Is there a scenic drive in Arches?

The scenic drive in Arches passes many outstanding natural features. Parking is limited at all destinations, and popular trailheads like Delicate Arch and Devils Garden may fill for hours at a time, especially on weekends and holidays.



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The scenic drive in Arches is about 22 miles one way, so about 45 miles in total. You should count at least 4-5 hours to drive the entire road and make short stops (5-30min each) at all the scenic viewpoints. If you are planning to hike in Arches, you'll need more time.

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driving yourself. You can drive yourself into Arches National Park, but be aware of the timed entry reservations system that can require months of pre-planning.

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The Arches Scenic Drive is the main way to tour Arches National Park. It begins right off of US191, north of Moab. This page covers the first part, from the road's start at US-191 to the Windows Road turnoff.

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Lower Delicate Arch Viewpoint is just next to the Arches Scenic Drive and the Upper Delicate Arch Viewpoint is just 0.3 miles further. The Lower Viewpoint is a very short accessible trail right next to the parking that everyone can do. Whereas the Upper Viewpoint requires some climbing.

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Most people arrive at Arches by car. There is no public transportation inside Arches National Park. You may need to rent a car, ride a bicycle, or take a commercial tour to get around inside the park. The nearest community is Moab, Utah.

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Yes. A timed entry reservation is required to enter the park even if you have an existing pass. Annual passes cover the payment of entrance fees, so annual or senior pass holders only need to pay the $2 reservation fee.

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Two days in Arches is ideal though and would give you enough time to explore the Fiery Furnace on the ranger-led hike and do a few more of the longer hikes. One day is really all you need at the Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands National Park if you're sticking to the overlooks and shorter trails.

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Driving Canyonlands National Park in One Day The Island in the Sky District offers the wonderful opportunities for sightseeing by car and is the most accessible. The 34-mile round-trip scenic drive features awe-inspiring overlooks, from a 1,000 feet above, of the valleys below and the other districts of the park.

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You could easily spend several days exploring the trails here, so visiting Arches National Park in one day requires some planning ahead to make sure you don't miss the best scenery. Especially since the park often hits capacity by 8 or 9 a.m. during the busy season and the entrance gates close for several hours.

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5 Stops on Arches National Park's Scenic Drive
  • Park Avenue. Park Avenue rock formations in Arches National Park. Steve Greenwood. ...
  • 2 Double Arch. Double Arch. ...
  • Delicate Arch. Sunset at Delicate Arch. ...
  • Fiery Furnace. The Fiery Furnace Viewpoint at sunset with the La Sal Mountains in the background. ...
  • Sand Dune Arch. Sand Dune Arch.


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Without a doubt, Delicate Arch is the most famous natural stone arch in the world. Referred to as The Arch by many arriving visitors for whom it is No. 1 on their must-see lists, Delicate has an allure that is hard to explain but impossible to deny. The light opening beneath Delicate Arch is 46 feet (14 m) high.

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If you do not have a pass, you also will pay the Arches National Park entrance fee. Timed entry reservations will not be required for those with camping permits, backcountry permits, Fiery Furnace permits, special use permits, concessions contracts, or commercial use authorizations. Entrance fees still apply.

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Authorized Services – Taxi & Trail Shuttle service is defined as the point-to-point pick-up and drop-off of passengers in Arches National Park at designated parking areas, pullouts, and developed areas. Commercial tours are not authorized under this CUA.

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The distance from Canyonlands to Arches is only 27 miles, around 30 minutes of a drive. That is why it is so easy to combine both national parks in one day.

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However, if possible, try to schedule your vacation for the late fall, winter or early spring months. Shoot for November to April. If you're insistent on a red-hot Moab summer, stick with the weekdays — Tuesday and Wednesday are the best days to go. And on any day in any season, go before 8 a.m. or in the afternoon.

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Best Things To Do in Arches National Park
  • Arches Scenic Drive. There is one road that travels through Arches National Park and that is Arches Scenic Drive. ...
  • Park Avenue. ...
  • La Sal Mountains Viewpoint. ...
  • Balanced Rock. ...
  • The Windows and Turret Arch. ...
  • Double Arch. ...
  • Garden of Eden. ...
  • Hike to Delicate Arch.


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What time of year is busiest? From March through October, visitation at Arches is extremely high. These holidays and weekends are especially busy: The weeks surrounding Easter (date varies, in 2022: April 10-23)

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Seven Mile Parking is a private parking area outside Arches National Park, where RVs, cars and off-road vehicles can park for the day or park overnight. If you're looking for an alternative or back up overnight parking option around the area, Seven Mile Parking is an option.

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Here's how to minimize the crowds at Arches National Park:
  1. Avoid summer travel and during holidays. ...
  2. Plan your trip to arrive and explore during the week, avoiding weekends.
  3. Start your day early. ...
  4. Get out and hike. ...
  5. If you're in a hurry, with limited time, save this park for another vacation.


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