Is January a good time to visit Arches National Park?


Is January a good time to visit Arches National Park? Winter at Arches is a peaceful time, without the crowds or scorching heat that can plague summertime visits. Ice, snow, and reduced park operations, however, can provide their own challenges for winter visitors.


What is Moab like in the winter?

The La Sal Mountains provide Moab with a snowy backdrop and a fantastic winter playground. Plenty of winter adventures await, including cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Enjoy everything from short part-day adventures to multi-day excursions like skiing between backcountry yurts.


How busy is Arches National Park in January?

Avoid the Crowds While the peak seasons of spring and summer see around 200,000 monthly visitors, winter only sees about 40,000 visitors per month. With fewer people visiting Arches, you won't have to worry about finding a parking spot or waiting in a long line to enter the park.


What is the best month to go to Arches National Park?

The best time to visit Arches National Park is April through May and September through October, when daytime temperatures average about 60 to 80 degrees. In the summer, temperatures can exceed 100 degrees, which can make exploring the park's trails very uncomfortable.


How long does it take to drive thru Arches National Park?

The only fully-paved road in Arches is Scenic Drive, a 25-mile, out-and-back road that passes the majority of the park's viewpoints and trailheads. If you're tight on time or don't enjoy hiking, you could drive the park—stopping 10 minutes at each viewpoint—in about three hours.


Do I need a reservation to enter Arches National Park?

Yes. A timed entry reservation is required to enter the park even if you have an existing pass. Annual passes cover the payment of entrance fees, so annual or senior pass holders only need to pay the $2 reservation fee.


What airport do you fly into for Arches National Park?

Most people coming to Arches fly into these airports: Canyonlands Field (CNY) (11 miles from the park entrance) Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT) (109 miles from the park entrance) Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) (230 miles from the park entrance)


What is off season in Moab?

Bundle up (and expect great rates) during low season in December and January. December and January in Moab see much smaller crowds, cold weather and short days. You'll also get good deals on hotels.


What is the most beautiful arch in Arches National Park?

Without a doubt, Delicate Arch is the most famous natural stone arch in the world. Referred to as The Arch by many arriving visitors for whom it is No. 1 on their must-see lists, Delicate has an allure that is hard to explain but impossible to deny. The light opening beneath Delicate Arch is 46 feet (14 m) high.


Is Moab open in January?

Winter is the perfect time to experience Moab without the crowds. While winter is slower than other times of year, Moab is by no means shut down for the season. Find a place to stay and enjoy the bounty of public lands available nearby.


Why is Moab so popular?

Explore Arches National Park One of the main reasons people come to Moab is to visit one of the most beautiful National Parks of the United States – Arches NP. So if you only have one day in Moab, the best thing to do is to explore Arches National Park.


How many days do you need to visit Arches?

Two days in Arches is ideal though and would give you enough time to explore the Fiery Furnace on the ranger-led hike and do a few more of the longer hikes. One day is really all you need at the Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands National Park if you're sticking to the overlooks and shorter trails.


Is January a good time to visit Moab?

Winter in Moab can be an amazing time to explore the desert. The average high in December and January is about 44 degrees, which suits some hikers and mountain bikers just fine. Nights can be quite cold, however, dipping into the single digits — and of course, night falls earlier in winter.


Can you drive through Arches National Park in winter?

You don't even have to leave your car to soak in the stunning red rock scenery. Explore Arches National Park by embarking on a scenic drive. Be sure to prepare for winter driving conditions, have snow tires or chains, and check the weather forecast and road conditions before heading out.


Is 2 days enough for Arches National Park?

Explore the best of Arches National Park on this incredible two-day vacation. There's a lifetime's worth of exploration to be had in the red rock desert of southeastern Utah, but a fabulous place to start is by spending two days in Arches National Park.


Can you hike in Moab in January?

Yes, you can explore Moab, Arches National Park, and Canyonlands in the winter months. They are the perfect winter hiking destinations. Not only are the temperatures relatively mild, but fewer folks know about this secret little winter hiking hot spot.


Do you still need reservations for Arches National Park?

By making reservations in advance, visitors can enjoy a stress-free visit to one of the nation's most stunning national parks. When are reservations required? Between April 1, 2023 and October 31, 2023 reservations are required for your vehicle to enter Arches National Park every day between 7 am and 4 pm.


How far apart are Arches and canyonlands?

The distance from Canyonlands to Arches is only 27 miles, around 30 minutes of a drive. That is why it is so easy to combine both national parks in one day.


How do you avoid crowds in Arches National Park?

Here's how to minimize the crowds at Arches National Park:
  1. Avoid summer travel and during holidays. ...
  2. Plan your trip to arrive and explore during the week, avoiding weekends.
  3. Start your day early. ...
  4. Get out and hike. ...
  5. If you're in a hurry, with limited time, save this park for another vacation.


How far apart are Zion and Arches National Park?

Yes, the driving distance between Zion National park to Arches National Park is 355 miles. It takes approximately 5h 29m to drive from Zion National park to Arches National Park.


Can you just drive around Arches National Park?

You can spend a couple hours or the better part of a day driving the 36 mile (round trip) road through Arches National Park. With plenty of places to stop and snap pictures and panoramic views for miles, you can enjoy the brilliant artistry and majesty of Arches without having to leave your vehicle.