Driving from Zion to Arches National Park covers roughly 300 to 315 miles and takes about 4.5 to 5 hours. The route leaves Springdale on UT-9, runs north on I-15 past Cedar City, east on I-70 across central Utah, then south on US-191 into Moab and the Arches entrance. It's a fully paved interstate drive.
How far is Zion from Arches National Park?
From Zion Canyon in Springdale to the Arches entrance north of Moab is roughly 300–315 miles depending on your exact start point, with mapping apps quoting around 4 hours 40 minutes of driving. Plan on closer to 5 hours door to door once you add a fuel stop, lunch, and a leg-stretch.
The two parks sit in opposite corners of Utah's "Mighty 5" — Zion in the southwest, Arches in the southeast — so this is one of the longer transfers on a Utah parks loop. The terrain funnels everyone onto the interstates.
What's the best route from Zion to Arches?
There's effectively one sensible route, and it's all freeway:
- Springdale to I-15 — Take UT-9 west out of Zion through Hurricane and La Verkin, then connect to I-15 northbound near Toquerville (roughly 35–40 miles). The east side of Zion via the Mt. Carmel Highway and tunnel is an option, but heading west to I-15 is faster for Arches and avoids the tunnel's size restrictions.
- I-15 North to I-70 — Run north on I-15 past Cedar City and Beaver to the I-70 junction near Cove Fort (about 100–110 miles). This is open, high-desert interstate.
- I-70 East across Utah — Head east past Richfield, Salina, and the long no-services stretch through the San Rafael Swell, toward Green River and US-191 (about 130 miles).
- US-191 South to Moab — From the Crescent Junction exit (I-70 Exit 182), drive south on US-191 about 28 miles to the Arches entrance, which sits roughly 5 miles north of downtown Moab.
Set your GPS to "Arches National Park Visitor Center" and it will route you I-15 N → I-70 E → US-191 S every time.
Where should I stop between Zion and Arches?
This drive has long empty stretches, so plan stops around fuel and food rather than scenery alone:
- Cedar City (I-15) — A full-service town before the I-70 junction. Good for an early coffee or gas top-off.
- Cove Fort — Right at the I-15/I-70 interchange. There's a restored 1867 pioneer fort here (free to tour) for a short history break, and gas at the junction.
- Salina or Richfield (I-70) — Your best bet for a real lunch. After Salina, services disappear.
- San Rafael Swell viewpoints — The I-70 stretch east of Salina climbs through dramatic canyon country. There are pull-offs at Ghost Rock and Eagle Canyon worth a five-minute stop.
- Green River — The last town before Moab, known for its summer melons. Fuel up here; Moab prices run higher.
Fill your tank at Salina, Green River, or Cove Fort. The I-70 segment between Salina and Green River has no fuel, food, or services for about 106 to 110 miles — the longest such stretch in the entire Interstate system, which is why it's signed so heavily.
Can you drive Zion to Arches in one day?
Yes, comfortably. Roughly five hours of driving is a half-day, so many people leave Zion in the morning, reach Moab by early afternoon, and still get an evening in Arches. If you do, drive the scenic road to the Delicate Arch viewpoint or hike up for sunset — the late light on the red rock is the best of the day.
Don't try to fully see both parks plus the drive in a single day. Zion and Arches each deserve a day minimum; use this as a transfer day.
Should you stop at Capitol Reef or Goblin Valley on the way?
Tempting, but mind the geography. Capitol Reef sits south of I-70 on UT-24 — a detour off the direct route. With an extra half-day, exiting I-70 onto UT-24 through Capitol Reef and back up to Green River adds about 1.5 to 2 hours but bags a third national park. Goblin Valley State Park is a spur south of I-70 near Green River and makes a fun 1–2 hour stop with kids. Both are detours, not on-the-way stops — decide before you leave.
Arrival: getting into Arches and Moab
The Arches entrance is on US-191, about 5 miles north of Moab. A few practical notes:
- Entrance fee is $30 per vehicle (valid 7 days), or use the $80 America the Beautiful annual pass — worth it if you're hitting several Utah parks. Buy passes at the entrance station or on Recreation.gov.
- Timed entry: Arches dropped its timed-entry reservation system for 2026 — you can enter anytime during operating hours, no reservation needed. Reservations are still required for the Devils Garden Campground and for Fiery Furnace hikes. Always confirm current rules on the NPS site before you go, since this policy has changed year to year.
- Lodging: Moab has the rooms but books out in spring and fall, so reserve early.
- Heat: Summer afternoons in Moab regularly top 100°F. Arriving midday in July, save hiking for evening and carry far more water than you think you need.
When is the best time to make this drive?
Spring (April–May) and fall (September–October) are ideal — mild temperatures at both ends and good hiking weather. Summer brings scorching afternoons in Moab and a hot, shadeless I-70. Winter driving is usually fine on the interstates, but watch for snow and ice over the higher I-15 passes near Cedar City and on I-70 through the Swell; check UDOT road conditions in storms.
Whatever the season, leave Zion early. An early start gets you the cool morning hours, beats Moab's worst heat, and leaves room for a sunset arch on arrival.
