Start Planning! 

You’re about to go on an epic adventure with the Wind Cave National Park Tour! Here’s what you need to know before you go. 

• Arches National Park has timed entry requiring advanced reservations from April through October. Learn more here.
• The Reverse Arches tour takes 3–8 hours with 18 stops and 51 audio points.
• The tour follows an out-and-back route from the Visitor Center to Devil’s Garden.
• Visitors start near the park entrance on Highway 191, right or left of the gates.
• The tour ends at the park exit near the Arches Visitor Center.
• This version visits Delicate Arch first to help you beat the crowds.
• Between April and October, advance reservations are required to enter the park.

Budgeting and Hours of Operation 

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Budget

Budgeting for the Shaka Guide tour of Arches is relatively simple. You just need enough to cover the entrance fee, any souvenirs at the bookstore, and food & drink if you plan on bringing along snacks or a picnic.

Of course, you should also take into consideration any supplies you may need like sunscreen and water bottles. It is the desert, after all! 

• $30 per car for the Scenic Drive
• $15-$20 per person for lunch
• $10-$20 per person for gifts/souvenirs at the Visitor Center
• $2.00 per vehicle advance reservation fee (April-October)

Hours of Operation 

The tour stops have seasonal hours of operation. The site’s facilities and restaurants also have varying hours of operation.

Seasonal hours:

• April – October: 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. 
• November: approx. 8:00 a.m. to 4:30–5:00 p.m.
• December – February: approx. 9:00 a.m. to 4:00–4:30 p.m.

Get Packing!

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​​Here’s our packing list for this tour. It may seem a little long, but remember, what you bring depends on the activities you choose to do for the day. 

• Sneakers
• Hiking Clothes
• Water Bottle
• Bug Spray
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses and/or hat
• Hand sanitizer
• Snacks
• Cash
• Car charger *Very Important*
• Phone Mount
• First Aid Kit

Best Time to Visit     

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The best times to visit Arches National Park are late October to early November and March to April. During these months, the weather is comfortable and the park isn't too busy. Summer gets very hot and crowded, and winter is quiet and cold, with fewer services but lower prices.

Safety Information 

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• Hiking Safety: Bring water and hike in groups, stay away from ledges.
• Driving Safety: Follow posted speed limits, stick to roads rated for your vehicle, be prepared for switchbacks and tight turns.
• Flash Flood Safety: Arches National Park is prone to flash flooding, especially Court House Wash and any canyons. If you see rain clouds in the sky, think twice before entering any canyon. If it is raining, do not enter canyons. Flash floods can still occur even if it isn’t raining where you are. 
• Backcountry Safety: if you deviate from the tour onto backcountry roads, you are responsible for your own safety and may have to self-rescue. Water sources are rare and unreliable. 
• Pet Safety: Leashed pets are allowed only on public roadways and in established campgrounds. They are not permitted on other trails, backcountry routes, or in off-trail areas.

Leave No Trace

While exploring, we encourage you to abide by the leave-no-trace principles. Embrace the outdoors responsibly with our commitment to preserving natural wonders. 

Respect wildlife habitats, minimize your footprint, and create memories, not waste. By following Leave No Trace principles, you contribute to the longevity and beauty of our planet's most stunning landscapes.

Take the Reverse Arches National Park Audio Tour with Shaka Guide and explore at your own pace with stories, directions, and must-see stops along the way.

Still planning? Check out our Reverse Arches Itinerary guide to prep for an epic day.

Need help? Email us anytime at aloha@shakaguide.com!

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