National Park · UT

Things to do in Arches

The National Park Service lists 10 things to do at Arches National Park. 8 have no extra fee, 7 need no reservation, and 2 allow pets. Each listing links to the full NPS page. Data is from the NPS snapshot of Oct 28, 2026.

Updated Oct 28, 2026, 3:52 AM EDT · NPS Data API

All (10) Stargazing (2)Junior Ranger Program (1)Backcountry Camping (1)Canyoneering (1)Scenic Driving (1)Off-Trail Permitted Hiking (1)Hiking (1)Rock Climbing (1)Museum Exhibits (1)

wooden badge with the words "Junior Ranger Arches" and a drawing of a stone arch — Photo: NPS/Veronica Verdin

Arches Junior Ranger Program

Filled with fun activities, free Arches Junior Ranger books reveal the wonders of Arches to kids and parents alike.

Year-round

Junior Ranger Program

Backpacking at Arches

Backpacking at Arches is allowed in designated sites only and requires a permit.

Reservation required Fee applies

Backcountry Camping

Canyoneering at Arches

Arches has no real "slot canyons" but does afford some unique on-rope opportunities.

Reservation required

Canyoneering

A tan car drives through Arches, sandstone features are visible in the back. — Photo: NPS

Enjoy Arches from the Road

If you pay close attention, you can see close to two dozen arches from the comfort of your car.

2-4 Hours Pets allowed

Scenic Driving

Explore the Fiery Furnace

Entry to the Fiery Furnace is managed by permits and ranger-led tours to ensure the experience of solitude and wilderness.

Reservation required Fee applies

Off-Trail Permitted Hiking

Three hikers walk on a narrow fin of sandstone, with more fins behind them — Photo: NPS/Veronica Verdin

Hiking at Arches

Arches contains a variety of hiking trails, from easy/moderate to long and strenuous. Many trails use cairns (stacks of rocks) for markers and cross broad rock surfaces, requiring attention to follow.

Hiking

Rock Climbing at Arches

Most climbing routes in the park require advanced techniques. Climbing is not allowed on any arches or certain named features, such as Balanced Rock.

Rock Climbing

Stargaze at Panorama Point

Arches National Park and the surrounding Colorado Plateau offer some of the darkest night skies remaining in the United States. You can enjoy the park after dark by viewing spectacular night skies.

15-120 Minutes Year-round Pets allowed

Stargazing

Stargazing Events in Southeast Utah

Rangers occasionally lead stargazing programs and events at parks throughout southeast Utah. Learn about what to expect and check out a schedule of stargazing events at Arches and Canyonlands national parks and Hovenweep and Natural Bridges national…

1-3 Hours Summer

Stargazing

Start at Arches Visitor Center

Stop at the visitor center to plan your visit, fill your water bottle, learn about the park, and pick up a souvenir.

15-60 Minutes Year-round

Museum Exhibits

Before you go

Check current alerts and closures, entrance fees and operating hours for Arches. Programs and tours can change with the season or be cancelled on short notice — confirm on the NPS page before you plan around one.

Things to do at nearby parks

Canyonlands National Park (UT)
Colorado National Monument (CO)
Natural Bridges National Monument (UT)
Capitol Reef National Park (UT)
Hovenweep National Monument (CO, UT)
Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park (CO)

Sources

National Park Service Data API — things to do, snapshot of Oct 28, 2026. Descriptions are short excerpts; photos are NPS photos shown from nps.gov with their credit.
Arches National Park — things to do on nps.gov