Surprise Arch

Arch Small natural arch along remote desert trails

This Utah sandstone arch attracts hikers and photographers seeking lesser-known formations and desert views along backcountry trails.

How to Get to Surprise Arch #

Typically reached via unmarked or lightly signed trails off main park roads; local guidebooks or park services provide the best route descriptions.

Tips for Visiting Surprise Arch #

Expect to do some off-trail scrambling to reach less-visited arches; wear grippy shoes.
Bring a GPS; many side canyons can disorient even experienced hikers.

Best Time to Visit Surprise Arch #

Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons for canyon and arch exploration.

Spring & Autumn

March-May, September-November · 8-28°C (46-82°F)

Mild temperatures for hiking; avoid peak summer heat.

Weather & Climate near Surprise Arch #

Climate

Surprise Arch's climate is classified as Cold Desert - Cold Desert climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -9°C to 36°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall.

Temperature & Rainfall

Temperature Range

36°

Warmest Month

-9°

Coldest Month

Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coldest month with highs of 4°C and lows of -9°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

-3°

Feels Like Freezing

-3°C

Temperature

-9° – 4°

Weather

20 mm

Rainfall

1.5 m/s

Wind

Calm

February

February is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of -5°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

2°

Feels Like Cold

2°C

Temperature

-5° – 9°

Weather

14 mm

Rainfall

1.9 m/s

Wind

Calm

March

March is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of -1°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

7°

Feels Like Cold

7°C

Temperature

-1° – 14°

Weather

23 mm

Rainfall

2.7 m/s

Wind

Calm

April

April is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 3°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

11°

Feels Like Cool

11°C

Temperature

3° – 20°

Weather

23 mm

Rainfall

3.2 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

May

May is cool with highs of 26°C and lows of 8°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

17°

Feels Like Cool

17°C

Temperature

8° – 26°

Weather

21 mm

Rainfall

3.2 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

June

June is mild with highs of 32°C and lows of 13°C. The driest month with just 10 mm.

Comfort

22°

Feels Like Mild

22°C

Temperature

13° – 32°

Weather

10 mm

Rainfall

3.0 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

July

July is the warmest month with highs of 36°C and lows of 16°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

26°

Feels Like Warm

26°C

Temperature

16° – 36°

Weather

22 mm

Rainfall

2.6 m/s

Wind

Calm

August

August is warm with highs of 34°C and lows of 16°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

25°

Feels Like Warm

25°C

Temperature

16° – 35°

Weather

23 mm

Rainfall

2.4 m/s

Wind

Calm

September

September is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 10°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

20°

Feels Like Mild

20°C

Temperature

10° – 29°

Weather

23 mm

Rainfall

2.4 m/s

Wind

Calm

October

October is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 3°C. The wettest month with 31 mm of rain.

Comfort

12°

Feels Like Cool

12°C

Temperature

3° – 21°

Weather

31 mm

Rainfall

2.1 m/s

Wind

Calm

November

November is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of -3°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

4°

Feels Like Cold

4°C

Temperature

-3° – 12°

Weather

20 mm

Rainfall

1.9 m/s

Wind

Calm

December

December is freezing with highs of 6°C and lows of -8°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

-1°

Feels Like Freezing

-1°C

Temperature

-8° – 6°

Weather

17 mm

Rainfall

1.6 m/s

Wind

Calm

Nearby Attractions to Surprise Arch

Twin Arch

Two adjacent natural arches in red sandstone

Sand Dune Arch

Small sandstone arch within Arches National Park

Broken Arch

Natural stone arch within Arches National Park

Tapestry Arch

Scenic sandstone arch within Canyonlands National Park

Arches National Park

Arches National Park

National park with natural sandstone arches and spires

Skyline Arch

Natural sandstone arch in Arches National Park

Tunnel Arch

Natural sandstone arch forming tunnel-like passage

Pine Tree Arch

Sandstone natural arch inside Arches National Park