Winter in Arches National Park: How to Spend a Day
Just a few miles outside Moab, UT, Arches National Park welcomed upwards of 2 million visitors in 2020. But on an initially cold and snowy Wednesday morning, I nearly had the National Park to myself.
I was up by 6 am to get to the park in hopes of a lovely winter sunrise in Arches. However, low-hanging fog and chilly temps tossed that idea out the window. But, as every photographer must, I adapted and made the best of it.
Inside, we’ll dive into what it’s like to visit Arches National Park during the winter.
How to Spend a Winter Day in Arches National Park
Turret Arch and Double Arch
As I drove into the park, the light was fighting to be seen through the clouds surrounding my Prius. Twenty minutes later, I was pulling into Turret Arch and the Windows parking lot, still shrouded in the eerie semi-light, semi-dark environment.
The walk up to the arch, maybe a half-mile at best, was icy, and I hadn’t changed into boots – so I moved slowly, making sure I didn’t become the first ice victim of the day. My biggest tip for winter in Arches is to move slowly and come prepared.
The conditions, though, turned out to be pretty favorable, and because I was alone, I didn’t have anyone ruining my shots. So, after taking enough at Turret Arch, I headed to the Windows – both North and South – and checked them out.
Since coming back, I’ve seen different angles and shots, which would have been fantastic, but the snow would have made them a bit more challenging.
In the same parking lot is Double Arch. After quickly warming up in the car, I headed to the structurally impressive arch, which isn’t more than a quarter-mile walk. But, again, I was the only one there for the first 20 minutes or so.
Usually, this place would have dozens and dozens of people in it. But this morning, I had it all to myself (and it means no need to photoshop people out of it). Winter in Arches continues to not disappoint!
Easy Booking: Expedia.com | Hotels.com | VRBO | Booking.com
Need Gear: Find it on REI.com
Find Awesome Tours: Viator.com or GetYourGuide.com
Follow on Instagram: @Alecoutside
Iceland on your bucket list? Get my Iceland guide + 144 pinned locations on Google Map
Fiery Furnace
The Fiery Furnace is a labyrinth of slot canyons, among other things, in Arches. Due to this, hiking in it is by permit only (and I believe it’s ranger-led, too), ensuring no one gets lost. With a dusting of snow, it made for a pretty cool contrast.
I did not have a permit, so I only made a quick pitstop.
Sandstone Arch and Broken Arch
By 10 am, I had arrived at Sandstone Arch – a place I had been when I was 5 years old – but I didn’t remember at all. I wasn’t even sure what the appropriate route was. Eventually, I found it and enjoyed the solitude of the arch.
This was a 5-minute walk from the parking lot, entirely flat, but snow-covered.
The walk to Broken Arch, maybe a mile long, was empty and mostly underwhelming. I had no idea what I was heading towards. Was this arch completely broken? Had something fallen off? I think part of it fell off, but I’m still not entirely sure.
It’s easy to get to, but don’t waste your time going there if you want to see other places in Arches National Park.
Landscape Arch and Double-O Arch
The nice part about Arches, at least in winter when it’s less crowded, is how close everything is. Sandstone Arch is only a mile from Landscape and Double-O, which helps reduce drive time. Once I had a quick snack and filled my backpack, I headed out.
In all, it’s approximately a four-mile round trip. One mile out to Landscape Arch and then another mile or so to Double-O. This took a little longer in the snow, but the sights were well worth it, with the land covered in white.
Landscape Arch is remarkable for its sheer size. And then the Double-O arch is ridiculously pretty, especially in the snow and the sun’s glow.
Delicate Arch
This is the gem of the park. Delicate Arch may be one of the most photographed landmarks in National Park history. It’s iconic for sunset, and that’s precisely what I did.
At three miles round trip, you’ll break a sweat walking up, but it’s hardly a tiring hike at all.
During the crowded months, this place would be swarming, turning your image into something closer to Times Square than the middle of nature. However, on this day, I had no complaints about who was in my photo.
As the sun slowly made its way toward the horizon, the two dozen or so people present were given a helluva sunset. This is what you get when you visit Arches during the winter.
The walk down the hill was quick, hitting the parking lot just as darkness took over the park. Overall, I had been in Arches for nearly 12 hours, seeing millions of years of erosion.
Winter in Arches Offers Cheap Lodging
If you’re looking for some super-duper cheap hotel rooms, winter in Arches is the place to be! This is so far off their peak season that you can get hotel rooms for $45-$75. Moab is 2 to 4 miles down the road from the park’s entrance, making it easy to drive in and out.
- Comfort Suites Moab near Arches National Park
- Hyatt Place Moab
- voco Moab by IHG
- Wingate by Wyndham Moab (I’ve stayed here. Nice. No complaints. Does the job.)
Winter Hiking Gear
It can get quite chilly in Moab and Arches. If a cold spell comes in, you can expect highs in the 30s and lows in the 20s. All that said, come prepared for hiking.
Winter Hiking Gear I Recommend
I took a while to dive into these items and did my best to find high-quality gear that will keep you warm as you tackle your winter hikes. Ladies, I’m sorry if I missed the mark for some of these.
- Warm Puffy Jacket: Men’s & Women’s – Budget Option: Men’s – Women’s
- Hiking Pants: Men’s & Women’s
- Warm Leggings: Men’s & Women’s
- Wool Socks: Men’s & Women’s
- Beanie: Men’s & Women’s
- Gloves: Take a look
- Fleece: Men’s & Women’s
- Warm Baselayer: Men’s & Women’s
- Outer Shell: Men’s & Women’s – Budget Option: Men’s & Women’s
- Rain Pants: Men’s & Women’s
- Hiking Poles with Snow Baskets
- Waterproof Boots: Men’s & Women’s
- Winter Boots: Men’s & Women’s – Browse all options
- Sattelite Communications Device
- Warm Thermos
- Jet Boil to heat water – Coffee
- Emergency Blanket, Rumpl & Fleece Blanket
- Glacier/Snow Glasses
- Sunblock
Wrapping up Winter in Arches National Park: The lesson of the trip
I cannot fathom going there in the summer months, as great as Arches National Park is.
There is one way in and one way out, meaning the traffic jams would be worse than miserable. There are no long hikes, and most parking lots can hold only about 30 cars. For anyone reading this, I highly recommend going during the winter and, for the love of God, avoid holiday weekends.
I understand this isn’t plausible for everyone, but if you have to go during the summer months, get there before sunrise and secure the top spots early.
Until next time, adventurers, stay safe.
Follow on social media: TikTok || Instagram || Facebook || Newsletter | YouTube