Archeswildflowers
April and May are generally the best months to see wildflowers, per the National Park Service. This year's season is over; the next is in 2027.
Right now in Arches · September
- Wildflowers again in early fall, if there are a lot of summer monsoons · Sep
- Cliffrose blooms, April to early November · Apr–Nov
184days to the next wildflowers seasongenerally the best months: April and May, local timing
Arches National Park through the year
- Cliffrose blooms, April to early NovemberNowApr–Nov
- Wildflowers: April and May are generally the best monthsApr–May
- Summer highs at NOAA's Moab station, 10.6 mi away: about 94–99°F, Jun–Aug (1991–2020 normal)Jun–Aug
- Sep: Wildflowers again in early fall, if there are a lot of summer monsoonsNowSep
- Oct: First fall freeze by Oct 23 in half of years at NOAA's Moab station, 10.6 mi away (1991–2020 normal)Oct
Best spots around Arches National Park
- Balanced RockA 0.3-mile easy loop (15–30 min) around the 128-ft rock, 9.2 miles from the visitor center, with parking; the start is flat and paved, the rest has steps and uneven rock. Cliffrose (April to early November) and white stinking milkvetch (April–July) have been seen here
- The WindowsA one-mile loop with rock stairs, plus a primitive section with rock steps and ledges; rangers lead guided walks here, and fragrant white cliffrose has been seen in the Windows area
Arches in pictures
How we know
National Park Service, Arches wildflowers (opens in a new tab) (Sep 29) · National Park Service, Balanced Rock Viewpoint and Trail (opens in a new tab) (Sep 29) · National Park Service, Arches physical and mobility accessibility (opens in a new tab) (Sep 29) · National Park Service, Arches plant guide: Cliffrose (opens in a new tab) (Sep 29) · National Park Service, Arches plant guide: Stinking Milkvetch (opens in a new tab) (Sep 29) · NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (monthly high temperature, MOAB) (opens in a new tab) (Sep 29) · NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (first fall freeze, MOAB) (opens in a new tab) (Sep 29) · National Weather Service forecast and alerts (opens in a new tab) (Sep 29) National Park Service sources: no claim to original U.S. Government works.
Questions people ask
When is peak wildflowers in Arches National Park in 2027?
April and May are generally the best months to see wildflowers, per the National Park Service: generally the best months: April and May. That's general timing for this place, not a peak date or a forecast.
Is it blooming in Arches National Park right now?
Not now: the wildflowers season is over for this year. The next one starts in about 184 days (generally the best months: April and May, local timing).
Is every spring a good flower year at Arches?
No. Most desert flowers wait as seeds that only sprout after significant seasonal rain, so the show varies a lot from year to year, and how long it lasts depends on precipitation.Source: National Park Service, Arches wildflowers ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Can I step off the trail for a flower photo?
Please don't: stay on trails, rock or in washes. Stepping on sand off a trail destroys the living soil crust the plants depend on, and picking plants is prohibited.Source: National Park Service, Arches wildflowers ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Can I bring my dog to Balanced Rock?
Not on the trail: dogs aren't allowed on the Balanced Rock trail. Service animals are allowed in national parks.Source: National Park Service, Balanced Rock Viewpoint and Trail ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Are the restrooms accessible?
Yes, every toilet in the park is wheelchair accessible. At Balanced Rock, an accessible picnic area and toilet are up a gravel road across from the rock.Sources: National Park Service, Arches physical and mobility accessibility ↗ (opens in a new tab), National Park Service, Balanced Rock Viewpoint and Trail ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Where are the best spots in Arches National Park?
Balanced Rock: a 0.3-mile easy loop (15–30 min) around the 128-ft rock, 9.2 miles from the visitor center, with parking; the start is flat and paved, the rest has steps and uneven rock. Cliffrose (April to early November) and white stinking milkvetch (April–July) have been seen here; The Windows: a one-mile loop with rock stairs, plus a primitive section with rock steps and ledges; rangers lead guided walks here, and fragrant white cliffrose has been seen in the Windows area.
What is Arches National Park like through the year?
Wildflowers: April and May are generally the best months (Apr–May), Wildflowers again in early fall, if there are a lot of summer monsoons (Sep), Cliffrose blooms, April to early November (Apr–Nov), Summer highs at NOAA's Moab station, 10.6 mi away: about 94–99°F, Jun–Aug (1991–2020 normal) (Jun–Aug) and First fall freeze by Oct 23 in half of years at NOAA's Moab station, 10.6 mi away (1991–2020 normal) (Oct).