Nearly 1.7 million people get excited each year as they take this winding road toward Arches Visitor Center. Inside are maps, exhibits, a bookstore and helpful rangers. They can answer your questions and suggest ways to create a memorable experience. The national park is open every day except Christmas from 8:00 until 5:00. To avoid the crowds, plan on arriving before 9:00 or after 2:00. The peak season is from April through October. During the summer, you must contend with lots of traffic, limited parking at stops, throngs of photo-taking tourists and average high temperatures of 100° F. Your adventure begins at an elevation of 4,085 feet. After leaving the Arches Visitor Center parking lot, you start driving uphill.
