Las Vegas to Arches National Park in 2024: The Best Route & Fun Stops Along the Way
PLANNING A TRIP FROM LAS VEGAS TO ARCHES NATIONAL PARK?
We can help! We have made the drive from Las Vegas to Arches National Park many times and have insight into all the different ways to enjoy this trip. We will fill you in on everything you need to know about the different options to get there, as well as recommend some of our favorite stops along the way.
We’ll also throw in some of our favorite things to do in Arches National Park for you to enjoy once you get there!
Las Vegas to Arches National Park Road Trip
Las Vegas to Arches National Park Distance: 457 mi
Las Vegas to Arches National Park Drive Time: 6.5 hrs
Directions: Take I-15 N from Las Vegas for about 3.5 hours until you reach the junction with I-70 E, just north of Sulphurdale, UT. Then proceed on I-70 until you reach Thompson Springs, UT, where you will move to US-191 S. US-191 S will carry you the rest of the way into Moab, UT.
This route takes you through three states. Starting northeast, out of Nevada, and into Arizona. Then across a small slice of Arizona and up into Utah.
Best Stops Between Las Vegas and Arches National Park
Valley of Fire State Park
If you’re up for a slight detour nearly right out of the gate, Valley of Fire State Park is a great short stop on your Las Vegas Road trip to Moab and back. The park consists of 40,000 acres of swooping, red Aztec sandstone intermeshed with gray and tan limestone, making for a zebra-like striped appearance.
This is a great spot to explore these unique rocks as well as the petrified trees, various types of cacti, and 2,000-year-old petroglyphs. Kids will love walking along the wavy formations and will definitely be entertained by the unique desert colors of this state park.
If you have time for a quick hike, we recommend hiking the Fire Wave. This is our favorite hike in the park. Even if you don’t have time for a hike, the scenic drive through the park is really beautiful and well worth the detour.
You can read more about this state park in our Hiking Guide to the Valley of Fire. Visiting this area is one of our favorite things to do in Las Vegas.
Mesquite, NV
About an hour into your Utah road trip from Las Vegas, you’ll find Mesquite, NV. Tucked into the beautiful Virgin River Valley, Mesquite is a miniature, much quieter, and more picturesque version of Sin City. Equipped with resorts and gambling, Mesquite is surrounded by stunning flat-top red mesas.
If you’re looking to get a round or two of golf in during your trip, this is a great stop, with seven golf courses to choose from.
St. George
Once in Utah, the beauty continues. There are so many things to do in St. George, a small desert paradise, home to some of Utah’s most enjoyed state parks.
Snow Canyon State Park is stacked with endless recreational activities, offering hiking trails and red sandstone cliffs as far as the eye can see. But the highlight of this state park is the sand dunes. It’s the perfect spot to break up your trip and let the kids burn off some energy. Bring some sand toys if you’d like, or plan a picnic.
We absolutely love hiking and exploring in Snow Canyon State Park. It is so beautiful and a good break in the drive if you need one.
Sand Hollow State Park features red sand beaches like you can only imagine. The beach and large reservoir make the perfect backdrop for an afternoon break from your road trip, where good times will be had by all. Grab some lunch, build castles in the sand, rent a kayak, and enjoy some time on the water.
You’ll have the best time in Sand Hollow. Your kids will want to spend the whole day there. It’s a very fun place to visit when in St. George, UT area.
Zion National Park
Zion is one of the national parks between Las Vegas and Moab, Utah. Known for Zion Canyon’s steep red cliffs, this park is a vast wonderland of landscapes. From red rock to forest trails along the Virgin River, Zion offers some of the best things to see in nature.
Emerald pools, waterfalls, and hanging gardens are a true sight to see in an otherwise desert landscape. Spring through late fall, the park offers a shuttle that will carry visitors through a scenic drive of the highlights of Zion National Park.
If you’re looking to explore on foot, some of the best hikes to explore in Zion National Park include Angel’s Landing, The Narrows, Emerald Pools Trail, Zion Canyon Overlook Trail, and The Watchman.
Angel’s Landing and the Narrows are two really intense hikes that would require almost a full day in the park. If you want to hike these trails, you will need to enter a lottery, and you will most likely need to stay at one of the hotels near Zion National Park.
If you’re looking for shorter trails, check out the Emerald Pools and Canyon Overlook Trail. The Canyon Overlook trail is a pretty easy trail and has amazing views of the canyon. This is our favorite family-friendly trail in Zion.
For more information about this national park, check out our favorite things to do in Zion National Park.
Cedar City
Cedar City is another little town along the drive from Las Vegas to Moab. One of the highlights of the area is the Brian Head Resort. This is a family-friendly ski resort suited for experts and newbies alike. If you’re visiting during the summer, be sure to try the mini zip-line and alpine slide, both are sure to send your kids into hysterics of fun.
Cedar City also runs alongside a portion of Dixie National Forest. In total, Dixie National Forest consists of almost 2,000,000 acres of land, stretching 170 miles across southern Utah. Boasting a striking combination of red rock and lush greenery, this area is a prime spot for hiking, mountain biking, and even fishing in small lakes.
Red Canyon, Hell’s Backbone Bridge, Powell Point, and Boulder Mountain are some of the must-see attractions if you’re able to explore the Dixie National Forest at length.
Also, if you’re in the area, be sure to stop by Cedar Breaks National Monument.
The Grand Canyon (Alternate route: Las Vegas to Arches National Park scenic route via US-93 S and I-40 E)
We couldn’t wrap up a road trip itinerary from Las Vegas to Arches National Park without including the Grand Canyon. Though this famous landmark is not along the route we’ve outlined here, if you were willing to add a handful of hours to your road time by taking a more southern route (via US-93 S), you could check this geographic wonder off your bucket list.
Better yet, you could take the direct route on your way to Moab and follow the southern route to visit the Grand Canyon (and Monument Valley, another great stop) on your Arches National Park to Las Vegas return trip.
If you want some extra time hiking at the Grand Canyon, there are lots of great hotels near the Grand Canyon. You can also consider adding a stop at Antelope Canyon as you make your way from the Grand Canyon to Moab.
Where to Stay Between Las Vegas and Arches National Park
If you’re planning to spend any time in Vegas at the start of your trip, consider spending a night at one of the best airport hotels in Las Vegas.
Once you’ve hit the road, if you’re looking to split the distance from Las Vegas to Arches National Park right in the middle, Beaver, UT is the place to stay. Home to the Tushar Mountains, there are plenty of hills, rivers, and streams to explore here. Eagle Point Resort, Frisco Ghost Town, and Mineral Mountains are just a few of the best places to visit around Beaver. Off-roading and wildlife watching are also popular pastimes in this town.
Here are a couple of hotel recommendations to consider when staying overnight in Beaver, UT.
Best Western Paradise Inn
Best Western Paradise Inn is a quiet and clean hotel right along your route. If their comfortable and spacious rooms aren’t enough to love, they also have a pool and offer complimentary breakfast each morning.
⭐Best Western Paradise Inn Reviews (9/10 Stars)
Breakfast was great and rooms were quiet. – Richard (Expedia Review)
▶ Check Rates & Book: Best Western Paradise Inn
Comfort Inn & Suites Beaver – Interstate I-15 N
Comfort Inn & Suites Beaver offers recently renovated rooms and suites at the best deal prices. No matter the size of your party, they’ve got you covered. This property also has a pool, free wifi, and even a dog park!
This is a great place to stay to break up the drive from Las Vegas to Arches National Park.
⭐Comfort Inn & Suites Beaver – Interstate I-15 N Reviews (8.8/10 Stars)
Super happy after booking this stay last-minute when weather derailed our plans. Very comfortable room, pet-friendly with a reasonable dog fee and fenced in dog park. Right off of the highway, which was very convenient as well. Would stay again! – Rebeccah (Expedia Review)
▶ Check Rates & Book: Comfort Inn & Suites Beaver
Getting to Arches National park from Las Vegas
Car Rental from Las Vegas to Arches National Park
If you are flying into Las Vegas from another location, we recommend renting a car. There are several rental car companies in the Las Vegas area. Keep in mind that if you are flying into Las Vegas, you will be able to access the rental car desk from the airport terminal.
This makes picking up and returning the car after your trip to Arches National Park very easy and convenient.
RV Rental from Las Vegas
If you’re looking to explore Las Vegas and the surrounding areas along the way to Moab over an extended period of time, you might want to consider renting an RV.
It enables you to save money on hotels and other living costs. Campsites are typically much less expensive, and there’s lots of free camping in Moab. Plus, it offers your family a consistent place to live while making your way down the road.
There are a lot of different places to rent an RV. There are companies you can rent from, as well as platforms like Airbnb but for RVs.
Outdoorsy is a peer-to-peer RV rental company with 40,000 vehicles listed. RVShare is another peer-to-peer rental site for RVs. These sites work like Airbnb and VRBO. Prices vary by individual listings. They have a huge variety of rentals available, so you can find the size that will work best for you.
How to Get from Las Vegas to Arches National Park without a Car
Flights from Las Vegas to Arches
Flights from Las Vegas to Moab are available most days. You would fly out of Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) to Canyonlands Field Airport (CNY), which is located 18 miles north of Moab. The drive from the airport to Arches National Park is about 15 minutes.
Keep in mind, there are no cheap flights from Las Vegas to Arches National Park. Even the cheapest flight is decently expensive and includes at least one layover. There are no direct flights on United Airlines or other commercial airlines, making for a long travel day.
▶ SHOP Flights from Las Vegas to Moab
Bus from Las Vegas to Arches National Park
Greyhound runs a connected bus route from Las Vegas to Moab. Keep in mind, this route requires travelers to change buses twice, once in St. George and once in Salt Lake City. Greyhound estimates a travel time of just over 14 hours.
If you are going on the bus, you may consider flying into Salt Lake City rather than Las Vegas. Then you can take out the trip from Las Vegas to Salt Lake City, which is a pretty time-consuming detour. Going from Salt Lake City to Moab has a much shorter travel time.
Things to Do in Arches National Park
Arches National Park is one of the most popular places to visit in Moab. With world-renowned hiking trails and breathtaking views, no trip to Moab would be complete without a stop here.
Delicate Arch is one of the most famous landmarks in the park and one of the best hikes in Moab. Known for its likeness on the Utah license plate, it’s an amazing hike and a really fun spot to visit. If you’re looking for ideas of things to do in Moab with kids, make sure you visit Sand Dune Arch. It’s a great spot to let the kids explore and play in the sand.
Another one of our favorite hikes in Arches is the Windows Trail. It is a pretty easy hike but has lots of really cool things to see along the way, like the Windows as well as Turret Arch.
Hiking isn’t the only way you can explore Arches. A great way to experience the park is through the off-road trails. Rent a Jeep in Moab, or consider jumping on a 4×4 tour in Arches to experience the park in a thrilling way!
If you’re going to be visiting Arches and Canyonlands National Park as well as any of the other national parks or national sites along this route, you can save some money by purchasing the America the Beautiful Pass. We have had this pass for the last five years and have found it to be well worth the money.
Other Fun Things to Do in Moab
There are so many fun things to do in the Moab area. From exploring the national parks to outdoor activities like mountain biking, rock climbing, canyoneering, and off-roading. Some of our favorite hikes outside the national parks are Corona Arch and Jeep Arch.
If you have a 4×4 vehicle, it is also really fun to explore the off-road trails in Moab. If you don’t have one, you can rent either a rzr or a jeep for the day to do some exploring.
Canyonlands National Park
Canyonlands National Park is one of the main attractions that pulls tourists from all over the world to Moab. You will have to drive about 30 miles outside of Moab to get there, but it’s well worth the extra drive. Make sure to bring your America the Beautiful Pass, so you don’t have to pay the admission fees.
A great way to explore Canyonlands (and bypass the crowds at the park entrance) is to take a 4×4 tour. Leave it to the experts to show you the highlights of the park and a good time! On your 4×4 tour, you will get to explore the Shafer Trail and the White Rim Road. We did this in a rented jeep, and this ended up being one of my favorite things to do in Moab.
You can also explore the park at your own pace via the scenic drive through the Islands in the Sky District. You can stop to hike Mesa Arch, mountain bike, or just drive on through and enjoy the vistas along the way.
Islands in the Sky is the most accessible part of the park. This portion of the park is suitable for most vehicles and offers visitors of various ages and agility options to enjoy the stunning scenery and gorgeous Colorado River.
For those interested in a more challenging exploration, The Maze and The Needles offer a more backcountry, off-roading atmosphere. The Green River Overlook is a great place to wrap up your day, watching the sun go down.
Best Tours in Moab
Here’s a quick rundown of some of our favorite tours offered in Moab, ranging from Jeep tours to outdoor activities!
Hell’s Revenge 4×4 Tour
Of all the tours available in the Moab area, Hell’s Revenge is the one you can’t miss! Hell’s Revenge 4×4 Off-Roading Tour from Moab is a fun-filled adventure that takes you down all of the challenging parts along the Hell’s Revenge Trail. This tour is perfect for adventure-seeking families.
You can read about our trail experience in our Hell’s Revenge Trail Guide.
▶ BOOK Hell’s Revenge 4×4 Tour
If you are going to be bringing your own RZR or 4×4 vehicle, you can drive Hell’s Revenge as well as nearby Poison Spider.
Moab Canyoneering Adventure
A canyoneering tour is a fun activity for those looking to see Moab’s arches through a different lens. Choose a half-day (easy route) or full-day (moderately difficult route, 2 hours drive from Moab) day adventure and learn the basics of canyoneering skills. All needed equipment is provided as you learn rappelling, rope-assisted down climbs, and chimneying through slot canyons.
Coltin went on a canyoneering tour during our last trip to Moab and had a really great time. Canyoneering adventures are best suited for kids who are at least 12 years old.
Introductory Moab Courthouse Loop Mountain Biking Tour
Guided mountain biking tours along the Moab Courthouse Loop are a great option for families riding together. This is an introductory route that covers 7-10 miles.
The tour will provide all of the gear and equipment that you need.
Where to Stay Near Arches National Park
When it comes to picking a hotel near Arches National Park or a hotel in downtown Moab, there are lots of great choices to pick from. The Moab area is pretty small geographically, so there won’t be a big difference in driving time. Staying on the outskirts of town will cut down driving time by about 10 minutes when driving to the national parks.
Best Western Plus Canyonlands Inn
The Best Western Plus Canyonlands Inn is a beautiful hotel in the heart of Moab, situated just a short drive away from Arches National Park, restaurants in Moab, and popular off-roading trails like Fins and Things. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, and breakfast is complimentary.
⭐Best Western Plus Canyonlands Inn Reviews (9.4/10 Stars)
An amazing hotel! Either new or recently renovated, everything feels fresh and clean. Breakfast was exceptionally good, and hot tub is the winter is just awesome. It might be the best Best Western I’ve stayed in, and I usually pick BW for my stays. Highly recommend to all! – Roman (Expedia Reviews)
▶ Check Rates & Book: Best Western Plus
Sleep Inn & Suites
Sleep Inn & Suites also features a great location close to Arches National Park and other Moab attractions. On top of comfortable rooms, an outdoor pool, a convenience store, and a complimentary continental breakfast, this hotel provides a comfortable stay for a great value. Plus, it is close to Moab Food Truck Park, one of our favorite places to eat in Moab.
Sleep Inn & Suites Reviews (9.2/10 Stars)
Outstanding stay! Great time from the time I walked through the door until I walked out. Check in was quick, everyone encountered were helpful and friendly. Room was clean, very quiet, and the bed was very comfortable – Russell (Expedia Review)
▶ Check Rates & Book: Sleep Inn & Suites
FAQs: Las Vegas to Arches National Park
How far is it from Las Vegas to Arches National Park?
The driving distance from Las Vegas to Arches National Park is 457 miles. This is the mileage associated with the most direct route, via I-15 N and I-70 E. Scenic drives will have different mileage.
How long does it take to drive from Las Vegas to Arches National Park?
On the most direct route, the trip from Las Vegas to Arches National Park is estimated to be a 6.5-hour drive. Keep in mind that depending on your travel dates, Las Vegas to Arches driving conditions could vary and affect the drive times.
What is the best way to get to Arches National Park?
The shortest and most direct route to get to Moab from Las Vegas is by I-15 N for about 3.5 hours. Followed by the junction with I-70, which will eventually lead to US-191 S. US-191 S will carry you the rest of the way into Moab, UT.
Where should I stop between Arches National Park and Las Vegas?
There are several beautiful and fun places to stop along the way from Moab, Utah to Las Vegas. Cedar City, Zion National Park, and St. George are just a few ideas!
How many days do you need in Moab?
Any itinerary could work! If you’re a fast-paced family, a short visit over a long weekend could offer you a taste of the town. But with so many things to do and explore in Moab, 5-7 days would offer a more full and enjoyable experience.
Is Arches National Park close to Zion?
Arches National Park is a little over five hours away from Zion National Park. Arches and Canyonlands are excellent national parks to visit near Moab. Zion National Park is a great place to visit as you make your way from Las Vegas to Arches National Park or on the way back from Moab to Las Vegas.
Conclusion: Las Vegas to Arches National Park
Anything is possible on the open road. You may have a full itinerary in mind as to what you might see and experience alongside your family on this road trip from Las Vegas to Arches. But the beauty of adventure is that so many surprises and breathtaking moments lie ahead.
Make an unexpected stop here and there. Maybe even help your kids experience the world in a new way on a challenging hike or bike ride while making their way through the staggering landscape up close. There’s so much to see and do as you explore the United States along the journey from Las Vegas to Moab. Have fun and enjoy it all!
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