How Long To Drive Through Arches National Park?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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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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How many days do you need to see Arches National Park?

You may be asking yourself how much time do you need at Arches National Park. One full day of exploring the park could be enough time to get a feel for it and complete some short hikes, but we recommend

two days

.

Is one day enough for Arches National Park?

Plus, there is another National Park near Moab called Canyonlands National Park for you to explore! If you are squeezing Arches National Park into a southwest road trip, I think

one to two days is plenty to see the highlights of the park

.

Is the drive to Arches National Park scary?

If you are on main roads

the only potentially scary road is the mile or so from the Visitor Center into the park at Arches

, as RedRox noted.

Is it worth it to drive through Arches National Park?

In fact,

this road is so beautiful that it definitely deserves a mention among the most beautiful scenic drives in the world

! Yes, you can drive through Arches National Park and easily see some of the most spectacular scenery. That’s what makes it one of the most popular National Parks in the USA.

Do I need an SUV for Arches National Park?


You absolutely do not need a 4WD or high clearance vehicle

to enjoy Arches and Canyonlands Island in the Sky. Both have sufficient paved roads.

Can you sleep in your car in Arches National Park?


Sleeping in your car is not permitted in either of those

, or most NPs for that matter. You need to stay at a proper campsite. Arches has a huge construction project going on and the park closes to visitors at 7PM on weeknights. Thanks.

What can you not miss at Arches National Park?

  • Drive the 18-Mile Scenic Road. …
  • Hike a Trail. …
  • Enjoy Sunrise or Sunset at Delicate Arch. …
  • Camp Under the Stars. …
  • Backpacking. …
  • Join a Ranger-led Program. …
  • Horseback Ride Through the Park. …
  • Rock Climbing.

How far apart are Zion and Arches National Park?

How long is the drive from Zion National Park to Arches National Park? The direct drive from Zion National Park to Arches National Park is

351 mi (564 km)

, and should have a drive time of 5 hrs 17 mins in normal traffic.

How long is the walk to Delicate Arch?

The trail to see Delicate Arch up close and personal is

3 miles (4.8 km) roundtrip

and climbs 480 feet (146 m). The trail has no shade, some steep climbing, and exposure to drop-offs.

Which is better Bryce Canyon or Arches National Park?

While Arches is very similar to Bryce Canyon in outdoor activities,

Arches will be a better destination for most mountain bikers and four wheel-drive enthusiasts

. Arches is a little dryer climate and does not have near the water (lake, ponds, reservoirs) it does have the Colorado river just a stone throw away.

Can you see the Arches without hiking?

If you don’t have the time or ability to hike, don’t worry!

You can still see many famous arches and rock formations from the scenic drive

. You can drive the park roads and visit viewpoints to see some notable features of Arches National Park.

How many days should you spend in Moab?

We recommend at least

2 full days/ 3 nights

for the Moab area. One day for Arches National Park and half a day to a day for Canyonlands National Park, plus the Dead Horse Point State Park. In addition, you can also take a short rafting tour, as we did. 3 days/4 nights would make your visit more relaxing.

What is the best month to visit Moab?

A good rule of thumb is to visit Moab in either the

spring or the fall

. The weather is wonderful and warm, camping is excellent, and most activities are open.

Can you drive around Arches National Park?


You can spend a couple hours or the better part of a day driving the 36 mile (round trip) road through Arches National Park

. With plenty of places to stop and snap pictures and panoramic views for miles, you can enjoy the brilliant artistry and majesty of Arches without having to leave your vehicle.

How far is Arches from Moab?

The entrance of Arches is located

5 miles (8km)

north of Moab, along highway 191. Arches National Park is normally open year-round, 24 hours a day. The park is very busy between March and October.

What can you see driving through Arches National Park?

  • Park Avenue. Park Avenue rock formations in Arches National ParkSteve Greenwood. …
  • 2 Double Arch. Double ArchDepositphotos. …
  • Delicate Arch. Sunset at Delicate ArchNPS/Jacob W Frank Delicate Arch from the Lower Delicate Arch ViewpointNPS/Chris Wonderly. …
  • Fiery Furnace. …
  • Sand Dune Arch.

How early can you enter Arches National Park?


Thanksgiving


November 24


Open 24 hours
Christmas Day December 25 Open 24 hours Holiday Date Hours

Are there 4×4 trails in Arches National Park?

To enhance visitor safety and resource protection by

requiring four wheel drive vehicles on backcountry roads within Arches and Canyonlands National Parks

.

Can you 4×4 in Arches National Park?


Visit Arches National Park on a 4-wheel drive (4WD) tour

that features spectacular sandstone arches and access to areas that most visitors don’t see. An expert guide will maneuver your 4WD past red rock highlights such as Marching Men, Tower Arch and Eye of the Whale.

Do I need a 4×4 for Arches National Park?


A high-clearance, 4-wheel drive vehicle is required for this adventure

. OHVs, ATVs, and UTVs are not permitted in Arches National Park. We rented a jeep from Twisted Jeeps and would HIGHLY recommend you do the same to enjoy the experience fully.

Can you Boondock in Arches National Park?


Klondike Bluffs Road

This free dispersed camping area is located north of Moab and Arches National Park near Canyonlands Field Airport. It’s just east of US 191. Boondocking in RVs is popular here thanks to relatively smooth roads (still be on the lookout for rocks) and larger campsites.

Are there bears in Arches National Park?


Black bears wander from nearby mountains, and have been spotted in Arches National Park

. Bears are omnivorous and will forage for food and water over a large area.

Can you hike Delicate Arch at night?

The hike up can be a little tough but

most can do it

, seeing it from the “view point” is nothing compared to actually touching it. Seeing it in the moonlight was absolutely incredible, if you’ve done it before during the day you have to plan a trip at night.

What is there to see first at Arches National Park?
  1. Park Avenue.
  2. Courthouse Wash Rock Art.
  3. Balanced Rock.
  4. The Windows.
  5. Double Arch.
  6. Delicate Arch.
  7. Fiery Furnace.
  8. Sand Dune Arch.

What is the first thing to do at Arches National Park?

  1. Drive Scenic Drive Road.
  2. Hike to Delicate Arch (sunset is ideal)
  3. Hike the Devils Garden Trail.
  4. See Balanced Rock.
  5. Visit Windows and Turret Arches.
  6. Visit Double Arch.
  7. Panoramic View from the Garden of Eden.
  8. Hike Park Avenue.

What is the most famous arch in Arches National Park?

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.

Kim Nguyen
Author
Kim Nguyen
Kim Nguyen is a fitness expert and personal trainer with over 15 years of experience in the industry. She is a certified strength and conditioning specialist and has trained a variety of clients, from professional athletes to everyday fitness enthusiasts. Kim is passionate about helping people achieve their fitness goals and promoting a healthy, active lifestyle.