The breathtaking landscape of Arches National Park is a true testament to the wonders of nature. With a remarkable collection of over 2,000 natural stone arches, the park is rightly named and offers visitors an unparalleled showcase of geological artistry. These magnificent arches are complemented by hundreds of soaring pinnacles, massive rock fins, and giant balanced rocks, creating a scene that is nothing short of awe-inspiring. The sheer size of the arches is truly remarkable, and the formations throughout the park are nothing short of amazing, leaving visitors with a deep sense of wonder and appreciation for the natural world.
With spectacular views just from the scenic road, the experience for the disabled traveler is truly incomparable. Despite the challenges for those with limited mobility, the opportunity to engage in a bit of hiking to reach some of the scenic features is well worth the effort. The majesty of the surroundings and the sense of accomplishment in overcoming physical limitations make every step a rewarding journey. With the breathtaking panorama from a lookout point, every moment spent in nature is a treasure to be cherished.
Words cannot describe how incredible this place is. The unique naturally occurring rock formations are truly hard to comprehend. A must see. The National Park Service has done a magnificent job developing a very accessible park for the Disabled Traveler with something for everyone – longer hikes for the more able, shorter ones, including wheelchair accessible, and even incredible sights for those choosing not to leave the comfort of their vehicle. The welcome center is well worth the visit too, educational in a modern and engaging way.
For me, the beginning of the park is the most impressive. The rock formations are massive, and everything can be viewed from the car without exiting the vehicle. The majestic beauty of the park never fails to captivate, and the sheer enormity of the rock formations leaves you in awe. It’s a surreal experience to be able to observe everything from the comfort of your vehicle, without even needing to step outside. The grandiosity of the landscape is truly breathtaking, and it’s a testament to the natural wonders that await within the park.
When planning a trip to Arches National Park as a Disabled Traveler, it’s essential to carefully evaluate the accessibility of the park to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable visit. By considering factors such as accessible trails, parking, and facilities, you can make the most of your experience in this breathtaking natural wonder. Taking the time to thoroughly assess the park’s amenities and accessibility options will contribute to a more inclusive and fulfilling visit for all travelers. The following will assist the Disabled Traveler in evaluating the accessibility of Arches National Park and assist in your visitation of the park.
From April 1 to October 31, visitors are required to have a timed entry ticket to enter the park. Ticketed entry runs from 7 am to 4 pm daily. Those without a ticket may enter the park before 7 am or after 4 pm. The park is open 24/7.
Arches NP Visitor Center is wheelchair accessible. The disabled traveler will find accessible parking is available and the approach to the visitor center is paved. The restrooms, water fountains and all restrooms are wheelchair accessible. The Exhibits and the visitor center desk are structured to be accessible from a wheelchair. Benches are located inside the front of the visitor center and outdoors on the visitor center patio.
Moab Fault Overlook – the disabled traveler can enjoy the view from the parking area.
Park Ave Viewpoint is wheelchair accessible. The path to the viewing area is 300 feet from the parking area and is level and paved. There are handicapped parking spots for the disabled traveler at the viewpoint.
Park Ave Viewpoint
La Sal Mountains Viewpoint is not wheelchair accessible. For the disabled traveler with limited mobility, the path to the viewing area is over flat rock. The trail has a few rocky unlevel areas. There are handicapped parking spots for the disabled traveler at the viewpoint.
La Sal Mountains Viewpoint
Courthouse Towers Viewpoint – the disabled traveler can enjoy the view from the parking area without hiking. There are handicapped parking spots for the disabled traveler at the viewpoint.
Courthouse Towers Viewpoint
Arches Scenic Drive Pullouts – There are many pullouts along Arches Scenic Dr., the disabled traveler can enjoy the view from the parking area without leaving their vehicle.
Arches Scenic Drive Pullouts
Petrified Dunns Pullout –the disabled traveler can enjoy the view from the parking area without leaving their vehicle.
Rock Pinnacles Pullout –the disabled traveler can enjoy the view from the parking area without leaving their vehicle.
Rock Pinnacles Pullout
Balanced Rock Viewpoint is wheelchair accessible. The path to the viewing area is 650 feet from the parking area and is level and paved. There are handicapped parking spots for the disabled traveler at the viewpoint.
Balanced Rock and Wheelchair Path
The Windows Section Parking Lot – There are handicapped parking spots for the disabled traveler and handicapped accessible pit toilets in the parking lot.
Parade of Elephants and Double Arch
Windows Trail is not wheelchair accessible. From the parking lot, the North Window Arch is the closest (about 500 yds) and most accessible for the disabled traveler with limited mobility. The path to the arch is firm bedrock with plenty of rock stairs. The trail has a few rocky unlevel areas that you must traverse. From the North Window Arch, the paths to the South Window Arch and Turret Arch are more difficult with rocky terrain, rock steps, ledges and steep grades to climb. Where hikers can walk into the North Window Arch, the South Window Arch and Turret Arch must be viewed from a short distance.
North Window Arch
Double Arch Trail is not wheelchair accessible. The Double Arch is about 500 yds from the parking lot. For the disabled traveler with limited mobility, the path to the arch is firm bedrock with plenty of rock stairs. The trail has a few rocky unlevel areas and steep grades that you must traverse.
Double Arch
Garden of Eden Viewpoint is not wheelchair accessible. The disabled traveler can enjoy the view from the parking area. There are handicapped parking spots for the disabled traveler at the viewpoint.
Panorama Point Parking Area – There are handicapped parking spots for the disabled traveler and handicapped accessible pit toilets in the parking lot. There are also picnic tables in the parking area. The disabled traveler can enjoy the view from the parking area.
Delicate Arch Viewpoint Parking – For those in wheelchairs or with limited mobility, the lower viewpoint is a great option, as it is wheelchair accessible and the path to the viewing area is just 100 yards from the parking area. The trail is a level hard surface with no obstructions, making it easily navigable for those with mobility challenges. Additionally, there are designated handicapped parking spots at the viewpoint parking area, as well as handicapped accessible pit toilets, offering convenience and ease of use for the disabled traveler. The lower viewpoint provides accessibility features for the disabled traveler, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the stunning natural beauty the area has to offer.
However, it’s important to note that the trail to the upper viewpoint, although it provides breathtaking vistas, is not wheelchair accessible. Covering a distance of half a mile from the parking area, this trail presents a more challenging terrain with a 200 feet elevation gain over slickrock ridge, featuring rock steps and stairs. For disabled travelers with limited mobility, navigating this trail may prove to be strenuous. It’s crucial for visitors to consider their own mobility needs and capabilities when planning their visit to this area, and to take the necessary precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Delicate Arch
Salt Valley Overlook –the disabled traveler can enjoy the view from the parking area without leaving their vehicle.
Fiery Furnace Viewpoint is not wheelchair accessible. The disabled traveler can enjoy the view from the parking area. There are handicapped parking spots and accessible pit toilets for the disabled traveler at the viewpoint. For the disabled traveler with limited mobility, the viewpoint is 400 ft from the parking area. There are five rock steps down from the parking area to start the trail, after, the route is smooth and flat until the end of the trail where there are a few rocky unlevel areas.
Sand Dune Trail is not wheelchair accessible. There are handicapped parking spots for the disabled traveler at the trail parking area along with handicapped accessible pit toilets. For the disabled traveler with limited mobility, the arch is 350 yds from the parking area. It’s important to note that the trail’s composition, featuring a mix of smooth bedrock and deep sand, present obstacles for the disabled traveler. The presence of a boulder in a narrow passage further underscores the need for careful consideration of accessibility for those with limited mobility.
Sand Dune Arch
Broken Arch Trail – Starting from the Sand Dune Trail parking area, this trail offers a unique experience, but it’s important to note that it’s not wheelchair accessible. For those with limited mobility, the ¾ mile trail to Broken Arch may present some challenges as it consists of firm bedrock with sand, as well as boulders, rock ledges, and rock steps to navigate.
Skyline Arch Trailhead – The trail is not wheelchair accessible. The disabled traveler can enjoy the view from the parking area without leaving their vehicle. For the disabled traveler with limited mobility, the trail to Skyline Arch is 350 yds from the parking area. The trail begins with nine rock steps and is firm bedrock with sand, slickrock, it also has boulders, rock ledges and rock steps.
Devils Garden Trailhead provides essential facilities for the disabled traveler, including designated parking spots, accessible restrooms, and picnic tables. The trail to Landscape Arch is designed to be wheelchair accessible, covering a distance of 0.8 miles one way. It’s important to note that the trail comprises flat bedrock and includes rock steps at the end, which may pose some challenges for certain individuals. Throughout the trail, there are changes in elevation, with less pronounced changes in the beginning.
However, it’s crucial to consider that continuing the trail beyond Landscape Arch to Double O Arch and Primitive Loop Return Trail is not recommended for the disabled traveler. This caution is due to the terrain characteristics, including deep sand, steep climbs, rock steps, ledges, and drop-offs, creating significant challenges for individuals with mobility limitations. Therefore, while the initial portion of the trail is accessible, further sections present obstacles that are not suitable for the disabled traveler.
Devils Garden Trail – Landscape Arch
It is my hope that the information provided in this article is truly valuable, especially for the Disabled Traveler planning a visit to Arches National Park. It’s crucial to ensure that individuals with disabilities have access to the necessary resources and guidance to make their trip enjoyable and seamless. By including specific details regarding accessibility, facilities, and any considerations related to the disabled traveler, this content aids in creating a more inclusive and welcoming experience for all visitors. It serves as a reminder of the importance of allowing everyone to appreciate the natural beauty and wonders of Arches National Park.
The Disabled Traveler 