Arches National Park Tours and Activities

Arches National Park showing desert views, tranquil scenes and a gorge or canyon
Moab featuring desert views as well as a large group of people
Arches National Park which includes tranquil scenes, a gorge or canyon and desert views
Arches National Park which includes a gorge or canyon, desert views and tranquil scenes
Arches National Park which includes a sunset and tranquil scenes


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.

Arches National Park Travel Guide Video

Tours & day trips

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Food, drink & nightlife

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Popular places to visit


Top Arches National Park Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Aarchway Inn

Aarchway Inn

3 out of 5
1551 North Highway 191, Moab, UT
Aarchway Inn
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Moab by IHG

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Moab by IHG

3 out of 5
1515 N Highway 191, Moab, UT
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Moab by IHG
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Moab

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Moab

2.5 out of 5
1863 North Highway 191, Moab, UT
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Moab
My Place Hotel-Moab, UT

My Place Hotel-Moab, UT

3 out of 5
1500–1522 N Main St Moab, Moab, UT
My Place Hotel-Moab, UT
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Moab

SpringHill Suites by Marriott Moab

2.5 out of 5
1865 N Highway 191, Moab, UT
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Moab
Field Station Moab

Field Station Moab

3.5 out of 5
889 N Main St, Moab, UT
Field Station Moab
WorldMark Moab

WorldMark Moab

2 out of 5
1435 N Hwy 191, Moab, UT
WorldMark Moab
Wolfe's Hotel Moab

Wolfe's Hotel Moab

4 out of 5
1089 North Main Street, Moab, UT
Wolfe's Hotel Moab
River Canyon Lodge

River Canyon Lodge

2 out of 5
71 W 200 N, Moab, UT
River Canyon Lodge
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 outdoor activities, including hiking the stunning trails and witnessing breathtaking sunrises and sunsets. Don't miss the Moab Adventure Center for exciting experiences like rafting and biking. With various hiking trails in Moab and long biking routes available, there's something for every adventurer to explore in this beautiful Utah landscape.

Shopping

The nearest shopping spot is Valley Shopping Center, located 11.3km from Arches National Park, offering a mix of business and entertainment vibes. Millers Shopping Center is 12.9km away, perfect for family-friendly shopping. If you're up for a drive, explore more options in nearby towns.

Recreation

Moab Recreation and Aquatic Center offers a family-friendly atmosphere with various aquatic activities, perfect for relaxation and fun. Rotary Park provides a tranquil space for wellness and relaxation, while the Moab Golf Club invites you to enjoy outdoor sports amidst stunning scenery, just a short drive from Arches National Park.

Adventure

Negro Bill Canyon Trail, 3.2km from Arches National Park, offers stunning scenery and a thrilling hiking experience. At 6.4km away, Park Avenue Trailhead invites adventurers to explore its dramatic rock formations. For mountain biking enthusiasts, Slickrock Bike Trail, located 11.3km from the park, promises exhilarating rides.

Nightlife

While Arches National Park is renowned for its stunning landscapes, nightlife is limited. However, you can enjoy stargazing under a clear Utah sky. For a bite and a drink, venture into nearby Moab, where local pubs and restaurants offer a relaxed atmosphere after a day of exploring.

*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 offers stunning rock formations, lookout points, and a visitor centre, making it a perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike. You can explore iconic rock arches and enjoy breathtaking scenery. Whether you're wondering how many miles you are from the park or planning your visit, there are plenty of attractions to discover within and around this magnificent natural wonder.

  • Arches National Park Visitor Center: Immerse yourself in the adventure vibes at the Visitor Center, where you can gather valuable information about the park's stunning landscapes and hiking trails. It's a fantastic starting point for families to learn about the area's natural history.
  • Fiery Furnace Viewpoint: Experience a romantic and adventurous atmosphere at this lookout, offering breathtaking views of the labyrinthine canyons and fiery red rock formations. It's an ideal spot for capturing stunning photographs as the sun sets.
  • The Windows: Marvel at the spectacular rock formations at The Windows. This scenic area showcases enormous arches framed by the vibrant desert landscape, making it perfect for a leisurely stroll amidst nature's beauty.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Arches National Park

To save money on your trip to Arches National Park, consider visiting between December and February for the lowest hotel prices. Booking about a month in advance is ideal, or check last-minute deals on Expedia for potential savings. Tuesdays are the cheapest days to stay, while Fridays tend to be pricier. Use Expedia’s search tool to filter by budget and location, and consider bundling accommodation with flights for better deals. Don’t forget to look for limited offers and earn rewards on your bookings!

  • 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: Booking a hotel around Arches National Park about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • 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 the type of accommodation you prefer. To find the most affordable prices and offers, simply sort the price filter from low to high.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some cash by combining your Arches National Park accommodation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.