Winter In Arches National Park (Conditions, Best hikes, Where To Stay, What to Pack)
Winter in Arches National Park is a great way to see the park without the large crowds or heat of the busy summer season. Instead of battling for parking, consider visiting Arches National Park in the winter. I’ll tell you everything you need to know to plan your trip in this article!
Winter in Arches National Park also means you’ll find more affordable places to stay near Arches, and peaceful, beautiful scenery with the potential for snow!
Here’s what you can expect to know after reading this article:
- An overview of Arches National Park winter conditions
- Activities to do in Arches in Winter
- A recommended packing list for winter in Arches National Park
Things To Do – Winter In Arches National Park
There are many winter activities in Arches, even though the days are shorter. Hiking is still very popular in the park, as well as driving Arches Scenic Route and tons of great photography.
If you’re really up for an adventure you can even camp in Arches in winter.
1. Sunrise at Delicate Arch
Catching the sunrise at Delicate Arch is one of my favorite things to do in Arches National Park. The arch is 1.5 miles from the trailhead and a majority of the hike is over flat rock. For that reason it can become quite slippery when it’s snowy, icy or wet. I highly recommend bringing traction devices and trekking poles if you’re visiting Arches National Park in the winter.
2. Drive Arches Scenic Road
This is a great activity year-round, but especially during the winter months. The drive is only 30-minutes one way (1 hour total drive time to complete) but there are many viewpoints and short hikes along the way with great views of the different arches and rock formations throughout the park.
3. Hike Devils Garden Trail to Landscape Arch
Devils Garden Trail is a 7.9 mile series of trails which includes Landscape Arch, Double O Arch, Dark Angel and the primitive trail. It’s a challenging hike with uneven terrain that requires a bit of scrambling in some spots. Instead of completing the full trail, hike 1.8 miles out to Landscape Arch.
It takes an average of 3-5 hours to complete the full trail, but the Landscape Arch portion takes about 1 hour.
4. Visit Balanced Rock
Balanced Rock is one of the highlights of my trips to Arches National Park. It’s one of the more accessible arches in the park and can be viewed from your vehicle. There’s also a short 0.3 mile loop trail that follows the base of Balanced Rock. The trail is mostly flat, handicap accessible, and paved for a portion.
5. Go Stargazing At Arches National Park In Winter
Arches National Park is an International Dark Sky Park, which means it has some of the darkest preserved skies in the Southwest. With shorter days and earlier sunsets in the winter stargazing is a great winter activity in Arches.
The two best locations within the park for stargazing are at Panorama Point and The Windows.
6. Photography During Winter In Arches National Park
One of the things I love the most about the winter months are the later sunrises. This makes it much easier for me to drag myself out of bed to photograph the morning sun.
Photography in Arches National Park is unique due to all the natural rock formations. The playful light in the winter really helps add to the uniqueness of the landscape and make some incredible photos.
If you’re lucky enough to visit Arches during snowfall, photos are even more incredible.
7. Camp At Devils Garden Campground
There’s something so cozy about camping in the winter. Devils Garden Campground has 25 sites available on a first-come, first serve basis during the winter (November-February). The campground has toilets and drinking water available, but no hookups. You can purchase firewood from the visitors center or in Moab.
8. Best Winter Hikes In Arches National Park
These are the best winter hikes in Arches National Park because they’re fairly moderate and aren’t as heavily impacted by adverse weather conditions. Still, if you’ll be hiking in Arches during the winter months I highly recommend bringing traction devices.
- Delicate Arch
- Balanced Rock
- Double Arch
- The Windows
- Landscape Arch (or complete the entire Devils Garden Trail)
- Double O Arch (or complete the entire Devils Garden Trail)
Reasons to Visit Arches National Park in Winter
Arches National Park is a very popular summer hotspot. Because it’s so close to the other Utah Mighty 5 (the 5 National Parks in Utah – Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Canyonlands and Arches) many visitors include it in their road trip itinerary.
Fewer people experience winter in Arches National Park, which creates a great opportunity for you to visit with fewer crowds! It’s an incredible winter destination for several reasons.
1. Avoid The Summer Heat
Daytime temperatures during the summer can reach 100℉. Arches is considered a high desert so its elevation makes the sun even more intense. By visiting Arches during the winter you can avoid the intense heat.
2. Avoid The Peak Season Crowds
This graph from National Park Service does a great job at showing the drastic increase in visitors to Arches National Park during the summer months. The average increase of visitors in the park is around 90% for a 10-year period.
You know what hasn’t gotten 90% bigger, though? The park. So with more people but the same number of parking spaces the park has gotten very congested. Unlike many other National Parks, Arches does not currently have a shuttle system (although I’m hopeful this will change in coming years). By visiting Arches in winter you can avoid most of these hassles!
3. No Timed-Entry Vehicle Reservation Required In Winter
Additionally, by visiting Arches National Park in winter you aren’t required to obtain a timed-entry vehicle reservation. This system of advanced reservations to enter the park only apply during the busy summer months and are extremely competitive. By coming in the winter you’ll be able to enter whenever you please without advanced tickets.
4. Get Great Photos
Photos of the Arches during the summer mostly all look the same. Red rocks on red rocks. The only real variation for summer photos is catching good lighting.
The best part about visiting Arches in winter is the chance of seeing snow! Yes, it snows at Arches National Park. Luckily, the snow doesn’t accumulate too much – so it won’t ruin your travel plans.
It does snow enough to dust the arches and the contrast of snow on red rock is really stunning for all photographers – amateurs (like me) or professionals!
5. Take Advantage Of Off-Season Accommodation Pricing
The nearest town to Arches and Canyonlands is Moab, Utah. It’s about 5 miles from Arches park entrance and is where most park visitors find places to stay near Arches National Park.
Moab hotel costs can get pricey during the summer months. And frankly, you may be lucky to find a reasonably priced place at all during the summer as most hotels sell out.
By visiting Arches in winter you can take advantage of lower hotel prices and more options to choose from.
Winter In Arches National Park Weather Conditions
Arches rarely see massive amounts of snowfall. However, if there is some accumulation the park’s main road may temporarily be closed until park crew can clear it.
The park is open 24 hours a day year-round so even if some amenities close due to winter conditions you’re still able to enter the park.
Temperature During Winter In Arches National Park
Arches National Park is a high desert which means winters can be quite cold!
Winter highs average 30 to 50℉ (-1 to 10℃)
Winter lows average 0 to 20℉ (-17 to -6℃).
Snowfall is uncommon in Arches, and it rarely accumulates or sticks around for very long. Even so, it can make hiking trails, roads and parking areas very slippery even if there’s a light dusting of snow.
Does It Snow In Arches National Park
Yes. On average, it snows in Arches National Park 4-5 days per year. It typically sticks around for 2-3 days max before melting. December and January are the snowiest months in Arches.
Arches National Park In December
Arches National Park December weather is fairly cold. On average, 26 days of the month record temperatures below freezing.
The average temperature range in December is 23-45℉ (5-7℃) with extreme highs hitting 69℉ (21℃) and extreme lows hitting 5℉ (-15℃).
The average precipitation is .53 inches, so as you can see it’s not so much that it’s likely to shut down road access or hiking trails for too long.
Arches National Park In January
Arches National Park in January is slightly colder than December. On average, 28 days a month record temperatures below freezing.
The average temperatures in January range from 22-44℉ (-6-7℃). The extreme highs can hit 63℉ (17℃) and extreme lows have been recorded at -1℉ (-18℃).
January has slightly more precipitation on average, seeing .56 inches in the month.
Travel Tips For Visiting Arches National Park In Winter
There’s a few important tips to keep in mind when planning your winter trip to Arches.
1. Fewer daylight hours
Daylight hours during winter at Arches National Park are extremely limited. During the darkest time of the year there is only 9 to 10 hours of daylight. Sunrise times hover around 7:30 am and sunset in Arches National Park happens between 4:30-5 pm.
Keep these shorter daylight times in mind when planning your Arches National Park itinerary.
2. No Ranger Led Activities During Winter In Arches National Park
Unfortunately, ranger-led activities do not run during the winter months, so there are no events on the calendar for December or January.
3. Check road conditions prior to departure
Road conditions can change quickly with incoming weather. The same applies to hiking trails, especially in Arches National Park where a majority of the hiking trails are over rock beds which become very slippery in wet or icy conditions.
Always check the local weather conditions, the road conditions, and the park conditions before heading out.
4. Pack water
There is limited water in Arches National Park in the winter. You can refill your water bottle at the Visitor Center (near the entrance gate) or at Devils Garden (the opposite side of the park). There is no water anywhere else within the park besides these two locations.
5. Don’t forget sun protection
Just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean you can’t get a sunburn! With the higher elevation it’s really important to pack sunscreen and cover yourself (but you’re probably doing that already to stay warm!).
6. Invest in traction devices and trekking poles
Traction devices slip over the outside of the soles of your shoes or hiking boots to provide additional traction when you’re hiking in slippery conditions. These are a great thing to have with you for most hikes, but especially when hiking during rainy or snowy conditions in Arches National Park.
The hikes in Arches are over hard rock beds, so they become extremely slippery when they’re wet or icy. There’s not much soil in the park so any amount of rain can quickly ruin a hiking trip if you don’t have the proper gear.
7. Visit During A Free National Park Day
There are 6 free National Park Days in 2024. One of them falls during winter, on January 15th. All visitors to Arches National Park will receive free entry in celebration of the birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Where to Stay During Winter In Arches National Park
There are many options for accommodations near Arches National Park, particularly in nearby Moab.
Luxury Stay Near Arches
Hoodoo Moab, Curio Collection by Hilton – Full on-site spa and amenities.
Mid-Range Comfort Stay Near Arches
Gravity Haus Moab – Best value for amenities.
Budget-Friendly Stay Near Arches
Wingate by Wyndham Moab – Save without sacrificing comfort.
Unique Experience Stay Near Arches
Under Canvas Moab – For a stay that’s out of the ordinary.
Winter In Arches National Park FAQs
Here are some quick answers to common questions about visiting Arches National Park during the winter.
Is Arches National Park good in winter?
Arches National park is great in winter! The park is open 24 hours a day all year. Winter is the least crowded time to visit the park, and it’s a great way to avoid the heat.
Can you hike to Delicate Arch in winter?
Yes, you can hike to Delicate Arch in the winter. Arches National Park is open year-round. Occasionally, snow or rainfall may make the trail temporarily close due to poor conditions.
Is Arches open in December?
Yes, Arches is open in December. The park is open 24 hours a day every day of the year. The primary road through the park may temporarily close if snow accumulates in winter in Arches National Park (though this is very, very rare) until park crews can clear the roadway. The parks Visitor Center may have abbreviated hours during winter and or holidays.
when did arches become a national park
Arches became a national park in 1971. Prior to that, the Windows and Devils Garden sections of the park had been designated as National Monuments.
