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Utah · the United States
The more than 2,000 stone arches of Arches National Park, including Delicate Arch, the Canyonlands viewpoints over the Colorado and Green canyons, and Dead Horse Point, all accessed from Moab.
In the photo: Mesas and canyons at Green River Overlook
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Get to know the place
In eastern Utah, near the Colorado River, erosion carved the red sandstone into arches, towers and deep canyons. Two national parks protect this landscape just a few kilometers apart, and the town of Moab, in the river valley, is the gateway to both.
Arches has the largest known concentration of natural stone arches in the world, with more than 2,000 cataloged, from small ones to spans over 90 meters. A paved road crosses the park and leads to the most visited areas: Delicate Arch, Utah’s symbol; the Windows Section; and Devils Garden, where Landscape Arch is located.
Canyonlands is much larger and divided into districts that are not connected by roads within the park. Island in the Sky, the closest to Moab, is a high mesa with viewpoints over the canyons carved by the Colorado and Green rivers, such as Mesa Arch and Grand View Point. Nearby, Dead Horse Point State Park has one of the most famous overlooks of a bend in the Colorado.
Moab is also an outdoor sports hub: mountain biking on sandstone trails, Jeep tours, rafting on the Colorado and rock climbing.
This destination brings together 1 city: Moab.
One destination, many paths
Start with one city or combine several in your itinerary.
Boundaries: U.S. Census Bureau / geoBoundaries (public domain). Adapted by Cidade Turismo.
✈ Canyonlands Regional Airport (CNY) · 25 km to Moab
The nearest airport is Canyonlands (CNY), about 25 km from Moab, with regional flights. Major airports are Salt Lake City, about four hours away, and Grand Junction, Colorado, about two hours away. A car is essential for visiting the parks.
The local experience
The solitary stone arch that is Utah’s symbol, in Arches National Park, on the rim of a sandstone basin. It is reached by a trail of about 4.8 km round trip, with no shade.
Section of Arches National Park with several large arches near the road, including North Window, South Window, Turret Arch and Double Arch, connected by short trails.
The part of Arches National Park closest to Moab is a mesa over 1,800 meters high with overlooks over the canyons of the Colorado and Green rivers, including Mesa Arch and Grand View Point.
A state park on a mesa tip near Canyonlands, with an overlook about 600 meters above a horseshoe bend of the Colorado River.
Before you go
A little planning leaves more time to enjoy the journey.
March to May and September and October are the mildest months. In summer temperatures exceed 35 °C and the exposed trails are strenuous; storms from July to September bring lightning and flash floods. Winter is cold and quieter, with occasional snow on the arches.
The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.
Three days allow one full day in Arches, one in Island in the Sky with Dead Horse Point, and one for an outdoor activity. With two days, the parks take one day each.
In Moab, downtown, near the restaurants and outfitters, about 10 km from Arches’ entrance. There are campgrounds inside the parks and in the Colorado River valley. In high season accommodations fill up early.
Take your trash with you, follow the signs and support local businesses. In natural areas, follow the visiting guidelines.
Get your questions answered
Three days allow a day in Arches, a day in Island in the Sky and Dead Horse Point, and a day for rafting, Jeeping or mountain biking. With two days, do one park per day.
Arches has used timed reservation systems in recent seasons, which change year to year. Some trails, like Fiery Furnace, require a separate permit. Check the park’s website before you go.
You can see the main overlooks of both, since the entrances are about 30 km apart, but the day will be rushed. With one day for each park you’ll have time for hikes.
Spring and fall, March to May and September to October, with mild days. In summer hike only early in the morning; in winter the parks are quiet and may have snow.
Utah’s: UTC-7 in winter and UTC-6 in daylight saving time, from March to November.
