Best time to visit: Spring or fall
Avoid the crowds and the high temperatures during the summer months


If you don't like to be in the hot sun (imagine 100F+) and want to avoid the crowds, then go in spring or fall. We chose to go in March as we liked the red Arches with the snow capped La Sal Mountain range as the background.

I never expected that I would love the desert landscape and tall sandstones structures as much as the mountains. The Arches are giant and majestic and delicate all at the same time. They may look like they can break and fall anytime but they have been surviving for millions of years.

North Window

Most of the famous Arches are easily accessible and a short walk from the parking lot. The Windows (North and South), Turret Arch and Double Arch have gigantic holes in them some as big as a football field.

Turret Arch

Balanced Rock

Park Avenue

Park Avenue

When you are visiting Arches, it is very important to know at what is the best time of the day to visit each Arch. For example, the Landscape Arch looks lit up and spectacular in the mornings, but by afternoon you can hardly recognize it as it is hidden in the shadows.

One problem you might face when you are in Arches National park is the wind that can gust as high as 50mph. The temperatures can drop suddenly especially in winter and spring so always be prepared.

Pine Tree Arch

Delicate Arch is the most famous arch in the park and definitely my favorite. You have to hike a moderately strenuous 1.5 miles to reach the arch but it is definitely worth it.
Tip: Go in the evening to see the red glow of the Arch when the evening sunrays falls on it.