10 Tips for Hiking in Arches National Park

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When exploring the outdoors, I encourage you to follow Leave No Trace Principles and be respectful of where you are so we can preserve these spaces for future generations. ♥️

Want to know the unique challenges you’ll face hiking in Arches National Park?

Arches National Park might not be known as a hiker’s park, but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t some excellent trails worth exploring. I am more used to hiking in the mountains, which meant that it was a bit of a learning curve for me to learn to hike in a desert environment. Arches was the first place that I really learned how, and it was a completely different experience.

Our biggest struggle? Getting lost. While I felt I was pretty prepared with how much water I had with me and my gear that I brought, I definitely underestimated how difficult it can be to find the trail when the area had seen rain over the past few days.

Between the heat, finding the trail when it has been washed out, and knowing how much water to bring, our time hiking would have been a lot better if I had taken the time to do a little research before we went. It’s a lot to keep in mind, but totally doable if you follow some of these tips.

Here are the things I found that I wish I had known before hiking in Arches and some recommendations to help you avoid the same issues I had when we explored this incredible park through its trails.

In summary: This article breaks down the tips I wish I had known before hiking in Arches, as well as personal recommendations so you feel prepared hitting the trail.

Quick tip: If you plan to visit both Arches and Canyonlands in one day, I recommend getting up incredible early so you can see both. This will help you avoid the heat!

1. Start early or go in the evening

Arches gets hot–I mean, really hot. The best time to visit is typically during the spring or fall, but many of us need to head to the park during the summer since that’s when we’re on vacation! Daniel and I are a bit more flexible, but even visiting in October we chose to hit up the main things to do in the park in the morning to avoid the heat.

Consider getting in before the park requires reservations. Not only does this allow you to bypass the whole reservation system, but it allows you to enjoy the trails without the crowds and without dealing with the most sweltering part of the day.

2. Use that sun protection

Hats, sunscreen, and sunglasses are all going to be essential items that you will need in order to make sure that you enjoy your time on the trail instead of sporting a sunburn for the next few days after. You might even want to consider a UV-protected, long sleeve shirt so you’re extra safe from those strong rays.

I reapplied sunscreen often and we chose to visit during fall when the sun isn’t so intense in Utah, but even then I could definitely feel the heat while hiking and was glad I took the time to pack some hot weather-friendly clothes.

3. Make sure you have the right footwear

While hiking boots might have been overkill, I was really glad I had them while we were hiking in Arches. Because you are dealing with a lot of slick rock and the terrain can be varied, having support can make all the difference when you want to stay upright. I wore what I usually do when I hike, which are a pair of the Salomon Quest 4 GTX boots, but a solid pair of trailrunners would work, as well.

You might also want to consider a waterproof hiking boots or trailrunners if rain looks like it might be in the forecast. Better to be safe than sorry!

4. Stay on the trail

When hiking in the desert, it isn’t always easy to know where the trail is–especially if it gets washed out. I really recommend downloading the trail map online before you go so you have an easier time following it. Daniel and I noticed that even if we thought we were going the right way, it was super easy to step off the trail.

A map that can guide you can be a great tool since it allows you to see where you are and help you to avoid stepping in areas where you shouldn’t, which also helps to preserve the area and is one of the main principles of Leave No Trace.

5. Stay hydrated

Remember–you’re in in the desert! Water is going to be super essential on your Arches National Park itinerary, and you’re probably going to want more than you think you will. I usually bring at least one liter with me on an easy hike, and often much more when I know I am taking on something strenuous.

One of the great things about Arches is that they have water fountains located at almost every major trailhead, so you can easily fill up before you head out hiking. I also recommend you keep some water in your car for when you finish up and you need to rehydrate. Electrolytes can help with that too!

Quick tip: This is when a reusable water bottle can come in handy! Since full up stations are common, having your water bottle ready can help to make sure you are drinking enough water on your hikes.

6. Check conditions beforehand

Desert storms can move in fast, and the area around Moab is notorious for flash flooding. That’s why the day before you plan on heading to the park, I recommend checking the weather report and asking some locals what they think. This can give you a decent idea of what to expect before you hit the trail.

Extreme heat is another thing to consider. While it might be frustrating to have to skip a day in the park if you are dealing with weather issues, this is a classic case of “it’s better to be safe than sorry.” Also, knowing what time of year you are planning to go and what the typical weather patterns are during this time can help you to be a bit more prepared.

7. Head to the visitor center

Arches National Park has one visitor center, but it’s a wealth of information about the park and can be a great place to start if you are unsure about what you shouldn’t miss while you are there. This is also where you are guaranteed to find a park ranger or two who can clue you in to which hike might be the best for you and your group.

I definitely recommend you make a quick stop here even if you have an idea of what you would like to do when you’re in the park. Rangers can also let you know if there have been any trail closures or if there is any other information you should keep in mind before you set out.

8. Expect parking to be limited

Finding a parking space at the busiest hikes in Arches can be a struggle. Hikes like the Delicate Arch hike and the Double O hike are especially tough to get a space at since they are the most popular and the parking options aren’t meant for a ton of people. Even when we were there at a less-busy time of the year, it took us some time to find a spot.

Being patient and being willing to return to spots can be your best strategy. The park is not that big, so if you need to turn around and come back at another time, it’s not the end of the world.

Quick tip: I recommend that you start at the far end of the park near Devils Garden. Getting there first means you’re more likely to get a spot, and then you will work your way back to the entrance after other visitors have come and gone from other busy attractions.

9. Do your research

I’m all for being spontaneous on adventures, but this can be really difficult at crowded national parks. Having a plan beforehand can set you up with the knowledge you need to make the most of your hiking trips while in the park.

For example, Daniel and I impulsively decided to take on the Primitive Trail in Devils Garden. We ended up very lost, I ended up having a panic attack, and it really soured what could have been an amazing time. If we have done our research, we would have known that this trail specifically is hard to follow.

10. Expect limited cell service

Likewise, downloading your trail maps can be difficult when there is very little to no cell service depending on where you are in the park. We were able to get out of our Primitive Trail ordeal by getting high enough up where we could download a map, but that was sheer luck.

You’re also going to want to have your reservation ticket screenshotted to show at the entrance to the park. This will guarantee that you will get in instead of worrying whether or not it will load when you need it to. Embrace the fact that you won’t be getting those pesky notifications when you’re trying to enjoy Arches!

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Conclusion: tips for hiking in Arches

I hope this article has been helpful for you when you are planning on making the most of your hikes in Arches and you want to make sure you are prepared. I tried to break down the things I wish I had known before setting out on my hikes, and to include some information that might help you decide what to bring with you, as well as how to get parking and weather.

Have any tips for hiking in Arches National Park? Let me know in the comments!