Arches National Park Scenic Drive: Where to Stop
Susan Stephens
This scenic route features sandstone rock walls, pillars, and, of course, arches. Read on for tips to make the most of your visit to this iconic Utah destination.
One of the best ways to explore Utah’s Arches National Park is driving along its 18-mile scenic road known as Arches Scenic Drive. Most visitors spend 3–5 hours along this route, depending on what they want to see and do.
You can technically zip through this gorgeous landscape—home to over 2,000 sandstone arches—in about 2 hours, but plan extra time for hikes, unbelievable photo ops, and a stop at the Visitor Center (and popular gift shop).
What to Know Before You Go
When Should I Visit Arches?
The best time to visit Arches National Park is during the spring, from April to May, and fall, from September to October. The weather is mild, with daytime highs ranging from 60°to 80°F (15° to 27°C), making hiking and exploring the park much more comfortable.
Aim to arrive at the entrance as early as possible in the morning (before 8am) or around dusk (after 6pm), when crowds are smaller and parking is still available at popular spots.
By comparison, the summer months regularly reach highs over 100°F (37°C) and can force closures or delayed openings of facilities. Check the Arches current conditions page to stay up-to-date.
No matter when you visit, don’t forget sunscreen!
Are Reservations Required for Arches National Park?
Yes. As of 2024, if you visit Arches between April 1 and October 31, you must have a reservation to enter the park between 7am and 4pm.
Reserve these popular tickets up to three months in advance at recreation.gov or check for tickets the night before your trip at 7pm Mountain Time (but don’t count on this option—they go quickly).
If you’re visiting November 1–March 31, before 7am, or after 4pm Mountain, you don’t need a reservation to enter the park.
Do I Need a 4x4 Vehicle for the Arches Scenic Drive?
No. 4x4 vehicles are not required for this route—the main road through Arches is paved and well-maintained, making it accessible for two-wheel drive vehicles, including cars, RVs, and motorcycles.
But if you plan to visit the park's more remote, off-road areas like Tower Arch or Elephant Hill, a high-clearance, 4x4 vehicle is necessary.
Weather and road construction can also change driving conditions, so check the Arches weather and road conditions page and stop at the Arches visitor center for current road reports.
Does Arches Have Wildlife?
Yes! While the desert may seem barren, it's home to a variety of animals like mule deer, red-tailed hawks, rabbits, lizards, and kangaroo rats.
If you're lucky, you might even see a desert bighorn sheep navigating the rocky terrain. Don’t forget your binoculars!
What Services Are Available in Arches?
There are no gas stations in Arches National Park. Fill up your gas tank in Moab, Utah (about five miles south of the park entrance), especially if you plan to spend a full day in the park.
The Arches Visitor Center has restrooms and drinking fountains. Additional restrooms and water are available at Devils Garden Campground, and several pit toilets are located throughout the park.
Of course, if you’re in a Blacksford RV rental, you’ll have a private restroom and plenty of fresh drinking water on board.
Cell phone coverage inside the park is limited and can be unreliable. It’s best to plan ahead and download maps, trail information, and any other resources you might need before entering the park.
Top Stops Along Arches Scenic Drive
Park Avenue Viewpoint
2.4 miles past the park entrance, Park Avenue Viewpoint is your first stop. Named after the famous New York City street, this spot showcases a group of towering skyscraper-like monoliths lining a deep, narrow valley.
It's a favorite stop for photographers, especially in the early morning and late afternoon when the light casts deep shadows and highlights the textures of the red rock.
Got an hour? Hike the 1.8-mile (roundtrip) trail to Courthouse Towers Viewpoint and back. It’s rated easy to moderate difficulty, and the views from the valley floor are spectacular.
La Sal Mountains Viewpoint
Half a mile east, stop at La Sal Mountains Viewpoint. It’s a 360-view of Arches’ desert landscape and the snow-capped peaks of the La Sal Mountains in the distance.
According to the Arches National Park website, this viewpoint is “an excellent spot for sunrise and sunset.”
Tower of Babel
Next drive 1.6 miles north to the Tower of Babel, a massive sandstone formation close to the road. It’s part of a larger formation called the Courthouse Towers (which you may have seen from the Park Avenue Trail).
Other notable features in the Courthouse Towers are the Three Gossips and the Organ. These formations are a testament to the power of erosion, which has carved them into their current forms over millions of years.
Balanced Rock Viewpoint and Trail
Now head 5 miles north, past the Great Wall (a massive sandstone wall) and the Phallus Pillar (an upright, somewhat humorous spire of rock that’s popular with visitors), to the Balanced Rock Viewpoint and Trail.
The 128-foot-tall Balanced Rock is a massive boulder perched precariously atop a narrow pedestal of rock. A short, easy trail goes around the base of Balanced Rock, providing different perspectives of this incredible formation.
Double Arch Trail
Your next stop—Double Arch Trail—is at the end of The Windows Road, about 2.8 miles from Balanced Rock. It’s name is exactly what you’d expect—a trailhead to two huge connected arches that frame the sky and landscape in an impressive display of natural architecture.
The trail to Double Arch is short and easy (0.6 miles roundtrip), making it a popular spot for families and photographers. Standing beneath the massive spans of Double Arch, you'll see why these are the tallest (112 ft) and second-longest (144 ft) arches in the park.
Experience Arches Scenic Drive in comfort, with a Blacksford RV
Delicate Arch Viewpoint Trails
No visit to Arches National Park is complete without seeing your next stop, Delicate Arch, the park's most famous and iconic feature.
From the Double Arch Trail, return to Arches Scenic Drive Road head north, then take a right on Delicate Arch Drive until you reach the end of the road. Total distance is 5.9 miles from the Double Arch Trail.
You’ll choose from the Lower or Upper Arch Viewpoint Trail:
The Lower Delicate Arch Viewpoint Trail is an easy and flat path to a distant view of Delicate Arch. The hardened, level surface is wheelchair accessible and takes 5-15 minutes to finish.
The Upper Delicate Arch Viewpoint Trail is a steep, half-mile hike to a view of Delicate Arch from across a 1-mile-wide canyon. This trail is not wheelchair accessible due to its steep slopes and steps.
No matter which path you choose, the viewpoints provide a clear, unobstructed view of this graceful, freestanding arch, which has become a symbol of the state of Utah.
Want to hike to Delicate Arch? The 3-mile (roundtrip) challenging trail starts at Wolfe Ranch. Get details on the Delicate Arch page.
Fiery Furnace Viewpoint
Next, head 6 miles northeast of the Delicate Arch Viewpoint to the Fiery Furnace Viewpoint and its complex sandstone walls. It’s a great spot for photos, especially at sunset, when the sandstone glows like a warm furnace.
Hiking in the Fiery Furnace requires a permit, but it’s well worth planning ahead. You can get tickets for a ranger-guided hike or reserve a self-guided permit on Recreation.gov.
Sand Dune Arch
About 2 miles north of the Fiery Furnace Viewpoint, take a short walk through soft sand to reach Sand Dune Arch.
Nestled between towering sandstone fins, this hidden gem is a fun stop, especially for families. The shaded area keeps the area cooler, making it a great spot to explore even on hotter days.
Devil’s Garden
Continue 2.5 miles from Sand Dune Arch to the last stop on your trip. The Devil's Garden trailhead has several hiking options, including a 2-mile roundtrip trail to Landscape Arch, the longest arch in North America.
If you have extra time, you can hike to several arches along a moderate 7-mile loop trail, including Tunnel and Pine Tree Arches.
Temperatures can soar in the middle of the day, so you may want to visit the Devil’s Garden area first thing in the morning, then do this drive in reverse order.
Plan Your Scenic Drive in Arches Today
Ready to explore Arches National Park in comfort? Rent an RV from Blacksford’s Las Vegas location for a convenient, stress-free, and comfortable vacation.
With easy access to Arches and other iconic Utah destinations, your road trip will be both relaxing and unforgettable.
Your Arches Scenic Drive RV rental is ready!
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Posted Oct 24, 2024
Plan your drive through Arches with our top picks for viewpoints, trailheads, and more. Learn when to visit and what to expect along this scenic 26-mile ro…
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