There is a very good reason why Arches National Park in Utah is one of the most visited national parks in the United States.
The park is best traveled slowly, but this guide shows you how to make the most of one day in Arches National Park, including the main attractions, a suggested Arches National Park itinerary, and more!
Visiting Arches National Park is imperative on a Utah road trip! The landscapes are otherworldly, and the hiking in Arches is simply epic.
Planning a trip to Arches National Park is rather simple, but we recommend doing it in advance so you can take advantage of all the Utah national park has to offer.
In this guide, you will be given tips about how to experience Arches National Park in one day, including tips about where to eat nearby and the best places to stay.
Let us know in the comments if you have any questions or comments. We hope to help you plan your trip, regardless of whether you are heading to Arches National Park in winter or during other times of the year!
One Day in Arches National Park Pre-Planning
This next section tells you exactly why you should visit Arches National Park and some of the general questions you may ask before planning your trip.
Quick Facts about Arches NP
Location: Utah
Size: 76,679 acres
Annual Visitors: 1,663,557 (in 2018)
Established: April 12, 1929
Closest big city: Moah, UT
Arches National Park Highlights: Delicate Arch, Landscape Arch, Balanced Rock, Fiery Furnace, Double Arch, Corona Arch, Slickrock Bike Trail, Devil’s Garden Trail, Ute Petroglyphs
Best Time to Visit Arches National Park
The best time to visit Arches National Park is during the shoulder season – spring and fall.
We recommend heading there in April or May or waiting until September until November for an optimal experience. Summer in Arches National Park can be extremely uncomfortable and hot, especially for those looking to do a bit of hiking!
Can you visit Arches in winter? Yes! If you don’t mind cooler temperatures and the possibility of a snow dusting, it is very possible to visit in winter and have a fantastic trip. Prices are at their lowest and it is a great time to travel there.
How Many Days Do You Need in Arches National Park?
How to Get to Arches National Park
Arches National Park Entrance Fee
Arches National Park Visitor Centers
One Day in Arches NP – Things to Do
Arches National Park Winter Activities
Restaurants in Arches National Park (and Nearby)
Arches National Park Itinerary Suggestions + Map
Things to Do Near Arches National Park
Useful Tips for Visiting Arches National Park
Arches National Park – Commonly Asked Questions
Where to Stay
Camping in Arches National Park
Hotels near Arches National Park
Should You Plan an Arches National Park Day Trip?
Additional National Park Reading
Pin This Arches National Park 1 Day Itinerary
Arches National Park is on the unceded land of the Ute (Núu-agha-tʉvʉ-pʉ̱) people. We ask you to join us in acknowledging their community, their elders both past and present, as well as future generations.
We also acknowledge that Arches NP was founded upon exclusions and erasures of many Indigenous peoples, including those on whose land these US National Parks are located.
⇒ Do your research before visiting National Parks and places in the US. Native Land and Whose Land are good starting points.
⇒ Hire Native guides when possible and encourage National Parks and government organizations to start hiring them.
⇒ Donations matter. Part of the proceeds from this blog is donated monthly to the Native Women’s Wilderness.
Megan is a travel blogger and writer with a background in digital marketing. Originally from Richmond, VA, she now splits her time between Frankfurt, Germany and Arctic Finland after also living in Norway, Armenia, and Kazakhstan. She has a passion for winter travel, as well as the Nordic countries, but you can also find her eating her way through Italy, perusing perfume stores in Paris, or taking road trips through the USA. Megan has written for or been featured by National Geographic, Forbes, Lonely Planet, the New York Times, and more. She co-authored Fodor’s Travel ‘Essential Norway’ and has visited 45 US states and 100+ countries.