27 Jan Skyline Arch Trail: An Easy Hike in Arches National Park

The Skyline Arch Trail is one of the most accessible trails in Arches National Park due to the fact it is only 0.4 miles (~0.64 kilometers) long round trip. At the end of the trail, hikers are rewarded with the Skyline Arch, which is surrounded by a sandstone wall. Whether you are planning to visit Arches National Park for a couple of hours or an entire weekend, definitely plan to hike the Skyline Arch Trail. 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 the Skyline Arch before it changes shape again.

Utah is home to many natural wonders, so make sure you plan to 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.

Contents:

1) General Information on Arches National Park

2) Location of Skyline Arch Trailhead

3) Trail Information

4) Best Time to Visit

5) Weather Conditions – What to Expect

6) Crowds – What to Expect

7) Wildlife in the Park

8) Geology

9) Quick Facts on the Skyline Arch Trail

10) Recommended Items to Bring

1) 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 concerning how the park received its name.

Location

Arches National Park is located in eastern Utah, just over an hour from the Utah – Colorado border. It is thus closest to Canyonlands National Park, which is also located in eastern Utah. For reference, Capitol Reef National Park is located in the middle of Utah while Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks are in southwestern Utah.

There are a few nearby airports to Arches. First, Canyonlands Field Airport is the closest airport at just 15 minutes northwest. However, this 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.

Second, the Grand Junction Regional Airport is the next closest airport at one hour and 40 minutes northeast. While this airport is larger compared to the Canyonlands Field Airport, it still is only a regional airport. Third, 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.

Please be aware that no public transportation options exist from the airports mentioned above to Arches. You thus need to either rent a car at the airport or utilize a ride share service such as Uber. 

View of Double Arch from the trail

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 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?

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.

Entrance Pass

To put it simply – yes, Arches does have an entrance fee. If you are visiting for one day and one day only, then you probably want to purchase a standard entrance pass. This 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 parks 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. Most people have to pay $80 for an annual pass, but there are other options for less 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 Zion National Park in Utah and Great Sand Dunes National Park in Colorado.

View of Double Arch from the trail

Fee-Free Days

There is one way to skirt around paying an entrance fee to Arches – 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.

Timed Entry Reservation

Please be aware that you also need a timed entry reservation between April 1st and October 31st from 7am to 4pm. 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.

You have two options to avoid the timed entry reservation requirements. First, you can visit outside of the months of April through October. Second, you can enter the park before 7am or after 4pm if you visit from the months of April through October.

Close-up view of Double Arch

Lodging Options

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 national 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. Arches provides a bunch of useful information on backpacking regulations, safety tips, and more. Check out the Arches Backpacking NPS page for more information, including when and where to obtain a backpacking 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. Check out this list of Moab campgrounds.

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.

View of rock formations from a distance

2) Location of Skyline Arch Trailhead

Where is the trailhead for Skyline Arch located? In what section of Arches National Park is the Skyline Trail? 

The trailhead for Skyline Arch is located near the northern tip of Arches National Park. 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 at the Skyline Arch Trailhead

There is a parking lot right beside the Skyline Arch Trailhead with 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

3) Trail Information

How challenging is the Skyline Arch Trail? Is the Skyline Arch Trail family friendly? How long is the trail to Skyline Arch? 

The Skyline Arch Trail 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, it is a family-friendly trail and arguably the most family-friendly trail in Arches National Park.

Skyline Arch Description

The trail leads to Skyline Arch, which is an arch surrounded by a sandstone wall. You can get a nice photograph of the arch from along the trail (or even from the road). 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 close and personal with Skyline Arch. 

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. Some of the remains from the fallen rock are still laying at the base. The arch now stands around 70 feet (~21 meters) wide by 34 feet (~10 meters) tall.

View of Skyline Arch from a distance

Accessibility Information

While the 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 access 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.

Additional Skyline Arch Trail Information

Unfortunately dogs are not allowed on the trail. It is thus best to keep them at home for this one. Additionally, there are no toilets at the parking lot for the trailhead. Instead, head towards Devil’s Garden if you need to take care of business.

At the edge of the parking lot, there is a sign for the Skyline 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.

Map of the Skyline Arch Trail from Google Maps

4) Best Time to Visit

When is the best time to hike to Skyline Arch? When is the best season to visit Arches National Park? 

The best time to visit Arches National Park is on a weekday in the early spring or late fall. Why? During these times 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. For example, do not visit during Easter or the weeks surrounding easter (for that is when spring breaks often occur). Second, arrive at the park as early as possible. You can avoid the crowds and 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 if you are visiting in 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.

How Much Time Do I Need to Hike to Skyline Arch? 

In terms of estimated visit time, plan for at least 20 minutes to hike the Skyline Arch Trail. It 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, while the trail itself takes 10 minutes to hike, I suggest planning for 20 minutes or more. 

View of Skyline Arch from a distance

5) 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 wintertime. 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 often bring extreme temperatures for the cold and the heat, respectively.

How Hot Does it Get at Arches National Park in the Summer?

I probably do not need to tell you 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 in these conditions. You are more prone to overheat and/or become 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.

Up-close view of rock formations in Arches National Park

What is the Weather Like at Arches National Park in the Winter? 

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

6) 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 drive through the entrance gate, drive to the Skyline Arch Trailhead, and secure a parking spot.

When is the Busy Season at Arches National Park?

The busy season for Arches National Park is quite long – from March through October. Moreover, the days and weekends surrounding Easter, Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day tend to be the busiest.

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.

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. 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 7:30am, 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.

When Should I Hike the Skyline Arch Trail for Less Crowds?

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

7) Wildlife in the Park

What wildlife can I see in Arches National 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 active during the day (aka diurnal). These include antelope squirrels, lizards, hawks, eagles, and snakes for example. While most snakes found in the park are harmless or non venomous, there is one venomous snake to watch out for. The midget-faded rattlesnake has been spotted in Arches previously, though it is mostly active at night. 

That being said, be 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 a rattle before you see the snake.

First, back away if you see a rattlesnake. They generally do not attack humans unless they feel threatened or scared. That being said, 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. You might think you are helping by doing such things, but in all reality you are just increasing your chances of getting bit.

Third, stomp on the ground if the rattlesnake is not moving out of the way. You do not need to shout or anything like that, but instead it 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.

View of rock formations in Arches National Park

8) Geology

How did the arches in Arches National Park form? Will the arches in Arches National Park exist forever? 

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 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

9) Quick Facts on the Skyline Arch Trail

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

2. The trail has approximately 35 feet (~10.7 meters) of elevation gain and takes an average hiker 10 minutes to complete. 

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

4. Entrance to the park and thus also Skyline Trail 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. 

Mountains in the distance at Arches National Park

10) Recommended Items to Bring

What should I bring while visiting Arches National Park? What should I pack for the Skyline Arch Trail?

1. Water bottle: I cannot emphasize enough that you NEED water while hiking the Skyline Arch Trail, 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!

Hygiene Items for the Skyline Arch Trail

2. Sunscreen: While this 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.

3. 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

Apparel Items for the Skyline Arch Trail

4. Hat or visor: The majority of the Skyline Arch Trail, in addition to all of Arches National Park, is in the full sun. You thus want to protect yourself from the sun so that you do not burn and also do not overheat.

5. 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.

Hiking Items for the Skyline Arch Trail

4. Hiking shoes: A pair of hiking shoes will be incredibly helpful as you hike along the Skyline Arch Trail in Arches National Park. 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 as well as to keep you safe.

5. Hiking poles: While hiking poles might not be a necessity for this trail since it is a bit shorter, you can still bring them along if you want a bit of extra support.

6. 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.

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