Utah’s red rock country is a sight to behold and Arches National Park holds some of the area’s most amazing scenery. With towering sandstone rock formations in every direction, many of which have eroded into the park’s namesake arches, a drive or a hike through this landscape is truly stunning. See Utah’s most famous scene, Delicate Arch, which is pictured on its license plate, gaze at ancient art at Courthouse Wash or watch as millions of stars appear at Devils Garden Campground. Before you head to the park, familiarize yourself with these Arches essentials.

Sunset at Delicate Arch in Arches National Park (Photo: Bryan Anderson) Plan ahead.

Arches requires timed-entry reservations for visitors to enter the park between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m., April 1 through October 31. Reservations open three months in advance, with one month blocks released at a time. For example, reservations for the entire month of September open on June 1. Reservations are popular, so be sure to get one early.

Get your pass.

In addition to your peak-hours reservation, you’ll need to pay a park entrance fee. You can buy a $30, 7-day pass at a park entrance station, or use your America the Beautiful or other interagency annual pass to get into the national park.

Bottoms up!

Drinking plenty of water is key to surviving the dry and hot desert landscape. Bring at least two liters of water per person with you when you hit the trails.

Stay hydrated (Photo: Getty Images) Stay smart.

Rangers respond to hundreds of heat exhausted hikers in the summer. Hike smart and avoid being out in the middle of the day when there’s little shade. Temperatures often soar above 100°F in the summer months.