Arches National Park guide · 1 min read
Beating the Crowds and Full Parking Lots
Arches is generally open 24 hours a day, all year, so you can pick the time that suits you best.
Crowds are heaviest from March through October, and the weeks around Easter, along with Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day weekend, bring the largest numbers. More than 1.5 million people visit each year, so it helps to plan ahead even on an ordinary day.
Parking is limited everywhere in the park, and the lots at Devils Garden, Delicate Arch and The Windows are usually taken for much of the day. On weekends and holidays, popular trailheads can stay occupied for hours at a stretch. If a lot is full, resist the urge to circle and wait; head somewhere else and come back later. Keep your vehicle in marked spaces, off the plants, and clear of traffic lanes. Large vehicles such as RVs and trailers have very few options, so leaving them in Moab or in the visitor center lot is the wiser choice.
To avoid traffic, the park recommends entering before 8 in the morning or after 3 in the afternoon. Morning and evening visits also tend to bring cooler air, better light for photos, and parking areas and trails that are often less crowded. Sunset draws a crowd at Delicate Arch, where hundreds of people can gather, so expect company even on an evening visit.
When lots reach capacity, the park can briefly hold back new arrivals, so you might arrive at a closed gate. If that happens, wait a few hours and try again, or spend the time at another nearby destination.
The scenic drive is how most people get around, linking many viewpoints and trailheads. Road construction can cause delays or closures, so check the park's traffic and travel tips before you set out.
