FAQ: Hike to Delicate Arch in Arches National Park
There’s a lot to do in preparing for a trip to tour Utah’s parklands. As you’re getting ready for a once-in-a-lifetime trip to visit the world-famous Arches National Park, it can help to gather some essential information. So, here are some helpful answers provided by Red River outback Utah tour guides to frequently asked questions about visiting Arches park:
What Is the Best Month to Visit Arches National Park?
The best time to visit Arches National Park is early springtime or late fall. Ideally, April or May are excellent months to visit during the spring. There aren’t as many people in the park as in the summer, and the weather tends to be the best of the entire year. Daily highs range from 73°F to 84°F. Daily lows range from 47°F to 57°F.
How Long Does It Take To Go Through Arches National Park?
The scenic drive through Arches park is approximately 18 miles in one direction, or a total of around 45 miles. Allow at least 4 to 5 hours for driving the full length of the road through the park, and plan for brief stops along the way of at least 5 to 30 minutes each to enjoy some scenic views. If you’re going to hike to the Arches, plan more time. There are, of course, also many great options for day hikes in Arches National Park. You may decide to plan several trips to explore a few trails that capture your interest.
Do You Have to Pay to Get Into Arches National Park?
Your ticket for admission to the park is good for 7 days. You can exit and reenter throughout the 7 days. Here are the admission fees for Arches National Park:
- Private Vehicle Fee: $30.00 for a non-commercial private vehicle with 15 or fewer passengers.
- Motorcycle Fee: $25.00 for a non-commercial motorcycle and the riders.
- A Person Without a Vehicle: $15.00 for an individual without a car, such as a hiker, bicyclist, or pedestrian. Admission is free for youths aged 15 or under.
- Timed Entry Ticket: From April 3 through October 3, 2022, you will need a reservation to enter the park! Timed Entry Ticket Fee: $2.00. Make reservations at recreation.gov or call (877) 444-6777. It is not possible to make reservations at the park offices or entrances.
- Annual Pass: $80 admits one non-commercial vehicle or the pass holder into the park.
- Southeast Utah Parks Pass: $55.00 for one year from the month issued. Admits one non-commercial vehicle or the pass holder to Canyonlands and Arches national parks and Natural Bridges National Monument.
Check the park service website for more complete information on admissions prices.
Can You Just Drive Around Arches National Park?
Yes, you can. But, how long does it take to drive through Arches National Park? That really just depends on your interest in the park. You can drive through Arches park in just a couple of hours to take in the scenery from the car window. Or, you can spend most of the day making your way through the 36 miles of gorgeous terrain on the road through the park, stopping to take your time at some of the many spots offering breathtaking panoramic vistas.
How Early Do You Need to Get to Arches National Park?
The park is normally open 24 hours a day all year long. It is extremely busy in Arches park from March through October. It is strongly recommended that you arrive at the park well before 8 am or after 3 pm to avoid very dense traffic. Ideally, you should be at the park by 6 am or 7 am, or after 5 pm, when the traffic is much less. During the longest summer days, sunset is between 8 and 9 pm, so early evening, around 6 pm or 7 pm, is a good time to beat the heat and the heavy mid-day traffic in the park.
Are There Animals in Arches National Park?
The park is home to many indigenous animals, most of which are nocturnal. Some of the common species of animals in Arches National Park include foxes, owls, mountain lions, skunks, ringtails, bats, and a variety of small desert rodents.
Are There Petroglyphs in Arches National Park?
A spectacular wall of petroglyphs in Arches is accessed only about 10 minutes off the Delicate Arch hiking trail (where the trail forks). Also, see the spectacular Dark Angel Pictographs obscured in a quiet and captivating area of Arches National Park. The trailhead to the pictographs is easily accessible in good weather conditions. The pictographs feature hundreds of spellbinding ancient images. Allow at least a half day to walk out to these rock art images and spend abundant time enjoying them.
Is There a River Near Arches National Park?
The Colorado River forms the southern perimeter of Arches National Park. On the other side of the river is the Moab Valley and the world-famous travelers’ haven of charming Moab. Eastward, beyond the Colorado River, the stunning La Sal Mountains tower more than 12,000 above the high desert floor of Utah. To the west is the fascinating Moab Canyon.
For the Best of the Utah Outback – Red River Tours
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For guided hiking, climbing, canyoneering, skiing, or other adventure trips in Utah, call Red River Rafting Tours at (435) 259-4046, or contact us here online anytime!
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