Arches National Park preserves over 2,000 natural sandstone arches, like the world-famous Wall Arch that recently fell (below you'll see where the arch fell and no longer remains a natural bridge). In some areas, the forces of nature have exposed millions of years of geologic history.

The extraordinary features of the park create a landscape of contrasting colors, landforms and textures that is unlike any other in the world. Coming here is a way to get away from the hustle and bustle of modern life, and also a way to get back to nature for inspiration, guidance and hope. Together, we will continue to preserve this amazing natural resource, and many others too!

Register and Login to downoad the Park Map and Brochure. It's Free!

The Dirt is Alive!

When exploring the Arches Park, stay on trails, roadways or slickrock to protect fragile cryptobiotic soil crust. The dirt is alive! A living crust called "Biological Soil Crust" covers much of Arches and the surrounding area. Composed of algae, lichens and bacteria, this crust provides a secure foundation for desert plants.

These tiny organisms are critical to all life in the desert, and it's up to each of us to do our part to protect the park.

Visiting the Arches National Park

The entrance to Arches is located 5 miles north of Moab, UT along Highway 191.

If you really want to get the most out of Arches Park, plan on spending at least a long day here. There's a lot to explore, starting with the scenic drive and spectacular viewpoints. You can coose from shorter trails with some easy access views to much longer hikes that lead that to many spectacular rock formations, including Delicate Arch.

Camping At Arches

For longer stays, the Devils Garden Campground provides an excellent base camp for multi-day trips. Sites at the Devils Garden Campground are $15 per night. Devils Garden has 52 sites with fire rings, picnic tables, bathrooms and running water (no showers). Some sites will accommodate RVs up to 30 feet long, however RV Hookups are not available. From March through October, it is not uncommon for the campground to fill by 7:30 a.m.

The park also has some wonderful programs you should avail yourself of including interpretive programs, guided walks, short talks and campfire programs that are offered daily March through October.

Fiery Furnace Guided Walk

Rangers lead walks into the Fiery Furnace twice each day. The cost is $10 for adults; $5 for children 6 to 12 years old and Golden Age Pass holders. Group size is limited, and walks often fill a day or two in advance. Reservations can only be made in person at the visitor center up to seven days in advance. Maximum tour size is 25 people, 10 of whom may be from a single party. Larger groups can attend separate walks or request a special tour by contacting the park; a minimum of four weeks notice is advised.

Hours of Operation

Arches is open year-round, 24 hours a day. The visitor center is open daily during the following hours:

• April through October: 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
• November through March: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The visitor center is closed on December 25th.

Aside from the visitor centers and bathrooms, there are no facilities in Arches. Gas, groceries, lodging and other amenities are available in Moab.

Visitor Information
(435) 719-2299

Headquarters
(435) 719-2100

Wall Arch Collapses - Garden Trail Temporarily Closed

Wall Arch, one of the more photographed and beloved arches in Arches National Park, collapsed late Monday, August 4, 2008 or early Tuesday the next day - as reported by the Associated Press on Yahoo!. Wall arch was more than 33 feet tall and 71 feet across (see picture below), ranking 12th in size among the park's estimated 2,000 arches.

It was not the first to collapse, not will it be the last. Gravity and erosion - aided by pollutiom - are taking their toll on all the arches.

The last arch to collapse was Landscape Arch in 1991.

Wall Arch was situated along the popular Garden Trail, and it's easy to see why it became a favorite of photographers. Park officials descovered stress fractures in the remaining structure, and so the trail will be closed until it's deemed safe and they can clean up the debris. The closure extends from Double 0 Arch to Wall Arch.

Location