What to Pack for Arches National Park 2025

I visited Arches National Park while visiting Utah as I was travelling around the USA and loved it, it has to be one of my favourite parks. It can be hard knowing though what to pack for a trip to a national park and knowing what to pack for Arches National Park is no exception. I hope this list helps you decide what to wear to Arches National Park and also what to take to Arches National Park.

View of Double Arch in Arches National Park, Utah, showing two massive natural sandstone arches joined at one end and surrounded by rugged red rock formations. Small trees and shrubs grow in the foreground, while a few hikers explore the area beneath the towering arches, highlighting their immense scale and intricate erosion patterns.

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Table of Contents

When to visit Arches National Park

I visited Arches National Park in September during my 2 month road trip through the USA. I had rented a car in Las Vegas and was visiting Bryce Canyon National Park and Zion National Park before heading to Arches National Park and then on to Canyonlands National Park, Grand Canyon and Death Valley.

In September in Arches National Park it is on average around 30°C (86°F) during the day, though at night because it is in the desert it drops to around 12°C (54°F) at night. You need to make sure you pack layers as it can be cooler on a morning and at sunset, though warm during the day.

During the summer months of June, July & August, the sun is very warm, it can get up to around 36°C (97°F) during the day and 19°C (66°F) at night and as it is desert, there is very little rain throughout the year meaning that in the unrelenting sun it is very easy to burn. You need to make sure that you have a sunhat and sunscreen. There is very little shade in the park especially on the various hikes you can do so make sure that you have these in your backpack and apply sunscreen frequently.

From November to March the temperatures in the park drop considerably with December and January seeing temperatures of around 5°C (41°F) during the day and dropping to as low as minus 10°C (14°F) at night!!! In winter you need to make sure you are prepared with a thick winter coat, boots and winter gloves.

I have written this list on what to wear to the park based on what you would need for a day visit after you have left your hotel or campsite.

The first thing I recommend is that when you arrive, to stop at the Arches National Park visitor centre, to speak to the rangers who work for the national park service about which hikes you have time to do in this Utah national park and if you are visiting in winter to find out which hikes are suitable given the weather conditions. Here you can also pick up a map of the park which details all the hikes, the viewpoints you can stop off and the places to park for each of the places.

If you are going during summer or during holidays it is best to go very early in the morning or late afternoon as the park will be closed for a few hours if it gets too busy, the queues into the park can also be very long. I also recommend that you buy your national park pass in advance, though there is no fast queue for people with passes.

PLEASE NOTE: To enter the park between 1 April and 31 October 2023 you will need to have a reservation. This is a pilot scheme that they are testing to see if it helps with the congestion that can normally be seen in the summer months and on busy holiday weekends. Timed entry will run from 7am to 4pm so if you don’t manage to get a ticket as they are sold on a first come first served basis then you are able to enter before 7am or after 4pm.

You must enter the park within the 1 hour time slot you have reserved. It costs $2 for the reservation ticket for 1 vehicle, you must have this, ID and National Park pass or payment with you to enter. Tickets are released 3 months beforehand.

A woman stands on soft orange sand beneath Sand Dune Arch in Arches National Park, Utah. The scene is surrounded by tall, smooth red sandstone walls that curve gracefully, creating a shaded, secluded area. The natural arch rises above her, glowing warmly in the filtered desert light, capturing the quiet beauty and sculpted texture of the canyon.

What to Wear Hiking in Arches National Park Utah – Clothing and Footwear

Here are my recommendations for your Utah packing list for Arches National Park, having visited Utah I feel I can you choose exactly what you need.

This Arches packing list for national parks is based on what I took with me to Arches for one day and what I saw other people wearing and wish I had with me instead!!! We learn through our experiences and others!!

Waterproof Jacket

It does not rain very often in Arches National Park, on average only 3 days a month but it’s always best to be prepared with a waterproof jacket, just in case the weather changes while you are on a hike and away from shelter. Also if it turns cold on an evening then this can help against the wind.

Thick Jacket

If you are visiting in Spring/Fall then the weather can be a little cooler so a thick jacket may be needed. If you are there in winter then a thick jacket and other layers will be needed

Fleece

It is best to use layers when hiking around places as the temperature can change depending if it’s day or night and if you are in the shade or sun. It also can be cooler during sunrise and sunset and it’s best to be prepared with a fleece.

Light long sleeved top

Light clothing is best as it does not attract the sun and if you get light long sleeved top then you will be kept cooler and it helps protect you from being burnt in the sun. Personally I always have one of these in my bag so if I start to burn I am protected but also if it get’s a bit cooler I can use as my first layer.

Short sleeved t-shirt

It can get very hot out there and if you prefer to hike in a short sleeved tshirt and apply plenty of sunscreen these are good options.

Sports Bra

If you are doing a lot of hiking then it is worth investing in a sports bra as they are much more comfortable to hike in than a regular bra and are much more supportive while doing exercise.

Quick Drying Pants for hiking

Quick drying pants are not really required for Arches as there is generally little rain there, but they are great for hiking in general, because if you do get caught in a rainstorm then they dry a lot quicker than regular pants and you aren’t freezing cold all day. I personally never hike in anything other than quick drying pants and with these ones you can turn them into shorts as there are zips at the knees.

Leggings

Some women prefer leggings for hiking as they can be more comfortable than hiking pants, they are also great for travelling in. I personally always travel in leggings.

Shorts

If it is a hot day in summer then a great option is to wear shorts. Be careful though if you are in the sun all day to wear sufficient sun protection and keep applying throughout the day.

Headband for hiking

Headbands are great for keeping your hair out of your eyes and also stopping sweat dripping down your face on hot days but they can also help protect your head from getting burnt. I always seem to burn my scalp where my hair parting is, so headbands are great for stopping this.

Sunhat or Cap

As the sun is so strong and there is very little shade in the park you will want to make sure that you have some kind of sunhat or cap to protect your head from getting burnt and prevent sun stroke, especially if you are visiting Arches National Park in June, July & August.

Winter hat

If you are planning to visit the park in winter then you definitely need a warm hat, the wind can make it feel cooler than it actually is and as there is little shelter I certainly start feeling the cold quickly, especially in my ears. If you suffer from ear ache in the cold, then try these great ear muffs.

Gloves

If you are visiting outside of summer then you will need some gloves as it can be cold in the morning and during the evening. You can even now buy gloves that don’t need removing and you can still use your phone, so you get to take lots of amazing photos still, without your fingers freezing!!

Sunglasses

It is generally very sunny in Arches National Park and so you will want to protect your eyes with sunglasses from the glare of the strong desert sun.

Hiking Boots

A good pair of hiking boots are needed, especially if you are hiking some of the longer trails as you are climbing over rocks and up rocks and the surface of them can be quite slippery. Hiking boots also offer your ankle much more support

Hiking Shoes

If you aren’t planning on any serious hikes, then hiking shoes are a great option as they are lighter but still have good grips on the bottom to stop you slipping on rocks.

Hiking Socks

Good hiking socks will stop you getting as many blisters and keep your feet warm, especially in the colder months, these are just as important as finding the right boots or shoes.

Gear to add to your Arches National Park Packing List

Backpack – Backpacks for Women are needed for hiking in the park. A day pack is needed to carry your layers, water and snacks and a backpack is the most comfortable way.
Dry Bag – You never know when it will rain and this will keep all your essentials dry just in case.
Hiking Poles – Hiking poles are not essential in Arches but if you prefer to hike with poles then here is a good option.
Head Lamp – It is always good to have a torch with you especially in case you get lost and it becomes dark before you get to the end of a trail.
Camelback Backpack, Wat e r Bottles or Water Filtration Bottle – Water is essential and you need to ensure that you have at least 2 litres with you before you start any hike. The park is next to the Colorado river, but there are no rivers running through the park so make sure you check on your national park map where the water stations are or ensure you bring with you plenty of water to last the day.
Camera – Arches is a beautiful park and you will want to take hundreds of photos while you are there so make sure you have a good camera and get some great pics.
Phone
Fitbit Watch – I love to check how many steps I have done a day and it can be surprising walking around a national park how many steps you will do.
External Charger – There is nothing worse than your phone dying just as you want to get that perfect shot so make sure you have an external charger so you have enough battery to take all the photos you want.
First Aid Kit – An essential on any hike, you never know when yourself or someone else may have an accident and it might be needed.

A woman stands beneath Partition Arch in Arches National Park, Utah, framed by massive red sandstone walls that open to a sweeping view of the desert below. The natural rock arch creates a window revealing distant mesas, green shrubland, and a bright blue sky scattered with fluffy white clouds. The warm tones of the rock contrast beautifully with the cool, expansive landscape in the background.

Packing List for Utah Arches National Park – Toiletries

Sunscreen

The sun can be very intense in Arches National Park in July & August so make sure that you have packed sufficient sunscreen and keep reapplying during the day.

Mosquito Spray or you can try the Mosquito Repellent Bracelets

Mosquitos love me and so it’s always best to carry some spray or the bracelets to keep them away.

Lip Balm

When it is so hot our lips can get very dry and chapped so it’s best to keep a good lip balm with us, preferably one with some sun protection.

Things to bring to Arches National Park – Snacks and Water

Before you go to Arches National Park in August or any month, you need to make sure you have enough snacks, food and water for the day. There are no restaurants or places to buy food within the park so you need to make sure you take enough in with you.

Take plenty of snacks with you, if you are hiking then you need to keep up your energy levels and if you spend longer doing a hike than expected then it’s good to have more snacks that you think you need. Protein bars, bananas and cookies are great to keep your energy levels up.

Remember to ALWAYS take out of the park any rubbish/trash.

Summary of things to have on your Moab Packing List

Food – lunch, dinner, depending on the amount of time you are spending there
Snacks – Protein bars, bananas, cookies
Water – minimum 2 litres

What to wear to Arches National Park in June, July & August

If you planning on visiting Arches National Park in summer during the months of June, July or August then you need to know that the arches weather in these months is the hottest with average temperatures around 97°F (36°C).

If you visit Arches National Park in August you will need to make sure that you cover up wearing light coloured clothing as this takes in the least heat from the sun and preferably long sleeved loose clothing to keep you cool. Make sure that you are wearing a sunhat, have applied sunscreen and have lots of water to last each hike that you are planning on doing and until you can refill your water bottle at the next water station. Ideally it would be best to have a camelback backpack as this way you can carry more water and it’s easily accessible.

What to wear in Arches National Park in Spring/Fall (April, May, September & October)

If you are planning on spending time visiting Arches National Park during Spring or Fall and wondering what to wear to arches national park in these months then you have to know that the Arches National Park temperature is around 79°F (26°C during the day and in the evening it will drop down to around 50°F (10°C).

Arches National Park in April, May, September and October will be cooler on a morning and also on an evening before sunset, so make sure you have plenty of layers and a warm fleece in your bag to make sure that you do not get cold.

What to wear in Arches National Park in Winter from November to March

If you plan to spend some time in Arches National Park in November to March then you need to make sure that you have plenty of warm clothing. Arches National Park average temperatures in winter during the day are around 40°F (5°C) and down to around 17°F (-8°C) on a night. It can be sunny but you need to ensure that you have plenty of layers, a thick fleece, warm jacket, winter hat and gloves especially around sunset and early morning.

Expansive desert landscape in Arches National Park, Utah, featuring towering red sandstone formations and rugged canyons bathed in sunlight. Layers of deep orange and rust-colored rock contrast with the distant flat plains and hazy blue mountains on the horizon. Puffy white clouds scatter across a bright blue sky, casting soft shadows that highlight the dramatic textures and depth of the terrain.

Do I need Travel Insurance for my trip to Arches National Park?

If you are not from the USA then you need to make sure that you have travel insurance in place, as the cost of medical expenses in the USA is very expensive and accidents can happen anywhere. You don’t want to end your trip with hundreds of thousands of dollars of debt!!

Frequently asked Questions about Arches

Do I need hiking Boots for Arches National Park?

Personally, I think that hiking boots are required in Arches National Park. The trails are rough and uneven, and there are places where you do need to climb over rocks, so if you want to do some of the longer and more difficult hike,s it is best to have good footwear with you

What is prohibited in Arches National Park?

It is prohibited in Arches National Park to climb, walk, and stand on any arch with an opening of more than 3 feet, this is to protect the arch so that it will still be here in years to come. You must also stick to the paths and not enter prohibited areas. Some of the arches are unstabl,e and since 1971, 43 of the arches in the park have collapsed.

What time does Arches National Park fill up?

Arches National Park is one of the most popular parks, and it is open 24 hours, though only manned from the hours of 7 am to 4 pm. Since 2022, they have been testing a new system of timed reservation entry to try to make sure that everyone can enjoy the park before it gets too busy. Before this system was in place, the park and many hiking trails were quite full by 8 am.

What amenities are there in Arches National Park?

There are many restrooms in Arches National Park, though apart from the visitor center, they are all drop toilets. The only place in the park with drinking water available is Devil’s Garden Trailhead, so make sure that you fill up all your water bottles when you are there. You will find a lot of trash cans around the park, though it is appreciated if you can take all your rubbish out of the park with you.

There are no shops or cafes in Arches National Park, so you need to bring all food and drinks into the park with you. The closest place to buy food is in Moab, which is 5 miles from the entrance to Arches National Park.

Best Places to Stay near Arches National Park

Moab is the town that is just 5 miles from Arches National Park, and there are many hotels and motels to stay in here.

Budget – Rustic Inn – This motel is in the centre of Moab and has a swimming pool, and each room is equipped with air conditioning and a kitchenette. Breakfast is not included but you have the facilities to make your own or walk to one of the nearby cafes.

Mid-range – The Gonzo Inn – Located a few minutes from the centre of Moab, this inn has air-conditioned rooms, a swimming pool, a hot tub, an outdoor fireplace, and a terrace. Breakfast is included between March and November.

Luxury – Hyatt Place Moab – Located on the edge of Moab, this 4-star hotel has a restaurant, swimming pool, hot tub, and fitness centre, a shared kitchen, and an on-site bar. A very good breakfast can also be included.

What to Pack for Arches National Park in 2025