"If you miss timed entry for Arches, focus on nearby Canyonlands National Park (Island in the Sky district) for incredible views without timed entry, explore Dead Horse Point State Park, drive the scenic byways around Moab like the La Sal Mountain Loop, hike shorter trails or viewpoints outside timed hours (before 7 AM or after 4 PM) at Arches, visit the Moab Giants dinosaur park, go rafting on the Colorado River, or explore the Manti-La Sal National Forest. The town of Moab itself also offers breweries, wineries, and shops. "
But if you get into the park by 7a, as long as you don't leave the park, you can see all you want, you just can go back in until after 4p
Moab to Arches drive is 9 minutes, 5.2 miles.
Moab to Grand View Point overlook and trailhead is 1 hr 2 min, 44 mi.
Grand Junction, CO to Grand View Point overlook and trailhead is 2 hr 15 min, 135 mi.
National & State Parks
Canyonlands National Park (Island in the Sky): Just minutes from Arches, offers stunning canyon vistas and is not on a timed-entry system for its main district.
- Dead Horse Point State Park: Famous for its dramatic overlooks of the Colorado River, requiring a separate state park pass.
- Goblin Valley State Park: A bit further, but offers unique hoodoo formations.
- Arches Scenic Drive (Early/Late): Drive the 18-mile road before 7 AM or after 4 PM to see viewpoints like Courthouse Towers, Balanced Rock, and The Windows without needing a timed entry.
- La Sal Mountain Loop: A beautiful drive through forested mountains with cooler temperatures.
- Mill Canyon Dinosaur Trail: An 8-mile trail with dinosaur tracks.
- Short Walks in Arches (Early/Late): Try Balanced Rock (2.2 mi loop) or the Windows Section if entering during the permitted hours.
- Colorado Riverway Recreation Area: Offers trails along the river.
- Moab Giants Dinosaur Park: See dinosaur skeletons and tracks.
- Colorado River: Go rafting, kayaking, or stand-up paddleboarding.
