Gateway Town

Thompson Springs

Gateway Town
Thompson Springs ruins at Arches National Park feature weathered wooden buildings and a collapsed window.

Ghost town stop on I-70; gas up before Arches. Lodging and groceries in Green River or Moab.

Quick facts

Town Type
Ghost Town / Quiet Outpost
Population
34
Best Known For
Remote gas stop on I-70 before Arches; ghost-town history.
About This Town
Thompson Springs is a tiny waypoint along I-70 with a ghost-town vibe and few services. The Shell station is the main in-town fuel stop, but hours are not guaranteed. For lodging and groceries, travelers head to Green River (27 miles away) or Moab (38 miles away).

Town overview

Town Type
Ghost Town / Quiet Outpost
Population
34
Best Known For
Remote gas stop on I-70 before Arches; ghost-town history.
About This Town
Thompson Springs is a tiny waypoint along I-70 with a ghost-town vibe and few services. The Shell station is the main in-town fuel stop, but hours are not guaranteed. For lodging and groceries, travelers head to Green River (27 miles away) or Moab (38 miles away).
What Makes It Special
Limited services, ghost-town feel after dark, and a railroad/mining history that colors the place; used mainly as a fuel-and-go stop before Arches.

Park access

Distance From Park
34 miles (~36 minutes)
Shuttle To Park
No public shuttle from Thompson Springs; drive yourself.
Nearest Airport
Canyonlands Field Airport (CNY) – Moab; Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT) – Grand Junction, CO.

Where to stay & eat

Hotel Count
0
Bnb Count
0
Lodging Variety
No lodging in Thompson Springs; options in Green River and Moab.
Best Area To Stay
Green River or Moab.
Restaurant Count
0
Restaurant Types
No in-town dining; rely on Green River or Moab.
Dining Price Ranges
Varies; no in-town options.

Visitor services

Grocery Stores
None in Thompson Springs; full-service groceries in Moab.
Gas Stations
Shell station in Thompson Springs; hours may vary; plan gas accordingly.
Gear Shops
No gear shops in town; nearest REI is in Sandy.
Medical Facilities
Green River (27 miles) or Moab (38 miles).
Banks Atms
0
Laundry Facilities
0
Cell Wi-Fi Quality
Cell service is spotty to non-existent; zero connectivity reported for days; WiFi is unreliable.

Things to do

Main Attractions
Ghost-town vibe; proximity to Arches National Park.
Summer Activities
Arches hikes and scenic drives; in-town options are minimal.
Winter Activities
Quiet outpost; use Moab/Green River for activities and facilities.
Shopping District
None in Thompson Springs; Moab/Green River offer shopping options.
Breweries Bars
No in-town bars; Moab/Green River provide nightlife options.
Events Festivals
Moab Jeep Safari Week around Easter can affect region traffic; Thompson Springs itself is largely unaffected.

Planning advice

Peak Season
Spring and Fall (March–May, September–November).
Shoulder Season
February and November.
Booking Advance
Book in Green River or Moab; Thompson Springs has no dedicated accommodations.
Stock Up Here
Shell in Thompson Springs may close early; this is your last chance for fair gas prices before Arches. Stock up in Green River or Moab: groceries, water, snacks, and lodging are there. Fill your gas tank in Green River; Arches is only a short drive away.
Late Night Intel
Most kitchens die by 9pm; in-town dining is scarce. If you arrive after 9pm, you’ll need to rely on Moab or Green River options for food.
The Vibe
Ghost-town outpost on I-70; not walkable, car-dependent; a practical base for reaching Arches on a budget.
Best Time To Visit
Spring and fall bring more park traffic in the region; Thompson Springs stays quiet. For budget and convenience, winter offers savings but expect scarce services.
Tips Advice
  • Gas up in Green River or Moab before heading to Arches; Thompson Springs' Shell hours are uncertain.
  • Bring cash; ATMs are unlikely.
  • Kitchens and groceries are scarce; plan to eat in Green River or Moab (kitchens likely close by 9pm).
  • Not walkable; you’ll need a car and plan for late arrivals.

More details

Visitor Center Location
No local visitor center; Moab's visitor center serves Arches.
Winter Scene
Very quiet year-round; limited services.
Insider Tips
  • This is a fuel-and-go stop—gas up before Arches.
  • Bring cash; ATMs are unreliable in town.
  • Expect 9pm or earlier closings; plan meals in Moab or Green River.
  • Cell service is spotty; don’t rely on it for navigation.
Recent Updates
No notable changes; Thompson Springs remains a ghost-town corridor along I-70.
Accessibility
Car required; limited walkability; no local transit.
Family Friendly Notes
Safe enough, but services are sparse; plan ahead for food, fuel, and lodging.
Nearby Facilities
Shell gas station in town; hospitals, groceries, and lodging in Green River or Moab.

Location

Thompson Springs wagon display sits on a wooden flatbed with red wheels near a rustic yard in Arches National Park, Utah.Picnic shelter and a row of stone seating at Thompson Springs in Arches National Park, with a large tree backdrop.

Frequently asked questions

Is there lodging in Thompson Springs?

Not really; lodging is in Green River or Moab. Thompson Springs has almost no in-town accommodations.

How far is Arches National Park from Thompson Springs?

About 34 miles, roughly a 36-minute drive to the entrance.

Can I find gas and groceries in Thompson Springs?

Gas is available at a Shell station, but hours may vary. There are no full-service groceries; resupply in Green River or Moab.

Is there cell service in Thompson Springs?

Cell service is spotty to non-existent; plan ahead and keep offline maps ready.

What’s the best place to stay nearby?

Green River or Moab are the practical bases for lodging, meals, and fuel before/after Arches.

Castle Valley

Quiet hideaway, one hotel, no restaurants. Book ahead and bring supplies.

Moab

Downtown Moab buzzes by day, then quiets after 9pm. Plan parking, meals, and a place to sleep well in advance.

Sources

Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research. Learn how YourNPGuide works.

Last updated February 2026. Report an issue.