How long is the scenic drive through Arches National Park?

How long is the scenic drive through Arches National Park? The scenic drive in Arches is about 22 miles one way, so about 45 miles in total. You should count at least 4-5 hours to drive the entire road and make short stops (5-30min each) at all the scenic viewpoints. If you are planning to hike in Arches, you'll need more time.

How long is the hike to Delicate Arch?

To get to Delicate Arch, it is a 3-mile round trip hike with 480 feet of elevation gain. This hike, plus time to view the arch, takes most people 2 to 3 hours. The National Park Service describes this hike as difficult.

Is Arches Scenic drive paved?

The only fully-paved road in Arches is Scenic Drive, a 25-mile, out-and-back road that passes the majority of the park's viewpoints and trailheads. If you're tight on time or don't enjoy hiking, you could drive the park—stopping 10 minutes at each viewpoint—in about three hours.

Can you drive your car through Arches National Park?

There are other entrances, but these are considered 'secret entrances' through unpaved roads. Once you reach the park, the road system in Arches National Park comprises paved roads and dirt tracks. You can drive on unpaved roads but we recommend a suitable vehicle, something with 4-wheel drive and good sturdy tires.

Can you see Arches from the car at Arches National Park?

Drive to The Windows Section and see some of the park's largest arches. (Add a half hour to stroll beneath either North Window or Double Arch.). Or drive to Delicate Arch Viewpoint and see the world's most famous arch, a mile distant.

Is Arches better than Bryce?

Bryce and Arches are both stunning. But Arches offer more variety. You can see a good portion of Bryce just from overlooks. And while the view of the hoodoos is otherworldly, if you're not a huge hoodoo fan, the view can start to grow monotonous.

Can you do Canyonlands and Arches in the same day?

If you only want to see a few highlights in each park, then yes, one day in Arches and Canyonlands is enough time. For a better experience, add one more day to your itinerary, so you can spend one full day in Arches and one full day in Canyonlands.

Which is better to see Canyonlands or Arches?

This does not mean you should not visit Canyonlands, but you may want to spend more time in Arches than Canyonlands if you are short on time. We would also agree that Arches is a better visit, but if you want to explore the wilderness by 4×4, then Canyonlands is a better option.

What is the busiest month for Arches National Park?

What time of year is busiest? From March through October, visitation at Arches is extremely high. These holidays and weekends are especially busy: The weeks surrounding Easter (date varies, in 2022: April 10-23)

Can you see Delicate Arch without hiking?

For those who aren't up for the hike, there are two other viewing options: The Lower Delicate Arch Viewpoint just down the road only requires a 100-yard walk over flat ground to get a fine look at the arch from a mile away.

What can you not miss at Arches National Park?

What is the best arch in Arches National Park?

Without a doubt, Delicate Arch is the most famous natural stone arch in the world. Referred to as The Arch by many arriving visitors for whom it is No. 1 on their must-see lists, Delicate has an allure that is hard to explain but impossible to deny. The light opening beneath Delicate Arch is 46 feet (14 m) high.

Can you do arches in half a day?

In half a day: Drive the whole park road, spending 10 minutes at each viewpoint, and take a short walk at The Windows Section, Delicate Arch Viewpoint, or Balanced Rock.

How long does it take to drive through Arches National Park without stopping?

To complete the journey through Arches National Park on the paved roads it takes only 1 hour 30 minutes without stops. To drive through Arches National Park on both paved and unpaved roads it'll take 2 hours and 30 minutes without stops to go to the notable landmarks, which is highly recommended.

What to do if Arches National Park is full?

Arches National Park is Open On very busy days, when parking lots fill to capacity we temporarily delay additional park entries. Visitors who encounter a closed gate may try back in a few hours or consider visiting other nearby destinations.

How far apart are Arches and canyonlands?

The distance from Canyonlands to Arches is only 27 miles, around 30 minutes of a drive. That is why it is so easy to combine both national parks in one day.

How do you avoid crowds in Arches National Park?

Is Arches or Zion better?

Is Zion or Arches better for a whole day? This one is tougher but it may depend on if you want to just do a couple of longer hikes or do a lot of short hikes. If you want a couple of long hikes, Zion. If you want a lot of shorter hikes with a couple slightly longer, then Arches.

What is the best day of the week to visit Arches National Park?

However, if possible, try to schedule your vacation for the late fall, winter or early spring months. Shoot for November to April. If you're insistent on a red-hot Moab summer, stick with the weekdays — Tuesday and Wednesday are the best days to go. And on any day in any season, go before 8 a.m. or in the afternoon.

Can you drive through Arches National Park without a reservation?

Yes. A timed entry reservation is required to enter the park even if you have an existing pass. Annual passes cover the payment of entrance fees, so annual or senior pass holders only need to pay the $2 reservation fee.

What is the easiest arch to see at Arches National Park?

The best easy hikes in Arches are The Windows, Landscape Arch, Double Arch, Sand Dune Arch, and Park Avenue. My name is Ash, and I'm a former park ranger.