St. George to Arches National Park
Home to over 2,000 natural stone arches including the iconic Delicate Arch, Arches National Park offers one of the most concentrated collections of natural arches in the world. Red rock fins, towers, and balanced rocks create an otherworldly landscape.
I-15 N to I-70 E to US-191 S (Moab)
310 miles
Distance
4 hr 30 min
Drive Time
northeast
Direction
March-May, September-November
Best Time
4,085-5,653 feet elevation
Driving from St. George to Arches National Park
Route: I-15 N to I-70 E to US-191 S (Moab)
Head north on I-15 through Cedar City to I-70 East. Follow I-70 through the San Rafael Swell — one of America's most scenic interstate drives — to Exit 182 (Crescent Junction). Take US-191 South for 28 miles to Moab and the park entrance. The drive is straightforward with stunning desert scenery throughout.
About Arches National Park
Arches National Park protects over 2,000 natural stone arches — the densest concentration of arches on Earth — within a compact 76,519-acre landscape just five miles north of Moab. The park's signature formation, Delicate Arch, is a freestanding 52-foot arch that has become Utah's most recognizable icon, appearing on the state license plate and in countless photographs. Beyond Delicate Arch, the park contains a staggering variety of geological wonders: massive balanced rocks, towering sandstone fins, and arches ranging from slender ribbons of rock to the 306-foot span of Landscape Arch, the longest in North America.
The drive from St. George takes approximately four and a half hours via I-15 North and I-70 East through the San Rafael Swell — one of the most dramatically scenic stretches of interstate in America. From Crescent Junction, US-191 heads south 28 miles to the park entrance. The 36-mile scenic drive within the park passes numerous trailheads, viewpoints, and pull-offs where formations are visible from the road. For those who want to stretch their legs, trails range from flat quarter-mile walks to the strenuous 3-mile round-trip climb to Delicate Arch.
Arches is best experienced over two full days, though a single long day allows you to see the highlights. The Windows Section, Devil's Garden, and Delicate Arch are the three must-see areas. The park requires timed entry reservations from April through October, so plan ahead. Many visitors combine Arches with nearby Canyonlands National Park and Dead Horse Point State Park for a comprehensive Moab-area trip. The town of Moab provides excellent dining, lodging, and outfitter services just minutes from the park entrance.
Gas Stops Along the Way
- Cedar City — 52 miles / 55 min (full services)
- Salina — 170 miles / 2 hr 15 min (CRITICAL — last full services before Green River)
- Green River — 280 miles / 3 hr 30 min (gas, fast food — no services for 110 miles on I-70 before here)
Weather & Climate
Arches has a semi-arid desert climate with extreme temperature swings. Summer highs reach 100-110°F with intense sun and no shade on most trails. Winter lows drop to 10-25°F with occasional snow. Spring and fall are ideal at 55-80°F. Afternoon thunderstorms are possible July through September. The elevation provides minimal relief from desert heat.
Best Time to Visit
March-May, September-November
Spring and fall offer ideal hiking temperatures (55-80°F) and the best photography light. Summer exceeds 100°F and exposed trails like Delicate Arch become dangerously hot. Winter is cold (25-45°F) but offers solitude, dramatic snow-on-red-rock photos, and no timed entry requirements. Wildflower season in April is beautiful along the park roads.
Things to Do in Arches National Park
From outdoor adventures to dining, here is everything worth experiencing when you visit Arches National Park, Utah.
Must-See Arches & Trails
Delicate Arch Trail
$30/vehicle park entryThe iconic 3-mile round-trip hike to Utah's most famous landmark. Gains 480 feet of elevation over exposed slickrock to reveal the freestanding 52-foot arch. Best at sunset when the arch glows orange. Allow 2-3 hours.
Landscape Arch
Included with entryA flat 1.6-mile round-trip walk to the longest natural arch in North America at 306 feet span. Located in Devils Garden, this impossibly thin ribbon of rock defies gravity. Easy trail suitable for all ages.
Double Arch
Included with entryTwo massive arches sharing the same rock buttress, creating a cathedral-like space beneath. A short 0.5-mile walk from the parking area in the Windows Section. One of the most impressive formations in the park.
Devils Garden Trail
Included with entryThe park's longest maintained trail at 7.2 miles round trip (full primitive loop). Passes eight named arches including Landscape Arch, Partition Arch, and Double O Arch. The primitive loop section requires scrambling.
Windows Section
Included with entryA cluster of massive arches including North Window, South Window, and Turret Arch, all accessible via short trails from a single parking area. The Windows viewpoint loop is just 1 mile. Great for families and photographers.
Nearby Dining (Moab)
Desert Bistro
$$$Moab's premier fine dining experience in a charming historic house. Seasonal menu with locally inspired cuisine, excellent wine list, and intimate atmosphere. Reservations highly recommended.
Quesadilla Mobilla
$Beloved Moab food truck turned brick-and-mortar serving creative gourmet quesadillas. The green chile chicken is legendary. Casual outdoor seating with a loyal following.
Moab Brewery
$$Moab's original craft brewery with a full pub menu. Great burgers, salads, and house-brewed beers. The Scorpion Pale Ale and Dead Horse Amber are local favorites. Family-friendly.
Antica Forma
$$Authentic wood-fired Neapolitan pizza using imported Italian ingredients. Widely considered the best pizza in Moab. Casual atmosphere with quality ingredients.
Combine With
Canyonlands National Park
$30/vehicleJust 30 miles from Moab, Canyonlands' Island in the Sky district offers dramatic mesa-top viewpoints including Grand View Point and the iconic Mesa Arch at sunrise. A perfect complement to Arches.
Dead Horse Point State Park
$20/vehicleOne of Utah's most dramatic overlooks — a 2,000-foot sheer drop to the Colorado River's gooseneck bend. Stunning at sunset. Located between Moab and the Island in the Sky district.
Colorado River Activities
$75-$300/personMoab is a hub for Colorado River adventures including half-day rafting trips, full-day whitewater excursions, stand-up paddleboarding, and scenic jet boat tours through red rock canyons.
Travel Tips for the St. George to Arches National Park Drive
Timed entry reservations are required April through October — book at recreation.gov well in advance
Without a reservation, you can enter before 7 AM or after 4 PM during peak season
Hike Delicate Arch in the late afternoon for the best lighting and iconic sunset photos
Fill up on gas and water in Moab before entering the park — no services inside
The scenic drive is 36 miles round trip and takes 2-3 hours with stops even without hiking
Combine with Canyonlands and Dead Horse Point for a complete 3-day Moab experience
Frequently Asked Questions: St. George to Arches National Park
How far is Arches National Park from St. George?
Arches National Park is approximately 310 miles (4 hours 30 minutes) from St. George via I-15 North, I-70 East, and US-191 South to Moab. The park entrance is 5 miles north of Moab on US-191.
Do I need timed entry reservations for Arches?
Yes, from April through October, timed entry reservations are required between 7 AM and 4 PM. Reservations are available at recreation.gov and popular time slots sell out quickly. You can enter without a reservation before 7 AM or after 4 PM, but parking at popular trailheads may be full.
When is the best time to visit Arches National Park?
Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) offer the best weather for hiking with temperatures between 55-80°F. Summer exceeds 100°F and exposed trails become dangerous. Winter is cold but uncrowded. For photography, late afternoon light (especially at Delicate Arch) is spectacular year-round.
How difficult is the Delicate Arch hike?
The Delicate Arch Trail is moderately strenuous — 3 miles round trip with 480 feet of elevation gain over exposed slickrock. There is no shade and the trail can be very hot in summer. Most reasonably fit hikers complete it in 2-3 hours. Bring at least 2 liters of water per person.
What is the difference between Arches and Canyonlands?
Arches (5 miles from Moab) is compact and focused on natural stone arches, fins, and balanced rocks — most attractions are close together along the scenic drive. Canyonlands (30 miles from Moab) is vast and rugged with dramatic canyon overlooks, mesas, and remote backcountry. Arches is more accessible; Canyonlands is more expansive and wild. Both are worth visiting.
Nearby Destinations from Arches National Park
Moab
The adventure capital of Utah, home to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, legendary mountain biking, world-class rock climbing, and Colorado River rafting. Moab delivers adrenaline-pumping outdoor experiences in a jaw-dropping desert landscape.
Dead Horse Point
One of the most spectacular overlooks in the American West — a 2,000-foot sheer drop to the Colorado River's dramatic gooseneck bend below. This Utah state park rivals any national park viewpoint and was the filming location for the final scene of Thelma & Louise.
Capitol Reef National Park
The least-visited of Utah's Mighty Five national parks is arguably the most rewarding. A 100-mile geological wrinkle in the earth, pioneer orchards where you can pick free fruit, and legendary homemade pies at the Gifford House.
Complete Guide: Driving from St. George to Arches National Park
St. George to Arches National Park — 310 miles, 4 hr 30 min Drive
Arches National Park protects over 2,000 natural stone arches — the densest concentration of arches on Earth — within a compact 76,519-acre landscape just five miles north of Moab. The park's signature formation, Delicate Arch, is a freestanding 52-foot arch that has become Utah's most recognizable icon, appearing on the state license plate and in countless photographs. Beyond Delicate Arch, the park contains a staggering variety of geological wonders: massive balanced rocks, towering sandstone fins, and arches ranging from slender ribbons of rock to the 306-foot span of Landscape Arch, the longest in North America.
The route from St. George, Utah to Arches National Park, Utah covers 310 miles and takes approximately 4 hr 30 min via I-15 N to I-70 E to US-191 S (Moab). Head north on I-15 through Cedar City to I-70 East. Follow I-70 through the San Rafael Swell — one of America's most scenic interstate drives — to Exit 182 (Crescent Junction). Take US-191 South for 28 miles to Moab and the park entrance. The drive is straightforward with stunning desert scenery throughout.
Things to Do in Arches National Park
Must-See Arches & Trails: Delicate Arch Trail, Landscape Arch, Double Arch. Nearby Dining (Moab): Desert Bistro, Quesadilla Mobilla, Moab Brewery. Combine With: Canyonlands National Park, Dead Horse Point State Park, Colorado River Activities.
Best Time to Visit Arches National Park
Spring and fall offer ideal hiking temperatures (55-80°F) and the best photography light. Summer exceeds 100°F and exposed trails like Delicate Arch become dangerously hot. Winter is cold (25-45°F) but offers solitude, dramatic snow-on-red-rock photos, and no timed entry requirements. Wildflower season in April is beautiful along the park roads.
Travel Tips
Timed entry reservations are required April through October — book at recreation.gov well in advance. Without a reservation, you can enter before 7 AM or after 4 PM during peak season. Hike Delicate Arch in the late afternoon for the best lighting and iconic sunset photos. Fill up on gas and water in Moab before entering the park — no services inside.
For more things to do near St. George, explore our Things to Do guide, browse the Events Calendar, or discover local businesses in the St. George Business Directory. Check out all road trip destinations from St. George including Moab, Dead Horse Point, Capitol Reef National Park.