National Parks of China
Overview
| Designation | US National Park |
| Location | Eastern Utah |
| Latitude, longitude | 38.7, -109.6 Google Maps |
| Nearby citiesMoab, Salt Lake City, Grand Junction | |
| Highlights | Natural arches; red sandstone |
| Top sights | Arches Scenic Drive |
| Areaabout 76,679 acres | |
| Nearby sites | Canyonlands National Park, Mesa Verde National Park, Capitol Reef National Park, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park |
| Themes | Arch, Red Rock, Desert |
About
Arches National Park is in eastern Utah. It became a US national park in 1971.
Travel tips
Getting there: the park is in eastern Utah, with the town of Moab about 5 miles from the entrance. Grand Junction (Colorado) is about two hours by car and Salt Lake City about four; the small Canyonlands Field near Moab has limited flights. Most visitors drive.
Inside the park: the scenic drive runs about 18 miles from the entrance to Devils Garden. There is no shuttle, so you drive yourself.
Main sights: The Windows, Balanced Rock, Landscape Arch in Devils Garden, and Delicate Arch.
Delicate Arch: a hike of about 3 miles round trip, steep and without shade on bare rock, hot in summer; a viewpoint gives a distant view instead.
Time: one day covers the main sights; two days for hiking or sunrise and sunset.
Season: spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October) are the most comfortable; summer days can pass 100 degrees F, and winter sometimes brings snow.
Where to stay: Devils Garden is the only campground in the park and must be booked; most visitors stay in Moab, which has many hotels that fill early in season.
More photos
Photo credits: Arches National Park: Arches National Park (public domain)