16 Best Stops on SCENIC DRIVE in ARCHES (Map+Practical Tips)

Arches National Park Scenic Drive is the main road that runs through the park.

The Scenic Drive through the Arches is approximately 19 miles long one-way.  The majority of the top sights in the park are located either right along the scenic drive or just a short walk/hike from the road.

Start the scenic drive in Arches National Park right from the main entrance to the park.

There is only one entrance to Arches National Park and it is located north of the town of Moab, Utah. From Moab, drive north on US 191 for five miles, or from Interstate 70 (Crescent Junction), drive south on US 191 for 22 miles.

Hands down, the best time to start your Scenic Drive in Arches National Park is as early in the morning as possible.

Arches National Park is a very busy place! More than 1.5 million visitors come to Arches National Park each year, and that number is growing.

Between March and October, you can expect limited parking at all destinations. Parking at popular trailheads is usually full most of the day.

From April 1 to October 31, 2023 Arches National Park implements a pilot-timed entry system to help manage traffic and improve visitor experiences.

Make sure to reserve your timed-entry ticket as soon as it becomes available!

The park will release tickets first-come, first-served on Recreation.gov three (3) months in advance in monthly blocks.

A limited number of tickets will be available for purchase one day prior to entry at 6 pm MDT through Recreation.gov.

Once you get your ticket print it, download it, or take a screenshot (cell phone service is limited inside the park). Your Timed Entry Ticket ($2 processing fee), photo ID, and park entrance pass will be required to enter the park ($30 per vehicle, good for 7 days).

Important: If you are visiting several national parks then make sure to get America the Beautiful National Park Pass. This $80 pass is valid for 12 months and gets you into all 400+ national park sites!

• If you drive through the Scenic Drive without making any stops, and you just want to see the changing scenery from the comfort of your vehicle, then it can be easily done within about 45 minutes.
• If you want to stop at every turnout or overlook indicated on the above map, walk around, take photos, observe wildlife, and soak in the views, then you will need at least 4-5 hours to finish the entire drive.
• If you want to hit some trails (highly recommended), then you should plan on spending at least 1 day in Arches or, preferably, 2 days in Arches.

• By Plane

Most people coming to Arches fly into these airports:

Canyonlands Field (CNY) (11 miles from the park entrance)

Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT) (109 miles from the park entrance)

Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) (230 miles from the park entrance)

• By Car

If you fly into any of the airports around Arches National Park, you will have to rent a car and then drive.

• 5 miles north of Moab, Utah
• 110 miles southwest of Grand Junction, Colorado
• 236 miles southeast of Salt Lake City, Utah
• 360 miles southwest of Denver, Colorado

The only way to get around the park is by your vehicle. There is no shuttle system at Arches National Park.

Here is a reminder to make sure you are prepared for a visit to Arches National Park:

• Appropriate footwear

Trail shoes are great; hiking boots are even better since they offer more support. You’ll want sturdy, comfortable hiking boots with solid traction. Don’t forget to break in your shoes before bringing them to Arches National Park. Also, do not forget merino wool socks. They will keep your feet dry, and protect you from blisters.

• Plenty of water

Without enough water, your body’s muscles and organs simply cannot perform as well. Consuming too little water will not only make you thirsty but susceptible to hypothermia and altitude sickness. I have been using Yeti Rumbler 26 oz insulated, stainless steel bottle, and I am highly recommending it!

• Food

Food will help keep up energy and morale. I like RXBAR. It is a high-protein bar, gluten-free, and it is super yummy! Make sure to get a variety pack to keep it interesting.

• Rain gear and extra clothing

The weatherman is not always right. Be prepared for unannounced rain or a cold spell. Dress in layers. It will allow you to adjust to changing weather and activity levels. Two rules: avoid cotton (it keeps moisture close to your skin) and always carry a hat. I have had my North Face Women’s Osito Triclimate Jacket for years, and I love it. Also, I am highly recommending these Patagonia moisture-wicking hiking shirts and Patagonia warm fleece pullovers.

• First aid kit

Prepackaged first-aid kits for hikers are available at any outfitter.

• Knife

A knife or even better, a multi-purpose tool is always good to have. These enable you to cut strips of cloth into bandages, remove splinters, etc.

• Protect Yourself from the Sun

If you are visiting Arches National Park in the summer, keep in mind that all the areas are unshaded, so it’s important to protect yourself from the sun. Sunscreen is essential, however, a lightweight long-sleeve shirt is a must! My favorite are sun shirts by Columbia. Also, it is a good idea to wear lightweight long pants to protect yourself from the sun and bugs!

• Wear sunglasses with UV protection. 

Sunglasses are an important part of your sun-protective wardrobe. When purchasing sunglasses, always look for lenses that offer UV protection.

• A wide-brimmed hat is a simple and effective way to cover up your face and neck.

When selecting a hat, choose one that has a wide brim, which will protect your ears, as well as your head and neck. Avoid baseball hats or straw hats with holes, as these are not as effective in protecting you outdoors.

• Apply an effective insect repellent

Insect repellent is an important step against mosquitoes and ticks that can spread diseases like West Nile and Lyme.  When selecting an effective insect repellent, do not look at the brand names, but rather, look at the concentration of the active ingredients. Concentrations of DEET at 25 to 30% are the best to keep you protected.

• Daypack/backpack

You need something you can carry comfortably and has features designed to keep you hiking smartly. Don’t forget the rain cover; some packs come with one built-in. I have Osprey Daylite Daypack and it is perfect for day hiking.

• Camera!!!

Arches National Park is a photographer’s dream! If you are like me, you will be taking hundreds, if not thousands, of photos. The scenery is just breathtaking and constantly changing. I have a Nikon COOLPIX P1000 Super Telephoto Camera that I bought a couple of years ago and I really like it. Make sure to have a spare battery for your camera. I think there is nothing more frustrating than knowing that you still have half a day ahead of you, yet your camera’s battery is gone.

• Tripod

If you are taking photos during the golden hour (shortly after sunrise or before sunset) when the light is softer, a tripod is essential for long exposure shots. Also, I like a tripod since it gives me more stability when taking close-ups of wildlife. I have Manfrotto Befree Live Carbon Fiber Tripod with Fluid Head. It is only 3.0 pounds and it fits nicely in my backpack.

• Binoculars!

If your camera does not have a good zoom, then binoculars are a must.

• Trash Bag

This will make sure that the park will stay beautiful for generations to come. A zip-lock bag is a great option as well for keeping the trash you pick up along the trail separate from the rest of your gear.

On the Scenic Drive in Arches National Park, you will see stunning desert views and interesting geological features, and, yes! lots of arches.

Here are some places that I stay at whenever I am visiting Arches or Canyonlands National Parks. They are not anything fancy, but all of them have clean rooms and comfortable beds. Their location is good if you are visiting either Arches or Canyonlands.

My first choice is La Quinta by Wyndham Moab. I stayed at this place a few times and I have no complaints. It is clean and well-managed, and it is conveniently located. If La Quinta is all booked, then my recommendation is to try Mainstay Suites Moab.

The last time that I visited Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, I stayed at Element Moab, and I liked it a lot. It is modern, yet simple, and it has a full kitchen, which is very convenient.

Hands down, Arches National Park Visitor Center needs to be your first stop along Scenic Drive in Arches!

The Visitor Center is filled with excellent displays and information about the park. In addition, there is a large theater showing a 15-minute introductory film about the park. Also, check out a pretty cool animated display that explains the geologic processes that shaped the park.

Arches National Park Visitor Center is open from 8 am to 5 pm (with shorter hours during winter months). If you miss the opening hours, then there are outdoor displays as well.

Park Avenue Viewpoint and Trail are absolutely stunning. The viewpoint is right next to the parking area and you can capture some awesome views.

It is not an arch-based section of the park, but it is one of the most impressive things I have ever seen!

I want to encourage you to take the Park Avenue Trail. It descends into a spectacular canyon surrounded by jagged walls that reminded travelers of the New York skyline and so it was named Park Avenue. You will pass by massive rock formations such as Three Gossips and the Courthouse Towers.

• Distance – 1 mile one way
• Difficulty – Easy/moderate
• Time – 1.5 hours
• Elevation – 320 feet

La Sal Mountains Viewpoint is the third stop on Scenic Drive in Arches National Park.

From this viewpoint, enjoy the incredible 360-view! To the east, you will see the spectacular La Sal Mountains, and distinctive formations like Three Gossips, Sheep Rock, and the Organ in the Courthouse area.

Make sure to look to the horizon for a view of Balanced Rock and the Windows Section.

This is a great stop on a scenic drive in Arches. At Courthouse Towers Viewpoint, you will be able to see numerous formations including Three Gossips, Sheep Rock, the Organ, and the Tower of Babel.

The Petrified Dunes Viewpoint is the next stop on the scenic drive in Arches. The dunes can be found between the Courthouse Towers and the Windows Area.

The formation was produced when ancient sand dunes hardened into stone under the overlying subsequent material, which later eroded away.

Balanced Rock is the most amazing rock formation! it can be seen right from the parking lot. However, you should take a short loop trail that circles the base of this picturesque rock.

• Distance – 0.3 miles
• Difficulty – Easy
• Time – 20-30 minutes

Shortly after leaving Balanced Rock, you will reach a junction in the road. Make a right turn to the Windows Section of Arches National Park.

Right after you make the turn, to your left, will be the Garden of Eden Viewpoint.

Garden of Eden is famous for its panoramic views of Arches National Park. The view of towers of rock, knobby hoodoos, and sandstone rock formations against the La Sal Mountains in the background is simply breathtaking!

A short and easy trail leads to the base of the Double Arch which is formed by two giant arch spans joined at one end. The Double Arch is the tallest and second-longest arch in Arches National Park.

• Distance – 0.5 miles
• Difficulty – Easy
• Time – 20 minutes

Hands down, Windows Trail is one of the most scenic places in Arches National Park!

Windows Trail is easy and gentle and it will lead you to the massive North Window, South Window, and Turret Arch. When you get to the North Window, make sure to capture awesome views of the Turret Arch looking through the North Window.

• Distance – 1 mile
• Difficulty – Easy
• Time – 45 minutes

You can return to the parking lot by simply retracing your steps, or you can take a bit longer trail that goes around the Windows. It will give you more opportunities to take some stunning photos.

After visiting the Windows Section in Arches National Park, hop back into your vehicle and head back to the main road. The next stop, number 10 on Arches Scenic Drive, is Panorama Point.

This viewpoint provides an excellent view from the rim of the lower Salt Valley.

After stopping at Panorama Point, continue on the main road to a junction. It will be no more than 1.4 miles from Panorama Point. Turn right at the junction and continue to the Delicate Arch Section of Arches National Park.

Delicate Arch is one of the most famous geologic features in the world. It has become the symbol of Utah appearing on many of its license plates.

There are two options to see it: you can either take a Delicate Arch Trail (3 miles roundtrip) or you can go to Upper or Lower Delicate Arch Viewpoint (at the end of the road) and admire it from a distance.

If you decide to take Delicate Arch Trail then what you need to know is that for the first half mile it is a well-defined trail. It climbs at a sharp incline before it levels off toward the top. Just before you get to Delicate Arch, the trail traverses a narrow rock ledge for no more than 200 yards.

• Distance – 3 miles roundtrip
• Difficulty – Strenuous
• Time – 2.5 hours
• Elevation – 480 feet
• Trailhead – Wolfe Ranch

It is a strenuous climb, however, it is all worth it! The Delicate Arch is stunning! The light opening beneath the arch is 46 feet high and 32 feet wide. It is the largest free-standing arch in Arches National Park.

On the way to Delicate Arch, you will be going past the Parade of Elephants. These unique rock formations resemble a herd of elephants.

Fiery Furnace Viewpoint is named for the reddish glow it gets at sunset. And, if you can manage it, come back to this viewpoint when the sun is setting down.

There is a trail, Fiery Furnace Trail, however, it can only be accessed with a Ranger-guided hike, or you can obtain a day permit. The Fiery Furnace is a labyrinth of narrow sandstone canyons that requires agility to explore.

Sand Dune Arch Trail is stop number 13. It is a short and easy trail that will get you to a beautiful Sand Dune Arch.

You will have a lot of fun on this trail as it goes through a narrow opening and then through deep sand.

The trail can be accessed from either Sand Dune Arch Trailhead or the Devils Garden Campground.

• Distance – 0.3 miles
• Difficulty  – Easy
• Time – 30 minutes

The next stop, number 14, is Broken Arch Loop Trail. It is an easy trail that crosses a large sandy desert grassland and takes you to Broken Arch.

• Distance – 2 miles
• Time – 60 minutes
• Difficulty – Easy

Skyline Arch Viewpoint is the next stop on Scenic Drive in Arches National Park. A short and easy trail will take you to an impressive Skyline Arch.

• Distance – 0.4 miles
• Difficulty – Easy
• Time – 20 minutes

At the end of Scenic Drive in Arches National Park is the Devils Garden parking lot and the trailhead that leads to Devils Garden, the most spectacular hike in Arches National Park.

The entire Devils Garden Trail is 7.2 miles long. However, if you are not up to hiking the entire trail, it can be broken down into more manageable sections. If you can only do one section, then hands down, hike to Landscape Arch.

The trail to Landscape Arch is about 1.9 miles and takes about 50 minutes. It is a relatively flat trail that will take you to the most spectacular 290-foot Landscape Arch, which is believed to be the longest natural rock span in the world.

If you are up to it then take a short side trip to Tunnel and Pine Tree Arches that you will be passing on your way to Landscape Arch.

Once you reach Landscape Arch, the Devils Garden Trail becomes a bit more difficult. You will have to do some rock scrambling, and pass by some narrow ledges.

In 4.1 miles, you will reach another stunning arch, Double O Arch.

A short spur trail will take you to Partition and Navajo Arches.

In no more than 0.5 miles, you will reach Dark Angel rock formation.

Now, you have a couple of choices here.

You can retrace your steps and get back to where you started. Or, you can take the Primitive Trail. It is an alternate route to and from Double O Arch. It involves hiking by some narrow ledges and over uneven surfaces, and scrambling on slickrock.

If you decide to take it, then do not miss a short spur to Private Arch.

Here are the distances between sections on Devils Trail:

• to Landscape Arch and back – 1.6 miles
• to Double O Arch and back – 4.2 miles
• to Dark Angels and back – 5 miles
• to Dark Angels and return via Primitive Loop – 5.9 miles

If you decide to add a few spur trails, then here are additional distances:

• trail to Pine Tree. and Tunnel Arches – add 0.5 miles
• trails to Navajo and Partition Arches – add 0.8 miles