ATVs

ATV's are not allowed in Arches National Park. There are many roads for ATV use located on public land administered by the Bureau of Land Management. For information you can check out their website at: www.blm.gov/utah/moab. There is also information on the Grand County Travel Council website at: www.discovermoab.com.

On the public lands around Moab you must stay on roads and established routes. There is no cross-country travel allowed as it destroys the living biological soil crust which holds the soil in place and sustains plant growth in the Moab Area and the Colorado Plateau in general .

Biological soil crust or "cryptobiotic soil" (bacteria, moss, lichens, fungi, and algae) grows everywhere except on rock. It is vital to the desert ecosystem as it stabilizes the sand, stores water for the plants, and fixes nitrogen for the plants. In its initial stages it is invisible to our eyes, but it is still functioning. The crust is extremely fragile and is destroyed easily by human activity. Therefore, please stay on designated trails, in washes, and on the rocks.

Motorcycles\Dirtbikes

Motorcycles are only allowed on park roads and must be "street legal" in the state of Utah. This means they must not only be licensed with a visible plate, but they must have a headlight (low & high beam), horn, tail/brake light, at least one side mirror and tires must meet Department of Transportation (DOT) specifications for street use. The driver must have a valid state license with a motorcycle endorsement.

Backpacking

In order to backpack in Arches, you must obtain a free backcountry permit at the visitor center. The maximum group size is twelve, but smaller groups are strongly recommended to reduce impacts. Permits may not be reserved in advance.
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Climbing

The rock at Arches offers excellent climbing opportunities, despite its sandy nature. Most climbing routes in the park require advanced techniques. Permits are not required, unless the trip involves an overnight stay in the backcountry. It the responsibility of all climbers to know and obey the park regulations. Please visit the climbing page for information regarding specific closures and restrictions.

Pets

Activities with pets are very limited at Arches. Pets are not allowed on any hiking trails. Pets may accompany visitors in the campground, and at overlooks and pullouts along the paved scenic drives. Pets may be walked on roads or in parking lots, but must be leashed at all times when outside a vehicle. Pets may not be left unattended (except in a paid-for campsite in the Devils Garden campground, where they must not cause a disturbance).
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