Natural Attraction

Panorama Point Viewing Area

Natural Attraction
Geologic features are visible in the distance, as well as sagebrush and other shrubs.

From Panorama Point's hilltop vantage, the view encompasses three distinct geological zones: the finely-eroded Entrada sandstone fins of the Fiery Furnace stretching eastward in parallel rows, the jagged La Sal Mountains rising steeply to the southeast (a Laramide-age granitic uplift), and the sprawling arch formations of Devils Garden to the north. The thin, knife-like fins are shaped by aeolian—wind—erosion and occasional water flow, while the mountains represent deep crustal tectonics; observing both from one point illustrates Arches' geological complexity. By night, the site becomes a premier stargazing location within an International Dark Sky Park, offering unobstructed views of celestial objects. Accessible paved parking and sidewalks make this an essential stop for visitors of all mobility levels.

Access & viewing

GPS Coordinates
38.7184393063, -109.553988162
Accessibility
Paved parking area with wheelchair-accessible spaces and picnic areas. Paved sidewalks connect parking to viewpoints. Vault toilets are wheelchair-accessible.

Conditions & safety

Permits Required
0

Planning advice

Nearby Attractions
Fiery Furnace Viewpoint and Permit Area, La Sal Mountains Viewpoint, Devils Garden Trail, Moab Fault Viewpoint, Wolfe Ranch, Devils Garden Campground.
Nearby Facilities
Arches Visitor Center, Devils Garden Campground, and picnic facilities within the park. Moab provides full lodging, dining, and supply services.
Best Time To Visit
For daylight viewing: early morning (before 8 AM) or late afternoon (after 3 PM) to avoid crowds and gain angled light highlighting the Entrada Formation's texture. For stargazing: 90 minutes after sunset when eyes fully adjust; moonless nights (new moon phases) provide the darkest skies.
Tips Advice
  • Arrive before 8 AM during peak season to secure parking; the lot fills rapidly 9 AM–3 PM.\n
  • Use a red-light flashlight at night to preserve your night vision for stargazing.\n
  • The hilltop is windy and exposed—dress in layers and bring a windbreaker.\n
  • Look for fine erosional striations and parallel fins of the Entrada Formation—evidence of millions of years of aeolian sculpting.\n
  • Binoculars reveal detail in the Fiery Furnace maze; a telescope reveals Saturn's rings and Jupiter's moons when visible.\n
  • Maintain 25 yards from mule deer and bighorn sheep; 100 yards from bears and wolves.\n
  • Avoid midday (10 AM–3 PM) for photography—morning or late afternoon angles reveal rich red-orange rock tones.

More details

Family Friendly Notes
The drive-up viewpoint and accessible paved parking make this suitable for families with young children and visitors with mobility challenges. Dress in layers due to high elevation and wind. Supervise children near parking area edges (no railings). Maintain wildlife distance. Picnic areas provide shaded breaks. Night visits require adult supervision due to darkness and traffic hazards.
Attraction Type
Scenic Overlook
Accessibility Level
Drive-up view
How To Get There
Follow the main park road to Panorama Point scenic area. The site is accessible by passenger vehicle, RV, and tour bus. Paved parking area with multiple pullouts; no reservations required.
Parking Availability
Ample parking during off-peak hours. Fills by 8 AM during peak season (March-October). No time limits enforced once parked.
Road Type
Paved throughout. The park road and parking area are paved and maintained.
Seasonal Access
Year-round accessible. The park is open 24/7, and the road to Panorama Point is maintained year-round. Severe winter storms may rarely cause brief closures—check NPS alerts for current road status.
Entry Fees
Covered under Arches National Park entrance fee: $30 per private vehicle (7-day pass), $25 per motorcycle, $15 per person on foot/bicycle.
Main Features
Panoramic views of the Fiery Furnace sandstone fins, Devils Garden arch formations, and La Sal Mountains. International Dark Sky Park site for stargazing.
What Youll See
Panoramic views of three distinct geological features: knife-like orange Entrada sandstone fins of the Fiery Furnace in the foreground, jagged La Sal Mountains with granitic peaks on the southeastern horizon, and varied arch formations of Devils Garden sprawling northward. Night skies reveal the Milky Way's galactic core, bright planets (Saturn, Jupiter, Venus seasonally), and thousands of stars unobstructed by light pollution.
Unique Characteristics
Encompasses views of multiple geological eras and processes in a single panorama: Entrada sandstone erosional features (fins and arches) alongside a Laramide-age granitic uplift (La Sal Mountains), illustrating both erosional and tectonic sculpting of the landscape.
Safety Considerations
High elevation and exposed hilltop create strong winds and rapid temperature fluctuations—dress in layers. Afternoon thunderstorms (July-August) pose lightning risk; avoid during storm warnings. Night stargazing requires attention to dark-adapted vision—use red-light flashlights to preserve night sight. Maintain 25 yards from wildlife (mule deer, bighorn sheep); 100 yards from bears and wolves if present. Parking area edges have no guardrails—supervise children.
Best Viewpoints
The paved parking area offers multiple vantage points. The main overlook platform provides the widest panoramic view of all three geological zones. The picnic area viewpoints offer different angles of the Fiery Furnace fins. For stargazing, position yourself at the western end of the parking area, facing away from residual light from Moab to the northwest.
Photo Opportunities
The Entrada Formation's parallel fins create dramatic linear patterns ideal for abstract composition. The La Sal Mountains' profile against the horizon is a classic landscape frame. Afternoon alpenglow on the red rock is exceptional. Starfield photography is outstanding—use manual focus and ISO 3200+ settings.
Photography Spots
Main overlook platform: wide panoramic shots of all three features. Picnic area viewpoint: closer detail of Fiery Furnace fins. Western parking area: optimal angle for starfield photography without Moab light.
Stargazing Quality
Excellent—designated International Dark Sky Park. Milky Way core, planets (Saturn, Jupiter, Venus seasonally), and thousands of stars are visible without significant light pollution.
Sunrise Sunset Quality
Sunset is excellent for photography—alpenglow illuminates the red rocks with deep orange and pink tones. Late afternoon sun creates dramatic shadow contrast across the sandstone fins. Sunrise is less optimal from this viewpoint as the sun rises from the east, backlighting distant features.
Visitor Center Present
0
Restrooms Available
1
Restroom Type
Vault/Composting
Picnic Areas
1
Interpretive Signs
0
Water Available
0
Guided Tours Available
0
Nearby Services
Moab offers restaurants, lodging, and supplies. Arches Visitor Center provides park information. Devils Garden Campground provides overnight camping options.
Common Wildlife
Bighorn sheep, mule deer, coyotes, ringtail cats, kit foxes. Maintain 25 yards from most wildlife; 100 yards from bears and wolves if present (bears are rare in this area).
Best Wildlife Times
Bighorn sheep and mule deer are most active at dawn and dusk. Summer months bring increased activity. Nocturnal creatures (kit foxes, ringtail cats) are active after sunset during stargazing hours, though sightings are uncommon.
Geological Formation Type
Scenic Overlook
Best Visit Times
Before 8 AM or after 3 PM during March-October peak season. November-February has fewer visitors and excellent stargazing conditions due to longer nights and lower humidity.
Best Season
Year-round accessible. Spring (March-May) and fall (September-October) offer pleasant temperatures and excellent stargazing. Summer (June-August) is busy but allows evening stargazing after crowds disperse (after 7 PM). Winter (November-February) provides the longest nights for stargazing; dress very warmly due to high-elevation winds and cold.
Weather Patterns
Afternoon thunderstorms are common July-August and pose flash flood hazards in nearby washes—avoid roads during storms. High elevation causes temperature swings of 30°F between sun and shade. Strong winds on the hilltop, especially spring (March-May). Dry air and low humidity; bring sunscreen and water.
Peak Fill Times
9 AM–3 PM during peak season (March-October), especially weekends. Arrive before 8 AM or after 3 PM for best parking availability.
Fishing Nearby
0
Swimming Allowed
0
Boating Allowed
0
Climbing Areas
0

Location

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to hike to see the stars?

No. Panorama Point is a scenic overlook accessible from a paved parking area. The viewpoints along the parking area and sidewalks offer excellent stargazing without leaving your vehicle.

Is it worth visiting if I only have an hour?

Yes. The daylight geology and scenic photography take 30-45 minutes. For stargazing, plan 90 minutes after sunset to let your eyes adjust for better celestial visibility.

Can I reserve a parking spot in advance?

No reservations are available for Panorama Point parking. Arrive before 8 AM during peak season (March-October) or after 3 PM for best availability. No time limits are enforced once parked.

What facilities are here?

Vault toilets, picnic tables, and picnic shelters are available—all wheelchair-accessible. No potable water is provided; bring water with you.

When is the best stargazing—summer or winter?

Winter offers longer nights and often clearer skies due to lower humidity and fewer visitors. Bundle up—high elevation means wind and cold. Summer allows evening stargazing after daytime crowds leave (after 7 PM). Moonless phases (new moon) provide the darkest skies year-round.

Will my RV fit in the parking area?

Yes, RV and bus parking are available in the paved parking area. The park road is paved and suitable for large vehicles.

What if the sky is cloudy on my visit?

Desert skies typically clear quickly within hours. Check Weather.gov forecast or return the next night. New moon phases also provide darker skies than full moon nights.

Delicate Arch

Delicate Arch rises from red sandstone against a broad Utah sky. Erosion by water and wind carved this freestanding span.

Fiery Furnace

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

Rotary Park

Entrada sandstone arch; fins sculpted by salt tectonics and water dissolution.

Old City Park

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

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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 July 2026. Report an issue.