This post is a guide to visiting Arches National Park in winter.
Arches National Park in Utah is one of the best parks to visit during the winter season. This international dark sky park becomes even more beautiful in winter weather with fewer crowds, cooler temperatures, and incredible rock formations.
The park is open year-round, and winter is the perfect time to see everyone’s favorite things about Arches. This is the best time of year to see one of the best national parks in the nation. Avoiding the peak season means beating the summer heat and a more peaceful time overall.
Pin this post for later!
Related Posts
Best Spots to See Sunrise in Arches National Park
5 Utah National Parks in 5 Days: Road Trip from Las Vegas
30+ Inspiring Adventure Quotes for Your Travel Photos
When to Arches National Park in Winter?
The winter month you pick to visit the park varies a little.
Nov-Dec: Depending on the days you choose, you could be running into holiday crowds.
Jan-Feb: Probably the best time to visit for a winter trip. Fewer people and more snow possibilities.
Mar-Apr: Warmer temperatures, but crowds start to increase. Popular trails will be busy. Avoid Easter for its holiday crowds and Jeep Week typically occurs during this time.
Why Visit Arches National Park in Winter?
Less Crowds
There are far less crowds in the winter months than during summer in Arches National Park. With the exception of major holidays, it truly is a dream come true, having trails and popular viewpoints all to yourself during this time! Parking lots and parking areas are usually empty, even at the best hikes.
No Reservation Tickets Required
During the summer, you need timed entry tickets to enter the park. This means you need to arrive to the park during this time slot and you cannot renter the park if you leave unless you have another ticket. This is stressful!
The ease of visiting during winter means you can come and go as you please. This is great if you’re staying in Moab and plan to visit the town, or other parks in the area like the Canyonlands National Park.
Snow and Red Rocks
If you’re lucky enough to experience snow on your trip, you will find a different kind of beauty of the desert that most don’t experience! Snow glistening on top of the red rocks and natural arches is such a beautiful sight and something you must see in person. It is truly gorgeous!
By visiting in the colder months you beat the extreme heat that occurs during the summer season. While it may not turn into a winter wonderland, small amounts of snow covering the red rock formations is a beautiful sight in itself.
Camping Reservations Not Required
The Devil’s Garden Campground is the only campground in Arches and is available all year round. Luckily, there is even restrooms and drinking water available during winter too. Firewood can be purchased either in town or at the visitor center.
More Affordable
Moab is much more affordable during the winter months, especially with hotels and gas prices! Heavy crowds aren’t frequenting the area so there is less demand for rooms, so hotels lower their prices. See our hotel recommendations below.
Know Before You Go
Buy a Park Pass
You can purchase a pass at the park enterance or online at this website. There are a few different options to choose from. A private vehicle pass is $30 for the week.
If you plan on visiting multiple National Parks in a calendar year then I highly recommend purchasing an America the Beautiful Pass. For $80, you get access to all national parks and even some state parks.
Check Trail Conditions
Most trails in Arches are pretty safe during the winter months, with snow and ice causing a minimal hazard (you should still use caution though if ice is present). There are two trails you should avoid if snow and ice is present: Delicate Arch, Fiery Furnace, and the Devil’s Garden Primitive Loop. Either avoid these altogether if conditions are not ideal or get traction devices or trekking poles.
Check Road Conditions
After a heavy snowfall, sometimes roads in the park close temporarily to allow for plowing. Go to the visitor center for the most up-to-date road status.
Dress Appropriately
When we think of the desert, we think of heat and the sun. However, The desert can get quite cold temperatures in the winter! Temperatures range from highs averaging 30 to 50 F (-1 to 10 C), and lows averaging 0 to 20 F (-17 to -6 C). Wind also plays a factor, so its best to dress in layers and prepare for the worst. Check the local forecast for the most up to date weather conditions.
Holiday Visits
Arches has significantly less crowds in the winter months, unless you are visiting during the holidays. New Years, Thanksgiving, and Christmas are all very busy times for the park.
Businesses Have Different Hours
A drawback to visiting off-season is a lot of the local businesses change their hours. Some even close during parts of the week like Monday or Tuesday. Keep this in mind when searching on Google as sometimes the hours listed is wrong. Its always best to call before visiting.
There are no Guided Hikes or Campfire Talks
During the offseason, the park does not offer guided hikes or campfire talks. This is important to note if you had your heart set on one of those during your trip.
Accommodation Recommendations
Here are some of my top recommendations for staying near Arches in nearby Moab. You can also camp inside of the park if you choose or stay at any of the numerous beautiful free BLM spots in the area for some good ol’ primitive camping.
Under Canvas Moab
Under Canvas is a unique option right outside of the park. Here you can stay in canvas tents for a glamping experience. They often have live music and fire pits nightly with free smores. Don’t forget to look up at night – the stargazing here is incredible and some parts of the year you can even see the milky way!
Hoodoo Moab, Curio Collection by Hilton
The Hoodoo Moab by Hilton is a great hotel for those looking for a more luxurious experience during their stay by Arches. There is a restaurant, room service, spa, pool with a poolside bar, gym and free wifi.
Apache Motel
The Apache Motel is a great option where western film star John Wayne stayed! This place is a great bang for your buck with amenities like complimentary bike rentals and washing station, a dog wash, bbq area with firepit, general store, pool with a hot shower, and clean rooms with specialty suite options.
Pingback:10 Best Hikes and Trails in Arches National Park - shoreloser