7 Cities and Towns Near Arches National Park (2023)
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Are you looking to learn more about the towns near Arches National Park? You’re in the right place.
The red rock desert surrounding Arches National Park offers travelers a unique experience. Ancient geological wonders, towering sandstone formations, and tranquil canyons combine to create an unforgettable landscape.
But the area also offers plenty of opportunities for exploration just outside of the park itself. Towns near Arches National Park provide visitors with access to modern amenities and attractions, such as restaurants, shopping areas, and local activities like hiking, climbing, and biking.
Whether you’re looking for a place to stay for a few days or just passing through on your way to Arches, these towns are worth stopping in for a visit! Keep reading to learn more about the towns near Arches National Park.
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Keep in mind that truly the closest town to Arches is Moab – most other towns are 2+ hours away.
Towns Near Arches National Park
Moab
🚗 Distance from Arches: 5.2 miles (8 minutes)

Moab, Utah, is one of the best towns near Arches National Park and the ideal place to stay if you’re visiting this iconic desert destination. Located between two national parks, Arches and Canyonlands, Moab offers plenty of outdoor adventure opportunities, including hiking trails, water activities, off-roading, and camping.
It’s also a hot spot for stargazing due to its stunning night sky. The town has many amenities, such as great restaurants, breweries, art galleries, and stores catering to outdoor enthusiasts.
There are also several lodging options in Moab, such as hotels, motels, and campgrounds that offer an array of services, from tent camping to luxury suites with all the amenities. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or a fun family vacation, Moab has something for everyone.
Salt Lake City
🚗 Distance from Arches: 230 miles (3 hours 43 minutes)

Salt Lake City is easily one the best cities near Arches National Park. If you’re flying to Arches from out of state, you’ll most likely be flying to here because it’s the closest airport.
With plenty of outdoor activities and endless opportunities for exploration, it’s easy to see why people enjoy visiting here. There are plenty of popular biking trails, hiking excursions, and hidden gems to discover on your journey here.
Plus, there are top-notch restaurants and cozy coffee shops that serve up delicious local fare. You can also find a variety of art galleries, museums, and performing arts venues in downtown Salt Lake City featuring breathtaking exhibits and performances.
Grand Junction
🚗 Distance from Arches: 109 miles (1 hour 44 minutes)

Grand Junction, Colorado, is a great town near Arches National Park. Situated in the heart of Mesa County, Grand Junction is the largest city in Western Colorado. It provides many amenities that visitors can enjoy during their stay near Arches.
The proximity of Grand Junction to Arches National Park makes it an excellent choice for those who want close access to one of the nation’s most stunning natural wonders while still having Colorado available to them as well. Visitors can quickly drive from Grand Junction to Arches within two hours and experience breathtaking views from Delicate Arch or hike through Fiery Furnace – it’s all just a short car ride away!
Grand Junction has been gaining traction as a destination for travelers worldwide who want to take advantage of its natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and abundant activities.
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Glenwood Springs
🚗 Distance from Arches: 194 miles (3 hours)

Glenwood Springs in Colorado is a popular destination for those visiting Arches National Park. Its proximity to the park and its status as a hot springs resort town makes it an ideal spot for those looking to explore and relax near one of America’s most beautiful national parks.
From the allure of bathing in natural hot springs to the abundance of outdoor activities available, Glenwood Springs has something for everyone. Plus, it’s home to the Hanging Lake, one of Colorado’s best hikes.
For those seeking an urban experience, downtown Glenwood Springs hosts an array of restaurants, shops, art galleries, and more. Glenwood Springs is easily one of the best towns near Arches National Park.
Durango
🚗 Distance from Arches: 163 miles (2 hours 50 minutes)

Durango, Colorado, is a vibrant town situated a few hours from the stunning Arches National Park.
Durango plays host to one of the most popular train rides in the state – the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. This historic railway offers spectacular views of the mountains and canyons as it winds between Durango and Silverton. Visitors can ride in open-air gondolas or enclosed coaches while taking in some breathtaking vistas of Colorado’s wilderness.
Provo
🚗 Distance from Arches: 187 miles (3 hours 6 minutes)

Provo, Utah, is one of the best towns to visit near Arches National Park. The city is just a short drive away and offers plenty of activities for all types of visitors. Provo has a vibrant downtown area and is one of the bigger cities in Utah.
For those who love museums, you’ll be happy to know that there are great museums here like the BYU Museum of Art, the Crandall Historical Printing Museum (which has its own replica of the Gutenberg Press), and the BYU Museum of Paleontology.
Springville
🚗 Distance from Arches: 180 miles (2 hours 58 minutes)

Springville, Utah, is situated close to the stunning Arches National Park and is a perfect place to stay while visiting the park. It’s located about a three-hour drive from the park.
This small city in Utah County has a population of about 35,000 people as of 2020 and is often called the “Art City.” That’s because there are lots of art roots and the oldest museum of visual art in Utah can be found there: the Springville Museum of Art.
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Final Thoughts: Arches National Park Towns Nearby
Hopefully, this post has helped you to learn more about the great cities and towns near Arches National Park.
Truthfully, as we mentioned earlier, Moab is THE place to stay near Arches, but if you find yourself needing to stay somewhere else, some of these other places are great options if you’re okay with a bit of a drive.
Check out our vlog from our trip to Arches National Park & Capitol Reef!
Travel arches!
Keep exploring our Arches National Park posts!
- 13 Best Restaurants in Moab, Utah
- 13 Mouth-Watering Spots for Breakfast in Moab
- 7 Amazing Tours of Arches National Park to Book on Your Next Trip to Moab
- 1 Day in Arches National Park: The Perfect Itinerary
- 11 Best Things to do in Arches National Park
- 8 Spots for the Perfect Arches National Park Sunrise
- When is the Best Time to Visit Arches National Park?
- 13 Easy Hikes in Arches National Park
- Where to Stay Near Arches National Park: 12 Arches National Park Hotels