Three Gossips in Arches National Park.

Arches National Park


One of the Southwest's most gorgeous parks, Arches boasts the world's greatest concentration of sandstone arches. Just 5 miles north of Moab on Hwy 191, the park is extremely packed in summer. Consider a sunrise or moonlight exploration, when it's cooler and the rocks feel ghostly. Many arches are easily reached by paved roads and relatively short hiking trails.

Park highlights include the iconic Delicate Arch and ranger-led outings to Fiery Furnace (tour info available at the visitor center).


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Matrimony Springs

2.57 MILES

To fill up on fresh spring water, take Hwy 191 north to Hwy 128 east and continue 100yd to Matrimony Springs, on the right.

2. Moab Museum

4.72 MILES

Regional exhibits feature everything from paleontology and archaeology to local crafts and Native American art.

3. Moab Giants

5.37 MILES

This paleo-amusement park features giant life-size replica dinosaurs, walking trails, 3D videos that might even bring you to a fourth dimension in some…

4. Moab Museum of Film & Western Heritage

10.17 MILES

Head out to the Moab Museum of Film & Western Heritage, based at Red Cliffs Lodge, 15 miles north of town, to see Hollywood memorabilia from films shot…

5. Dead Horse Point State Park

10.36 MILES

A tiny but stunning state park, Dead Horse Point has been the setting for numerous movies, including the opening scene from Mission Impossible II and the…

6. Spanish Valley Winery

11.05 MILES

For some no-frills wine tasting, visit the surprisingly good Spanish Valley Winery, 6 miles south of Moab on Hwy 191.

7. Island in the Sky

16.8 MILES

You'll comprehend space in new ways atop the appropriately named Island in the Sky. This 6000ft-high flat-topped mesa drops precipitously on all sides,…

8. Hole 'n the Rock

17.9 MILES

An unabashed tourist trap 12 miles south of Moab, Hole ’n the Rock is a 5000-sq-ft home-cum-cave carved into sandstone and decorated in knockout 1950s…