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Drone Rules for Arches National Park

Grand County, Utah (UT) • United States
Utah, USA
Lat: 38.7328 • Lng: -109.575
Ground Not allowed Last updated: May 30, 2026
Summary
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Arches National Park prohibits all drone operations under NPS 36 CFR 1.5. The park protects over 2,000 natural sandstone arches and sees over 1.5 million visitors annually; drone noise and disturbance violates the park's tranquility mandate.

Drone Rules - Arches National Park

All drone launches, landings, and operations are prohibited under NPS 36 CFR 1.5. No exceptions for recreational, commercial, or scientific use without a Special Use Permit.

Airspace / Site Context

  • Canyonlands Field Airport (KCNY) Class D lies ~15 miles west near Moab
  • Park elevation 4,085-5,653 ft MSL; thin air affects drone performance
  • Over 2,000 documented sandstone arches including Delicate Arch (65 ft tall)
  • Desert bighorn sheep, Utah prairie dog, and peregrine falcon nest in the park

Key Rules

  • No drone launches, landings, or operations anywhere in the park
  • Peregrine falcon (delisted but protected under MBTA) nests on cliffs; disturbance prohibited
  • High visitor density means drone incidents attract immediate ranger attention
  • Adjacent Bureau of Land Management lands have different rules but park boundaries are enforced

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