Where does the Arches Scenic Drive start?

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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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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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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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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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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You can also exit and re-enter the park on that same day if your ticket was validated during your designated time window. What time of day can I enter Arches National Park without a reservation? If you enter the park prior to 6:00 AM or after 5:00 PM you do not need an entrance ticket.

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Timed entry tickets are required in addition to your park pass OR entrance fee. You may enter the park before 7 am or after 4 pm without a timed entry ticket.

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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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Make your first stop the La Sal Mountains Viewpoint to take in the amazing sight of the La Sal Mountains, Utah's second highest mountain range, juxtaposed against Arches' red rock spires.

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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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With one busy day you can see the highlights of Arches National Park. But if you want to take your time and explore a few hidden gems and off the beaten path places, plan on spending two days in Arches National Park.

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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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The best easy hikes in Arches are The Windows, Landscape Arch, Double Arch, Sand Dune Arch, and Park Avenue. My name is Ash, and I'm a former park ranger.

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Delicate Arch The most famous arch in the park and quite possibly the world. This is on the Utah license plate, and people come from all over the world just to see and photograph this arch. Pro Tip: Best times to photograph the Delicate Arch are sunrise (least crowded) and sunset (most crowded).

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Delicate Arch The overwhelming favorite spot for sunset in Arches National Park is Delicate Arch. It's one of the most photographed spots in the entire National Park Service and the spotlight of almost all the tourism advertising in Utah.

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How Long Is The Hike? The Delicate Arch trail is 3.2 miles long, round-trip. While you may be able to finish the hike in under an hour, most visitors will spend some time at the arch. Allow between two and three hours to complete the hike without being rushed.

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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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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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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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Personally I think that hiking boots are required in Arches National Park. The trails are rough and uneven and there are places where you do need to climb over rocks, so if you want to do some of the longer and more difficult hikes it is best to have good footwear with you.

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Arches National Park is Open On very busy days, when parking lots fill to capacity we temporarily delay additional park entries. Visitors who encounter a closed gate may try back in a few hours or consider visiting other nearby destinations.

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