Arches has the highest concentration of natural stone arches in the world: according to the National Park Service, more than 2,000, carved by wind and water into the red sandstone of eastern Utah. The most famous, Delicate Arch, became the state's symbol and even appears on a quarter. For several years, entering in peak season required booking a timed entry slot, and many travelers still think that is the case. In 2026 the rule changed. This guide explains how to visit Arches National Park: whether you need a reservation, what entry costs, what international visitors pay, what the Delicate Arch hike is like, what to see in one day and how to get to Moab. Last checked November 6, 2026.
In short
- Reservation needed in 2026? Not to enter the park, according to an NPS announcement from February 2026. Yes for camping and for Fiery Furnace.
- Entrance. $30 per vehicle, $25 per motorcycle and $15 per person on foot or by bike, valid for 7 days.
- International visitors. Arches is not one of the eleven parks that charge nonresidents the $100 surcharge.
- Hours. Open 24 hours a day, all year.
Do you need a reservation to enter Arches in 2026?
No. According to the National Park Service announcement of February 18, 2026, the park does not require timed entry reservations this year. That is a big change, because in previous seasons, from spring to fall, you had to book an entry time on Recreation.gov. What still requires a reservation, according to the same announcement, is the Devils Garden campground and the Fiery Furnace hikes, both self-guided and ranger-led.
No reservation doesn't mean no lines. In the busiest months, the park entrance backs up by mid-morning and the Delicate Arch and Devils Garden parking lots fill up. Arrive early, before 8 a.m., or in the afternoon.
Arches entrance fees
| Type of entry | Price |
|---|---|
| Private vehicle | $30 |
| Motorcycle | $25 |
| Per person, on foot or bicycle | $15 |
Source: National Park Service, November 2026. The pass is valid for 7 days.
The good news for international visitors is that Arches is not on the list of eleven parks that, since 2026, charge nonresidents an extra $100 per person; that list includes Zion, Bryce Canyon, the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone, among others. If you are entering several of those parks on the same trip, the $250 nonresident annual pass, which the NPS also sells at Arches, may be worth it. We run the numbers in US national parks for international visitors.
Delicate Arch: the hike
This is the park's most famous hike and the one almost everyone wants to do. According to the NPS, it is 4.8 kilometers (3 miles) round trip, with about 146 meters (480 feet) of elevation gain on a trail that climbs steadily, much of it over bare slickrock with no shade. At the top, the arch appears suddenly as you round a corner, on the rim of a kind of stone amphitheater.
- When to go. At sunset, when the arch glows orange; it's also the busiest time. Sunrise is quieter.
- Heat. The NPS warns about summer heat and winter ice, and notes that rangers frequently rescue people who underestimate the hike.
- Less walking. There are two viewpoints: the lower one, 91 flat meters (100 yards) from the parking lot, and the upper one, 0.8 kilometers (half a mile) with stairs, with a slightly better view.
- Watch the parking. If the trailhead lot is full and you park at the viewpoint lot, you add 1.6 kilometers (1 mile) along the road to the trailhead, for a total of about 8 kilometers (5 miles).
What to see in Arches in one day
- Balanced Rock. A huge boulder balanced on a pillar, visible from the road.
- The Windows and Double Arch. Several large arches a few minutes' walk from the parking lot, ideal if you don't want long hikes.
- Delicate Arch. The classic hike, best at sunset.
- Devils Garden and Landscape Arch. At the end of the road; Landscape Arch spans about 88 meters (290 feet), the longest arch in the park, according to Wikipedia.
A full day is enough for the highlights. With two, you can add the long Devils Garden hike and, if you get a reservation, Fiery Furnace, a maze of rock walls.
How to get to Arches National Park
The park is about 6 kilometers (4 miles) north of Moab, a town that serves as the base for visiting Arches and Canyonlands, according to Wikipedia. Moab has hotels, restaurants and tour companies. To get there:
- From Salt Lake City. The most practical major airport, about four hours away by car.
- From Las Vegas. About seven hours; it makes most sense as part of a Utah parks road trip with Zion and Bryce. See Zion and Bryce from Las Vegas.
- From Monument Valley. About two and a half hours north.
You'll need a car to get around; read driving with a foreign license.
When to go to Arches
Spring and fall are ideal, with mild days for hiking. Summer is very hot, and on the red rock it feels even hotter: if you go in July or August, hike at sunrise and rest through midday. Winter is cold, sometimes with snow on the arches, a beautiful sight with very few people, although ice makes some trails slippery. The park sits between about 1,245 and 1,723 meters (4,085 and 5,653 feet) of elevation, according to Wikipedia, so nights are cool most of the year.
Where to stay: Moab as your base
Almost every visitor sleeps in Moab, a few minutes from the entrance. The town has everything from simple motels to hotels with pools, plus campgrounds and lodging along the Colorado River. In spring and fall it fills up with mountain bikers and off-road fans, so book ahead. Staying nearby has a huge advantage at Arches: you can enter at sunrise, when the light is best and it's cool, head back to town for lunch and return for sunset at Delicate Arch.
Arches with kids
It's one of the easiest parks to visit as a family, because several of its big arches are a few minutes' walk from the parking lot. The Windows and Double Arch area is the most comfortable for little ones, with short, nearly flat paths. For Delicate Arch, think carefully about whether the kids can handle the climb and the heat; the lower viewpoint is a good alternative. Bring extra water, hats and snacks, because there are no stores inside the park.
Practical tips
- Water. Carry at least one liter per person for every hour of hiking in summer.
- Cell service. Much of the park has no coverage: download the map before you go in.
- Don't climb on the arches. It's prohibited and dangerous.
- Combine it with Canyonlands, another national park a short drive from Moab, with enormous canyon overlooks.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a reservation for Arches in 2026?
Not to enter the park. You do for the Devils Garden campground and for Fiery Furnace, according to the NPS.
How much is the entrance fee for Arches National Park?
$30 per vehicle, $25 per motorcycle and $15 per person on foot or by bike, valid for 7 days.
Does Arches charge foreign visitors the $100 surcharge?
No. Arches is not on the list of eleven parks with a nonresident surcharge.
How long does the Delicate Arch hike take?
It's 4.8 kilometers round trip with 146 meters of elevation gain. Allow two to three hours, including time for photos.
Where is Arches National Park?
In eastern Utah, about 6 kilometers north of Moab.
How many arches are there in Arches?
More than 2,000 natural arches, according to the National Park Service.
What are the hours of Arches National Park?
The park is open 24 hours a day, all year, according to the NPS. The visitor center is open daily except December 25.