Drive Arches National Park in reverse to beat peak crowds and get prime light on Delicate Arch. This GPS-triggered audio tour guides you through 18 stops with offline maps and turn-by-turn directions so you can explore at your own pace.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You pull off Route 191 before sunrise, the road ahead a ribbon cutting through red-brown fins that rise and lean like old masonry. The Reverse route gives you the park in a sequence that shifts light and line—first the quiet windows and towers, later Delicate Arch with the sun behind it—so the formations reveal themselves on their own timetable.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
6–8 hours
Fitness Level
Minimal driving fitness required; be prepared for short walks of up to 2 miles and some uneven surfaces.
Wildlife
History
The park's arches formed from Jurassic sandstones; the area was used seasonally by Ute and Paiute peoples and later mapped by early 20th‑century surveyors.
Conservation
Stay on designated roads and trails to protect cryptobiotic soil and fragile desert plant life; pack out all waste and minimize water use.
Reserve your spot on the Reverse Arches National Park Self-Guided Audio Tour today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Start early for light and parking
Arrive at first light to secure parking at popular pullouts and to get the best light on sandstone faces.
Respect cryptobiotic soil
Avoid stepping on dark crusts between rock features—these microbial soils take decades to recover.
Download offline in advance
Redeem and download the tour on Wi‑Fi so GPS narration and the offline map work without cell service.
Carry at least 2 liters of water per person
Short walks can become draining in heat; bring extra water and sun protection even for a driving tour.
Smartphone with Shaka Guide app
Runs the audio, GPS directions and offline map for the tour.
2+ liter water bottle
Keeps you hydrated through desert heat and during short walks.
summer
Sturdy closed-toe shoes
Needed for slickrock, short trail sections, and uneven footing at viewpoints.
Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
Sun is intense on exposed sandstone; protect skin and eyes for long days outdoors.
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