Arches National Park

Moab showing desert views as well as a large group of people

Arches National Park showing a gorge or canyon, desert views and tranquil scenes

Arches National Park featuring desert views, tranquil scenes and a gorge or canyon

Arches National Park featuring tranquil scenes and a sunset

Visit Arches National Park

Activities

With one of the world’s largest concentrations of naturally formed stone arches, this park provides memorable scenery and prompts great photography.

Create a family scavenger hunt to find many of the 2,000 identified stone arches in Arches National Park. Some are so close to rock walls that you need to be next to them to notice. Others are visible via short walks from parking locations or shuttle stops or can be reached by hiking.

The park offers natural beauty and extraordinary physical science lessons. Learn about the geology behind the unique arch structure. Most of the arches started as domes. Over many thousands of years, wind, water and frost allowed the inner sections to erode away. Iron oxide gives the rocks the distinctive red color.

For viewing enjoyment and photographic excellence, get recommendations from the visitor center or park website. Some of the best times and observation spots for great lighting and striking images have been identified and mapped. Landscape Arch, with the park’s largest light opening at 306 feet (93 meters), is a great place to watch the sunrise with early morning light spreading through the arch.

Delicate Arch is the favorite of many visitors for sunset viewing. For many months of the year you’ll see snow-capped peaks when you look through several arches toward the La Sal Mountains.

Hike on your own on trails ranging from easy to strenuous levels. Some walks travel directly under massive arches. Reserve a spot on a ranger-led interpretive tour to learn more.

The park has much to see in addition to its arches. Erosion has created many interesting shapes, including pinnacles, fins and rocks balanced on narrow towers. Look for the fittingly named Tower of Babel, Balanced Rock, Three Gossips and Elephant Butte.

You’ll find many opportunities for free climbing, bouldering and canyoneering. Register online or at the visitor center and follow park rules for allowed locations and required practices. The Fiery Furnace and Petrified Dunes sections offer popular routes.

Arches National Park is one of Utah’s five national parks. Plan a multi-day trip to enjoy them all. Purchase a daily or weekly pass or the economical interagency annual pass for use at all U.S. national parks.

Popular places to visit

Arches National Park featuring a gorge or canyon, tranquil scenes and desert views

Balanced Rock

A boulder the size of three school buses perches at the top of a rocky spire in one of Arches National Park’s most famous sites.

Double Arch

Follow in the footsteps of Indiana Jones with a hike through this set of enormous red loops in a popular national park.

Arches National Park which includes desert views, tranquil scenes and a gorge or canyon

Turret Arch

With a rise at its edge like a church’s side tower, this impressive arch has its own little window providing stunning views of the colorful desert.

The Windows

4.5/5(12 reviews)

Look through the eye-like circular holes known as the Spectacles for a glimpse into the otherworldly realm of red arches.

Arches National Park showing tranquil scenes, desert views and a gorge or canyon

Park Avenue Trailhead

Named after New York’s famously swanky thoroughfare, this short and relatively easy trail is lined with striking skyscraper-like sandstone pinnacles and spires.

Arches National Park which includes a gorge or canyon, landscape views and desert views

Fiery Furnace Viewpoint

Consider participating in an informative ranger-led tour through the labyrinthine passageways of this popular natural attraction in Arches National Park.

Top Hotel Deals

Check availability on hotels close to Arches National Park

Aarchway Inn

1551 North Highway 191, Moab, UT

My Place Hotel-Moab, UT

1500–1522 N Main St Moab, Moab, UT

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Moab by IHG

1515 N Highway 191, Moab, UT

Field Station Moab

889 N Main St, Moab, UT

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Moab

1863 North Highway 191, Moab, UT

SpringHill Suites by Marriott Moab

1865 N Highway 191, Moab, UT

Hyatt Place Moab

890 North Main Street, Moab, UT

WorldMark Moab

1435 N Hwy 191, Moab, UT

Wolfe's Hotel Moab

1089 North Main Street, Moab, UT

See all 1,192 properties in Arches National Park

Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Arches National Park

At Arches National Park, visitors can enjoy a range of activities, including hiking through stunning landscapes, witnessing breathtaking sunrises and sunsets, and exploring the park's unique rock formations. This adventure destination offers various hiking trails suitable for all levels, making it an ideal spot for outdoor enthusiasts seeking an exhilarating experience amidst nature's beauty.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience near Arches National Park, visit Valley Shopping Center, located 11.3km away, offering a vibrant atmosphere with entertainment and family-friendly options. Millers Shopping Center is also nearby at 12.9km, providing similar city vibes. If you're up for a drive, check out other options further afield.

Recreation

The Moab Recreation and Aquatic Center offers family-friendly aquatic activities, perfect for relaxation and fun. Rotary Park provides a serene environment for wellness and rejuvenation, while the Moab Golf Club invites you to enjoy sports and outdoor leisure amidst stunning landscapes.

Adventure

Embark on the Negro Bill Canyon Trail, located 3.2km from Arches National Park, where breathtaking scenery and adventure await. Alternatively, tackle the Slickrock Bike Trail, 11.3km away, for thrilling cycling experiences. Don't miss the Courthouse Towers Trailhead, a mere 4.8km distant, offering stunning vistas and outdoor excitement.

Nightlife

In Moab, near Arches National Park, the nightlife is vibrant with venues like the Moab Brewery, where you can enjoy local craft beers and live music. The Blu Pig offers a relaxed atmosphere with delicious BBQ and occasional live performances, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Arches National Park

Arches National Park, Utah, offers a diverse array of attractions, including stunning rock formations, a visitor centre, and nearby urban parks. These points of interest are perfect for travellers seeking outdoor adventures, breathtaking scenery, and family-friendly experiences. Whether you're hiking through the iconic arches or exploring the surrounding landscapes, this destination promises to create unforgettable memories.

Arches National Park Visitor Center: Located 8.0km from the park, this Visitor Centre offers a wealth of information and resources for adventurers and families alike. With interactive exhibits and knowledgeable staff, you can plan your outdoor activities and learn about the park’s unique geology and ecology.
The Windows: Just 3.2km away, The Windows showcases stunning rock formations that create a breathtaking natural frame. This area is perfect for photography and enjoying the incredible scenery, making it a must-visit for outdoor enthusiasts.
Turret Arch: Also 3.2km from the park, Turret Arch stands out with its dramatic shape and picturesque views. Ideal for excursions, this spot invites visitors to explore its surroundings and enjoy the friendly atmosphere created by fellow nature lovers.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Arches National Park

To save money during your visit to Arches National Park, consider travelling between December and February when hotel prices are at their lowest. Book your accommodation about a month in advance, preferably on a Tuesday for the best rates. Utilise Expedia’s tools to filter options by budget and location, and look for last-minute deals. Additionally, consider combining your hotel, flights, and activities into a package for added savings. Explore free activities in the park and use public transport or carpooling to further reduce costs.

The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The hotel pricing around Arches National Park is moderately seasonal. The cheapest months to stay around Arches National Park are December to February, where the prices are moderately lower. This is in comparison to April to May and September, where prices are moderately higher.
The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel around Arches National Park about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Arches National Park is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Arches National Park is Friday.
Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. To discover the most affordable prices and offers, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your hotel stay at Arches National Park with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

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