Arches National Park Travel Guide
Arches National Park Travel Guide
Plan Your Trip
Looking for things to do in Arches National Park?
This corner of southeastern Utah, just outside Moab, holds the highest concentration of natural stone arches on the planet—over 2,000 of them, carved by 300 million years of buried salt, wind, and water.
The park's 18-mile Arches Scenic Drive connects nearly all of its major landmarks, from Balanced Rock to Utah's iconic Delicate Arch to Devil's Garden's Landscape Arch, the longest natural arch in the world.
Top Things to Do
Drive the Arches Scenic Drive — An 18-mile paved road connecting nearly every major landmark in the park.
See Delicate Arch — Utah's most photographed landmark, once nicknamed "the Schoolmarm's Bloomers" by unimpressed pioneers.
Walk the Windows Trail — A one-mile loop past three arches, including the "Spectacles" formed by North and South Window.
Hike to Double Arch — A half-mile trail to the same double arch featured in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.
Explore Devil's Garden — Home to Landscape Arch, the longest natural arch on Earth, and up to seven other named arches.
Visit Balanced Rock — A 55-foot boulder perched on a narrow pedestal, with a short loop trail around its base.
See the Fiery Furnace — A maze of narrow sandstone fins that glow orange-red at sunset.
Download the Complete Travel Guide
Includes:
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✓ Complete travel guide
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✓ Printable map
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✓ One-day itinerary
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✓ Hidden gems
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✓ Travel tips
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✓ Offline access
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✓ Bonus recommendations not included on this page
Our Self Guided Tour
The Arches National Park Driving Tour is a GPS-triggered audio tour covering the full 18-mile Arches Scenic Drive. Stories trigger automatically as you reach each landmark, so you always know what you're looking at and which pullouts are worth stopping for. Most visitors spend 3 to 5 hours with stops and short hikes.
Free Things to Do
1. Arches National Park Visitor Center - Browse the exhibits on how the arches formed; free once inside the park.
2. Balanced Rock Loop Trail - Walk the easy 0.3-mile loop around this gravity-defying formation.
3. Park Avenue Viewpoint - See towering rock fins from a scenic roadside pullout.
4. Panorama Point - Take in 360-degree views of nearly the entire park from one pullout.
THINGS WITH ADMISSION FEES:
1. Arches National Park Entrance - A 7-day vehicle pass runs about $35; an annual America the Beautiful pass is about $90.
2. Ranger-led programs - Seasonal guided walks and talks may require advance sign-up (check with the Visitor Center).
Food!
Milt's Stop & Eat
Moab's oldest diner, serving burgers and shakes since the 1950s, a few blocks from Main Street.
Jailhouse Cafe
A beloved breakfast and brunch spot in a building that once served as the county courthouse.
Moab Brewery
A local microbrewery and restaurant with pub food, sandwiches, and house-brewed beer.
Where to Stay
Luxury
Under Canvas Moab, Red Cliffs Lodge — luxury glamping and riverside lodging just outside the park. Roughly $250-$450/night.
Moderate
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Moab — one of the closest hotels to the park entrance. Roughly $180-$280/night.
Budget
Aarchway Inn, Comfort Suites Moab — a short drive from the park entrance. Roughly $110-$180/night.
1 Day Itinerary
1-DAY ITINERARY:
Morning: Take the Arches National Park Driving Tour, starting at the park entrance and Visitor Center.
Afternoon: Stop at Balanced Rock, the Windows District, and Delicate Arch Viewpoint.
Evening: Finish at Devil's Garden, then head back into Moab for dinner.
2-DAY ITINERARY:
Add a second day for the Fiery Furnace (permit or ranger-guided tour required), the full Devil's Garden primitive loop, and more time in Moab.
FAQ's
1. What is Arches National Park best known for?
Arches is best known for having the highest concentration of natural stone arches on Earth, including Delicate Arch and Landscape Arch, the longest natural arch in the world.
2. Do I need a reservation to enter the park?
At the time this tour was made, Arches had dropped its timed-entry requirement, though policies can change — check Recreation.gov before your visit.
3. Is Arches good for a day trip from Moab?
Yes, the park is just a few minutes from downtown Moab, making it an easy day trip or half-day visit.
4. Do I need a 4WD vehicle?
No. The Arches Scenic Drive is fully paved and suitable for any vehicle.
5. Is Arches family-friendly?
Yes, most trails are short and manageable for families, though sturdy footwear is recommended given local wildlife.
6. How much time should I plan for Arches?
A half to full day covers the main scenic drive; two days lets you add longer hikes and the Fiery Furnace.
7. What's the best time of year to visit?
Spring and fall offer the mildest temperatures. Summer can be extremely hot, especially on exposed trails.
8. Are pets allowed in the park?
Pets are allowed in parking areas and campgrounds but not on most trails, due to extreme heat and terrain.
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