Lions Park and Bike Path Trailhead

Lions Park and Bike Path Trailhead at Arches National Park features a grassy plaza with towering red rock cliffs in the background.

Red rock walls rise along the Colorado River, and a modern bridge spans the water. The scene sits within Entrada Sandstone, deposited as dunes in the Jurassic and later sculpted by water and uplift. It is a clear example of river-and-wind erosion shaping Arches’ dramatic landscape.

Access & viewing

Accessibility: Paved paths; accessible restrooms; gentle grades

Conditions & safety

Permits Required: 0

Planning advice

Nearby Attractions: Arches National Park arches and fins; Moab Canyon Pathway; Colorado River views; downtown Moab
Nearby Facilities: Trailhead restrooms; parking; interpretive signs; town services in Moab
Best Time To Visit: Spring and fall offer comfortable temps. Early mornings and late afternoons provide cooler light for photography; avoid the heat of mid-summer.
Tips Advice: Stay on paved paths; the riverbank soils are fragile.
Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat; desert sun is fierce.
Use the pedestrian bridge for framing river and red walls; early light is best.
Heed interpretive signs for geology context; share the space with cyclists and walkers.
Keep a safe distance from wildlife; deer and other animals may appear along the path.
Insider Tips: Arrive early to secure parking
Bridge views best in morning light
Stay on designated paths to protect riverbank
Hydration and sunscreen mandatory
Cycle etiquette: yield to pedestrians on shared paths

More details

Park Area: Arches National Park
Family Friendly Notes: Flat, paved routes; shade limited; supervise children near the river; bring water
Recent Updates: Trailhead improvements and new signage; restrooms updated
Attraction Type: Geological Formation
Elevation Feet: 4100
Distance From Entrance: 5 miles northeast of downtown Moab along UT-128
Accessibility Level: Wheelchair-accessible with paved paths
How To Get There: From Moab, drive northeast on UT-128 for about 5 miles to Lions Park. Park in the paved lots, walk onto the river promenade, and cross the pedestrian bridge; follow the Moab Canyon Pathway east and west connections toward Arches.
Parking Availability: Multiple paved parking lots with ample space
Road Type: Paved
Seasonal Access: Year-round; peak crowds March–October; summer evenings are still pleasant
Entry Fees: Varies
Main Features: Colorado River, Entrada Sandstone bluffs, pedestrian bridge, Moab Canyon Pathway connections
What Youll See: Red sandstone walls rise beside the river, a modern bridge crosses the water, and interpretive signs guide your understanding of the landscape along a shaded, paved corridor.
Unique Characteristics: Gateway to Arches with direct riverfront access and a long, connected bike/path network along the Colorado River
Safety Considerations: Sun exposure and dehydration are hazards. The Colorado River currents can be dangerous; stay on paved paths and supervise children. Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat.
Best Viewpoints: Bridge viewing points over the Colorado River; river bend and red walls framed by the path
Photo Opportunities: Bridge framing with river reflections; golden-hour light on red cliffs; long-exposure water shots
Photography Spots: Pedestrian bridge over the river; river reflections; light on red rock walls during golden hour
Stargazing Quality: Excellent
Sunrise Sunset Quality: Good to excellent for river reflections and alpenglow
Visitor Center Present: 0
Restrooms Available: 1
Restroom Type: Accessible restrooms; maintenance varies
Picnic Areas: 0
Interpretive Signs: 1
Water Available: 0
Guided Tours Available: 0
Trailheads Here: Moab Canyon Pathway heads east along the Colorado River from Lions Park; western connectors lead toward Arches
Connecting Trails: Moab Canyon Pathway east toward Arches; riverfront loop connections; links to broader Moab network
Nearby Services: Trailhead restrooms; parking; interpretive signs; town amenities in Moab; water not guaranteed
Common Wildlife: Deer, elk, mountain lions, bears
Best Wildlife Times: Dawn and dusk
Wildflower Peak: Spring
Fall Colors Peak: Minimal fall color; reds and browns
Geological Formation Type: Entrada Sandstone
Scientific Interest: Visible sedimentary layering and cross-bedding in Entrada; river-erosion processes; Indigenous cultural significance nearby; context for arches formation
Road Opening Dates: Year-round access; no major seasonal closures noted
Snow Lingering: Rare
Winter Access: Limited but possible on paved areas; some facilities may reduce service
Best Visit Times: Early morning or late afternoon in spring/fall
Best Season: Spring and Fall
Weather Patterns: Dry desert climate; hot summers; mild springs; occasional monsoon rains; flash floods possible in narrow channels
Peak Fill Times: March–October
Busiest Season: March through October
Fishing Nearby: 0
Swimming Allowed: 0
Boating Allowed: 0
Climbing Areas: 0
Review Summary: Visitors value the easy access to a broad river corridor and the chance to connect with Arches from a convenient gateway. The paved paths and interpretive signs help orientation, though heat and crowds can be factors in peak season. Restroom upkeep has been noted in some reviews.

Location

Photos

Lions Park Bike Path Trailhead bridge in Arches National Park, featuring twisted metal sculptures and desert canyon views.

Lions Park and Bike Path Trailhead at Arches National Park along a calm river, framed by red rock cliffs.

Frequently asked questions

Do I really need to arrive before 7am to get parking?

Parking fills quickly during peak season; arriving early improves chances, and visiting during off-peak times is noticeably quieter.

Is it worth biking the Moab Canyon Pathway for a view of the river?

Yes. The route delivers continuous river scenery and easy access to Arches; plan segments from Lions Park or combine with town stops for a full day.

Will my 65-year-old mother be able to walk to viewpoints from Lions Park?

Yes. The routes are paved with gentle grades, and restrooms are accessible nearby.

Is there any drinking water on site?

Potable water spigots are not explicitly noted; bring your own water to stay hydrated in the desert.

Are there safety hazards near the river?

Sun exposure and dehydration are real risks; the river can have strong currents. Stay on the paved routes, supervise children, and keep a safe distance from the water.