Arches National Park
National park · Grand County ·
Red rock landscape with over 2,000 natural sandstone arches
Red rock landscape with over 2,000 natural sandstone arches
"I was told Utah has vowed to keep its parks accessible, and under the NPS contingency plan accessible areas such as roads, lookouts, trails, and open-air sites at Arches would generally remain open, though visitor centers would be closed and the park could be shut if access became a safety, health, or resource-protection issue." - Jessica Puckett
"I note that Utah has promised to keep Arches accessible during the shutdown as part of the state's effort to keep its 'Mighty Five' parks open to visitors despite the federal funding lapse." - Jessica Puckett
"I found the park to be a 76,000-acre sweep of desert packed with thousands of natural sandstone sculptures just minutes from Moab; Arches National Park draws around 1.5 million visitors a year and offers hiking, biking, climbing, canyoneering, and horseback riding. The park can be experienced at any pace—from adrenaline-filled adventures to slow moments of awe—and it runs a timed-entry system during peak months (7 a.m. to 4 p.m.) while remaining open 24 hours, so plan ahead. Prepare for dry heat by drinking water and packing salty snacks, be mindful of wildfire season in summer and fall, and consider visiting in spring or autumn for milder temps and fewer crowds; winter is quieter but colder with possible icy trails." - Stephanie Vermillion Stephanie Vermillion Stephanie Vermillion is a travel journalist and photographer covering culture and adventure for Travel + Leisure Outside, and more. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"This park operates a timed-entry reservation program during peak hours to reduce traffic and parking congestion; visitors typically need to reserve an entry window weeks to months in advance (or sometimes the day before), though early-morning, evening, or nighttime visits can often avoid the restriction. Because staffing and services can be limited, check the park website or app for real-time updates, arrive self-sufficient with water and supplies, and be flexible with timing." - Stephanie Vermillion Stephanie Vermillion Stephanie Vermillion is a travel journalist and photographer covering culture and adventure for Travel + Leisure Outside, and more. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"Home to the Delicate Arch hike, which was a highlight of the trip, and notable for big daytime temperature swings — hikers experienced warm, 80-degree days but freezing nights, so be prepared to use propane heat in the RV after sunset." - Ellen Carpenter