Arches National Park Itinerary
Experience the beauty of the Arches National Park Scenic Drive! This 89 km route starts and ends in the city of Moab in the United States, and takes you through some of the most stunning landscapes in the region. The Arches Visitor Center, Windows Section and Delicate Arch Viewpoint are some of the highlights along the way. The best time of the year to take this road trip is during the warmer months, as the views are even more spectacular. The road is in excellent condition, making it suitable for all drivers. With a moderate budget, you can make the most of this trip and create memories that will last a lifetime.
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number of days
89 km
route length
fair
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low
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START
Moab
Distance 89 km
Driving time 1.7 h
Pace: modest
23.1 kWh
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Moab is a vibrant city located in the southeast corner of Utah, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding red rock landscape. The city serves as a gateway to the nearby Arches National Park, with its iconic rock formations, as well as other nearby attractions like the Colorado River. For those looking to start their road trip along the Arches National Park Scenic Drive, Moab is the ideal starting point.
Visitors to Moab can explore the area's unique culture, with its many shops, galleries, and restaurants. Nature lovers can take advantage of the city's many outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, and rafting. There is also plenty of opportunity to take in the sights of the nearby national parks. For those looking to explore the city's unique culture, the Moab Museum of Film & Western Heritage is a great place to start.
For those traveling by air, the closest international airport is Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT) located in Grand Junction, Colorado. There are car rental companies located at this airport, making it easy to start your road trip from Moab.
Whether you are looking for adventure or relaxation, Moab is the perfect starting point for the Arches National Park Scenic Drive. With its beautiful landscapes, unique culture, and abundance of outdoor activities, Moab is sure to provide an unforgettable experience.
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Moab
- Arches Visitor Center
Distance 7 km
Driving time 0.1 h
Pace: fast
2.2 kWh
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Itinerary
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Are you ready for an incredible road trip from Moab to Arches Visitor Center? This 5mi journey will take you less than 1 hour. You will be able to witness the breathtaking views of the Colorado River and the amazing red rocks of the Arches National Park.
On your way, you will be able to visit the Dead Horse Point State Park, where you can admire the stunning views of the Colorado River and Canyonlands National Park. You will also be able to visit the Fisher Towers, an interesting rock formation that will make you feel like you are in a fairytale.
The most exciting part of your journey is the Arches Visitor Center, where you can learn more about the history of the region and the park. You will be able to explore the trails and admire the unique geological formations of the area.
Make sure you take your time and enjoy the incredible views of the area. Don't forget to take pictures and share them with your friends. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your trip!
Arches Visitor Center - United States - North America - Scenic Drive - pixabay
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2
Arches Visitor Center
- Windows Section
Distance 20 km
Driving time 0.5 h
Pace: modest
5.3 kWh
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Get ready for an amazing road trip experience! Start your journey at the Arches Visitor Center, located in the heart of Arches National Park, United States. From here, you can explore the stunning natural beauty of the park and its incredible sandstone formations. The 13-mile drive to the Windows Section will take you less than an hour, so you can take your time and enjoy the views. Along the way, you'll find some of the most spectacular sights in the park, from the iconic Delicate Arch to the majestic Double Arch. Be sure to keep an eye out for historical sites and other interesting features. Once you reach the Windows Section, you'll be rewarded with some of the most breathtaking views of the park. From here, you can explore the other sections of the park, including the Fiery Furnace and Devils Garden. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check out the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!
Windows Section - United States - North America - Scenic Drive - pixabay
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3
Windows Section
- Delicate Arch Viewpoint
Distance 11 km
Driving time 0.2 h
Pace: modest
2.9 kWh
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Welcome to the Windows Section to Delicate Arch Viewpoint road trip! This 7mi journey will take you less than 1 hour to complete.
Start your journey at the Windows Section in Arches National Park. Here, you can marvel at the impressive sandstone arches that have been shaped by time and the elements. Don’t forget to take a picture of this stunning landscape!
As you drive down the road, you will be surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the Utah desert. Make sure to take a break and enjoy the views of the desert canyons and the distant snow-capped peaks.
Your next stop is the Delicate Arch Viewpoint. This iconic arch is one of the most photographed natural landmarks in the United States. From here, you can take in the stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
This is just one of many stages of your road trip. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please consult the “Itinerary” of this stage.
Enjoy your road trip and have a wonderful time exploring the Windows Section to Delicate Arch Viewpoint!
Delicate Arch Viewpoint - United States - North America - Scenic Drive - pixabay
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4
Delicate Arch Viewpoint
- Devils Garden
Distance 14 km
Driving time 0.3 h
Pace: modest
3.5 kWh
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Welcome to the Delicate Arch Viewpoint to Devils Garden stage of your road trip! This 8-mile drive will take you less than 1 hour and will show you some of the most spectacular sights in the region.
Start your journey at the Delicate Arch Viewpoint and marvel at the iconic 65-foot tall freestanding arch. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the La Sal Mountains and the Colorado Plateau.
Next, take a short drive to the Devils Garden. Here you can explore the sandstone formations and the delicate arches. Be sure to take some time to appreciate the spectacular views of the surrounding landscape.
This is just one of the stages of your road trip, but there are many more attractions to explore. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check out the "Itinerary" of this stage.
Devils Garden - United States - North America - Scenic Drive - pixabay
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5
Devils Garden
- Moab
Distance 37 km
Driving time 0.7 h
Pace: modest
9.6 kWh
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Welcome to the Devils Garden - Arches N.P. - Moab road trip stage! This is one of the most scenic routes in the US, with 23mi of driving time that will take you fewer than 1 hour.
Start your journey in Devils Garden, an area of stunning rock formations, hiking trails, and camping sites. Be sure to explore the Double O Arch and the Landscape Arch, two of the most impressive natural landmarks in the region.
Continue to Arches National Park, a paradise of more than 2,000 natural sandstone arches. Enjoy the views at the Windows Section, the Delicate Arch, and the Park Avenue Trail.
Finally, end your journey in Moab, a vibrant desert city. Here you can find a variety of attractions, from the Museum of Moab to the Moab Giants dinosaur tracks.
For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!
Moab - United States - North America - Scenic Drive - Wikimedia Commons
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Moab
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Moab, Utah, is the end of the Arches National Park Scenic Drive, a road trip that takes you through some of the most beautiful red rock country in the United States. Moab is home to some of the most spectacular attractions in the area, including Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, the La Sal Mountains, and Dead Horse Point State Park.
The town of Moab is a great place to stay and explore the surrounding area. Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, fishing, and rafting. The city also has plenty of restaurants, shops, and galleries to explore.
For those traveling by car, Moab is easily reached from other parts of Utah, as well as from Colorado, Arizona, and Nevada. Moab is about four hours from Salt Lake City, seven hours from Denver, and five hours from Las Vegas.
For international travelers, the nearest major airport is the Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC), which is about 4 hours away. Other smaller airports in nearby cities such as Grand Junction, Colorado (GJT) and Monticello, Utah (MLF) are also within driving distance.
Moab is the perfect destination to end the Arches National Park Scenic Drive. It is a great place to relax and get a taste of the local culture, while also enjoying the beauty of the red rock country.
Moab - United States - North America - Scenic Drive - pixabay
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Arches National Park at a glance
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Start:
Moab
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End:
Moab
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Distance:
89 km
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Stay:
1 day
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When to drive:
January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
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More info:
More info you can find in the "Itinerary" section at each stage.
Before you set off
The Arches National Park Scenic Drive is an iconic 89 km (55 miles) journey starting and ending in Moab, Utah, offering captivating landscapes and unforgettable experiences. This drive takes you through a stunning red-rock wonderland with over 2,000 natural stone arches, hundreds of soaring pinnacles, massive fins, and giant balanced rocks.
Key Destinations and Top Sights:
- Arches Visitor Center: Begin your journey here to learn about the park's geology, history, and wildlife through exhibits and a short orientation film.
- Windows Section: This area boasts a remarkable concentration of large arches, including the famous North and South Windows, as well as Turret Arch.
- Delicate Arch Viewpoint: No visit is complete without viewing the park's most iconic formation. The Delicate Arch Viewpoint offers a distant but direct view, while a 3-mile round-Trip hike will take you up close.
Best Time to Visit:
The best time to explore Arches National Park is during the spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) months when temperatures are mild, and the scenery is enhanced by seasonal changes.
Potential Risks:
- Extreme weather conditions, including high temperatures in the summer reaching over 100°F (38°C), can lead to heat-related illnesses.
- Wildlife on the Road and rapidly changing conditions due to weather can pose driving hazards.
Interesting Facts for Roadtrippers:
- The Scenic Drive includes a paved, well-maintained Road accessible to all vehicles, making it suitable for drivers of all experience levels.
- The park entrance fee is required, but the cost is reasonable, and an America the Beautiful Pass is accepted.
- Advance reservations for the Fiery Furnace, a guided hike through a labyrinth of sandstone canyons, are highly recommended due to limited availability.
A good choice for:
Embarking on the Arches National Park Scenic Drive is a spectacular adventure for those eager to immerse themselves in one of nature's masterpieces. With awe-inspiring geological formations and a variety of wildlife, it's a photographer's paradise and an outdoor enthusiast's dream. Optimal enjoyment is achieved with thorough preparation, taking into account the area’s weather patterns, and adhering to park regulations to ensure a safe and exhilarating experience.
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