas and a cold sun-kissed September, and each time gave us unique memories. From the shapes of the arches to the dynamic desert wildlife, the park offers more than just a picturesque background—it inspires awe and respect for geological wonders. Whether you’re stopping by on a cross-country trip or making it the centerpiece of a family vacation, Arches rewards visitors with vivid landscapes and lasting moments. Enjoy your stay, and don’t forget to leave the desert just as you found it. Safe travels!
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