Arches National Park tours & holidays

The best time to visit Arches is during the shoulder seasons of April to May and September to October when there are fewer crowds and temperatures are mild. Summer is a great time for camping and hiking with long daylight hours and clear night skies, but the heat turns up high and the crowds are at their peak.  

Arches is a ‘high desert’ region with temperatures fluctuating throughout the day. The temperate seasons are spring and autumn when daytime temperatures range between 16 to 26°C and nights go down to around 4°C. Summer temperatures can rise above 38°C and thunderstorms are common. Winter sees average daytime temps of 0 to 10°C and lows going below freezing. The lower elevations don’t see much snow, but a light dusting sometimes occurs.  

Arches is known for having the highest concentration of natural stone arches in the world, hence the name. The most iconic feature in the park is Delicate Arch, which has actually become the unofficial symbol of the state of Utah. It’s also known for its scenic drive that winds you through major viewpoints, and as a designated International Dark Sky Park, stargazing and Milky Way photography are super popular.  

You’ll need sturdy hiking shoes, a mix of lightweight and warm layers (like a fleece jacket), a rain jacket, a reusable water bottle and a daypack. We also recommend bringing a windproof jacket, a hat and sunscreen.  

You do need a car to visit Arches because unlike a lot of other parks, there is no internal park shuttle. If you travel with us, we’ll take care of the transportation, so you don’t have to worry.  

The park costs $35 USD per car to enter, but if you are visiting multiple parks, the best way is to get a national parks annual pass which is $80 for residents and works for all parks in the USA for a year. The non-resident annual pass is currently $250, but if you’re joining an Intrepid trip, your entry fees are taken care of. See more information about entry fees below.  

Yes, Arches charges a fee for visitors entering the park. For travellers on an Intrepid trip, vehicle entrance fees and required permits are covered, but international visitors will need to pay additional nonresident entrance fees. Your local leader will help you understand the fees that apply to your trip and help you choose the best-value option for your itinerary and group. 

Whether you’re coming from far away or you call the USA home, national park tours bring you deeper into the landscapes through storytelling, local know-how and the chance to veer off the main tourist trails. With a local leader, you’ll have all the logistics handled, including permits, entrance fees and transportation, so you can easily visit multiple places. Plus, they’ll bring you to their favourite spots for lesser-known experiences you won’t find in a travel guide. And when it comes to travelling with a small group of like-minded adventure buddies, there’s always safety (and more fun!) in numbers.  

We believe travel should be accessible to everyone. Although some destinations and itineraries may be more accessible than others, we'll do our best to accommodate your needs, make reasonable adjustments where possible or guide you toward the most suitable trips. Get in touch with our friendly adventure consultants to chat about your options.

Our Tailor-Made team can also help you plan a customised trip just for you.