Arches National Park

Arches is an iconic bucket-list destination for any rider visiting the Mountain West. While the 36-mile paved loop offers incredible views right from the saddle, the park's popularity makes advance preparation essential to navigate its seasonal timed-entry system and crowds of tourists.

At a Glance

Distance: 4 hours, 235 miles from Salt Lake City

Time Budget: 2–4 hours for the Scenic Drive plus a few short walks

Best Riding: April to May, or September to October

Fees: $25 for up to two motorcycles riding together (or an Annual Park Pass). Timed entry reservation required April–June & September–October

The Ride

The park's main Scenic Loop Road is a 36-mile round trip on well-maintained pavement. It’s a slow, winding journey through towering fins and near massive rock arches. Traffic can be congested in the summer, so expect slow speeds, traffic in popular areas, and limited parking.

Must-visit viewpoints include Park Avenue, Balanced Rock, and Panorama Point. The majority of photogenic sites are very easy to access from the road or a short walk from a parking area

Pack walking shoes and take advantage of Arches' short hikes. Delicate Arch is an easy 3-mile round-trip walk to see Utah's most famous arch (it's the one on our license plates)

If you're into fine photography, Double Arch is a short, easy walk with an excellent viewpoint. Panorama Point is beautiful at sunset, but the entire park glows in morning and evening light.

There are zero amenities inside the park. Fuel up and grab food in Moab before you enter.
If you can't make or get a timed entry reservation, arrive before 7 AM. No reservation required, and you’ll catch the sunrise on the red rocks.
Temperatures can swing +/- 40°F between day & night. Consider a mid-layer even in the summer.
Cell service is spotty at best. Download your offline maps before leaving downtown Moab. Physical park maps can be found at the visitor's center.
Starting in 2026, two motorcycles can enter together using a single Annual Pass.
The ravens in Moab are excellent scavengers! Use mini-carabiners on your luggage zippers and secure your food at campsites.

Tips

Itinerary

Plan to arrive in Moab the day prior
Start early and complete the 36-mile Arches Park out-and-back, with stops
Lunch break in Moab
Ride east on Rt. 128 alongside the Colorado River and through a winding, dramatic canyon
Turn south on to the La Sal Mountain Loop and climb to 9,000 ft for a birds-eye view over the region
Pop back into Moab for dinner
Consider staying a second day to visit Canyonlands!