20 Dec Skyline Arch: A Family-Friendly Trail in Arches National Park, Utah

Skyline Arch has one of the most accessible trails in all of Arches National Park due to the fact it is only 0.4 miles (~0.64 kilometers) round trip. Whether you are planning to visit the national park for just a couple of hours or an entire weekend, you can plan to hike the Skyline Arch Trail as you only need to budget around 20 minutes in your itinerary.

Moreover, Skyline Arch has approximately doubled in size since 1940 due to a portion of rock falling down from the arch. You never know when another portion of the rock might fall, so make sure you visit before the arch changes shape again.

Utah is home to many natural wonders, so I recommend you visit at least a few more of them during your visit. For example, you can hike to Angel’s Landing in Zion National Park or go canyoneering in Kanab Canyon just outside of Zion.

Contents:

A. Skyline Arch: Everything to Know

1) Location

2) Trail Information

3) Estimated Visit Time

4) Quick Facts + FAQs

5) Geology

6) Recommended Items to Bring

B. General Information on Arches National Park

1) Location

2) Opening Hours

3) Entrance Fee

4) Lodging Options

5) Best Time to Visit

6) Weather Conditions – What to Expect

7) Crowds – What to Expect

8) Wildlife

A. Skyline Arch: Everything to Know

Skyline Arch in Utah is an arch surrounded by a sandstone wall. For a fun fact, the Skyline Arch used to be about half its current size. A rock from within the arch fell down in 1940, thus increasing its size by almost double. When you visit, you can see some of the remains from the fallen rock still laying at the base. The arch now stands around 70 feet (~21 meters) wide by 34 feet (~10 meters) tall.

At the edge of the parking lot, there is a sign for the trail as well as an informational panel. The panel shows a comparison of what the arch looked like before vs. after the partial collapse in 1940. Moreover, the Skyline Arch received its name from the fact that it frames the sky.

1) Skyline Arch Trailhead Location

The trailhead for Skyline Arch is located near the northern tip of Arches National Park in Utah. You thus have to drive along the main park road for a while before you reach the trailhead. Be sure to account for any possible traffic delays in your itinerary. 

Parking for the Skyline Arch

The Skyline Arch Trail parking lot is right next to the trailhead and contains approximately 30 parking spots. However, please note that the parking lot often fills up at peak visit times, which are generally on weekend afternoons from March through October.

If the parking lot is full when you arrive, then you have two options. First, you can wait for a parking spot. The trail is short, so people should be coming and going fairly often. Second, you can park at a nearby lot along the road. For example, parking for the Devil’s Garden Trailhead is just three minutes down the road.

The sun hitting just right at Arches National Park

2) Skyline Arch Trail Information

The Skyline Arch Trail in Utah is a 0.4 mile (~0.6 kilometer) out-and-back trail with approximately 35 feet (~10.7 meters) in elevation gain. An average hiker can complete the trail in around 10 minutes. Due to the minimal elevation gain and short distance of the trail, it is considered to be an easy route. Moreover, Skyline Arch Trail is arguably the most family-friendly trail in Arches National Park.

While walking along the Skyline Arch Trail, you can also make your way right up to the base of the arch for a better view. However, you have to scramble over some rocks in order to get up that up-close view.

Are you searching for some more advanced trails in addition to this family-friendly trail? Then head to Glacier National Park, for it holds stunning trails that also offer a challenge. For example, check out my two favorite trails of Iceberg Lake Trail and Hidden Lake Overlook Trail.

Accessibility Information

While the Skyline Arch Trail is relatively flat, it is unfortunately not accessible to wheelchairs. There are a few steps located at the beginning of the trail. Nevertheless, those who are unable to hike the trail can take an alternative route. There is a paved path behind the campground amphitheater that allows for a view of Skyline Arch from another angle.

Skyline Arch Trail Map from Google Maps

3) Estimated Visit Time for Skyline Arch 

In terms of estimated visit time, plan for at least 20 minutes to visit Skyline Arch in Utah. The trail is fairly short at only 0.4 miles (~0.6 kilometers) long, but you might want some extra time to explore and take pictures. Therefore, I suggest planning for 20 minutes or more even though the trail itself only takes 10 minutes to hike. 

View of Skyline Arch from a distance

4) Quick Facts + FAQs on Skyline Arch

1. The Skyline Arch Trail is a 0.4 mile (~0.6 kilometer) out and back trail located within Arches National Park in Utah.

2. There is approximately 35 feet (~10.7 meters) of elevation gain on the trail, and an average hiker can complete the trail within 10 minutes. 

3. The Skyline Arch Trail leads to Skyline Arch, which is a unique arch surrounded by a sandstone wall.

4. Entrance to Skyline Arch + Arches National Park is $30 per private vehicle (unless you have an annual park pass). 

5. A large boulder fell from Skyline Arch in the mid 1900s, thus doubling the size of the arch. 

FAQs – Skyline Arch 

How long is the Skyline Arch Trail? The Skyline Arch Trail is a 0.4 mile (~0.6 kilometer) out-and-back trail.

Is the Skyline Arch Trail family friendly? Yes, the Skyline Arch trail is one of the best family-friendly trails in Arches National Park in Utah.

Can you see Skyline Arch from the road? Yes, you can see Skyline Arch from the Arches National Park Road. However, some of the best views are the up-close angles from the end of the trail.

Is there dedicated Skyline Arch Trail parking? Yes, there is a dedicated parking lot right next to the trailhead with space for approximately 30 cars.

When is the best time to hike to Skyline Arch? The best time to hike the trail is during the early spring or late fall seasons due to milder temperatures and slightly smaller crowds.

Are dogs allowed on the Skyline Arch Trail? Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed on the Skyline Arch Trail.

Are there restrooms available at the Skyline Arch Trailhead? There are no toilets available at the parking lot or trailhead. Instead, head towards Devil’s Garden if you need to take care of business.

Mountains in the distance at Arches National Park

5) Geology

I am not a geologist by any means, so I will try to keep this short and simple. There are four general stages to the history and lifespans of the arches, including Skyline Arch, in Arches National Park. First, the region where Arches National Park exists today was actually a dried up sea around 60 million years ago. Then tectonic forces caused sandstone buried far underground to essentially wrinkle up. Imagine a scrunched up rug, and that is what the underground sandstone might have looked like. 

Second, the sandstone from underground slowly began to rise to the surface around 15 million years ago. Third, as the sandstone became visible above the surface, the forces of erosion went to work. Rain, water, wind, etc. all took a part in eroding the sandstone to form the arches in the shapes we see today.

Alas, there is still a fourth part to this story, and unfortunately it might not be considered a happy one (at least for tourists). As I mentioned above, the forces of erosion have been hard at work on the arches for many years. They will continue to erode the arches in the future to such an extent that the arches will widen more and more before eventually collapsing. 

View of rock formations and arches in Arches National Park

6) Recommended Items to Bring

1. Water bottle: I cannot emphasize enough that you NEED water while hiking to Skyline Arch in Utah, especially if you are visiting during the summer. I visited with a couple of friends in August, and let me tell you…it was hot. Consider a reusable water bottle to reduce plastic waste. They also keep your water cooler due to their insulation – bonus!

2. Hat or visor: The majority of the Skyline Arch Trail, in addition to all of Arches National Park, is in the full sun.

3. Rain jacket: Keep in mind that monsoon season occurs in the late summer. Therefore, it is best to be prepared with a rain jacket just in case you encounter an afternoon shower.

Hygiene Items for Skyline Arch 

4. Sunscreen: While sunscreen might not be as important on a cloudy day, it will be on a day full of beautiful clear skies. Walking around even for just 30 minutes can lead to sunburn if you have fair skin.

5. Bug spray: Let’s be honest – mosquitos, gnats, and any other little type of fly can ruin an experience. You cannot truly enjoy an attraction if you are swatting away bugs from your face the whole time. Therefore, be prepared with bug spray or a mosquito repellent bracelet.

View of rock formations from a distance

Hiking Items for Skyline Arch

6. Hiking shoes: Hiking shoes are generally not cheap, though I will say they are well worth the investment. They provide grip and traction to help you out while hiking along trails.

7. Hiking poles: Hiking poles are not a necessity for this trail since it is a bit shorter, but you can still bring them along if you want a bit of extra support.

8. Optional – crampons: These are only necessary in the winter months if there is snow or ice along the trail. Crampons are spikes that attach to the bottom of shoes.

Camping Items

If you decide to go camping during your trip to Arches National Park, check out the below camping essentials! I have personally utilized all of the below and would highly recommend them.

10. Amflip Pop-Up Camping Tent: Say goodbye to fighting with poles to set up your tent. Instead, rest easy (and quickly) after you set up the Amflip pop-up tent in less than five minutes. Moreover, the tent holds up well against the rain. My partner and I used the tent in Yellowstone during hours and hours and hours of downpours. We never had any roof leaks.

11. AmazonBasics Waterproof Camping Tarp: A tarp can be an extremely useful camping accessory. You can set it up above your tent to act as another layer of protection from the rain or below your tent for a buffer between your tent and the ground.

12. Elegear Double Sleeping Pad: My partner and I did not want to carry around an air pump on our travels, and thus we chose this sleeping pad solely for the fact that it has a foot pump to inflate.

13. Sleepingo Double Sleeping Bag: While Utah can be quite hot in the summer, it can also be quite cold in the winter. Snuggle up with a double sleeping bag or separate it into two smaller sleeping bags.

View of rock formations in Arches National Park

B. General Information on Arches National Park

The state of Utah is home to five national parks, each with their own unique landscapes and attractions. The five national parks in Utah include: (1) Arches (2) Bryce Canyon (3) Canyonlands (4) Capitol Reef (5) Zion.

Arches National Park is referred to as a “red-rock wonderland”, and it is easy to see why. The park is full of beautiful red rocks of every shape, size, and texture you can imagine. Moreover, many of the rocks form arches. It is thus no secret how the park received its name.

1) Location of Arches National Park

Arches National Park is located in eastern Utah, just over an hour from the Utah – Colorado border. Out of the four other national parks in Utah, Arches is closest to Canyonlands National Park, which is also located in eastern Utah.

The Canyonlands Field Airport is the closest airport to Arches National Park at just 15 minutes northwest. However, it is a fairly small airport. You might only be able to find a flight here if you are flying from a nearby state or are willing to pay a bit more for the convenience.

Otherwise, the Grand Junction Regional Airport is the next closest airport at one hour and 40 minutes northeast. While the airport is larger compared to the Canyonlands Field Airport, it still is only a regional airport. Lastly, the Salt Lake City International Airport is three hours and 45 minutes northwest. The airport is fairly far away, but it is the largest airport of the three mentioned here. Moreover, if you fly into here, you can visit some of Salt Lake City’s attractions, for example the Bonneville Salt Flats and Antelope Island State Park, before then driving down to Arches National Park.

Please be aware that no public transportation options exist from the airports mentioned above to Arches National Park. My recommendation is to rent a car from the airport.

View of Double Arch from the trail

2) Opening Hours

Time for some good news! Arches National Park is open to visitors 24/7, every single day of the year. That is right, you can even visit Skyline Arch on Christmas or New Year’s Day if you want. Why not skip the gifts for one year and instead surprise your partner or family with a trip to the park? On the other hand, check out my lists of Travel Essentials for Women and Travel Accessories for Men if you need some gift ideas.

However, the visitor center has more restricted hours. The hours change based on the season, with the winter season having the shortest hours. Check the Arches Visitor Center NPS Page for more information.

View of Double Arch from the trail

3) Entrance Fee for Arches NP + Skyline Arch

To put it simply – yes, Arches National Park does charge an entrance fee. Unfortunately this means that Skyline Arch is not a free attraction. If you are visiting for one day and one day only, then you probably want to purchase a standard entrance pass. The pass costs $30 for a private vehicle, $25 for a motorcycle, and $15 for a person on foot or bicycle.

However, I recommend you purchase the Arches annual entrance pass if you plan to visit the park multiple times through the year. The Arches annual pass costs $55, so you can get your money’s worth after only two visits. Check out the Arches NPS Passes Page for more information on entrance fees by vehicle type.

Moreover, I recommend you purchase the national park annual pass if you plan to visit multiple national parks throughout the year. The National Park Service offers a variety of annual pass options, which can greatly decrease the total amount spent on entrance fees. Generally, the national park annual pass costs $80. However, certain groups can receive the pass at a discounted rate or even for free. Check out all of the annual pass options on the NPS Pass Page.

If you buy the national park annual pass, make sure you get your money’s worth and visit other parks such as Acadia National Park in Maine and Great Sand Dunes National Park in Colorado.

Another Option: Fee-Free Days

There is one way to skirt around paying an entrance fee to Arches National Park and visiting Skyline Arch – visit on a “fee-free” day. The National Park Service declares a number of fee-free days every single year. On these days, you can enter any national park that normally requires an entrance fee for free.

The list of fee-free days can change every year. However, past fee-free days have included Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the first day of National Park Week, Great American Outdoors Act anniversary, National Public Lands Day, and Veterans Day. Check out the Arches NPS Passes Page for a list of fee-free days for the current year.

IMPORTANT: Timed Entry Reservation

Please be aware that you also need a timed entry reservation between April 1st through July 6th and August 28th through October 31st from 7am to 4pm to enter Arches National Park and thus access Skyline Arch. More and more parks are implementing these kinds of reservation systems. National parks continue to grow in popularity, but park officials want to ensure the parks are protected and continue to thrive for many years to come.

Thankfully the reservation is not expensive, for it only costs $2. Check out the Arches NPS Passes Page for more information and a link to booking the timed entry reservation.

On the other hand, you have two options to avoid the timed entry reservation requirements. First, you can visit outside of the months requiring the timed entry reservation. Second, you can enter the park before 7am or after 4pm if you still plan to visit from April 1st through July 6th or from August 28th through October 31st.

Close-up view of Double Arch

4) Lodging Options

Looking for lodging options near Arches National Park so you can visit the Skyline Arch one day and even more attractions the next day? First, you can book a campsite at Devils Garden Campground within Arches National Park. Please keep in mind this is the only campground located within the park. If you plan to visit between March and October, I highly recommend you try and reserve a campsite as soon as they become available six months in advance. The campground usually sells out every night in the summer.

Second, you can stay overnight within the park if you have a backpacking permit. Check out the Arches Backpacking NPS page for more information, including when and where to obtain a permit. Third, you can book a campsite at a campground within the nearby town of Moab. This is a good option if you are unable to secure a Devils Garden Campground reservation.

Fourth, you can book a stay at a hotel in the nearby town of Moab if you want to sleep in a warm, comfy bed at night. For a more luxurious experience, book a room at the Red Cliff Lodge. It has a horse corral, outdoor pool, tennis courts, on-site restaurant, and more. If you need to stick to a budget, book a room at the Aarchway Inn.

Up-close view of rock formations in Arches National Park

5) Best Time to Visit Arches NP + Skyline Arch

The best time and season to visit Arches National Park is on a weekday in the early spring or late fall. Why? You can experience more moderate temperatures with slightly less crowds. Head to the next two sections to learn about the summer vs. winter weather conditions as well as the less vs. more crowded months in the park.

Moreover, I have a few recommendations. First, avoid visiting the park on holidays or anytime near holidays. Second, arrive at the park as early as possible. You can avoid the crowds and easily secure a parking spot for the Skyline Arch Trailhead if you arrive around sunrise. Moreover, the temperatures are more moderate at that time of day during the summer.

Third, visit on a weekday instead of a weekend. Less people are likely to be in the park on a random Tuesday morning compared to a Saturday afternoon. Fourth, visit outside or on the edge of the prime season (which is March through October). I recommend visiting during the months of February, March, October, or November. Arches is even considered one of the best national parks to visit in February.

View of rock formations from a distance

6) Weather Conditions – What to Expect

Arches National Park, including the Skyline Arch Trail, is located in the desert. Most people equate the desert with hot temperatures. However, please be aware that the desert can also get quite cold in the winter. Keep reading and do additional research so that you are prepared for whatever weather you might encounter.

To keep it short and sweet – the early spring and late fall months often have the most moderate temperatures. The winter months and the summer months bring extreme temperatures for the cold and the heat, respectively.

Summer Weather Conditions in Arches NP

You can probably already guess that it gets hot at Arches in the summer. It is the desert, after all. When I say hot, I mean that temperatures in the summer months of June through August often exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit (~38 Celsius). Trust me, it is not ideal to be hiking the Skyline Arch Trail in these conditions. You are more prone to overheating and/or becoming dehydrated.

If you do happen to visit in the summer, I have a few recommendations. First, bring plenty of water (aka more water than you think you need). Second, protect yourself from the sun with sunglasses, hats, visors, sunscreen, etc. Third, pace yourself. Do not overwork your body because it is more prone to shut down in extreme weather. Fourth, begin your day early. You might be able to enjoy more moderate temperatures if you enter the park before sunrise.

Additionally, monsoons are common in the late summer. Always check the weather during your visit, for monsoons can lead to trail and/or road closures due to flash flooding.

Winter Weather Conditions in Arches NP

On the other side of the scale, winter temperatures can drop to 30 degrees Fahrenheit (~negative one Celsius) during the day and zero degrees Fahrenheit (~-18 Celsius) at night.

I do have some good news, though. Arches National Park, including the trail to Skyline Arch, does not normally receive large amounts of snow. However, even a little bit of snowfall can cause the park to close the roads and/or trails.

If you do happen to visit in the winter, I have a few recommendations. First, dress warmly. Bring a couple of layers and prepare for even colder temperatures than you are expecting. Second, bring crampons. Crampons are spikes that attach to the bottom of your shoes and help you traverse over snowy or icy ground. Third, have a back-up plan. If the park road leading to Skyline Arch closes, then have a plan in place to visit another attraction to fill your time.

Up-close view of some rock formations in Arches National Park

7) Crowds – What to Expect

To put it simply, expect a lot of crowds. Arches is a fairly popular national park, and for good reason. There are a variety of beautiful attractions within the park’s borders, including the Skyline Arch. However, there are busier seasons than others. For example, March through October are the busiest months in the park. However, the number of park visitors drops in August due to the extreme heat before then increasing again in September.

Plan to visit during the off season if you want to easily pass through the entrance gate, drive to the Skyline Arch Trailhead, and secure a parking spot.

Busy Season at Arches NP

The busy season for Arches National Park is quite long – from March through October. The late spring and early fall months are popular due to the more moderate temperatures they offer. The summer months are popular due to the fact that kids are out of school, people are taking vacation time, etc. Moreover, the days and weekends surrounding Easter, Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day tend to be the busiest.

View of Double Arch from the trail

Thankfully the parking lot at the trailhead for Skyline Arch is not the most in-demand parking lot within Arches National Park. You thus might still have a chance at finding a spot in the busy season. On the other hand, the most popular parking lots are those for Devil’s Garden, Delicate Arch, and The Windows. It is recommended that you arrive at the parking lot for your destination before or around sunrise, no matter the destination, to ensure you can obtain a parking spot.

Not only do the months of March through October bring full parking lots, but they also bring temporary entrance delays and long entrance station lines. Let me elaborate. First, park officials might temporarily shut down the entrance station into Arches if all of the parking lots within the park are full. These temporary closures can last anywhere from three to five hours. Second, long entrance lines often form after the entrance stations are temporarily shut down. Not only do you have to wait out the temporary closure, but then you also have to wait for every car in front of you to pass through the entrance station.

Off Season at Arches NP

The off season for Arches National Park is from the months of November through February. Unfortunately, that is only four months out of the year. Moreover, those months can bring chilly temperatures, sometimes dipping down to even zero degrees Fahrenheit (~-18 Celsius) at night.

However, you are likely to encounter way less crowds in these months compared to the busier months of March through October. For example, there are around 5x more visitors in June compared to February.

View of rock formations and arches in Arches National Park

8) Wildlife in the Park

It is likely that you will not see any wildlife while hiking along the Skyline Arch Trail, for Arches National Park is home to many nocturnal and crepuscular (aka active at dawn and dusk) animals. For example, some nocturnal animals found within the park include kangaroo rats, foxes, mountain lions, and owls. Some crepuscular animals found within the park include coyotes, black-tailed jackrabbits, and mule deer. 

However, there are some animals in the park that are diurnal (aka active during the day). For example, these animals include antelope squirrels, lizards, hawks, eagles, and snakes. While most snakes found in the park are harmless or non venomous, there is one venomous snake to watch out for: the crotalus concolor, also known as the yellow rattlesnake. It has been spotted in Arches previously, though it is mostly active at night. 

Overall, remain cautious while hiking. Keep your eyes open and ears peeled for any signs of an animal nearby. Additionally, consider doing a little research on how to respond when seeing different animals if you are unsure.

How Do I Respond if I See a Rattlesnake? 

Hopefully you do not encounter a rattlesnake during your visit to Arches National Park. However, I want to help you be prepared if you do. You might hear a rattle to warn you that a rattlesnake is nearby. On the other hand, keep in mind that you might not hear the rattle before you see the rattlesnake.

First, back away if you see a rattlesnake. They generally do not attack humans unless they feel threatened or scared. They most likely want to get away from you as much as you want to get away from them. Second, do not try to move the rattlesnake yourself. For example, do not throw an object at it or try to move it with a stick. Third, stomp on the ground if the rattlesnake is not moving out of the way. The rattlesnake can sense the vibrations from the ground. Fourth, continue to back away and return on the trail from the direction you came if the rattlesnake remains there. Continuing to hike along the trail is not worth risking your safety.

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