Discover the Best Time to Visit Arches National Park
The Best Time of Year to Visit Arches National Park
TL;DR: We visited in early May as part of our Utah Might Five Road Trip and we highly recommend early spring as the best time of year to visit the park! BUT, depending on your preferences and priorities, you might come to a different conclusion.
From its iconic Delicate Arch to the mesmerizing Devils Garden, Arches (and nearby Moab) lived up to the hype. And with around 1.5 million visitors per year, it’s important to plan.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive into the park’s seasonal highlights, weather patterns, and visitor trends to help you plan your perfect trip. We can hardly wait for you to embark on an unforgettable journey to Arches National Park!
Weather and Climate
Arches is located in Moab, Utah. And since this is the heart of southern Utah, it is crucial to understand the weather and climate conditions to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit. Here is what you need to know:
Average Temperature Year Round
Arches National Park is located in the high desert, which means that temperatures can vary significantly between day and night.
During the summer months, the park can experience scorching daytime temperatures, reaching up to 100°F (38°C). However, during the winter months, temperatures drop dramatically, and visitors can expect to experience freezing temperatures at night.
The average temperature throughout the year is around 60°F (16°C), making spring and fall the best times to visit.
We visited Arches in early May (just before Memorial Day) and the weather was extremely pleasant. Mid-day temperatures hovered around 73°F, which made for perfect hiking conditions. Our overnight temperatures stayed in the high 40s and lower 50s. In other words, it’s the perfect season to consider visiting.
Rainy Season and Flash Floods
Although the park is relatively dry, it does experience rainy seasons that can lead to flash floods, especially during the monsoon months of July through September. You need to keep an eye on the weather forecast and be aware of the signs of flash flooding.
During our visit, we were surprised to experience thunderstorms nearly every mid-to-late afternoon. It seemed as if the days were perfect right up until about 4 or 5pm. At that time, clouds would start to roll in and a thunderstorm would pass.
While this may sound a bit harrowing, it was actually pretty amazing to experience a desert thunderstorm!
The Best Time to Visit Arches (and avoid the crowds!)
Upwards of 1.5 million visitors descend upon Moab each year to make their way to Arches. As a result, it’s important to plan your visit based on the crowds and tourists. Here are some tips to help you decide when to visit the park (and potentially avoid the busy season!)
Peak Season
Arches National Park is busiest during the peak season, which runs from March to October. During this time, the park sees a surge of visitors, causing increased traffic in parking lots and long wait times at the visitor center. If you plan on visiting during the peak season, it’s important to arrive early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
We predicted that early-May would be the perfect time to visit Arches National Park. We figured that schools were still in session in most parts of the country and most families had not quite entered “summer mode.” Our hypothesis that we would avoid busy time proved to be true (or maybe we just got lucky).
While there were definitely still plenty of people at the park, a park ranger told us that it was significantly less-busier than if we would have visited even a month later.
Off-Season
If you prefer to avoid the crowds, the off-season is the best time to visit Arches National Park. The off-season runs from November to February, and the park sees a significant decrease in visitors. During this time, the weather can be unpredictable, with occasional snowfall and icy conditions. However, the park is still accessible, and you can enjoy the quiet beauty of the park without the hustle and bustle of the peak season.
Deciding when to visit Arches National Park depends on your personal preferences. If you enjoy the crowds and a lively atmosphere, the summer might be the best time to visit. However, if you prefer a more peaceful and tranquil experience, the off-season is the perfect time for you. Regardless of when you visit, make sure to plan ahead and prepare for the weather and conditions!
Hiking at Arches National Park
Arches National Park offers a variety of activities and events that cater to all types of visitors. Whether you are a newbie or a seasoned-visitor, there is something for everyone.
Hiking and Trails
The park has over 2,000 natural stone arches and many other geological formations that are best explored on foot. There are trails ranging from easy to difficult and visitors can enjoy a variety of landscapes including rock formations, canyons, and natural arches. Arches can also be an ideal destination for stargazing!
Top 5 Hiking Trails at Arches National Park
We’ve curated a list of the top five hiking trails in the park, ranked by popularity. These trails provide a diverse range of experiences and are well-suited for beginner-hikers!
Delicate Arch Trail:
Length: 3 miles round trip
Strenuous Level: Moderate
Average Time to Complete: 2-3 hours
The Delicate Arch Trail is undoubtedly the most iconic and popular trail at Arches National Park. The trailheads starts at a large parking lot and leads to the awe-inspiring Delicate Arch – a freestanding arch that has become an enduring symbol of the state of Utah. While the trail presents a moderate level of difficulty, it rewards hikers with unparalleled vistas of the surrounding red rock canyons. Watching the sunset cast its warm glow upon Delicate Arch is an experience that should not be missed.
Landscape Arch Trail:
Length: 1.6 miles round trip
Strenuous Level: Easy
Average Time to Complete: 1-1.5 hours
For those seeking an easier hike, the Landscape Arch Trail is an excellent choice. This trail takes hikers on a leisurely stroll through an enchanting landscape, leading to the remarkable Landscape Arch—a delicate and slender natural arch spanning over 290 feet. It is a family-friendly hike that showcases the park’s captivating beauty!
Double Arch Trail:
Length: 0.5 miles round trip
Strenuous Level: Easy
Average Time to Complete: 30 minutes
This brief trail leads to an extraordinary sight—the magnificent Double Arch, which consists of two arches that share a common stone base. It’s an accessible trail that allows visitors to marvel at the scale of these impressive rock formations.
Balanced Rock Trail:
Length: 0.3 miles round trip
Strenuous Level: Easy
Average Time to Complete: 15-20 minutes
The Balanced Rock Trail offers a unique experience, allowing hikers to witness the park’s famous geological oddity—a massive sandstone boulder precariously balanced on a slender pedestal. This short and easy trail offers an up-close encounter with the fascinating forces of erosion and time. You will appreciate the short distance and minimal effort required to enjoy this captivating natural wonder.
The Windows Trail:
Length: 1 mile round trip
Strenuous Level: Easy
Average Time to Complete: 1 hour
The Windows Trail is a classic and popular hike that takes you to two of the most recognizable arches in the park: North Window and South Window. The trail begins at the Windows parking area and leads you through a sandy path, allowing you to experience the impressive size and beauty of these arches up close.
Conclusion
The best time to visit Arches National Park is during the spring and fall seasons. Moab is lovely during this time of year and it made for a memorable trip.
During spring and fall, the weather is mild and comfortable for outdoor activities such as hiking and exploring the park’s breathtaking landscapes. You can also avoid the crowds during the park’s summer months.
However, if you prefer warmer temperatures and don’t mind the crowds, then summer may be the best time for you to visit (as long as you bring plenty of water!) Regardless of when you decide to go, make sure to plan ahead and be prepared for the weather conditions.
With its unique rock formations and stunning vistas, Arches National Park is a must-see destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike!
