Seeing Arches National Park in person is a spectacular and sensational experience, but it’s important to plan your trip with the weather in mind. You may be wondering if Arches is open year-round, what the weather will be like, or what will be open while you’re there.
Arches is open 365 days per year, 24 hours per day. Most activities and roads stay open year-round in this park, making it a great place to visit at any time!
If the main park road is open, you can enter and exit the park as you please, even if the entrance station isn’t staffed and collecting fees.
My name is Ash, and I’m a former park ranger. I live in Utah and visit Arches all the time, so I am thrilled to help you plan a trip of your own!
I can’t wait to share what you need to know about visiting Arches National Park year-round, including hours, closures, and the weather you can expect while you vacation in this magnificent national park. Let’s get started!
Is Arches National Park Open Year-Round?
Arches is open 365 days per year, 24 hours per day. This means that if you want to hike a trail at sunrise, you will be able to get in, and if you want to stargaze at 2 a.m., you’ll be able to get out. Open roads are not gated.
However, this does not mean that all of the activities and points of interest will be open for you at all times.
For example:
- The visitor center doesn’t stay open 24/7.
- The entrance station is not always staffed.
- The main park road is sometimes closed temporarily due to snow or ice.
- Some trails aren’t advised during certain types of weather/conditions.
Closures of this nature are common year-round, so let’s discuss what may be closed even if the park itself is open.
Operating Hours for Arches National Park
Arches Visitor Center Hours
The Arches Visitor Center is the park’s only visitor center and it is located just inside the entrance to the park. Rangers are on-site to answer any questions, and you can also find more information about the park from the exhibits and bookstore inside. The Arches Visitor Center is open year-round, but the hours vary depending on the season.
From March-October, the visitor center is open from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., but these hours are reduced to 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. from November-February. The visitor center is completely closed on major holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas. Ranger-led programs are typically only offered in the spring, summer, and fall.
Arches Entrance Station Hours
Arches National Park has one entrance station, which is located off Highway 191 and only about five miles away from Moab, Utah.
The entrance to Arches is open year-round, 24 hours a day, but overcrowding has been a big issue in this park lately. Park rangers may have to temporarily turn people away or implement a reservation system at the entrance station during the busiest times of the year. Be sure to check the current conditions before you head out to the park.
You can expect the entrance station to be staffed early in the morning until late at night during the spring, summer, and fall, with shorter hours during the winter.
If the entrance station is staffed, you will be required to pay the park entrance fee before exploring Arches’ trails and viewpoints. If the entrance is not staffed, you can drive on through.
Common Closures in Arches National Park
Arches Lodging Closures
Arches only has one in-park campground, the Devils Garden Campground. This campground is open year-round, but reservations are required if you plan on staying from March – October. Sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis from November – February.
You can make reservations as early as 6 months in advance on recreation.gov.
The nearby town of Moab has numerous camping and lodging options just outside of Arches National Park. If you want to explore all of the best options in the area, read all about where to stay while visiting Arches.
Common Road Closures in Arches
There is only one main road that runs through Arches. Fortunately, it is paved, and weather conditions are usually mild, so it typically stays open year-round. If it snows, this road may close for a few hours to be plowed. During the busy seasons, congested traffic is common and may cause temporary entrance delays.
You’ll find a few backcountry (unpaved) roads inside of Arches (like this fun jeeping route). These roads can become impassable after heavy rain, so you’ll want to check the current conditions at the visitor center before you go.
Common Trail Closures in Arches
Trails typically stay open year-round in Arches thanks to nice temperatures and mild weather conditions. However, some trails may become more difficult to access following heavy rain or snow.
For example:
- If you are planning to hike the Tower Arch Trail, you’ll want to check road conditions before heading out since this trailhead begins along a dirt road.
- Hiking the primitive section of the Devils Garden Trail is not recommended if the ground is wet due to slippery conditions on the slickrock.
- Lightning and flash floods are common during the summer, so watch the weather and stay out of areas like the Fiery Furnace or the Devils Garden if flash flood watches or warnings have been issued.
- Portions of the Delicate Arch and Devils Garden Trails often have lingering snow/ice during the winter. You may want to rent traction devices for your shoes if you plan on hiking a longer trail.
Temporary trail closures may happen due to construction projects or unsafe conditions, so check the current conditions in Arches before you go.
What is the Weather Like in Arches?
Arches is located in southeast Utah, which is considered a high desert region that experiences wide ranges of temperatures. The temperatures can fluctuate almost 40 degrees in one day. So, while Arches is open year-round, you may experience large weather discrepancies depending on when you visit.
Take a look at the average highs and lows (in degrees Fahrenheit) and snow levels (in inches) in Arches National Park:
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sept | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg High (F) | 44 | 52 | 64 | 71 | 82 | 93 | 100 | 97 | 88 | 74 | 56 | 45 |
| Avg Low (F) | 22 | 28 | 35 | 42 | 51 | 60 | 67 | 66 | 55 | 42 | 30 | 23 |
| Avg Snow (“) | 4.5 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.4 | 3.5 |
| Avg Rain (“) | 0.6 | 0.5 | 0.7 | 0.8 | 0.7 | 0.4 | 0.9 | 1 | 0.9 | 1.2 | 0.6 | 0.5 |
Winter Weather in Arches
Temperatures can get cold during the winter in Arches. The highs average between 30-50 degrees. Large snowstorms are not common, but small amounts of snow and ice are possible and can make trails much more difficult to travel.
Since Arches doesn’t usually get large amounts of snowfall, you won’t find typical winter activities in the park. Hiking is the most popular way to enjoy the sights during the winter months!
This time of year filters out the heavy crowds and provides a more tranquil time to visit the park. If you can brave the cold temperatures, you might enjoy the contrast of sparkling snow against this red rock wonderland. Winter can be a beautiful time to visit!
Spring Weather in Arches
Spring is one of the most popular times to visit Arches because temperatures are very comfortable and perfect for exploring. Daytime highs can range from the 60s to 80s and you can fully explore the park at this time of year!
Spring is the perfect time to enjoy hiking, rock climbing, canyoneering, stargazing, and camping. You might even see desert wildflowers blooming this time of year.
Traffic and crowding in Arches can be terrible.
Did you know that it’s common to be turned away from full parking lots in this park?
Are you hoping to see the best sights without getting stuck in traffic, circling parking lots, or being surrounded by people?
Stay ahead of the crowds with this Arches Itinerary. You will see all of the can’t-miss spots, plus get lodging and dining guides, driving directions, and insider tips!
Summer Weather in Arches
Summer temperatures in Arches can get hot, often reaching 100 degrees or more. The higher temperatures can make hiking the trails feel much more strenuous than during other seasons.
The summer season also means summer thunderstorms and these can often cause flash floods, which can close roads or trails temporarily.
Hiking is still a popular activity this time of year as long as you’re prepared with extra water and sunscreen. You might enjoy taking a break from the hotter temperatures by jeeping in Arches or Canyonlands or rafting the Colorado River.
Autumn Weather in Arches
Autumn is an extremely busy time to visit Arches National Park. This is because the temperatures are ideal for enjoying all of the sights this park has to offer!
High temps can range from the 70s-80s. A rain shower isn’t out of the question, but weather conditions are near perfect this time of year. You can enjoy all of the popular activities this time of year including hiking, rock climbing, canyoneering, stargazing, and camping.
So now you may be asking yourself, when is the best time to visit Arches?
Now that you know you can visit Arches year-round, click next to see my specific recommendations for the best times to visit Arches National Park.
More Arches Trip Planning Information
Arches Itinerary — a detailed hour-by-hour sightseeing schedule.
How to Get to Arches — the best airports and roads in the area.
How Many Days Should I Spend in Arches? — itinerary ideas.
The Best Time to Visit — what to expect during each month of the year.
Where Should I Stay? — the best options in and around the park.
All About Camping — learn about the park’s campgrounds and how to get a site.
10 Things You Can’t Miss on Your First Visit to Arches — the top 10 spots.
The Best Easy Hikes — the perfect trails for kids, wheelchairs, and beginners.
Best Things to Do — activities for every adventurer.
The Ultimate Arches Trip Planning Guide — everything you need to know.
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