Old City Park

Red arches formed by erosion in Entrada sandstone. High arch density, easy roadside viewpoints.

Insider tip

Arrive before 7am for parking odds

Insider tip

Use shaded pullouts when possible

Natural Attraction

Natural Attraction★ 4.6
Geological Formation4,869 ftRestrooms availableNo permit neededGolden-hour pick

Red sandstone fins frame a desert vista, with arch openings punctuating a sunlit horizon. The air trembles with heat as sunlight carves shadows across the rock textures. This slice of Arches showcases the power of erosion: water seeping through porous rock dissolves cement, widening cracks into arches. Old City Park is a living textbook on how wind and water shape desert sculpture over millions of years.

Getting there & parking

How To Get There
From Moab, drive north on US-191 for about 5 miles to the Arches park entrance; follow the park road to viewpoints and trailheads along the Scenic Drive.
Distance From Entrance
5 miles north of Moab, UT park entrance
Road Type
Paved scenic drive
Parking Availability
Parking is extremely limited at popular trailheads; arrive early or late in the day
Peak Fill Times
Parking typically fills by 8am in peak season

When to go

Best Time To Visit
Spring (Mar–May) and Fall (Sept–Nov) offer mild weather; sunrise and sunset yield the best light and fewer crowds. Peak visitation runs Mar–Oct, so plan for heavy traffic and limited parking.
Best Visit Times
Early morning or late afternoon for light and cooler temps
Sunrise Sunset Quality
Very high; dramatic shadows and color shifts at dawn/dusk
Best Season
Spring or Fall
Busiest Season
March through October
Seasonal Access
Open year-round with heat considerations; spring/fall preferred; peak crowds Mar–Oct
Road Opening Dates
Year-round access; no major seasonal road closures
Snow Lingering
Higher elevations may retain snow into late winter/early spring
Winter Access
Traction devices recommended on icy patches; some trails may be slick
Weather Patterns
Hot summers with >100°F days; potential storms and cool evenings; dehydration risk
Wildflower Peak
Spring
Fall Colors Peak
Autumn

What you will experience

Attraction Type
Geological Formation
Main Features
Arches, fins, spires, and balanced rocks formed in Entrada sandstone over a Paradox salt bed; high arch density in the park
What Youll See
Red-orange desert landscape, arches and fins, distant canyon walls, sparse desert flora and scattered wildlife
Unique Characteristics
Highest density of natural sandstone arches in the world; a visible record of salt-bed tectonics and erosion
Photo Opportunities
Sunrise over the arches, silhouettes at golden hour, close-ups of rock textures and cement dissolution patterns
Photography Spots
Windows Section viewpoints, Balanced Rock, Delicate Arch vicinity; early light and late light optimize color
Best Viewpoints
Scenic Drive pullouts and Windows Section viewpoints; Balanced Rock area offers strong geo-angles
Common Wildlife
Desert bighorn sheep, lizards, various desert birds
Best Wildlife Times
Early morning and late afternoon
Geological Formation Type
Natural sandstone arches, fin-and-arch system within Entrada sandstone over Paradox salt bed
Scientific Interest
Visible evidence of salt tectonics, long-term erosion rates, desert geomorphology and cement dissolution processes
Stargazing Quality
Excellent away from Moab; dark skies when wind is calm and horizons are clear

Facilities, fees & access

Entry Fees
Varies
Permits Required
No
Restrooms Available
Yes
Restroom Type
Vault toilets
Picnic Areas
No
Water Available
Yes
Cell Service
Spotty
Interpretive Signs
Yes
Accessibility
Road-accessible viewpoints with some paved trails; uneven surfaces on many routes
Accessibility Level
Drive-up viewpoints from the scenic drive; some short, paved trails available
Nearby Services
Moab town services; groceries, gas, visitor amenities
Nearby Facilities
Visitor Center, vault restrooms, water at the center, limited parking
Family Friendly Notes
Exposed edges; hold children’s hands on overlooks and avoid steep drops

Safety

Safety Considerations
Gravity governs this landscape; stay back from cliff edges; carry ample water and sun protection; flash floods are possible in washes; heed posted barriers

Nearby

Nearby Attractions
Delicate Arch, Balanced Rock, Devils Garden, Fiery Furnace (permit required for some areas)
Connecting Trails
Delicate Arch Trail, Windows Section, Devils Garden Trails
Trailheads Here
Multiple trailheads along the scenic drive, including popular short walks and longer routes in adjacent sections

Planning advice

Insider Tips
  • Arrive before 7am for parking odds
  • Use shaded pullouts when possible
  • Look for rock textures indicating cement dissolution
  • Bring ample water and sun protection
Tips Advice
  • Arrive early or late to beat parking congestion; park at pullouts and walk short distances.
  • Bring ample water and sun protection; shade is scarce.
  • Stay on designated paths; rock can be unstable where water has dissolved cement.
  • Use sunrise or sunset for the most dramatic light on the red rock.
  • Observe wildlife from a safe distance and respect closed areas.

More details

Park Area
Arches National Park, Utah
Recent Updates
Recent updates: None reported
Elevation Feet
4869
Visitor Center Present
Yes
Guided Tours Available
Yes
Fishing Nearby
No
Swimming Allowed
No
Boating Allowed
No
Climbing Areas
No
Review Summary
Visitors recognize the Old City Park area as a geologic microcosm of Arches—packed with arches and fins that illustrate erosion in action. Parking can be a bottleneck, so early or late visits pay off. The light along the Scenic Drive exposes textures and color shifts that make the hike worthwhile even for short walks.

Location

Old City Park along a shaded, tree-lined road with a rustic wooden fence in Arches National Park.Old City Park overlook in Arches National Park features red rock fins and distant snow-capped mountains under a bright blue sky.

Frequently asked questions

Do I really need to arrive before 7am to get parking at Old City Park viewpoints?

Yes. Parking at popular pullouts fills quickly during peak season; arriving before 7am or after 5pm improves your odds and lets you experience the setting with dramatic light and fewer people.

Is it worth the effort if I’m only doing short walks?

Yes. Even short paved routes give you a clear view of arches and fins, and the light during sunrise or sunset highlights rock textures and color. The area is a compact demonstration of how salt tectonics and erosion sculpt desert landscapes.

Can I bring my dog to the Old City Park area?

Dogs are allowed on roads and at parking areas but not on trails. Keep your pet on a leash and avoid trails to protect the fragile rock and other visitors.

Will my 65-year-old mother be able to walk to the viewpoint?

Yes for many viewpoints along paved or short, accessible paths; check specific trail profiles and choose the most gradual, paved options near the Scenic Drive for easier access.

Is the rock actually red all day, or does color fade with light?

The rock color is the natural red of porous Entrada sandstone; light angle dramatically shifts hues—sunrise and sunset reveal the rock’s warm tones most vividly.

Fiery Furnace

Fiery Furnace: red sandstone fins and slot canyons shaped by erosion and uplift.

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Sources

Editorial review: YourNPGuide Editorial Team. Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research; no firsthand visit is implied unless explicitly documented. Learn how YourNPGuide works.

Last updated February 2026. Report an issue.