Last Updated: July 20, 2026
Arches National Park is located five miles north of Moab on US-191; visitor center open daily except Christmas Day; (435) 719-2299; $30 per vehicle, $25 per motorcycle, $15 per person on foot or bicycle; the park itself is open 24 hours year-round; nps.gov/arch. Canyonlands National Park (Island in the Sky district) is at 2282 Resource Blvd, Moab, UT 84532; (435) 719-2313; $30 per vehicle, $15 per person on foot or bicycle; nps.gov/cany. Both parks are covered by the America the Beautiful Annual Pass ($80). Spanish Trail RV Park is at 2980 S Hwy 191, Moab, UT 84532; (435) 259-2411; full hookups, heated pool and spa; office hours 8 am–5 pm summer, 8 am–3 pm winter; check-in 1 pm, check-out 11 am; spanishtrailrvpark.com.
Arches and Canyonlands National Parks are a favorite because of the striking canyons, arches, monoliths, spires, fins and balanced rocks, primarily composed of Entrada Sandstone. A winter storm left about an inch of snow, making for some scenic photography, even though Arches was closed by the National Park Service the day after it snowed. Luckily Canyonlands was still open. The drive from Dolores, Colorado was scenic.
Arches National Park
Arches was only closed for a day and there was still some snow on the ground for some winter photography.
Morning temperatures were in the teens making for some cold exploration and hiking days. Nothing like a down jacket, thermal jeans and a sweater for Jake.
It’s hard to capture an image that reflects how huge many of these sandstone structures are. There are over 2,000 natural arches in the National Park.
The distant La Sal Mountains with snow and the colorful sandstone. Its highest peak reaches 12,721 feet.
The Windows Section offered numerous arches within a short walking distance.
The Devils Garden, aptly named, had a nice easy one mile round trip trail to Landscape Arch. Years ago, I was able to walk under the arch, but after boulders and a large slab fell in 1991 and 1995, the park service limited how close you can get.
Moab, Utah: Gateway to Arches and Canyonlands
We stayed at the Spanish Trail RV Park in Moab. They had full service and good internet. Their outdoor pool and spa were open despite the below freezing weather and a number of kids were in them having a great time. We were here last a couple of years ago. Most of the Moab RV parks are next to the highway, so the traffic noise was loud in addition to the ATVs. Fortunately, most restaurants had carry out and we enjoyed some very good brisket and ribs from Spitfire Smokehouse.
Canyonlands National Park, Utah
It was refreshing to see the new snow at Canyonlands.
We wanted to take the Jeep on the Shafer trail, but with the snow, mud and ice, we decided to wait until another time.
We’ve been to Canyonlands during every season and each is unique.
At only 17°F and windy, it was not possible to hike, but the views were amazing.
This raven was posing for Halloween!
Practical Tips for Visiting Arches and Canyonlands
Visit in winter for solitude — both parks are dramatically less crowded November through February, and a dusting of snow transforms the red rock into something extraordinary. Arches occasionally closes after heavy snowfall, so check the NPS website or call ahead before heading out. Time your arrival before 8 am or after 3 pm to avoid peak traffic and catch the best photography light — the National Park Service specifically recommends this during the busy March–October season. Bring serious layers — even on sunny winter days temperatures can drop well below zero with wind chill, especially at Canyonlands. America the Beautiful Annual Pass ($80) covers both parks and pays for itself after just three park visits. The Windows Section at Arches is the best spot for seeing multiple arches in a short walk and is ideal for those with limited time or mobility. Devil’s Garden Trail to Landscape Arch is an easy 1.6-mile round trip and one of the most rewarding short hikes in the Southwest — note you can no longer walk under the arch after rockfalls in the 1990s. Shafer Trail in Canyonlands is a spectacular 4WD jeep road down into the canyon — save it for dry conditions as snow, mud, and ice make it impassable. Spitfire Smokehouse in Moab is worth seeking out for carry-out brisket and ribs after a long day in the parks.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far apart are Arches and Canyonlands National Parks? Only about 30 miles, and both are easily accessible from Moab, making them a natural pair for any visit. Arches is five miles north of Moab on US-191, while the Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands is about 32 miles northwest of town.
Is Arches National Park open year-round? Yes — the park is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, though the visitor center is closed on Christmas Day. Arches does occasionally close temporarily after heavy snow, as happened during our visit, but typically reopens within a day. Call ahead in winter at (435) 719-2299.
Can dogs visit Arches National Park? Pets are allowed on paved roads, in parking areas, and at established campgrounds, but are not permitted on most trails leading to the major arches. Jake was with us but limited to paved areas and the campground during our stay.
Is winter a good time to visit Arches? Absolutely — winter is the least crowded season by far, and fresh snow on the red sandstone creates some of the most striking photography opportunities in the park.
