Salt Lake City to Arches National Park Road Trip: The Ultimate Guide
So, you’re flying into Salt Lake City and road-tripping to Arches—great choice! Arches is one of the best parks to visit for both beginners and experts. But now you want to maximize your time, money, and effort and plan the best route with the best stops on your Salt Lake City to Arches National Park Road Trip. I’ve driven this route more times than I can count, so consider this your ultimate guide to making the most of it. Whether you need the best places to fuel up, quick side trips worth the detour, or tips for navigating Utah roads, I’ve got you covered. Let’s hit the road!
Driving from Salt Lake to Arches:
QUICK FACTS
- Distance: 230 miles (~4-5 hours)
- Best time to visit: Spring & Fall for mild weather
- Best Stops: Provo, Price, Goblin Valley
How to Get to Arches National Park
There are several ways to get to Arches, each with pros and cons. While this post focuses on traveling to and from Salt Lake City, here are some alternative cities to fly into:
Driving Distances & Travel Time from Major Cities
Arches sits about 230 miles southeast of Salt Lake City, and driving from Salt Lake City to Arches takes about 4 to 5 hours depending on your stops. This gives you time to make multiple stops or explore the park in the afternoon. However, consider these other airports near Arches National Park when planning your trip:
- Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT) – A smaller but closer option (~1.75-hour drive)
- Canyonlands Field Airport (Moab, CNY) – Only 20 minutes from Arches, but limited flights
- Las Vegas International Airport (LAS) – Long drive, but an option if you are also visiting Zion, Bryce, or Valley of Fire (~6.5 hour drive)
Best Transportation Options
You will need a car to travel from Salt Lake to Arches and explore the park.
The roads to and from Arches, as well as the roads inside that park, are usually well maintained throughout the year. It does ice and snow occasionally between October and May, but most vehicles should do fine. Pay attention to the weather forecast and check to see if chains are recommended or required. Highway 6 between Spanish Fork and Price can get steep and may require them on occasion.
You will want to consider stopping in Price and/or Green River for gas as there are no stations in the park, and the next closest will be east of the park in Moab.
If you don’t feel comfortable driving, are pressed for time, or want to simply relax, consider this private tour with door-to-door service from Salt Lake City!
Best Stops Between Salt Lake City and Arches National Park
If you want to explore more of Utah and add some detours to your route from Salt Lake City to Arches, here are some of the best stops along the way, whether you’re looking for a quick break or an extended adventure.
Provo, UT
Home to Brigham Young University, this college town offers lots of fun activities on campus and nearby. Some of the free museums on campus include the Museum of Art, Monte L. Bean Museum (natural history museum…not about beans!), and the Paleontology Museum.
Sports fans will enjoy driving by LaVell Edwards Stadium and the Marriott Center, and everyone will be happy with a stop at the BYU Creamery for some really good ice cream.
I recommend Bishop’s Bash, Graham Canyon, or Mint Cookies and Cream. If ice cream isn’t your thing, try a Mint Brownie—a popular choice with students and visitors.
You’ll get plenty of driving time later, but scenic Provo Canyon is a delight. You don’t have to drive far to access Bridal Veil Falls. While it is visible from the road, stopping for a few minutes and walking to the base on the easy, paved path might be worth your time.
If you’re really into scenery, consider taking the Alpine Loop through American Fork Canyon. Enter from the north in Alpine and pop out in Provo Canyon to the south. It’s an incredible drive in the summer and stunning in the fall. Just note that is will add about an hour or so to your total drive time.
In nearby Orem, you can also check out Utah Valley University – home to Roots of Knowledge a stained glass installation spanning centuries of world history.
Fifth Water Hot Springs
Fifth Water is a beautiful and natural hot springs area with cascading pools, located about 30 minutes outside Spanish Fork in Diamond Fork Canyon. It requires a hike of about 5 miles round trip, but you are rewarded with warm, relaxing water and gorgeous scenery. While still several hours away, these might be the best hot springs near Arches National Park.
The trail would be considered moderate because of elevation gain and difficult terrain in the snow and rain. Follow the weather closely —I once had to finish the trail in a steady rain as a youth camp leader, and it was much scarier than anticipated.
While it is delightful to visit and enjoy the springs with snow all around, you will want crampons or other assistive devices to ensure you aren’t slipping or putting yourself in danger.
This is a popular trail for locals across the Salt Lake and surround areas, so try to arrive early to avoid crowds. In the winter, expect an additional mile each way as the gate to the parking lot is usually closed and you have to park further away. Lastly bring water shoes to protect your feet, and pack out all trash.
Price, UT
Price is a small town, not quite halfway between Salt Lake and Arches. We often stop here for lunch and gas, but you can extend your visit by visiting the nearby Cleveland-Lloyd Dinosaur Quarry (just under one hour from Price) or the Utah State University (Eastern) Prehistoric Museum.
We also have stopped several times at a playground and park right off Highway 6 in the town of Wellington just outside of Price. It isn’t fancy but is easy to access, and has bathrooms, a playground, and room to run around.
Cleveland-Lloyd Dinosaur Quarry
The Cleveland-Lloyd Dinosaur Quarry at Jurassic National Monument will take you a little out of the way on your journey to Arches, but might be worth the detour if you love dinos.
Over 12,000 bones have been excavated from this quarry, and it is the location of the densest concentration of bones from the Jurassic period ever found. So while it’s a bit out of the way, for those who really love paleontology, it’s probably a must see.
It’s important to note that it is only open from April to October, and the last 10-15 miles of the entry road are on a graded but unpaved road.
Utah State University (Eastern) Prehistoric Museum
While not at the actual site of a quarry, this museum is much easier to access from Price, and isn’t much of a detour on your way to Arches.
With artifacts from the early peoples of Utah, dinosaur skeletons found right in the state, and rotating special exhibits, this museum is a great place to stretch your legs without taking too much time.
Green River, UT
Only 45 minutes from Arches, Green River is pretty much the last stop before the park if you’re coming from Salt Lake. This is a good spot to fill up if you missed out in Price and may also be your best chance for a quick bite if you are heading straight to the park.
Nearby you can visit the John Wesley Powell River Museum.. Here you can learn about the exploration of the Colorado River and the history of the region, explore exhibits on Powell’s expeditions, and discover more about local geology and river rafting history.
If you’re going river rafting while in the area, this is a great stop to get you pumped up for the adventure.
Goblin Valley State Park
While you will have to make a slight detour, a stop at Goblin Valley State Park is highly recommended. Filled with slot canyons, hoodoos, and other unique rock formations – this may be one of my favorite spots in Utah.
You can easily spend a day or two camping and exploring, but even a half-day trip on your way to Arches is worth the time.
Goblin Valley is about 90 miles from Arches. If you’re driving from Salt Lake to Goblin Valley before heading to Arches, expect to add around 1 hour and 45 minutes of driving time to your trip. Consider staying the night in Green River and head to Arches in the morning if you don’t want a late night.
GOBLIN VALLEY: QUICK FACTS
Fees: $20 per vehicle for day use (state park, so national park passes do not work)
Amenities: Restrooms, picnic areas, and a campground with showers.
Important Safety Tips: Flash Flooding is possible here, particularly in the slot canyons.
Navigation: No marked trails, so bring a GPS or download maps ahead of time.
Dead Horse Point State Park
Known for one of the best viewpoints in Utah, Dead Horse Point State Park is a relatively quick side trip on your way to or from Arches. It’s best combined with a trip over to Canyonlands, as it is found off the same road that leads to the park.
You can get to Dead Horse Point in less than an hour from the Arches visitor center. Once there you can enjoy expansive views of the Colorado River and Canyonlands – not unlike the scenery you see at the Grand Canyon.
As this is a state park, there is a separate entrance fee of $20 per vehicle. This fee does NOT count toward your Canyonlands or Arches fees, nor can you use your park pass to enter Dead Horse Point.
You most likely won’t spend too much time here, but can explore some of the short trails and accompanying views, as well as the visitor center where you can learn a little more about the geology and history of the area.
Canyonlands National Park
If you are chasing all the national parks, you get a two-for-one in southwestern Utah! Canyonlands is practically across the street from Arches and if at all possible, plan a day to visit this other park.
While Arches is my preferred park, there are some amazing hikes and views at Canyonlands including Mesa Arch, Grand View Point, and White Rim Overlook Trail.
Mesa Arch is a popular stop for snagging incredible sunrise photos, but it’s a great, family-friendly hike any time of day.
Traveling with kids? Keep them entertained and learning with my National Park Activity Books—the perfect road trip companion!
Where to Eat Between Salt Lake and Arches
Best Places to Eat in Provo
If you’re getting an early start and want to stop for breakfast in the Provo area, try Tru Religion, Joe’s Cafe, Waffle Love, or Hruska’s Kolaches, all loved for their incredible breakfast offerings.
Getting a later start and looking to grab some lunch? For those not in a rush, try Los Hermanos or Black Sheep Cafét. If you need a quick bite try J Dawgs (their sauce is the best) or Burger’s Supreme. To be honest, these are both nostalgic stops for me but I truly do believe they serve up some great food!
Best Places to Eat in Price
While we almost always stop to gas up and eat in Price, my biggest recommendations are…Wendy’s and Burger King. With three kids in tow, we often end up at the quick and cheap restaurants. But let me tell you, the Burger King Rodeo Burger always seems to hit the spot!
If you want a bigger selection, along Highway 6 in Spanish Fork there are many more options and styles. Spanish Fork is almost exactly between Salt Lake and Price (approximately one hour from both).
Must-Try Local Dishes
When in Utah, do your best to try some of the local favorites. Fry sauce is available upon request at most burger joints and is a must-try for sauce lovers.
You’ll also want to swing by one of the many drive-through soda shops and try a fun mix. Dirty sodas mean they’ve added coconut (usually in Coke or Dr. Perpper), but I prefer fruity mixes like raspberry puree and ginger ale. Don’t forget to grab a cookie too – most shops have their own signature sweets.
Where to Stay Near Arches National Park
While it is in a rural section of Utah, there are still plenty of options for accommodations around Arches National Park. From luxury hotels to tent camping sites, you’ve got lot of choices – just know they can get a little pricey.
Cities near Arches
Moab
If you’re looking for a town with groceries, restaurants, and parks, Moab is the place for you. This town is made for Arches and Canyonlands visitors and is only about 15 minutes from the park entrance.
The cute downtown caters to visitors and you will have plenty of window shopping, eating, and relaxation opportunities. It has a range of hotel, resort, vacation rentals, and camping options to suit most travel styles, but tends to be pricier than your typical accommodation.
Search for the best Moab accommodations here:
Green River & Monticello
Green River:
- About 45 minutes west of Arches,
- If price is important or Moab is booked, Green River might have greater availability and lower prices.
- If you are adding Goblin Valley to your itinerary, Green River is close to the turn-off and might be a good place to rest between the two parks.
Monticello:
- About one hour east of the park, but it is a tiny town with only a couple of hotels and places to eat.
- Good stop if you are continuing southwest, but don’t want to drive too far at the end of a long day.
If you’re heading further south, don’t miss Mesa Verde!
Plan your visit with my Mesa Verde Trip Guide.
Camping Options near Arches
There are tons of camping options around Arches, although my favorite is to camp at Devils Garden inside the park. If you have trouble finding availability, consider using a service like Campnab, Campflare, or Hipcamp to run availability alerts.
We’ve also stayed at Slick Rock Campground a few times, and while it is fine there was little shade, no open fires, and we were all very close to each other. The flush toilets, showers, and seasonal pool do make it a good-enough-for-us spot!
It has since been purchased and changed to Sun Outdoors: North Moab and they have since added several tiny home rentals on property as well.
If you’re camping near Arches, check out my 11 Extremely Easy Camping Meals for stress-free outdoor cooking!
Exploring Arches National Park
After you’ve completed the road trip and finally make it to Arches, you’re going to have plenty to see and do. Whether you have a few hours or multiple days, there’s no shortage of places to explore.
If you’re short on time and only have one day in the park, The Windows Section is the perfect quick stop—it gives you those classic red rock views without a long trek, and Balanced Rock and Double Arch are right nearby, offering some of the most photogenic spots in the park.
If you have more time and enough energy, Delicate Arch is an iconic hike worth the climb. Just be prepared with water and be patient with yourself.
ARCHES: QUICK FACTS
Fees: $30/vehicle – Fourth grade students can qualify for a free national park pass, including entry fees to Canyonlands and Arches.
Reservations: Timed entry reservations are required in peak season. For more on park reservations, check out National Parks Requiring Reservations in 2025.
Size: You can drive the length of the main park road and back in about an hour, but plan for at least a full day in the park if possible.
Exploring Salt Lake City before or after your road trip
Salt Lake is one of my favorite cities: it’s walkable, clean, and has great food and entertainment options. It’s no New York or LA, but sometimes a small-big city is just right.
How to Get Around Salt Lake City
Downtown Salt Lake is easily navigable on foot or by using the local public transportation. If you venture out of downtown, consider renting a car or using ride-share services.
TRAX Light Rail (Best for Budget Travelers)
TRAX is the light rail system that covers much of the Salt Lake Valley and can get you to Downtown Salt Lake in about 20 minutes. You can visit key sites like Temple Square, City Creek Center, University of Utah, and the Delta Center very easily via TRAX.
It can also connect you to the FrontRunner line that connects the Wasatch Front (Great Salt Lake Area) as far north as Ogden and south to Provo.
A one-way ticket on TRAX will cost you $2.50 and a day pass with unlimited TRAX rides is $5.00. Express buses and FrontRunner will have a slightly different fee schedule.
Ride Share
A ride-share cost is $15-$20 from the airport to downtown Salt Lake. If you are arriving late at night, taking an Uber or similar service may save you waiting and walking time and be safer.
Also, consider the weather and how much you will need to walk after you get off the train. If your hotel or other destination isn’t very far, TRAX will still be your best (and cheapest) option. However, if it’s extremely cold, rainy, or snowy a ride-share will be your best bet.
Car Rental
Since you are continuing your journey south to Arches, it’s likely you will be renting a car. Use a comparison site like Kayak to see if prices are cheaper off-site than at the airport. You might want to hop on TRAX and pick up a rental downtown, as opposed to getting it at the airport.
If you need to park in downtown Salt Lake City, one of the easiest, and well-priced, lots is at City Creek Center. It’s located to several TRAX stops, is an underground garage so protected from the elements, and very large so there is likely to be a spot. The first two hours of parking is free, and then $3 for each additional hour. It charges a max daily rate of $24.
Driving in downtown Salt Lake might feel a little tricky at first if you are not used to the grid system of street design, but the main streets are very wide which helps alleviate intense traffic jams (usually!). Just pay close attention to road signs because many of the streets downtown are one way only.
Top Things to Do in Salt Lake City
After living within an hour of Salt Lake for 20 years, I can tell you it’s a great city! I have fallen in love with not only downtown but all the fun adventures nearby. If you have an extra day or two in the city before or after your road trip to Arches, consider stopping at some of these sites.
Temple Square
Temple Square, home of the headquarters of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as its iconic Salt Lake City Temple, is located in the heart of Salt Lake City. While renovations are occurring through at least 2026, there is still quite a bit to see and experience and a stop is well worth it.
Free tours are provided by volunteer missionaries where you can learn more about the buildings and their faith, and you can ask questions you might have. Just note – you will not be able to enter the actual temple building, but other centers in the square will be open.
The first weekends of April and October bring the church’s worldwide conference, so expect heavier crowds.
Hike to Ensign Peak
You will need a car or rideshare to get to the trailhead, but a hike up Ensign Peak is a great way to get one of the best views of the Salt Lake Valley. At just under one-mile round trip, this is a relatively easy hike and popular with locals.
If you are traveling from a lower elevation, keep in mind that it is a steady climb up so make sure to take it slow, hydrate well, and rest as needed. But if you stick with it, you will be rewarded with some pretty great views!
It’s great for sunrise or sunset as well. Just be prepared for the weather and know that there can be mud, ice, or snow in the late fall to late spring.
Go Canyon Hiking Near SLC
Salt Lake City has quick access to several beautiful canyons and hikes. If you want a taste of the natural side of Salt Lake, head up Big or Little Cottonwood Canyons or if you want even more views after Ensign Peak, try the Living Room Trail that starts close to the Natural History Museum of Utah.
In Big Cottonwood Canyon, take a drive to the base of Brighton Ski Resort and hike the boardwalk and trail along Silver Lake (easy), or head up to Lakes Mary, Martha, and Catherine (moderate to difficult). Another option is traveling over Guardsman Pass (summer only) and dropping into Park City.
Little Cottonwood Canyon is just as beautiful and offers some of the best hiking around. Two popular trails are Donut Falls (moderate) and Cecret Lake (moderate). The nearby Albion Meadows Trail abounds with wildflowers starting in mid-July, and we try to hike part of it every year.
City Creek Center
This indoor/outdoor shopping center is a great place to spend some time in downtown Salt Lake. With tons of shopping and food options, as well as beautiful fountains and even a stream, just walking around and people-watching could fill several hours.
Make sure to catch a fountain show at the top of each hour just outside of Nordstrom, and take your kids to the Real Salt Lake Themed play area within the food court. Local chains featured at the center include Cafe Rio, Red Iguana, Bocata, Kneaders, and more (as well as several national chains).
Want more insights to visiting Salt Lake? Check out my post on 13 free things to do with kids and Where to Visit in Salt Lake!
Final Road Trip Tips & FAQs
How Far is Arches National Park from Salt Lake City?
Arches is about 230 miles southeast of Salt Lake City. It usually takes between four and five hours to drive between the two, on well-maintained roads.
What to Pack for This Road Trip
The basic road trip necessities are needed, as well as the following to stay safe and comfortable in the park:
- Water bottles or hydration packs.
- Sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses for sun protection.
- Hiking boots or comfortable walking shoes.
- First aid kit, snacks, and a cooler for picnic stops.
- Paper maps or offline navigation in case of spotty cell service.
Best Time of Year for This Road Trip
The roads between Salt Lake City and Arches are open year-round, although there can be temporary closures due to inclement weather – most often between December and February. Consider the following pros and cons to each season to help you choose the right dates for your trip:
- Spring (March to May): Mild temperatures, ideal for hiking and photography, timed entry reservations run April – early June.
- Fall (September to November): Similar weather to spring but with fewer crowds, timed entry is usually required from September – October.
- Summer (June to August): Hot temperatures but long days for sightseeing. Midday can be brutal, and even dangerous.
- Winter (December to February): Cold, occasional snow, but stunning snow-capped red rocks.
Can You Do This as a Day Trip?
It is *possible* to drive from Salt Lake City to Arches and back in one day, but it is not recommended. You will have 8-10 hours of driving and only 6-8 hours (max) for exploring the park. Not to mention you will be exhausted. However, if you have the stamina and you don’t think you will ever have the chance again, then consider the day trip because Arches is incredible. If you can swing one night in Moab or a nearby town, try for that.
Conclusion
By now, you’ve got everything you need to plan the ultimate Salt Lake City to Arches National Park road trip—from must-visit stops, travel tips, and where to rest.
But planning is just the beginning. If you want to take your trip to the next level, don’t forget to grab:
✅ My One-Day Arches Itinerary – So you don’t waste a second once you arrive!
✅ Editable To-Do List Checklist – Check off everything you need for a smooth, stress-free adventure.
✅ National Park Activity Books – Perfect for keeping kids entertained while learning about the parks.
Now, it’s time to pack your bags and hit the road. Happy travels!