Skyline ArchAbout Skyline Arch
Skyline Arch is a natural sandstone arch within Arches National Park in eastern Utah. It is one of several accessible arches located along the park road and is notable for its single-span opening carved into Entrada Sandstone.
The arch is commonly viewed from a short walk from a nearby parking area and forms a photographic subject at sunrise and sunset when light accentuates the red-orange sandstone. It sits near other park features and can be included on short driving circuits inside the park.
The arch developed through erosion and rockfall processes that widened natural joints in the Entrada Sandstone; a notable rockfall event in the 20th century enlarged the opening. It has no human-built history and is managed as part of the national park.
Skyline Arch lies in Arches National Park near Moab, in eastern Utah. The park is accessed from the town of Moab and the arch is along the park’s main scenic road.
- Access: Located inside Arches National Park, the arch is reachable from a short trail off the park road and is close to several other named arches and viewpoints.
- Geology note: Rockfall in the mid-20th century opened and enlarged the arch, altering its appearance compared with older photographs.
Nearby Attractions to Skyline Arch
Best Time to Visit Skyline Arch
Best in spring and fall for comfortable temperatures; summer brings intense heat and larger crowds.
Weather & Climate near Skyline Arch
Skyline Arch's climate is classified as Cold Desert - Cold Desert climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -9°C to 35°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | -9° - 3° | -5° | 21 mm | - | - | 1.6 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | -5° - 8° | -1° | 15 mm | - | - | 2.0 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | -1° - 14° | 4° | 25 mm | - | - | 2.8 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 3° - 19° | 11° | 23 mm | - | - | 3.2 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 7° - 25° | 16° | 22 mm | - | - | 3.2 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 13° - 31° | 22° | 11 mm | - | - | 3.0 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 16° - 35° | 26° | 23 mm | - | - | 2.6 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 16° - 34° | 25° | 24 mm | - | - | 2.5 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 10° - 28° | 19° | 25 mm | - | - | 2.4 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 3° - 21° | 12° | 31 mm | - | - | 2.1 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | -3° - 12° | 3° | 20 mm | - | - | 1.9 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | -8° - 5° | -3° | 18 mm | - | - | 1.6 m/s | - | - |
How to Get to Skyline Arch
Skyline Arch is located within Arches National Park near the Windows Section. From the park road (Scenic Drive), follow signs to the Skyline Arch parking area - the trail to the arch is roughly 0.4 miles (0.6 km) from the lot and an easy walk for most visitors. The nearest town with services is Moab, about a 20-30 minute drive south.
Tips for Visiting Skyline Arch
- Park at the Skyline Arch lot on the Arches National Park Scenic Drive - the trail to the arch is about 0.4 miles one way and mostly level.
- Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid the large mid-day tour groups that circle the Windows and Skyline areas.
- Bring a wide-angle lens to capture the arch and the contrasting red sandstone backdrop; the light at golden hour saturates the colors.