A Rider's Guide to Arches National Park
- Utah Touring
- Oct 26
- 7 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
The Arches National Park landscape is unlike anywhere else on Earth, a dramatic playground of sandstone fins and 2,000 red rock arch formations just waiting to be explored by motorcycle. The scenic ride from Salt Lake City to Moab, a mere three and a half hours, takes you though past impressive mountain ranges and secluded scenery. With the park located just minutes outside of downtown Moab, you also have access to a wide selection of accommodations, stores, camping, and a variety of other recreational opportunities.
With around 1.5 million visitors per year, advance preparation is key to maximizing your time in Arches. This post will walk you through the necessities of planning your moto-trip, including the timed entry requirements, specific motorcycle route recommendations, and other practical advice so your Arches trip is all adventure and zero hassle.
Reservations & Logistics
The most important thing to know is that Arches National Park has a timed entry system to manage the high volume of visitors. What this means is that during certain parts of the year, an advance reservation is required to enter the park. The system is in effect from April 1 to the end of June, and again from September 1 to October 31. Outside of these dates, you can ride up to the gates and gain entry like normal. You can find more information here.
Making a reservation: Advance reservations have a non-refundable $2 processing fee, plus the $25 entry fee you will pay when you arrive (unless you have an America the Beautiful Annual Pass. You can book your timed entry on Recreation.gov, which are released on a rolling basis.
No reservation? No problem! You can still enter without a reservation before 7 AM or after 4 PM. This is an excellent option for riders, as the cooler morning and evening temperatures are often the best for riding and the light is perfect for photos! However, be prepared for a 30+ minute wait in line regardless.
Gasoline & amenities: Check your fuel & hunger levels before heading into the park, as there are no gas stations or restaurants inside Arches. The scenic road through the park is only 36 miles round-trip.
How long should you budget in the park? 2-4 hours, depending on how many photo stops or off-bike hikes you plan to do.
Essential Gear to Pack
The weather in Moab is famous for being unpredictable. It can get very hot in the summer, but its high desert climate brings cooler temperatures in the mornings and evenings. Temperature swings of +/- 30-50° F (+/- 16-29° C) from day to night are not uncommon. Here are some gear recommendations by season to keep you comfortable:
Spring (March - May): Temperatures are generally mild. Pack layers, including a light jacket or windbreaker, and remember to stay hydrated. Nights can be surprisingly cold and very windy, especially outside of town.
Summer (June - August): It can be extremely hot! Think about vented jackets, cooling vests, and plenty of water. Avoid strenuous riding in the middle of the day.
Autumn (September - November): This is arguably the best time to ride! The weather is mild, but pack a warm layer for the mornings and evenings, as temperatures can drop fast.
Winter (December - February): We don't recommend motorcycling to Moab during the winter. It can be bitterly cold with unexpected weather, plus the route to & from Salt Lake City takes you over high mountain passes that often see snow. But do drive down in a car or truck and discover the quiet, peaceful side of Moab.
Year-Round Essentials: Always carry plenty of water with you on the motorcycle, as you'll be in a dry, desert environment. Bring extra water if you plan on a campfire. A rain layer is a good idea, as flash thunderstorms can happen. If you are exploring the backcountry, we strongly suggest bringing an emergency communicator (Garmin inReach, etc) and a personal radio that can pick up weather report frequencies.
Suggested Routes
Getting to Arches:
The most direct route from the airport is to follow I-15 South to Spanish Fork Canyon, then take Route 6 through Price until you reach I-70. Work your way east past Green River until you reach the Moab exit (Rt. 191) which will take you south to Moab.
At Arches:
The main road is a paved, 36-mile round trip journey that takes you through the heart of the park. It's an excellent ride with several iconic viewpoints. Don't feel bad about pulling over to snap pictures as you go! Be sure to stop at the Visitor Center near the entrance to grab a map, check the latest conditions, and fill up on water before you head up the scenic drive.
Balanced Rock: An easy stop right off the main road, with an incredible view of a precariously placed rock
Delicate Arch: Take a short hike to see Utah's most iconic arch in person (it's the one on our license plates)
Double Arch: A short, easy walk to stand beneath a stunning and unique rock formation
Panorama Point: Stop and take in the expansive view, also an excellent spot for stargazing
Day-trip routes:
Colorado River Loop - Ride through canyons along the river before popping out at I-70. Take the service road to pass through the ghost towns of Thompson Springs and Sego. Keep your eyes peeled for wall art left by Utah's indigenous populations.
La Sal Mountain Loop - Ride beneath the towering 12,500 ft. (3,800 m.) peaks that loom majestically over Moab. Be careful, depending on the time of year, this curvy road can be bumpy and coated with a fine layer of gravel/dirt in certain sections. The road rises to nearly 9,000 ft. (2,700 m.) of elevation, so pack a mid-layer in spring & autumn and watch for remnant snow or ice in shaded sections. Pit stop at Spanish Valley Vineyard for live music or a flight of locally produced wine.
The backside of La Sal - For a full day's ride, pop into Colorado and follow the Dolores River from Grand Junction behind the La Sal mountain range.
Amenities at a Glance
Don't let Arches be your only stop - the Moab area is a hub for high-quality riding and adventure, both on and off road!
Accommodations
As a popular tourism destination, there is no shortage of accommodations in and around Moab:
Home-sharing | |
Affordable, under $100/nt | |
Luxury accommodations | |
Glamping | |
Hostel |
Camping
Campsites in Moab are very popular especially during the summer and on weekends, but many are first come first serve (FCFS). If you don't think you can arrive early in the afternoon to stake your claim, consider camping in the nearby areas of Green River, Monticello, or even Fruita (Colorado). We would not recommend rolling in late in the evening and expecting to find a plethora of available sites.
Established, paid:
140 FCFS campsites $5 for a 7-day motorcycle pass | |
Potash Road Options | Jaycee Park, Williams Bottom FCFS, $20/nt |
Colorado River Options | Grandstaff, Hal Canyon, Upper Onion Creek, Hittle Bottom Plenty of other FCFS options, $20/nt |
La Sal Mountain Loop | Warner Lake (FCFS, $20/nt) Oowah and Mason Draw (FCFS, $10/nt) |
Primitive, free:
The La Sal Mountain Loop has dispersed camping opportunities approximately an hour from downtown Moab. Find them by starting the loop from the Spanish Valley side of town.
Gasoline
Moab has plenty of gas stations, including some with 24-hour pumps and ethanol-free gasoline
Nearby major towns with gasoline stops are Green River (50 miles), Monticello, (55 miles) and Grand Junction (110 miles)
Grocery stores & restaurants
You will find a variety of quality restaurants in town at a variety of price points.
Restaurants | |
Stores |
Off-the-bike activities
Truly a playground for the adventurer, you'll find rafting, mountain biking, skydiving, Jeeping, canyoneering, horseback riding, and many more outdoor activities available to you
Off-road driving school | |
Scenic flights | |
Raft the Colorado River | |
MTB rentals and trail shuttles |
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Arches from Salt Lake Airport?
It is approximately a 3.5 hour ride to the Arches entry gate
Can I do Arches and Canyonlands in one day?
Yes! You might be a little rushed, but they are very close to each other. It is not, however, advised to ride from SLC, view both National Parks, and return to SLC within the same day.
How long should I spend at Arches?
2-4 hours, but we recommend packing some light hiking shoes and doing some off-bike exploring to walk around the arches and formations
How much does it cost?
$25 per motorcycle entry fee (plus a $2 timed entry reservation fee if visiting during the dates listed above)
Another option is the $80 America the Beautiful Annual Pass, which will grant you entry to Arches and Canyonlands as well as all other US National Parks.
With the right gear and a bit of planning, your ride through Arches will be a trip you'll never forget. Just remember to ride with respect for both the stunning landscape and its drastic, unpredictable weather, and you're set for an epic journey through one of America's most iconic national parks.
Park Information & Resources
Sites
Maps
Header image credit: Karen Arnold
Other photos taken by Utah Touring
Park map from Arches National Park website
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