Yes, a hundred times, yes! We say that you SHOULD visit Arches National Park in winter. There is nothing better than viewing the desolate beauty of the park covered in the snow.
The towering red peaks glow under the white veil, which is the best time to soak in this view!
Therefore, we urge you to put this trip on your bucket list right now!
Haven’t taken a winter trip before? Don’t panic! We have created this guide with everything related to visiting Arches National Park in winter.
What to pack, what’s the weather like, and tips on enjoying your time there, we have got you covered! So without any further delay, let’s get right into it!
Is Arches National Park Open in Winter?
Yes, Arches National Park is open and offers great winter activities. It is one of the best places to visit in the winter season. Here is why!
5 Great Reasons to Visit Arches NP in Winter
1. Protection From Heat Exhaustion
Arches can get pretty hot in summer. The heat (probably 100 degrees) makes you exhausted during the visit. Mid-day is especially brutal when you might have to stay indoors instead of enjoying your hike. However, winter weather is manageable. It makes outdoor activities exciting. Also, if you are a winter lover, Arches will be a dream come true destination!
2. Less Traffic, More Fun!
Arches attract more than 1.5 million visitors during summer. It means no free parking spaces and crowded areas. You can get a limited parking area if you’re lucky but might still have to wait in lines for entry. Who wants to stay for so long in the scorching heat?
The Winter season has no such issues. There is ample parking space and no long entry lines, and you have the park to yourself. Now, what’s better? We don’t need to say!
3. Skip the Crowds
Arches National Park is built on 76,680 acres of land, and you can enjoy them without the rush. There are only a handful of visitors in the winter season, and trails are yours the entire time.
So, should you visit Arches in winter? Yes, Of course!
4. Exceptional Photography
Arches National Park features over 2000 natural arches made of sandstone. It also includes the beautiful “Delicate Arch,” a geological wonder.
But it’s such a shame that you don’t get to capture the natural beauty amidst the summer rush. Winter allows you to photograph the scenic beauty of Arches National Park (red rocky surfaces covered in a blanket of snow). Want to boast of your photography skills?
5. Cheaper Hotel Stays
Hotels around Arches and even Airbnbs drop their prices to almost 50%. Off-season accommodation rates are the cheapest. It implies that you can enjoy all the luxury bedding, hot tubs, and fantastic food for half price! Now, who can refuse that? Click to check out the best Airbnb deals in Moab!
Does It Snow in Arches National Park?
It does snow in Arches National Park in winter, but not heavily. A large amount of snow is unexpected in the park; however, you can find snow on trails and roads. The three coldest months of the winter season are December, January, and February. January is the month with the most snowfall in the season. The snow can accumulate to around 2.5 inches and last almost 1.4 days.
A couple of inches of snow is not significant. You might see white dustings on the roads and trails, but they will melt quickly. Still, winter has cold, dry air, and you will need some protective gear to combat the chilly weather. Don’t worry. We’ll get to that part as well!
What To Pack for Your Winter Trip to Arches?
If you are a frequent traveler, you will have an idea of all the essentials to pack. However, if you are taking a winter trip for the first time, we have prepared a list of all the essential items you’ll need. Go through the list below and buy the ones you haven’t already!
Water Bottles
Even if it is a winter trip, you will need water bottles! Check out our informative article on how much water you need during camping! The long hikes at a high altitude can make you sweaty real quick. So, it’s better to have refillable water bottles that you can quickly fill at the visitor center.
Power Bank
The park does not have good cell service or ample electricity. Invest in a good power bank if you want your phone to keep working during all the photo sessions. We suggest buying a solar charger power bank.
Sunblock and Lip Balm
The sun is pretty harsh at higher altitudes and takes a toll on your skin. Dry winter weather can also crack your lips. So, do not forget to pack a good quality sunblock and a lip balm.
Flashlight and Hiking Poles
Hiking in winter is exceptional! If you plan to hike in the evenings, you need a flashlight and maybe hiking poles. These would help you walk even when the sun has set. You can easily buy an LED flashlight and a hiking pole online.
Hiking Shoes
You would also need a good pair of hiking shoes. They are essential for protecting your feet during long hikes. You can buy the ones that are long-lasting and comfortable.
Fortunately, we have prepared a complete guide on hiking boots.
Fleece Sweater
When it comes to dressing for a winter trip, always layer up! You would have to face a dry, cold breeze but also feel hot after long walks. Therefore, layering is best in such places.
A fleece sweater is an excellent option to go under some lightweight jackets. You can take off the jacket anytime, and the fleece will still keep you warm.
Further, we have broken down each month of the winter season in detail. You can check out the complete monthly weather update and prepare yourself for the journey!
What Is Arches National Park Like in December?
December is one of the coldest months, with temperatures reaching below zero. But it is the best time for adventure-loving souls! If you are also someone like this, here is all the information you need to have a good time at Arches.
Average Temperature
The temperature of Arches in December can get as low as -6°C, but it rarely falls below -13°C. The high temperatures range from 8°C to 3°C. The average temperature on a December day ranges from -3°C to 3°C.
Cloudiness
The whole month of December sees almost a constant cover of clouds. The sky is clear for some time during the day. According to an estimate, the atmosphere remains “mostly cloudy” nearly 40% of the time. The initial days of December are mostly clear, without any clouds.
Rainfall and Snowfall
December does not get much rain or snow. The chances of a wet day in December remain almost constant. The chances of only rainfall are 4%, rain mixed with snowfall is 2%, and only snowfall is 1% throughout. The amount of rainfall recorded in December is around 10mm. Snowfall is recorded between 19mm to 55mm.
What Is Arches National Park Like in January?
Like December, January is another chilly month of the season. Knowing all the weather conditions will help you plan your trip!
Average Temperature
January sees some lowest temperatures of the winter. The average high and low temperatures of the month are 6.7°C and -5.6°C, respectively. Typically, the average temperature is around zero degrees celsius.
Cloudiness
January has almost constant cloud cover throughout the month. The chances of the sky remaining “mostly cloudy” are 41%. The average length of the day in January is 9.8 hours.
Rainfall and Snowfall
Arches National Park has a total of 58.4 rainfall days. Among these, January has four rainfall days or 9% chances of rain. The total rainfall recorded in January is 14.7 mm. Snowfall remains from November to March. The average snowfall recorded in January is 48.3mm.
What Is Arches National Park Like in February?
February is the last of the coldest winter months. The temperature gets slightly high in February, but it is still icy and breezy. Take a look at the weather details below.
Average Temperature
The average temperature in February varies from as low as -2.2°C to as high as 11.1°C. Overall it remains somewhere around 0°C.
Cloudiness
Clouds surround the sky in February too. The chances of a clear day are less in February. The sky remains “mostly cloudy” nearly 44% of the month. The average length of a day in February is 10.8 hours.
Rainfall and Snowfall
The chances of rainfall in February are slightly more significant than in January. The chances of a wet day are almost 12%. The average amount of rain recorded in February is 12.7mm. The snowfall condition in February is almost the same, with snow typically accumulating to a depth of 22.9mm.
What To Do in Arches National Park in the Winter?
Now here comes the fun part! What activities can you do in Arches National Park in winter?
It is a small park so you can cover it in a day or two. Some best things to do in Arches are:
Take a Scenic Drive
The scenic drive in Arches is a single main road. The road is 19 miles long and takes almost 2 hours to complete. You can take breaks in between and stop for photography.
Hike to Delicate Arch
The topic of Arches National Park is incomplete without the beautiful “Delicate Arch.” It is the best thing you’ll see in the park. There are two points (upper and lower) to view Delicate Arch. We recommend hiking up there to take in the mesmerizing view in all its glory!
Check Out the Devils Garden Trail
The Devils Garden Trail is a 7.2-mile hike with various small walks leading to different arches. You can do it in a loop or cut it in between to shorten the distance.
Winter Camping in Arches National Park
Camping at Arches National Park in winter is a treat for adventure lovers! Devils Garden Campground offers 25 sites for visitors to camp inside Arches. You can access them from November to February on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Look at our detailed camping guides to enjoy your winter camping at Arches!
- How to Keep a Campfire Going
- Can You Lock a Tent? Tips to Secure Your Camp
- How to Wash Your Clothes When You Are Camping
What Is the Best Time of Year To Visit Arches National Park?
The summer season can get hot (more than 100 degrees), making hiking exhausting. You won’t be able to explore the park trails in the scorching sun.
September and October have moderate temperatures. But, the park gets heavily crowded during this time. There are long lines just to enter the park.
December to February can be the best time to visit the park if you are a winter lover. The occasional snow on trails and fewer visitors can make your trip lovely in the winter.
Tip: Download all the maps and navigation apps on your phone as there are no cell signals inside the park!
Final Thoughts
Are you ready to explore Arches National Park in winter? With snowy red rocks, beautiful trails, and fewer visitors, Arches is heavenly in winter. Then what’s with the wait? Pack your bags, set the navigation, and let’s go!
We hope this comprehensive guide will help you through your Arches trip! So, winter adventure? Absolutely yes!