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Moab has long been a favourite place for adventure sport enthusiasts like mountain-bikers and rock climbers but simply driving the Arches National Park route as a sightseeing day trip is incredible in its own right.
With an introductory explanation of the complex geological forces required to create features like The Windows, and the slow constant affect weather elements have to change the landscape you’ll appreciate how remarkably unique it is. Hear stories about the characters who were drawn here and the fragile ecosystem that supplies a lifeline to a surprising amount of diversity.
But with over 2,000 arches located throughout the park, and most travellers on a limited schedule, we’ll lead you to not to be missed features like Delicate Arch, Double Arch and Landscape Arch. More time may allow you to visit Skyline Arch and Devils Garden areas, as well as many more.
We must exit the Park along the same road as we drive in, so there is different commentary to take us back to the entrance station and return to Moab.
Start and end in Moab or at the entry of Arches National Park.
Allow a full day to sightsee Arches National Park main highlights, more time if you plan on hiking.
Approx 42 miles return.
Arches National Park implemented a ticketed entry system for peak season dates, for details visit nps.gov.
Arches is one of America’s most stunning national park, with natural stone arches, towering monoliths, and other unique rock formations.
Arches National Park is open year-round, 24-hours a day. Visitation is high from March to October and the best times to visit weatherwise are April through May and September through October. For that reason, spring and fall also tend to be the busiest times to visit. Consider visiting in winter, taking advantage of off-season rates and generally milder sunny weather.
Arches is one of the easiest national parks to see in a day, if that’s all the time you have. The scenic drive offers countless views of natural arches and other interesting rock formations and most of the hikes in the park are short making it easy to squeeze in one or two. 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.
Around 40 miles (loop).
Moab has long been a favourite place for adventure sport enthusiasts like mountain-bikers and rock climbers but simply driving the Arches National Park route as a sightseeing day trip is incredible in its own right.
There are over 2,000 arches located throughout the park, so expect lots of stops for photos and time at viewpoints to fully absorb the scenes.
You’ll need to arrive early (before 9am) or late (after 2pm) in peak season to avoid the busiest time which can see the Parks gates shut down for traffic control.
You can also return at night to star gaze. Certified as an official International Dark Sky Park, return at night to see the nigh sky full of stars. Bring your binoculars or join a Stargazer Program with a ranger.
If you are in reasonably good shape, Delicate Arch takes a little over an hour to reach. Just be aware that the hike to the arch is all uphill, and there is no shade – so be sure to carry plenty of water and a hat.
Many of the arches and rock formations are visible from the scenic driving loop, or have short paved or gravel pathways, making it an enjoyable experience for those with physical or mobility issues.