Visitor Center

Moab Information Center

Visitor Center★ 4.7
Information Center at Arches National Park exterior with flags, tan walls, and a bright clear sky.

Get oriented at the Moab Information Center: grab maps, watch a short film, and pick up Junior Ranger materials. Backcountry permits are handled off-site; expect crowds and limited parking.

Quick facts

Daily Hours
Apr–Oct: 7:30 am–6:30 pm; Nov–Mar: 8:00 am–4:30 pm
Seasonal Hours
Open year-round, except Christmas Day
Seasonal Operation
Open year-round; closed Christmas Day

Hours & contact

Daily Hours
Apr–Oct: 7:30 am–6:30 pm; Nov–Mar: 8:00 am–4:30 pm
Seasonal Hours
Open year-round, except Christmas Day
Seasonal Operation
Open year-round; closed Christmas Day
Phone Available
0

Services

Rangers Available
1
Ranger Programs
Schedule available at the desk
Free Park Maps
1
Trail Maps
1
Permit Issuance
  • Backcountry permits issued at Backcountry Permit Office; canyoneering and climbing permits available via self-serve station outside
Permit Types
Backcountry permits issued at Backcountry Permit Office; canyoneering and climbing permits available via self-serve station outside
Backcountry Permits
0

Facilities

Restrooms
Flush toilets (Indoor)
Restroom Type
Flush toilets (Indoor)
Water Fountain
1
Bookstore
1
Wi-Fi Available
0
Cell Service
Spotty but generally reliable at the visitor center
Accessibility
ADA compliant ramps and doors
ADA Compliant
1

Exhibits & nearby

Has Exhibits
1
Exhibit Topics
Geology, history, wildlife, climate
Interpretive Films
Two introductory films; the longest is 15 minutes; plays every half hour
Junior Ranger
1
Nearby Campgrounds
Town of Moab approximately 5 miles south offers lodging and camping
Nearby Lodging
Moab lodging in town; about 5 miles south

Planning advice

Best For
First-time orientation, restroom and water, and basic park information; backcountry permits elsewhere.
Highlights
Flush toilets, free Unigrid maps, two intro films.
Why Visit
Orientation for first-timers, access to free maps and restrooms, plus Junior Ranger books; backcountry permits handled off-site
Parking Reality
Main lot fills by 8:00 am; oversized parking is extremely limited; long entrance lines are common in peak season
Facility Intel
Flush toilets and potable water are available; no public WiFi; cell service spotty but generally works at the center
Best Time To Visit
Very early in the morning; lines build by late morning, especially in peak season.
Tips Advice
  • Backcountry permits are issued at the Backcountry Permit Office two miles south.
  • Parking fills very early—plan to arrive before 8:00 am.
  • No public WiFi; cell service can be spotty outside the center; bring offline maps.
  • Check film times; two films are shown, longest up to 15 minutes.

More details

Park Area
Moab, Utah
Parking Availability
Massive lot near the visitor center
Parking Capacity
Massive lot near the visitor center
Parking Peak Time
Parking fills very early, often by 8:00 am during peak season
Parking Notes
Oversized vehicle parking is extremely difficult; Moab town services 5 miles south for lodging and dining
Operating Hours
Apr–Oct: 7:30 am–6:30 pm; Nov–Mar: 8:00 am–4:30 pm
Seasonal Variations
Open year-round; closed Christmas Day
Accessibility Features
ADA compliant ramps and doors
Exhibits Displays
Geology, history, wildlife, climate
Has Bookstore
1
Bookstore Operator
Canyon Lands Natural History Association
Ranger Talks
1
Ranger Talk Schedule
Schedule available at the desk
Film Presentations
1
Film Schedule
Two introductory films; the longest is 15 minutes; plays every half hour
Park Newspapers
0
Safety Info Available
1
Park Maps Available
1
Permit Protocol
Backcountry permits issued at the Backcountry Permit Office two miles south; line timings vary; canyoneering/climbing permits via self-serve outside the center
Climbing Permits
1
Nearest Trailheads
The Nature Trail behind the visitor center
Nearby Dining
Dining options in Moab town (about 5 miles south)
Nearby Facilities
Moab town services 5 miles south; dining, lodging, gas
Notable Features
Two 15-minute films, large parking lot, no public WiFi, backcountry permits south of town
Best Visit Time
Very early morning to beat lines; weekdays may be quieter
Insider Tips
  • Backcountry permits are issued at the Backcountry Permit Office two miles south of Moab
  • Parking fills by 8am; arrive early
  • No public WiFi; rely on offline maps
  • Watch the 15-minute intro film; schedule shown at desk
Family Friendly Notes
Junior Ranger booklets available; family-friendly exhibits; Nature Trail behind the center
Current Conditions Info
Cell service spotty; no public WiFi; check park status on the NPS site
Recent Updates
Seasonal hours may vary; verify current times on the park site
Stop If Skip If
STOP IF: You need free maps, bathrooms, or junior ranger resources. SKIP IF: You already have park information and do not need backcountry permits.
Review Summary
Visitors value the maps, films, and bathroom access, but expect long lines at peak times. WiFi is not available, and backcountry permits are handled off-site, so plan accordingly.

Location

Information Center building at Arches National Park, flags line the entrance under a sunset sky.Arches National Park visitor center in Moab offers maps, hours, and trip planning resources.

Frequently asked questions

Is there public WiFi at Moab Information Center?

No, there is no public WiFi. Cell service is spotty in many areas, so bring offline maps and plan ahead.

Where do I get backcountry permits?

Backcountry permits are issued at the Backcountry Permit Office located two miles south of Moab at 2282 SW Resource Blvd.

Can I get canyoneering or climbing permits here?

Yes. Permits for canyoneering and climbing are available via a self-serve station outside the visitor center.

Are Junior Ranger books available here?

Yes, free Junior Ranger booklets are available at the Moab Information Center.

What are the center hours?

Open Apr–Oct 7:30 am–6:30 pm; Nov–Mar 8:00 am–4:30 pm. Open year-round except Christmas Day.

Arches Visitor Center

Your park entry point: maps, ranger intel, 24-hr water, and exhibits. Stop here first.

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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 January 2026. Report an issue.