Arches National Park Visitor Center
Stone entrance with a black Arches National Park sign and a National Park Service shield set against red cliff rocks.
Arches National Park: red sandstone cliffs rise over a small visitor center with parked cars, desert shrubs, under a blue sky.

Arches National Park Visitor Center

Visitor Centers★★★★☆
Last Updated: February 2026

Overview

Why Visit

First stop for orientation, park maps, film, and Junior Ranger program.

Highlights

Best For

Permits pickup, maps, and Junior Ranger materials.

Highlights

Flush toilets, water filling stations, free Unigrid maps.

Parking Reality

The main lot fills quickly during peak season; arrive early to secure a spot.

Permit Protocol

Backcountry permits are issued at the Backcountry Permit Office in Moab (two miles south, 2282 SW Resource Blvd). Fiery Furnace permits can be picked up at the Visitor Center 8:00–10:00 am on the day of or day before your trip. Canyoneering and Rock Climbing permits are self-issued outside the Visitor Center.

Facility Intel

Flush toilets are available; potable water filling stations and fountains on-site. Public WiFi is not available; cell service is unreliable outside the Visitor Center area.

Best Time to Visit

Enter before 8am or after 3pm to avoid crowds.

Tips

  • Film runs every 30 minutes; longest version is 15 minutes.
  • Parking can fill quickly during peak season—arrive early.
  • Water filling stations available; bring a refillable bottle.
  • Backcountry permits are not issued here; plan Moab for those.
ℹ️ Data Sources
📖 nps.gov 📖 roadsidesecrets.com 📖 npshistory.com 📖 recreation.gov 📖 desertusa.com 📖 allmoab.com 📖 basecampoutdoorgear.com 📖 discovermoab.com 📖 utah.com 📖 weebly.com 📖 parkrangerjohn.com 📖 npca.org 📖 youtube.com 📖 utah.gov 📖 fodors.com ⭐ Google Reviews 📝 YourNPGuide Editorial

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