Getting Around Arches National Park: Access, Driving, and Parking
At Arches National Park, you'll visit by car. There is no internal shuttle, and access runs through a single entrance on US 191, 5 miles north of Moab. During the busy season, between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m., a timed entry reservation is required. Book it before you hit the road.
How to Get to Arches National Park
The entrance is 5 miles north of Moab on US 191. For detailed directions from Salt Lake City, Grand Junction, or Interstate 70, see the Arches National Park access guide.
The Entrance to Arches National Park
Arches has just one entrance, on US 191, 5 miles north of Moab. Unlike Yellowstone or Great Smoky Mountains, there is no north or south entrance to compare. Everyone comes through the same point.
Timed Entry Reservations
This is the most important thing to know before you leave. From about early April through late October, between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m., you'll need a timed entry reservation purchased online through the NPS website before your visit. This reservation is in addition to the entrance fee. It doesn't replace it.
Outside this window, before 7 a.m. or after 4 p.m., you can enter without a reservation. Arriving for sunrise at Delicate Arch is both a logistical advantage and a memorable experience. The system's details change each season, so check the official NPS page before you go.
For fee details, including vehicles, motorcycles, pedestrians, and the America the Beautiful pass, visit our Fees & Passes page.
Getting Around Arches National Park
By Car
The main road, Scenic Drive, starts at the visitor center and runs to Devils Garden. It's about 18 miles one way, or roughly 37 miles round-trip for the full drive. All the major sites are reached by turning onto short side roads.
The speed limit is 45 mph on open sections and 25 mph in developed areas such as parking lots and trailheads. In practice, you'll drive even more slowly. Drop-offs, low-angle light on the formations, and bighorn sheep appearing in the road set the pace. On our last visit in May, the climb toward Fiery Furnace was already in full sun at 9 a.m. The heat and glare off the sandstone were enough to slow everyone down.
By Shuttle
There is no internal shuttle at Arches National Park. Unlike Zion National Park, where the shuttle is mandatory during the season, you'll depend entirely on your vehicle. Plan ahead for parking.
By Bike or on Foot
Bicycles are allowed on the main road, but the effort is substantial. Significant elevation changes, intense heat from June through August, and vehicle traffic make this an option for experienced cyclists who are carrying plenty of water. Leave before 7 a.m.
The trails are for foot traffic only. Bicycles, scooters, and motorized vehicles aren't allowed.
Where to Park at Arches National Park
Parking is the biggest challenge of a visit. Every major site has a parking lot, but the lots fill up before 9 or 10 a.m. during the busy season at the most popular areas.
Main parking lots along Scenic Drive:
| Site | Distance from entrance | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Park Avenue viewpoint | ~1.2 miles | Small lot, rarely crowded |
| Balanced Rock | ~9 miles | Very busy during the day |
| The Windows Section | ~10 miles | Full before 9 a.m. in April and May |
| Wolfe Ranch (Delicate Arch) | ~12 miles | Fills up extremely fast |
| Devils Garden | ~18 miles | The largest in the park, but it still fills up |
The golden rule is simple: enter before 8 a.m. or after 3 p.m. Parking along the shoulders is prohibited and subject to citation. If the lot is full when you arrive, you'll have to wait for a space to open up or choose another site. Build a backup plan into your day.
Distances and Drive Times Between Areas
To avoid underestimating the distances, here are the drive-time benchmarks from the visitor center to the main areas:
| Site | Distance from entrance | Approximate drive time |
|---|---|---|
| Park Avenue viewpoint | ~1.2 miles | 3–5 min |
| Balanced Rock | ~9 miles | 15 min |
| The Windows Section | ~10 miles | 18 min |
| Wolfe Ranch / Delicate Arch | ~12 miles | 20 min |
| Devils Garden | ~18 miles | 30 min |
You can connect these points by car in a single day if you arrive early. To learn how to visit the sites in the best order, see the recommended Arches itineraries.
Special Cases: RVs, Accessibility, and Pets
RVs and camper vans: Most vehicles can handle the main road. Some parking lots restrict vehicles longer than 30 feet. Check the signs at the entrance to each lot. The Arches RV guide lists authorized overnight parking options around the park.
Visitors with limited mobility: The visitor center and several overlooks, including Balanced Rock and The Windows via a short paved path, are wheelchair accessible. Delicate Arch and Devils Garden require unpaved trails with significant elevation gain.
Pets: Dogs are allowed in the park, but they aren't allowed on any trails. They can stay on paved roads, in parking lots, and at the campground. At 100°F in July, leaving an animal in a car parked in the sun is dangerous. Arrange for someone to stay with your pet or make another plan.
Practical Mobility Information: Fuel, Cell Service, and Apps
Fuel: There are no gas stations in the park. Fill up in Moab before you enter. EV charging stations are becoming more common in Moab, but there aren't any in the park.
Cell service: Coverage becomes spotty as soon as you enter the park. Download offline maps in Google Maps, Maps.me, or the official NPS app before leaving Moab. Don't rely on online GPS to guide you on the trails.
NPS app: The free National Park Service app offers offline maps, ranger schedules, and real-time trail closure alerts. Install it before you enter.
Extreme temperatures: Summer temperatures regularly rise above 100°F on the plateau. Plan on at least 2 liters of water per person for a half-day, avoid hiking between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., and protect yourself from the sun. The Arches weather guide covers temperatures and conditions month by month.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you get around Arches National Park?
Getting around Arches means driving. Scenic Drive connects all the areas for about 18 miles from the entrance. There is no internal shuttle.
Can you visit Arches National Park by car?
Yes. It's the only option. From early April through late October, between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m., you'll also need to book a timed entry reservation online before arriving at the entrance.
Where can you park at Arches National Park?
Every major site has a parking lot, including Balanced Rock, The Windows Section, Wolfe Ranch for Delicate Arch, and Devils Garden. During the busy season, lots often fill up before 9 or 10 a.m. Arrive before 8 a.m. or plan your visit for late afternoon.
Which is the best entrance to Arches National Park?
Arches has just one entrance, on US 191, 5 miles north of Moab. You don't have a choice to make. Every visitor comes through the same point.
Is there cell service in Arches National Park?
Cell service is very limited throughout most of the park. Download your maps and the NPS app for offline use before entering.
How much does it cost to enter Arches National Park?
Entrance fees for vehicles, motorcycles, pedestrians, and the America the Beautiful pass are detailed on the National Parks Fees & Passes page.
How long does it take to visit Arches National Park?
It depends on your goals and your pace. Our Itinerary & Timing page offers several plans, from a half-day to two full days.