Arches National Park, located in the high desert of southeastern Utah, is renowned not only for its stunning rock formations but also for its diverse wildlife. Despite the harsh, arid environment, the park supports a surprising variety of animal life. Mule deer can often be seen grazing in the early morning or late evening, while bighorn sheep navigate the rocky terrain with ease. Smaller mammals such as desert cottontails, kangaroo rats, and various species of bats also thrive in this unique landscape. Reptiles, including lizards and snakes, are common sights, basking on the sun-warmed rocks. Birdwatchers can enjoy spotting species such as golden eagles, peregrine falcons, and a variety of songbirds.
The wildlife in Arches National Park has adapted to the extreme conditions, creating a vibrant ecosystem that fascinates visitors and highlights the resilience of nature. This diversity enhances the park’s allure, offering a dynamic complement to its geological wonders and underscoring the importance of preserving such extraordinary habitats. Keep reading to see featured photos of Arches’ wildlife and to learn more about wildlife photography.
Featured Arches National Park Wildlife Photographs
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Wildlife Photography Tips
Wildlife photography in the US National Parks offers a unique and enriching experience, as these protected areas are havens for diverse species and pristine natural landscapes. Capturing wildlife in such settings requires preparation and respect for both the environment and its inhabitants. Photographers should familiarize themselves with the specific animals and ecosystems of the park they are visiting, as each park hosts different species and behaviors. Early mornings and late afternoons, known as the golden hours, provide the best light and increased wildlife activity. Different seasons also offer different wildlife viewing opportunities. Patience and stillness are key, as the best moments often come to those who wait quietly.
If wildlife does present itself, always make sure to maintain a safe distance. Using a telephoto lens allows for close-up shots without intruding on the animals’ space. If you already own or want to own a professional grade mirrored camera like the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV Full Frame Digital SLR, we recommend using a Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L is II USM Lens zoom lens for wildlife photography. If you have or are interested in a newer mirrorless model like the Canon EOS R5 Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera, we recommend using a Canon RF100-400mm F5.6-8 is USM Black for long distance shots.
Not quite ready to invest in traditional professional grade camera equipment, but want to enhance the quality of your cell phone photographs? Consider using a Moment 58mm Tele Lens for an improved zoom and be sure you have a compatible phone case to mount your new lens in. Since cell phones don’t have the same zoom distance and quality as traditional professional cameras, be extra mindful about your distance from wildlife when photographing them and don’t get too close. As with any visit to a national park, it’s important to follow park regulations, practice “Leave No Trace” principles, and prioritize safety while photographing wildlife.
Arches Wildlife Education and Resources
Want to learn more about Arches National Park and the wildlife that inhabits it? Check out these guides & books:
- Collier’s Guide to Photographing Arches National Park
- Peterson Field Guide To Mammals Of North America: Fourth Edition (Peterson Field Guides)
- Peterson Field Guide To Birds Of Western North America, Fifth Edition (Peterson Field Guides)
- Bird Songs: 250 North American Birds in Song
- Peterson Field Guide To Western Reptiles & Amphibians, Fourth Edition (Peterson Field Guides)
- Peterson Field Guide to Freshwater Fishes, Second Edition (Peterson Field Guides)
- Animal Tracks: A Folding Pocket Guide to the Tracks & Signs of Familiar North American Species (Wildlife and Nature Identification)
Please note, by making purchases through our affiliate links, you are supporting our mission to celebrate and showcase our National Parks and the photographers who frequent them. As an Amazon Associate, National Park Photographer earns from qualifying purchases at not cost to you. We appreciate your support.
Arches National Park Species List
The wildlife at Arches National Park is beautiful and diverse. There are a variety of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish to view. Check out all the incredible species this park has to offer! Click on the links below to see the different animal species that inhabit Arches National Park:
Arches National Park Mammals
| Name | Abundance |
|---|---|
| Allen’s Big-eared Bat* (Idionycteris phyllotis) | Unknown* |
| American Badger (Taxidea taxus) | Rare |
| American Beaver (Castor canadensis) | Uncommon |
| American Black Bear (Ursus americanus) | Rare |
| Big Brown Bat* (Eptesicus fuscus) | Unknown* |
| Big Free-tailed Bat (Nyctinomops macrotis) | Uncommon |
| Bighorn Sheep (Ovis canadensis) | Uncommon |
| Black-tailed Jackrabbit (Lepus californicus) | Uncommon |
| Bobcat (Lynx rufus) | Unknown |
| Botta’s Pocket Gopher (Thomomys bottae) | Uncommon |
| Brazilian Free-tailed Bat (Tadarida brasiliensis) | Uncommon |
| Brush Mouse (Peromyscus boylii) | Uncommon |
| Bushy-tailed Woodrat (Neotoma cinerea) | Uncommon |
| California Myotis (Myotis californicus) | Common |
| Canyon Mouse (Peromyscus crinitus) | Common |
| Common Gray Fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) | Uncommon |
| Common Muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus) | Rare |
| Coyote (Canis latrans) | Uncommon |
| Crawford’s Desert Shrew* (Notiosorex crawfordi) | Unknown* |
| Deer Mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus) | Common |
| Desert Cottontail (Sylvilagus audubonii) | Common |
| Desert Woodrat (Neotoma lepida) | Unknown |
| Elk (Cervus canadensis) | Unknown |
| Fringed Myotis* (Myotis thysanodes) | Unknown* |
| Hoary Bat (Lasiurus cinereus) | Uncommon |
| Hopi Chipmunk (Neotamias rufus) | Common |
| Kit Fox (Vulpes macrotis) | Unknown |
| Long-eared Myotis* (Myotis evotis) | Unknown* |
| Long-legged Myotis* (Myotis volans) | Unknown* |
| Long-tailed Weasel* (Mustela frenata) | Unknown* |
| Merriam’s Shrew* (Sorex merriami) | Unknown* |
| Mountain Lion (Puma concolor) | Rare |
| Mule Deer (Odocoileus hemionus) | Uncommon |
| North American Porcupine (Erethizon dorsatum) | Uncommon |
| Northern Grasshopper Mouse (Onychomys leucogaster) | Uncommon |
| Northern Raccoon (Procyon lotor) | Uncommon |
| Northern River Otter (Lontra canadensis) | Unknown |
| Ord’s Kangaroo Rat (Dipodomys ordii) | Uncommon |
| Pallid Bat* (Antrozous pallidus) | |
| Pinon Mouse (Peromyscus truei) | Uncommon |
| Plains Pocket Mouse (Perognathus flavescens) | Uncommon |
| Pronghorn (Antilocapra americana) | Uncommon |
| Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes) | Rare |
| Ringtail (Bassariscus astutus) | Uncommon |
| Rock Squirrel (Spermophilus variegatus) | Common |
| Silver-haired Bat* (Lasionycteris noctivagans) | Unknown* |
| Spotted Bat* (Euderma maculatum) | Unknown* |
| Striped Skunk (Mephitis mephitis) | Uncommon |
| Townsend’s Big-eared Bat* (Corynorhinus townsendii) | Unknown* |
| Western Harvest Mouse (Reithrodontomys megalotis) | Uncommon |
| Western Pipistrelle (Pipistrellus hesperus) | Common |
| Western Small-footed Myotis* (Myotis ciliolabrum) | Unknown* |
| Western Spotted Skunk (Spilogale gracilis) | Unknown |
| White-tailed Antelope Squirrel (Ammospermophilus leucurus) | Common |
| White-tailed Prairie Dog (Cynomys leucurus) | Uncommon |
| Yuma Myotis (Myotis yumanensis) | Uncommon |
*It is not known for certain if this species is actually in the park. This species is marked by the National Park Service as “Probably Present” in Arches National Park.
Arches National Park Birds
| Name | Abundance |
|---|---|
| American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos) | Occasional |
| American Dipper* (Cinclus mexicanus) | Unknown* |
| American Goldfinch (Carduelis tristis) | Common |
| American Kestrel (Falco sparverius) | Common |
| American Pipit (Anthus rubescens) | Rare |
| American Redstart (Setophaga ruticilla) | Occasional |
| American Robin (Turdus migratorius) | Uncommon |
| American Tree Sparrow (Spizella arborea) | Rare |
| American Wigeon (Anas americana) | Occasional |
| Ash-throated Flycatcher (Myiarchus cinerascens) | Common |
| Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) | Uncommon |
| Bank Swallow (Riparia riparia) | Occasional |
| Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica) | Uncommon |
| Belted Kingfisher (Ceryle alcyon) | Uncommon |
| Bendire’s Thrasher (Toxostoma bendirei) | Occasional |
| Bewick’s Wren (Thryomanes bewickii) | Common |
| Black Phoebe (Sayornis nigricans) | Occasional |
| Black Rosy-Finch (Leucosticte atrata) | Common |
| Black-billed Magpie (Pica hudsonia) | Uncommon |
| Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) | Common |
| Black-chinned Hummingbird (Archilochus alexandri) | Common |
| Black-chinned Sparrow (Spizella atrogularis) | Unknown |
| Black-crowned Night-Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax) | Occasional |
| Black-headed Grosbeak (Pheucticus melanocephalus) | Uncommon |
| Black-throated Gray Warbler (Dendroica nigrescens) | Common |
| Black-throated Sparrow (Amphispiza bilineata) | Common |
| Blue Grosbeak (Passerina caerulea) | Common |
| Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (Polioptila caerulea) | Common |
| Brewer’s Blackbird (Euphagus cyanocephalus) | Uncommon |
| Brewer’s Sparrow (Spizella breweri) | Common |
| Broad-tailed Hummingbird (Selasphorus platycercus) | Uncommon |
| Brown Creeper (Certhia americana) | Rare |
| Brown Thrasher (Toxostoma rufum) | Occasional |
| Brown-headed Cowbird (Molothrus ater) | Common |
| Bullock’s Oriole (Icterus bullockii) | Uncommon |
| Burrowing Owl (Athene cunicularia) | Occasional |
| Bushtit (Psaltriparus minimus) | Common |
| California Condor (Gymnogyps californianus) | Occasional |
| Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) | Uncommon |
| Canyon Wren (Catherpes mexicanus) | Common |
| Cassin’s Finch (Carpodacus cassinii) | Occasional |
| Cassin’s Kingbird (Tyrannus vociferans) | Rare |
| Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum) | Occasional |
| Chipping Sparrow (Spizella passerina) | Common |
| Chukar (Alectoris chukar) | Uncommon |
| Cinnamon Teal (Anas cyanoptera) | Occasional |
| Clark’s Nutcracker (Nucifraga columbiana) | Occasional |
| Cliff Swallow (Petrochelidon pyrrhonota) | Uncommon |
| Common Goldeneye (Bucephala clangula) | Occasional |
| Common Merganser (Mergus merganser) | Rare |
| Common Nighthawk (Chordeiles minor) | Uncommon |
| Common Poorwill (Phalaenoptilus nuttallii) | Uncommon |
| Common Raven (Corvus corax) | Common |
| Common Redpoll (Carduelis flammea) | Occasional |
| Common Yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas) | Uncommon |
| Cooper’s Hawk (Accipiter cooperii) | Uncommon |
| Cordilleran Flycatcher (Empidonax occidentalis) | Occasional |
| Dark-eyed Junco (Gray-headed) (Junco hyemalis caniceps) | Common |
| Dark-eyed Junco (Oregon) (Junco hyemalis oreganus) | Common |
| Dark-eyed Junco (Pink-sided) (Junco hyemalis mearnsi) | Common |
| Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored) (Junco hyemalis hyemalis) | Rare |
| Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens) | Uncommon |
| Dusky Flycatcher (Empidonax oberholseri) | Occasional |
| Eared Grebe (Podiceps nigricollis) | Occasional |
| Eurasian Collared-Dove (Streptopelia decaocto) | Unknown |
| European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) | Uncommon |
| Evening Grosbeak (Coccothraustes vespertinus) | Unknown |
| Ferruginous Hawk* (Buteo regalis) | Unknown* |
| Gadwall* (Anas strepera) | Unknown* |
| Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) | Uncommon |
| Golden-crowned Kinglet (Regulus satrapa) | Occasional |
| Golden-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia atricapilla) | Occasional |
| Gray Catbird (Dumetella carolinensis) | Unknown |
| Gray Flycatcher (Empidonax wrightii) | Rare |
| Gray Vireo (Vireo vicinior) | Uncommon |
| Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch (Leucosticte tephrocotis) | Common |
| Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) | Uncommon |
| Great Egret (Ardea alba) | Occasional |
| Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus) | Uncommon |
| Green-tailed Towhee (Pipilo chlorurus) | Common |
| Green-winged Teal (Anas crecca) | Uncommon |
| Hairy Woodpecker (Picoides villosus) | Uncommon |
| Harris’ Sparrow (Zonotrichia querula) | Occasional |
| Hermit Thrush (Catharus guttatus) | Rare |
| Horned Lark (Eremophila alpestris) | Common |
| House Finch (Carpodacus mexicanus) | Common |
| House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) | Occasional |
| House Wren (Troglodytes aedon) | Uncommon |
| Indigo Bunting (Passerina cyanea) | Rare |
| Juniper Titmouse (Baeolophus ridgwayi) | Common |
| Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus) | Uncommon |
| Lark Bunting (Calamospiza melanocorys) | Occasional |
| Lark Sparrow (Chondestes grammacus) | Common |
| Lazuli Bunting (Passerina amoena) | Common |
| Lazuli x Indigo Bunting hybrid (Passerina amoena X cyanea) | Occasional |
| Least Sandpiper (Calidris minutilla) | Occasional |
| Lesser Goldfinch (Carduelis psaltria) | Uncommon |
| Lewis’ Woodpecker (Melanerpes lewis) | Occasional |
| Lincoln’s Sparrow (Melospiza lincolnii) | Rare |
| Loggerhead Shrike (Lanius ludovicianus) | Common |
| Long-billed Curlew (Numenius americanus) | Occasional |
| Long-billed Dowitcher* (Limnodromus scolopaceus) | Unknown* |
| Long-eared Owl (Asio otus) | Rare |
| Lucy’s Warbler (Vermivora luciae) | Rare |
| MacGillivray’s Warbler (Oporornis tolmiei) | Uncommon |
| Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) | Uncommon |
| Marsh Wren (Cistothorus palustris) | Rare |
| Merlin (Falco columbarius) | Occasional |
| Mountain Bluebird (Sialia currucoides) | Common |
| Mountain Chickadee (Poecile gambeli) | Uncommon |
| Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) | Common |
| Nashville Warbler (Vermivora ruficapilla) | Rare |
| Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus) | Uncommon |
| Northern Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis) | Rare |
| Northern Harrier (Circus cyaneus) | Common |
| Northern Mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos) | Uncommon |
| Northern Pintail* (Anas acuta) | Unknown* |
| Northern Rough-winged Swallow (Stelgidopteryx serripennis) | Rare |
| Northern Shrike (Lanius excubitor) | Rare |
| Northern Waterthrush (Seiurus noveboracensis) | Unknown |
| Olive-sided Flycatcher (Contopus cooperi) | Occasional |
| Orange-crowned Warbler (Vermivora celata) | Uncommon |
| Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) | Rare |
| Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) | Rare |
| Pine Siskin (Carduelis pinus) | Uncommon |
| Pinyon Jay (Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus) | Common |
| Plumbeous Vireo (Vireo plumbeus) | Uncommon |
| Prairie Falcon (Falco mexicanus) | Uncommon |
| Purple Finch (Carpodacus purpureus) | Occasional |
| Red-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta canadensis) | Occasional |
| Red-naped Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus nuchalis) | Rare |
| Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) | Common |
| Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) | Uncommon |
| Rock Pigeon (Columba livia) | Occasional |
| Rock Wren (Salpinctes obsoletus) | Common |
| Rose-breasted Grosbeak (Pheucticus ludovicianus) | Rare |
| Ruby-crowned Kinglet (Regulus calendula) | Uncommon |
| Rufous Hummingbird (Selasphorus rufus) | Occasional |
| Sage Thrasher (Oreoscoptes montanus) | Rare |
| Sagebrush Sparrow (Artemisiospiza nevadensis) | Uncommon |
| Savannah Sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis) | Occasional |
| Say’s Phoebe (Sayornis saya) | Common |
| Scott’s Oriole (Icterus parisorum) | Uncommon |
| Sharp-shinned Hawk (Accipiter striatus) | Uncommon |
| Short-eared Owl (Asio flammeus) | Occasional |
| Snowy Egret (Egretta thula) | Rare |
| Solitary Sandpiper (Tringa solitaria) | Rare |
| Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia) | Uncommon |
| Sora (Porzana Carolina) | Rare |
| Spotted Sandpiper (Actitis macularius) | Uncommon |
| Spotted Towhee (Pipilo maculatus) | Common |
| Steller’s Jay (Cyanocitta stelleri) | Rare |
| Swainson’s Hawk (Buteo swainsoni) | Occasional |
| Swamp Sparrow (Melospiza georgiana) | Occasional |
| Townsend’s Solitaire (Myadestes townsendi) | Rare |
| Townsend’s Warbler (Dendroica townsendi) | Occasional |
| Tree Swallow (Tachycineta bicolor) | Rare |
| Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura) | Common |
| Vesper Sparrow (Pooecetes gramineus) | Common |
| Violet-green Swallow (Tachycineta thalassina) | Common |
| Virginia Rail (Rallus limicola) | Unknown |
| Virginia’s Warbler (Vermivora virginiae) | Uncommon |
| Warbling Vireo (Vireo gilvus) | Uncommon |
| Western Bluebird (Sialia mexicana) | Occasional |
| Western Grebe (Aechmophorus occidentalis) | Occasional |
| Western Kingbird (Tyrannus verticalis) | Common |
| Western Meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta) | Uncommon |
| Western Screech-Owl (Megascops kennicottii) | Rare |
| Western Tanager (Piranga ludoviciana) | Uncommon |
| Western Wood-Pewee (Contopus sordidulus) | Rare |
| White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis) | Occasional |
| White-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys) | Common |
| White-faced Ibis* (Plegadis chihi) | Unknown* |
| White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis) | Occasional |
| White-throated Swift (Aeronautes saxatalis) | Common |
| White-winged Dove (Zenaida asiatica) | Unknown |
| Wild Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) | Uncommon |
| Williamson’s Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus thyroideus) | Occasional |
| Willow Flycatcher (Empidonax traillii) | Rare |
| Wilson’s Snipe (Gallinago delicata) | Occasional |
| Wilson’s Warbler (Wilsonia pusilla) | Uncommon |
| Woodhouse’s Scrub-Jay (Aphelocoma woodhouseii) | Common |
| Yellow Warbler (Dendroica petechia) | Uncommon |
| Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus varius) | Uncommon |
| Yellow-billed Cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus) | Occasional |
| Yellow-breasted Chat (Icteria virens) | Common |
| Yellow-headed Blackbird (Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus) | Occasional |
| Yellow-rumped Warbler (Dendroica coronata) | Common |
*It is not known for certain if this species is actually in the park. This species is marked by the National Park Service as “Probably Present” in Arches National Park.
Arches National Park Reptiles
| Name | Abundance |
|---|---|
| Black-necked Gartersnake (Thamnophis cyrtopsis) | Uncommon |
| Common Sagebrush Lizard (Sceloporus graciosus) | Common |
| Eastern Collared Lizard (Crotaphytus collaris) | Unknown |
| Gopher Snake (Pituophis catenifer) | Common |
| Great Plains Ratsnake* (Elaphe emoryi) | Unknown* |
| Greater Short-horned Lizard (Phrynosoma hernandesi) | Uncommon |
| Long-nosed Leopard Lizard (Gambelia wislizenii) | Uncommon |
| Midget Faded Rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus concolor) | Unknown |
| Nightsnake (Hypsiglena torquata) | Unknown |
| Plateau Lizard (Sceloporus tristichus | Common |
| Side-blotched Lizard (Uta stansburiana) | Common |
| Striped Whipsnake (Masticophis taeniatus) | Common |
| Terrestrial Gartersnake (Thamnophis elegans) | Uncommon |
| Tree Lizard (Urosaurus ornatus) | Common |
| Western Whiptail (Cnemidophorus tigris) | Common |
*It is not known for certain if this species is actually in the park. This species is marked by the National Park Service as “Probably Present” in Arches National Park.
Arches National Park Amphibians
| Name | Abundance |
|---|---|
| American Bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana) | Common |
| Canyon Treefrog* (Hyla arenicolor) | Unknown* |
| Great Basin Spadefoot (Spea intermontana) | Unknown |
| Northern Leopard Frog (Rana pipiens) | Unknown |
| Red-spotted Toad (Bufo punctatus) | Common |
| Tiger Salamander* (Ambystoma tigrinum) | Unknown* |
| Woodhouse’s Toad (Bufo woodhousii) | Common |
*It is not known for certain if this species is actually in the park. This species is marked by the National Park Service as “Probably Present” in Arches National Park.
Arches National Park Fish
| Name | Abundance |
|---|---|
| Bluehead Sucker (Catostomus discobolus) | Uncommon |
| Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio) | Uncommon |
| Fathead Minnow (Pimephales promelas) | Common |
| Flannelmouth Sucker (Catostomus latipinnis) | Uncommon |
| Green Sunfish (Lepomis cyanellus) | Unknown |
| Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides) | Uncommon |
| Northern Plains Killifish (Fundulus kansae) | Common |
| Red Shiner (Cyprinella lutrensis) | Common |
| Speckled Dace (Rhinichthys osculus) | Common |
| Yellow Bullhead (Ameiurus natalis) | Uncommon |
Note: The wildlife species included in the lists above have been confirmed with the National Park Service to be present or probably present in Arches National Park. Other species may exist in the park that are currently under review or not yet known.
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