The main sights are located right along this road or on short access roads . Scenic Drive is 19 miles long, starting at Highway 191 and ending in the back of the park at the Devils Garden Trailhead. Many of the arches and rock formations can be seen from your car or with a very short walk.
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.
What is the best arch in Arches National Park?
Delicate Arch at Arches National Park. Probably the most iconic arch within the park is the Delicate Arch. The arch rises 46 feet from the ground, making it the largest free-standing arch in the park. The hike to the base of the arch is three miles, round trip.
Where do you enter Arches National Park?
- From Moab, drive north on US 191 for five miles, or.
- From Interstate 70 (Crescent Junction), drive south on US 191 for 22 miles.
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.
How long is the Arches Scenic Drive?
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.
What is there to see first at Arches National Park?
- Park Avenue.
- Courthouse Wash Rock Art.
- Balanced Rock.
- The Windows.
- Double Arch.
- Delicate Arch.
- Fiery Furnace.
- Sand Dune Arch.
Is Delicate Arch a hard hike?
To get to Delicate Arch, it is a 3-mile round trip hike with 480 feet of elevation gain. This hike, plus time to view the arch, takes most people 2 to 3 hours. The National Park Service describes this hike as difficult .
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.
Which arch collapsed in Arches National Park?
Wall Arch , located along the popular Devils Garden Trail at Arches National Park collapsed sometime during the night of August 4, 2008.
Is Delicate Arch better at sunrise or sunset?
The next-best thing to do is go at sunrise .
Arches National Park has expanded the parking lot here in recent times, but it still tends to fill up by mid-morning and remain full through sunset. The best strategy is to start long before sunrise!
Is the hike to Delicate Arch scary?
The trail to Delicate Arch is moderately difficult for the average person who is reasonably fit . It begins easily enough near Wolfe Ranch and then gradually ascends over the slickrock. There is no shade. Some sections of the trail are a little steep.
Is Arches National Park worth visiting?
The rock formations and the in the area are amazing and the views through “Park Avenue” are really worth the visit alone . However, the star attraction is “Delicate Arch” perched high on the edge of the rocks. There three ways to see the arch.
How many days do you need in Arches National Park?
How Many Days in 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 .
How far apart are Zion and Arches National Park?
The drive from Zion National Park to Arches National Park is 351 miles (564 km).
What is the most beautiful park in Utah?
- Arches National Park, Moab. ...
- Canyonlands National Park, Moab. ...
- Capitol Reef National Park, Torrey. ...
- Bryce Canyon National Park, Bryce Canyon. ...
- Zion National Park, Springdale. ...
- Antelope Island State Park, Syracuse. ...
- Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, Kanab. ...
- Kodachrome Basin State Park, Cannonville.
What is the most visited national park in Utah?
Zion National Park , Utah’s first national park, was established in 1919 and ranks as the state’s most-visited park today. The park’s primary artery, Zion Canyon Scenic Drive (also known as Floor of the Valley Road), opened in 1932.
Is Capitol Reef worth visiting?
Capitol Reef National Park is Utah’s quieter, smaller and lesser known of the epic Mighty 5 National Parks road trip circuit. But that doesn’t mean it’s any less worth visiting than the other players in the game . This one day Capitol Reef National Park itinerary will help you plan your trip to perfection.
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.
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 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 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.
Can you drive to the Arches in Arches National Park?
Paved Roads
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.
Can you do Arches and Canyonland in one day?
So if you are wondering if it’s possible to see both, Canyonlands and Arches in one day, the answer is: definitely! You won’t be able to see everything, but yes, you can see the very best that Arches and Canyonlands have to offer in just a day . Actually, you’ll be able to see even more!
Why is Delicate Arch so famous?
In a park with over 2,000 stone arches, this particular free-standing arch has become a widely recognized symbol of the state of Utah and one of the most famous geologic features in the world . The light opening beneath the arch is 46 feet high and 32 feet wide, making it the largest free-standing arch in the park.
What to wear hiking in Arches National Park?
Clothing and Footwear
In the desert environment of Arches, sun protection is essential. Wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing and a wide-brimmed hat . Apply sunscreen to all exposed skin. Because the temperature in the park can change as much as 40 degrees in 24 hours, you should bring enough layers to adjust.
Can you hike arches at night?
Arches National Park and the surrounding Colorado Plateau offer some of the darkest night skies remaining in the United States. You can enjoy the park after dark by viewing spectacular night skies .
