Arches National Park offers a scenic drive that stretches approximately 18 miles from the park entrance to its farthest viewpoints. This well-maintained road allows visitors to enjoy the park’s main attractions through a series of pullouts and parking areas where you can stop, soak in the views, and take short hikes to get a closer look at the arches.
As you journey through Arches National Park, there are several must-see spots along the way:
- Park Avenue: The first major viewpoint after entering the park, where towering rock walls and formations evoke the feel of a cityscape.
- Balanced Rock: An easy stop to view a massive boulder that seemingly defies gravity.
- Windows Section: Home to some of the largest and most accessible arches in the park, including North Window, South Window, and Turret Arch.
- Delicate Arch Viewpoint: While the hike to Delicate Arch is the most famous, those who prefer not to hike can enjoy a distant view from a lower and upper viewpoint.
- Devils Garden: The road’s endpoint and the location of several longer hiking trails that lead to spectacular arches and rock formations.
The best time to drive through Arches National Park is early in the morning or late in the afternoon. These times help you avoid peak crowds and offer softer light for photography. Summer is the get extremely hot, so spring and fall are ideal for comfortable temperatures and enjoyable drives.
While driving is straightforward, parking at popular spots like Delicate Arch and Devils Garden can be challenging during peak times. Arriving e or visiting later in the day can help ensure you find a parking spot without too much hassle.
To make the most of your next trip to Arches, check out our tour of Self-Guided Arches National Park Driving Tour, or you can sign up for Action+ to gain access to over 100 tours for a single yearly price.
