Zion Vs. Arches National Park: Which is the Best of Utah’s Mighty Five? [2023]

Known as one of the most beautiful and diverse places in the western half of the United States, Utah is quite unique and sometimes is even compared to Mars.

There are 5 amazing national parks within the state, known as Utah’s Mighty 5, that see millions of visitors every single year.

But what about those visitors who have a very limited time and can only visit one of the parks, rather than all of them?

Zion vs Arches National Park; which is voted the better of the two and why? Is there one that’s better, or can they not even be compared?

That’s the question that I’m aiming to answer for you in this post, and my hopes are that by the end, you’ll have a better understanding of which you’d prefer to visit.

Zion Vs Arches National Park: Which is Better?

This question is really hard because personally, I love both parks and I think that it can be really tough to compare Zion to Arches because of how different they are.

Zion National Park is most well known for its large, towering, red sandstone cliffs that you can see up close and personal.

Arches National Park is known for, well, the arch-like rock formations that seem to pop up everywhere you look.

Which park you choose to visit will likely depend on the type of activities that you want to embark on and how long you have to stay.

Let’s start by going over some of the differences between the two parks so you can better understand their dynamics.

Differences Between Zion and Arches National Park

To decide which park will be better for you to visit, let’s do a deep dive into each aspect that you should consider when choosing.

This includes things such as the activities that you can do, when you should visit, permits you might need, and crowds that you might find.

I’ve organized each of these categories by park and have listed a “winner” at the bottom of each category, but please remember that you can totally make this decision on your own, based on what you read in this post!

Activities in Each Park

Each park has similar activities such as hiking and sightseeing, but there are also some that differ from the other!

Below are the best things to do in each park.

Best Things to Do in Arches National Park

Arches National Park is a beautiful park, located close to the popular tourist town of Moab, not too far from the Colorado-Utah border.

It sees over 1 million visitors per year, each admiring the giant arch-like rock formations that seemingly take over the land.

Below we’ll take a look at a few of the best things to do when you’re visiting the park.

✔ Drive the 19-mile Arches Scenic Drive

✔ Hike to Delicate Arch

✔ See Balanced Rock along the scenic drive

✔ Hike to The Windows and Turret Arch

✔ Check out the La Sal Mountain viewpoint

✔ Wander around the town of Moab

✔ Make a stop at the Garden of Eden

Best Things to Do in Zion National Park

Zion was the first national park to open up in Utah and features some pretty natural wonders that will blow your mind.

From towering canyons to huge, red rocks, this park has easily become a favorite for nature lovers all over the world.

Below I’ll tell you about a few of the best things to do when you’re visiting Zion.

✔ Wade Through The Narrows

✔ Climb to the top of Angels Landing

✔ Hike the Canyon Overlook trail

✔ Go stargazing

✔ Watch the sunset at Lava Point

✔ Go canyoneering

Winner: Both parks have great activities, but I personally think that Zion has better hikes, views, etc.

Activities Nearby

Aside from the activities that you’ll do inside of each park, there are also a variety of activities nearby that should be considered when you’re booking a trip!

All of these activities are within about 2 hours of the parks.

Things to Do Near Arches National Park

⏩ Visit Canyonlands National Park (30 minutes)

⏩ Wander around Moab

⏩ Drive to Capitol Reef National Park (2 hours 5 minutes)

⏩ Hike in Dead Horse Point State Park (35 minutes)

⏩ Visit Corona Arch

⏩ Natural Bridges National Monument (2 hours 30 minutes)

Things to Do Near Zion National Park

✳ Wander through Springdale

✳ Visit Horseshoe Bend (2 hours 15 minutes)

✳ Hike in Valley of Fire State Park (2 hours 30 minutes)

✳ Visit slot canyons in Kanab (1 hour)

✳ Visit Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument (1 hour 30 minutes)

Arches Vs Zion: Views

The views and main features at each park are fairly different, even though both are compromised of red rock.

Let’s discuss what you can expect to see at each.

Arches National Park

The views that you’ll find at Arches are exactly what you imagine when you think of Utah’s red rocks and desert landscape.

You’ll find lots of tall red rocks to admire, as well as of course, plenty of arches and natural bridges that have formed from these rocks.

Over 2,000 arches have actually been documented, while there are likely more that remain undiscovered.

You’ll also be able to see the La Sal Mountains in the distance.

But this national park doesn’t have as many spots as Zion does that allow you to get a vertical vantage point to see above the park.

The park is very desert-like, so there’s not a lot of greenery or vegetation to be seen.

Zion National Park

Unlike Arches, Zion National Park features a lot of great viewpoints that allow you to climb up and see for miles, looking over steep drop-offs.

Also differing from Arches, Zion has a lot more vegetation, plants, wildlife, and more, thanks to the Virgin River that flows through the park.

Other unique features of the park include the canyons, which you can actually hike through.

This includes Zion Canyon, which is where The Narrows are at.

Winner: Zion has more expansive views of the area.

Zion or Arches: Which Has Better Hiking

Which national park you deem to have better hiking will depend on what types of hikes you’re looking for, as they sort of differ.

Arches National Park

Arches has a lot of great, short hikes that lead to one attraction, such as Delicate Arch or The Windows.

Most of the hikes are fairly flat and don’t cover much elevation gain.

There are a few longer hikes such as the Devil’s Garden trail, but again, this trail leads to just a few attractions, rather than large viewpoints.

It is definitely a lot easier to cover a lot of ground in one day at Arches because there are so many shorter hikes.

When we visited, we saw what felt like 20 arches in just one day!

Zion National Park

Compared to Arches, Zion has a lot of longer hikes that send hikers on quite the climb to reach the top, such as Angels Landing.

These cover a lot more elevation gain and mileage and have larger, more expansive views, rather than just leading to an arch.

It can be a lot harder to hit multiple things in a single day in Zion than it is at Arches, but it is definitely doable.

For example, if you want to do both The Narrows and Angels Landing, it’s doable, but you’ll be exhausted by the end of the day!

Tours of Each Park

If you’re wanting to visit Arches or Zion and are looking for a good way to learn a bit more about the park or see it in a new way, consider booking a tour.

Here are a few of the best options for each park.

Arches National Park

Zion National Park

Winner: Both have great tours that showcase the beauty of the areas.

Location of Each Park

Determining the location of each park is also important because these two are fairly far apart and it takes a while to drive from one to the other.

The two parks are about 5 hours apart if you drive in a car.

Arches National Park

Located in Moab, Arches is pretty close to the Colorado-Utah border, off of I-70.

It’s only about 30 minutes from Canyonlands National Park and Dead Horse Point, as well as 2 hours from Capitol Reef National Park.

The closest airport is in Grand Junction, Colorado which is about a 1.5-hour drive, although many people choose to fly into Salt Lake City, which is nearly 4 hours away.

Zion National Park

Zion is located in Springdale, Utah which is closer to the Arizona border, off of I-15.

Springdale is about 2.5 hours from Las Vegas and about 2 hours from Valley of Fire State Park.

To the southeast, you also have Lake Powell and Horseshoe Bend, which are about 2 hours away.

The closest airport to Zion is the Las Vegas Airport, which is about a 3-hour drive.

Winner: Zion is closer to a major airport, but where you fly in depends on what else you plan to do on your trip.

Nearby Towns

When you’re visiting somewhere, it’s nice to have a town to head into if you need any groceries, are looking for a souvenir, or just want dinner for the night.

Each of these national parks has a small town nearby that offers all of the above.

Arches National Park

Nearest to Arches is Moab, a small town known for being the gateway to both Arches and Canyonlands National Parks.

In this town, you’ll find everything you should need during your stay including grocery stores, small restaurants, and lodging options.

There are also a few small shops where you can find souvenirs and other things to bring home.

Zion National Park

Springdale is right outside Zion, and it offers about the same things that Moab does.

Grocery stores, restaurants, places to stay, souvenir shops, etc.

I recommend grabbing lunch or dinner at Meme’s Cafe!

Springdale also offers a few stores that rent gear to hike The Narrows, which can be really helpful if you’re planning that hike.

Winner: Both parks have a small town outside of them to wander around.

Zion Vs Arches National Park: Best Time to Visit

While both parks are beautiful year-round, there are specific times that make them much more enjoyable.

Arches National Park

Arches is particularly great in the spring and fall.

These seasons are typically rated as the best time to visit because of the outrageously hot temperatures that Utah sees in the summer.

Those hot temperatures paired with little to no shade can make for a miserable day, which makes the park not so enjoyable.

As for the time of day, plan your visit during the late afternoon and evening or during the morning to help avoid crowds.

Many people tend to flock to the park around midday, meaning that you may not get a parking spot and might see traffic

Zion National Park

When comparing the best time to visit, Zion is pretty darn similar because they both are located in pretty similar climates.

I would recommend visiting Zion in the spring or fall because you’re a lot less likely to see tons and tons of crowds.

Plus, you’re going to get to beat that hot summer sun and burning temperatures.

And similarity to Arches, I would plan to visit early in the day or later in the afternoon.

Winner: Both are best visited around the same time, which is the spring and fall months.

Which Park to Visit in the Winter

Visiting national parks in the winter can be tricky, especially if they get snow.

So it’s really important to consider this when choosing a time to visit either Arches or Zion.

Arches National Park

This park is absolutely beautiful in the winter and is much more peaceful in the summer, as you don’t have to deal with crowds!

It does snow in Utah, so you’ll need to be cautious of that.

Sometimes if it snows, the park entrance may temporarily close to allow for snow removal, but it typically only lasts a few hours.

Most trails are open in the winter months, but you’ll want to be careful and watch for ice.

Zion National Park

Zion is also a very beautiful place in the winter, with the white snow contrasting with the red rocks.

You’ll also need to be cautious of slippery trails, as it can be dangerous if you aren’t watching where you’re stepping.

Temperatures can get colder, but during the day, it typically is around 50-60°F, and snow usually melts pretty quickly at lower elevations.

Plus, you may not have to worry about the shuttle in the winter, as it typically doesn’t operate in January or February.

Winner: Zion is best in the winter because you get to experience it covered in snow and without crowds.

Which Park to Visit in the Summer

The peak season for both parks is in the summer, which can make visiting a bit tricky, as you’ll have to deal with crowds.

But if that’s the only time that you’re able to visit, then take these few things into consideration.

Arches National Park

Currently, Arches can be kind of tough to visit in the summer because of the timed entry permit system that they have in place.

It also can be kind of tough to get in sometimes because they might shut the front entrance if there seems to be a lot of congestion within the park.

If you plan to visit in the summer, try to go on a weekday and get to the park as early as possible.

Zion National Park

During the summer months, Zion implements a shuttle system that visitors must ride, which can make getting to the trailheads a bit tricky.

And Angels Landing requires a permit to hike it, which can be hard to get in the summer months.

But neither of these will stop you from entering the park, unlike how Arches is completely closed off.

Winner: Zion has fewer restrictions when it comes to entering the park in the summer. But you will have to ride the shuttle.

Time Needed to Visit

When you’re planning a visit somewhere, you’re going to want to understand how long you need in the area to really experience it.

Arches National Park

It’s best to plan at least 2 days in Arches National Park to really be able to see it all, but I would say that if you only have one day, you’ll be fine!

When I first visited, Ionly visited for one day, and I felt that I was able to experience it even with such a short amount of time!

Zion National Park

It’s a little bit of a different story when we’re talking about Zion because you might need a little more time here.

I personally recommend at least two days in Zion, if not three.

The more time the better, especially if you’re planning a visit in the summertime when the shuttle is running.

This will allow you to hit more of the big attractions and spend a little bit of time exploring on your own.

Crowds and Wait Times

Both parks can be extremely busy and honestly, it can sometimes feel like it’s not even worth visiting because of the crowds.

But let’s discuss which one is busier and sees more crowds.

Arches National Park

More than 1.5 million people visit Arches National Park every single year and because it’s a fairly small park, this can feel absolutely crazy.

The parking lots are pretty small and you might struggle to find parking after 9 am, and sometimes even before then!

You also might have to wait outside the entrance gate if the park is too busy, as it just gets too congested inside.

While Arches does see significantly fewer visitors than Arches per year, it can definitely feel a bit busier due to its smaller size.

Zion National Park

In 2021, Zion saw over 5 million visitors, which can obviously lead to crowding and busyness throughout the park.

This amount has grown tremendously over the years and sparked an initiative to lower crowds via shuttle and permit systems.

But because of how much larger Zion is than Arches (over 100 square feet larger!), it seems to feel like there are fewer crowds.

I know that that seems contradicting, but it’s just that people are more spread out and not all bunched into one small parking lot.

Winner: When looking at Zion or Arches, Zion wins for fewer crowds and wait times.

Cost to Visit

Most national parks don’t have many fees associated with them, but let’s see what it costs to visit each park.

Arches National Park

To enter Arches, you’ll need to have either an America the Beautiful pass, which costs $80 per year and allows entry into any national park, national monument, or landmark.

Or, you can purchase a weekly pass, which costs $30 per vehicle for 7 days.

The timed-entry permit, which is needed from April to October, will cost you $2 per vehicle.

Once you’re in the park, there aren’t any other fees associated with visiting, aside from lodging, eating, etc.

Lodging outside of the park can be pretty spendy, coming in around $150 or more per night if you’re visiting in the summer.

But if you’re camping, there are quite a few campgrounds that are more budget friendly, and even some free ones!

Zion National Park

Similarly, you will need either an America the Beautiful pass or a weekly pass, which costs $35 per vehicle to enter Zion.

If you choose to obtain a permit for Angels Landing, you will need to purchase it for $6.

And if you plan to hike The Narrows, you might rent gear from Zion Outfitters, which will likely cost around $30-$50, depending on what time of year you visit.

If you plan to stay in Springdale, be ready to pay a pretty penny, as there isn’t much that’s less than $200 a night, espeically during the summer on a weekend.

There are also campgrounds around Zion that you can stay in though!

Winner: Lodging/camping options near Arches are cheaper, but both park fees are the same.

Permits and Ticketing

Some national parks have implemented permits and timed entry systems to help eliminate crowds and wait times in the park.

Here’s an overview of what these two parks have in place.

Arches National Park

From April through October, you will need a timed-entry permit to enter this national park.

This is a temporary pilot system, so it may change in the future, but for now, you’ll need to grab your ticket before getting to the park by clicking here.

Aside from this ticket, there are no other permits required to enter or recreate at Arches.

Zion National Park

Differing from Arches, Zion National Park does not have a timed-entry ticket, but they have a few other permits to be aware of.

Currently, there is no ticket required to ride the shuttle, but there has been in the past, so this could change in the future.

To hike Angels Landing, you will need to have a ticket in advance, which is on a lottery system.

Winner: Either park is fairly easy to enter and doesn’t require too many permits/tickets.

Where to Stay Near Each National Park

Both national parks have small towns outside of them that offer great lodging options for visitors.

Arches National Park

Both of these lodging options are within 6 miles of the park entrance and are located in Moab, the closest city to Arches.

Red Stone Inn– This adorable little lodge has a nice hot tub and is conveniently located near a market and multiple small restaurants.

Hoodoo Moab– Each room at this hotel is beautifully decorated, and guests can enjoy an outdoor pool and hot tub with an epic view.

Zion National Park

The two lodging options below are both located in Springdale and are within 2 miles of the park entrance.

Zion Canyon Lodge– This beautiful lodge offers free breakfast, has restaurants across the street, and is just 1 mile from the park entrance.

Watchman Villas– These villas are rated a 9.6/10 and have incredible views, right out the back door. Each has a full kitchen, bathroom, and living space.

Winner: Both have lodging located right outside the park.

Which Park is Better if You Aren’t a Hiker?

While both parks can be really great if you aren’t much of a hiker, I would say that Arches is easier to navigate by car.

Many of the best sights in Zion are seen by hiking, but a lot of Arches can be seen from the road!

So if you aren’t much of a hiker, consider that and think about heading to Arches instead.

Zion National Park to Arches National Park: Distance

You might find yourself wondering, well why can’t I just do both parks? How far away are they?

I totally get that, but unless you have a long vacation time, you’re probably going to want to just choose one.

These two parks are over 5 hours away from each other, or nearly 350 miles apart.

This drive time will eat up a huge chunk of your trip, and I would have a tough time justifying doing them both at the same time.

That is, unless you want to make an entire Utah national parks road trip and hit all of the Mighty Five.

You could do this by flying into Grand Junction and starting at Arches before driving down to Canyonlands National Park and spending time there.

Then on the way to Zion, hit Capitol Reef and Bryce Canyon National Parks, and fly out of Las Vegas instead of Grand Junction.

Though this will add about 2 hours onto the trip (making it 7 hours), you’ll get to hit all 5 parks.

Arches Vs Zion: The Verdict

If I’m being honest here, this is a really, really hard choice to make, because both parks are so awesome and unique in their own ways.

But if I had to choose one, I would choose Zion National Park. But remember, this is my opinion.

Here is a list of the reasons why I would personally choose to visit Zion over Arches.

• Feels less crowded since visitors can spread out more
• Currently no timed-entry system
• Better hiking with more expansive views
• More opportunities to make it a longer trip
• Closer to a large, international airport
• More unique hikes such as The Narrows
• Nice restaurants and lodging nearby

Tips for Visiting Utah’s National Parks

Visiting national parks is all fun and games until it’s not… meaning that if you don’t know some important things, it can become miserable real fast.

Follow these tips for visiting Arches or Zion to really enjoy your experience.

• Avoid visiting on busy days like holidays or weekends in the peak season to ensure you don’t have to deal with a ton of crowds.
• Don’t bring pets into the park as they aren’t allowed on hiking trails and the desert will be far too hot for them in the summer.
• Have a few backup plans in case the parking lot is full when you arrive.
• Arrive at the park early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid crowds and have the best chance of snagging a parking spot.
• Ensure that you have any permits or timed-entry tickets in advance, as they won’t be available once you arrive.
• Download maps of the parks before arriving as service can be spotty.
• Check the National Park websites for updates on both Arches and Zion to ensure that nothing is closed before visiting.
• Never forget sunscreen and plenty of water because it is a desert and these are essentials.

FAQs

Wrap-Up: Zion Vs Arches National Park

Overall, the question about which park is better, Zion vs Arches National Park, is a very difficult one to answer.

Each park has its own special and unique features and in my opinion, both should be added to everyone’s bucket list!

But in the end, when we look at many different factors and things to consider, it looks like personally, Zion is the winner.

I hope that this post is able to help you make this decision for yourself and that you’re able to plan an epic trip to Utah!