If you like seeing the landscape of red rocks and high natural arches, you must take an attractive road trip from Salt Lake City to Arches National Park in the heart of Utah. The magnificent drive offers many out-of-the-world spots, adventures, and explorations for you, whether you are a professional adventurer or a first–time visitor.
This article explains everything you need to know about Arches National Park, including what to do there, how to get there, where to stay and eat, and where to stop.
Why Should You Visit the Arches National Park?
Among Utah’s “Mighty 5” national parks, Arches National Park is a heaven of more than 2,000 naturally occurring sandstone arches, with many spires, peaks, and pinnacles that seem to defy gravity.
Arches National Park has pure, raw, and matchless beauty. You can enjoy different ways like hiking, photography, and witnessing many of nature’s masterpieces. Thus, whether you are traveling to Salt Lake City from Arches National Park or returning from Arches National Park to Salt Lake City, do not miss the views on either side of the road.
How far the Salt Lake City to Arches National Park: A Picturesque Drive
How far is Salt Lake City from Arches National Park? That’s the question that excites you after reading about the beauty of the arches. So, the drive from Salt Lake City to Arches National Park is approximately 3.5 to 4 hours long, depending on the traffic variations. It is almost 240 miles, which is probably 386 kilometers.
An Overview of the Route of Drive
The best route to Arches National Park from Salt Lake City is the Moab route, which takes you down from 1-15 South to US-6 East and then to US–191.
Things To Bring to Arches National Park
Although the road trip from Salt Lake City to Arches National Park or Arches National to Salt Lake City is quite satisfying and straightforward, it requires some sort of travel–savvy packing.
Essentials:
- Favorite snacks
- Hats and shades
- Sunscreen
- A considerable amount of water
- And, of course, the entry pass, which is valid for 7 days, is $30 for each car.
Best Time to Explore Arches National Park
Schedule your trip to Red Rocks at sunrise or sunset in milder temperatures, like
- Fall (September and October)
- Spring (March-May)
Summer temperatures reach 90 – 100+ F, and winter is too cold but has fewer crowds. The route from Arches National Park to Salt Lake City in golden light hours is charming and breathtaking.
Now that you know how far Salt Lake City is from Arches National Park, where should you stay?
Lodging
Before departing from Arches National Park to Salt Lake City, there are many options for accommodation, ranging from pocket-friendly hotels to luxury resorts.
- Moab—a few minutes away from Arches, Moab has a wide variety of resorts and hotels, including Hoodoo Moab, Moab Spring Reach, Hyatt Place, etc.
- Devil Garden Camping – for a thrilling experience.
What to Do in Arches National Park?
1. Landscape Arch
It is present at a 1.6-mile round route from the Devil’s Garden. It is one of the longest natural arches in the world.
2. Visit the Double Arch.
On the other side of the window section, a double arch is present. These are actually two enormous arches supported by the same rock. It’s a unique experience to stand between both arches.
3. Window Section
It is a very famous area known for its concentration of many natural arches, including the Turret Arch. The location is perfect for families as it has many picturesque spots. The best time to visit is early morning.
4. Hiking of The Delicate Arch
It is the well-known natural arch present in the park, as it offers a 3 3-mile round trip for hiking. It takes almost 2 to 3 hours to hike.
Tip: Bring a torch of water, and avoid hiking in the evening.
5. Adventure of Fiery Furnace
If you want to have an adventure, you must visit Fiery Furnace. It is like a maze with lots of rocks, fins, and hidden arches. If you’re going alone, you will need a permit because it requires navigation skills; otherwise, you can book a ranger-led tour.
6. Hiking of the Sand Dune Arch
If you are with your family, especially with kids, then it is the best place. It is located between the Devil’s Garden and the main road. It is a 0.3-mile one-way short hike covering hidden sandy areas and sandstone fins.
7. Drive of The Park
The 18-mile drive through the park offers many scenic views, short walks, and photo spots. Must-see stops include;
- Park Avenue
- Tower of Babel
- La Sal Mountains
- Point of Panorama
Food Places in Moab After Visiting Arches National Park
After the remarkable trip, before heading from Arches National Park to Salt Lake City, you need a healthy and delicious meal. There are many options in Moab, which is a few minutes from the park.
Some local favorites are;
- 98 Center offers Asian and American food that is also vegan-friendly.
- Moab Garage Co. provides a wide range of sandwiches, coffees, and many flavored smoothies.
- Sabaku Sushi serves Fresh Sushi rolls.
- Antica Forma: They offer delicious wood–fired Margherita pizza, which, unlike oven-baked pizza, builds a sensation of warmth inside out.
- The Spoke on Center has a wide variety of burgers and beers. Their fish tacos are delectable.
In Moab, there are also many vegan and gluten-free food options, which are perfect before heading from Arches National Park to Salt Lake City.
FAQS: Asked by Many Travelers About Arches National Park
- What is the price of an entrance pass at Arches National Park?
Each private vehicle costs $30, which is valid for up to 7 days.
- Does the Arches National Park require any reservations?
Yes, the reservation time is between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. from April 1st to October 31st
- Is it feasible to take a trip to Arches National Park in a single day?
Yes, it is feasible in a single day, but for a more relaxed and enjoyable experience, you need two days to travel to Arches National Park from Salt Lake City.
- What is the best time to arrive in order to avoid crowds?
To avoid crowds, arrive early in the morning before 8 a.m. or go in late afternoon in golden hour light.
- Are there any food options inside the National Arches?
No, there are no food options inside the park, but you could grab some snacks or dine in Moab before going to Arches National Park from Salt Lake City.
- Does the park have any restrooms?
Yes, the park does have some restrooms, but there are no facilities for flush toilets and showers inside it.
Need to Extend Your Trip: Extra Stops
If you have some extra time before moving back from Arches National Park to Salt Lake City, you need to extend your trip by visiting these stops.
Canyonlands National Park is 30 minutes away from Arches, which lies in the Island in the Sky District.
Goblin Valley is the best place for kids. A bizarre diversion of strange old rocks.
Capitol Reef National Park, in the west, is only two hours from Arches National Park. It has many peaceful orchids, cliffs, and hiking trails.
Dead Horse Point State Park is also an observation point; a scene from Mission: Impossible is also shot here with Tom Cruise.
Tips for 1st Time Visitors
- Start your trip early in the morning as the parking fills up over time.
- Do not disturb the wildlife and desert ecosystem.
- Take maps with you, as signal services are spotty.
- Do not miss the scenic drive from Arches National Park to Salt Lake City.
Why does Arches National Park hold Your Soul?
It is not just a trip; it will be a life-changing moment for you. Your heart and soul will be completely fresh and reborn after the breathtaking trip, from hiking the delicate arches to finding the hidden treasures (arches) that astound you. The Park’s beauty itself and the returning journey from Arches National Park to Salt Lake City are pure and spiritually enlightening. This path of beautiful sunsets, breathtaking scenery, and adventurous ways not only holds your emotions but also gives you a lifelong passion and courage for the natural world. It is no surprise that many tourists return from here to visit again and again.
Final Thoughts
The drive from Salt Lake City to the Arches National Park is the best option, whether you’re planning for a family tour or a scientific trip in the Southwest of America. It has the unmatched beauty of red rocks; the moment you see the first rock, from the hiking of a delicate arch, this place leaves you more subdued, influenced, and astonished. Whether you are a thrill-seeking adventurer, a recreational traveler, or a student, this place offers you all kinds of facilities.
The returning vibes from Arches National to Salt Lake City are the same exciting and filled with scenic spots as the drive to Arches National.
So, pack your bags, grab your snacks, and get on the road – nature wants to show her fierce Arches.