Where to Stay Near Arches: Hotels, Lodges, and Gateway Towns
The short answer: Arches National Park has no lodging within its boundaries. Nearly every hotel is in Moab, 5 miles south of the entrance, or a 10-minute drive from the visitor center. For road-trippers passing through, Green River, 53 miles northwest, is a quieter alternative.
Park lodges and gateway towns (3)
- Gateway town Moab entrance Arches main entrance (US-191, 5 miles north) · hotels, supermarket, gas station Directions ↗
- Gateway town Green River entrance Arches main entrance (via I-70 + US-191, 53 miles) · hotels, gas station, restaurants Directions ↗
- Gateway town Monticello entrance Arches main entrance (US-191, 53 miles north) · hotels, supermarket, gas station Directions ↗
Base map © OpenStreetMap · © CARTO ⚠ Lodge & Gateway town data is undergoing editorial review.
Staying in the Park: What You Need to Know
Unlike Yellowstone or Zion, Arches has no lodge or hotel inside the park. The NPS has granted no hotel concession here, so everyone heads back outside the park to sleep each night. To compare camping, RVs, and hotels, see all the lodging options around Arches in our dedicated guide.
Hotels and Lodges in Moab: Options by Price Range
Moab, with around 5,000 residents, faces constant pressure from tourism. The selection has changed considerably over the past decade. From roadside motels to boutique lodges with pools and views of the red sandstone cliffs, you can find just about everything here. Main Street and US 191 hold most of the properties, within a few minutes' walk of downtown.
Upscale ($150 and More per Night)
The Hoodoo Moab, Curio Collection by Hilton is the local benchmark in this category, with spacious rooms, a heated pool, and canyon-inspired decor. Hyatt Place Moab offers suites with kitchenettes, which are handy for families staying several nights. Book both properties 3 to 6 months ahead for spring and fall.
About 16 miles from town, Under Canvas Moab offers upscale glamping in furnished tents with queen beds, wood-burning stoves, and direct views of the rock formations. The tents have no electricity or Wi-Fi. That's the point. I spent a night there during an October trip, and the star-filled sky over the Utah desert easily made up for the $200 room rate.
Midrange ($80 to $150 per Night)
Hampton Inn Moab and SpringHill Suites by Marriott cover the classic American chain segment, with breakfast included, pools, and free parking. Nothing surprising, but they're reliable. Independently owned Moab Valley Inn, in a convenient spot on Main Street, offers consistently good value and a pleasant outdoor courtyard.
In this category, prices can vary widely depending on the weekend and local events, such as music festivals and mountain bike races. Two identical nights can differ by 40 percent depending on whether you stay midweek or during Jeep Safari.
Budget (Under $80 per Night)
Several motels line US 191 north and south of downtown. Quality varies, so check recent reviews for your exact dates. These properties sometimes fill up and receive less upkeep during peak season. Moab Hostel, with dorms and private rooms, is the town's standard hostel option: clean, central, and no-frills.
The takeaway: some lodging properties require a 2- or 3-night minimum in April and May and in October. Check the booking terms if you're staying just one night.
Hotels Outside Moab: Green River and Monticello
Green River, 53 miles northwest via Interstate 70, is the most accessible fallback when Moab is full or too expensive. This highway town offers basic motels for under $80 a night. The extra drive to the Arches entrance takes 45 to 50 minutes, which is reasonable if you arrive late and leave early.
Monticello, 50 miles south on US 191, appeals to travelers combining Arches with the Needles district of Canyonlands. There are fewer choices, but rates are steadier and the atmosphere is much quieter than in Moab. A few B&Bs and small independent hotels cover most needs.
How Many Nights Should You Plan for Arches?
Two nights in Moab is the reasonable minimum: one full day in the park, including the main loop and Delicate Arch, plus a half-day for Corona Arch or nearby Dead Horse Point State Park.
With three nights, you can organize your time differently. Visit Arches at dawn, when the morning light on the formations is well worth a 5 a.m. wake-up, explore Canyonlands, and spend an evening along the Colorado River. That's the pace we recommend if your schedule allows it.
On a five-park Utah road trip, two nights are enough to keep you from leaving disappointed. Our Arches itineraries show the most efficient combinations for the time you have.
When to Book and How Much to Budget
Arches is one of the most visited national parks in the United States. Moab feels the effect directly in its hotel rates.
Spring (April and May) and fall (mid-September through October): these two windows offer ideal temperatures, from 59 to 81°F during the day, and they're the busiest. A midrange hotel can easily cost $150 to $200 or more on weekends. Book 3 to 6 months ahead for school vacation weeks.
Summer (June through August): temperatures in the park regularly climb above 100°F, which limits visits to the very earliest hours of the morning. Hotel rates can be more accessible during the week because some visitors avoid the heat. Nights remain warm, around 68 to 77°F.
Winter (November through March): prices drop sharply, with some motels charging less than $60 a night. The park is open year-round, but temperatures often fall below 32°F, with lows sometimes reaching around 0°F. Check property opening dates, since several close from December through February.
The seasons in Arches are compared in detail, including their impact on entrance lines. For entrance fees, $30 per vehicle or $55 for the annual pass, see our National Park Fees & Passes page.
Our Recommendation for Each Type of Traveler
For total immersion: Under Canvas Moab or a boutique lodge in town, with an early wake-up so you can enter the park before 8 a.m. Walking through the arches at sunrise is why people take road trips.
Families with kids: choose a hotel with a pool in Moab, such as Hampton Inn or Moab Valley Inn, in the $100 to $140 per night range. A pool after a day in the park at 95°F isn't a luxury.
On a tight budget: stay at a motel or hostel in Moab during the week, or choose Green River if Moab is full. Avoid April and October weekends for the best rates.
Utah road trip: base yourself in Moab for two nights, then move on toward Canyonlands or Capitol Reef National Park. The park home page and our guide to reaching Arches will help you plan your stops and distances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where should you stay to visit Arches National Park?
Moab, Utah, is Arches' main gateway town. It's 5 miles from the park entrance and has the vast majority of the hotels and lodges used by park visitors.
What is the best town to stay in for visiting Arches?
Moab is the most logical base, thanks to its immediate proximity to the park, broad selection of lodging and restaurants, and access to several other sites, including Canyonlands and Dead Horse Point. Green River is a budget alternative 53 miles away, with limited options but steadier rates.
Can you stay inside Arches National Park?
There are no hotels or lodges inside the park, so visitors stay in Moab or nearby. Devils Garden Campground is the only way to spend the night within the park itself.
How much does a hotel in Moab cost for visiting Arches?
Expect to pay under $80 for a basic motel, $80 to $150 for midrange lodging, and $150 or more for an upscale property during the high season, in spring and fall. Winter rates are considerably lower. Our When to Visit page breaks down prices by season.