Arches and Zion are the two most popular National Parks in Utah. Since they’re both in Utah, many people often visit both Arches and Zion in one visit.
But if you are short on time and have to decide between Arches and Zion National Parks, this is the guide for you!
In this Arches Vs Zion guide, I will share the differences between the two Utah National Parks. That way you can decide if you should visit Arches or Zion. Or both!
Spoiler Alert: You can’t go wrong either way!
NOTE: This is just a comparison guide between the two parks. If you are looking for the best things to do, top hikes, and where to stay in/near each of the parks, then you’ll want to read my detailed park guides:
Arches Vs. Zion National Park
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Know Before You Go: Arches and Zion
Arches: Arches National Park is no longer requiring a timed-entry reservation to enter the park.
Zion: Vehicles are not allowed into the Zion Canyon from March through November. All visitors must board the free shuttle or ride a bike into the canyon during those months. You can find the current shuttle schedule here.
PRO TIP: You’ll want to bring your America the Beautiful pass to these Utah National Parks to avoid paying the hefty entrance fees! Without the pass, you’ll have to pay a $30/vehicle entrance fee to get into Arches and a $35/vehicle entrance fee to get into Zion.
Location: Arches Vs. Zion
Arches National Park is conveniently located just a few miles outside of the town of Moab. Get directions here.
Zion National Park is accessible from two points: Zion Canyon and Kolob Canyons. Zion Canyon is located outside of Springdale, Utah, and Kolob Canyons is located about 40 miles north, off I-15. Get directions to the Zion Canyon here and directions to the Kolob Canyons here.
Vehicle Accessibility: Arches Vs. Zion
Arches National Park‘s main 18-mile (one-way) scenic road can be accessed by any vehicle year-round in normal conditions. The unpaved roads in the park (aside from Salt Valley in normal conditions) require a four-wheel-drive, high-clearance vehicle.
Zion National Park‘s park roads are all suitable for 2WD vehicles. No off-roading vehicles are permitted in Zion.
Scenic Drives & Overlooks: Arches Vs. Zion
Arches National Park has an 18-mile (one-way) scenic drive and a few spur roads off the main drive. There are at least 10 scenic overlooks along these park roads.
Zion National Park‘s scenic drive, Zion Canyon, is approximately 7 miles long. A shuttle operates from March through November to take visitors along the canyon; personal vehicles are not allowed when shuttles are in operation. The drive is very scenic, and there are 9 stops to get out, hike, and take in the views.
Hiking Trails: Arches Vs. Zion
Arches National Park has a range of easy to strenuous hikes that involve everything from easy paved walks to complicated rock scrambles. There are 16 hiking trails in Arches National Park, featuring 28 total miles of trails. The best hikes in Arches are Fiery Furnace, Broken Arch, and Devils Garden Primitive Loop.
Zion National Park also has a diverse range of hiking trails. From lengthy wilderness routes and river treks to easy paved trails, Zion has a little something for everyone. The best trail in Zion is The Narrows!
Camping: Arches Vs. Zion
Arches National Park only has one frontcountry campground: Devils Garden. It is typically open year-round, and reservable from March through October. Backcountry camping is allowed in four designated backpacking campsites; permits are required.
Zion National Park has three frontcountry campgrounds: Watchman, South, and Lava Point. Watchman is open year-round; reservations are always required. South is partially closed for a long-term rehabilitation project; make reservations in the open part of the campground up to two weeks ahead of time. Lava Point is typically open May through September; reservations will be available on a 2-week rolling window. Backcountry camping is allowed with a wilderness permit in one of the dozens of designated sites.
READ NEXT: 7 Things to Know Before Visiting Zion National Park
Winter Access: Arches Vs. Zion
Arches National Park offers winter access for those who want to escape the crowds and the heat. Campsites at Devils Garden are first-come, first-served. Winter temperatures range from highs in the 30s through 50s to lows in the single digits to 20s. Snow and ice are possible, and roads can temporarily close for plow trucks.
Zion National Park also offers winter access for those who want to escape the crowds and the heat. Winters in Zion are cold and wet, and snow is possible in the high elevations. High temperatures hover in the 50s and 60s during the day and can dip below freezing at night. The Zion Canyon scenic road is plowed and open to vehicles, but certain hiking trails can close due to snow and ice.
Dogs: Arches Vs. Zion
Arches National Park only allows leashed pets on established frontcountry roads, parking areas, picnic areas, and campgrounds. Pets are prohibited on any hiking trails, anywhere off-trail, overlooks, visitor centers, and buildings.
Zion National Park only allows leashed pets on public roads, parking areas, developed campgrounds and picnic areas, on the grounds of the Zion Lodge, and on the Pa’rus hiking trail. Keep dogs out of the water; there is currently a toxic cyanobacteria bloom in the Virgin River.
PAVEMENT AND PAW SAFETY
| Air Temperature | Asphalt Temperature |
| 77ºF / 25ºC | 125ºF / 52ºC |
| 86ºF / 30ºC | 135ºF / 57ºC |
| 87ºF / 31ºC | 143ºF / 62ºC |
| 102ºF / 39ºC | 167ºF / 75ºC |
Amenities: Arches Vs. Zion
Arches National Park has a campground, visitor center, restrooms, picnic areas, and potable water.
Zion National Park has campgrounds, visitor centers, restrooms, picnic areas, and potable water.
READ NEXT: What Are the Best Arches at Arches National Park?
Crowds: Arches Vs. Zion
Arches National Park can get extremely crowded in the spring, summer, and fall. The park received 1.5 million visitors in 2025.
Zion National Park can get extremely crowded in the spring, summer, and fall. The park received 4.9 million visitors in 2025.
Size: Arches Vs. Zion
Arches National Park – 76,519 acres.
Zion National Park – 148,733 acres, almost double the size of Arches!
Arches or Zion: FAQs
I Just Have One Day – Should I Visit Arches Or Zion?
I’d say Arches. Arches is a smaller park, so it’s easier to see in one day. With one day in Arches, you could cruise the scenic drive, stop at all of the overlooks, and hike many of the trails.
However, if you’d prefer to spend one day in Zion, you could watch the sunrise at Canyon Overlook, take the shuttle through the scenic drive, and hike a couple of trails like the Narrows, Angel’s Landing, or Watchman.
Can I See Arches And Zion In One Day?
Probably not! While it’s certainly possible to hike a trail in Zion at sunrise, drive 300+ miles across the state, and hike a trail in Arches at sunset, I wouldn’t recommend it.
Zion and Arches National Parks are about 5 hours from each other.
Which Is Better – Arches Or Zion?
This is a loaded question!
To come up with the “better” park, I factored in recreation, scenery, crowds, amenities, accessibility, and trails. I reveal my rankings in my Utah National Parks Ranked Best to Worst guide.
With all of those factors considered, Zion came out on top. But it all depends on which factors you put the most weight on. Read my guide to see how I ranked all of the Utah National Parks.
Arches Vs. Zion: Final Verdict
If you are still torn about which park you should visit, here is a lightning-round style chart to help you:
Do you…
Only have one day? Arches
Have multiple days? Zion (or both!)
Want to get away from the crowds? Zion (Kolob Canyons and East Entrance)
Want to hike easier trails? Arches
Want to go off-roading? Arches
Want to go backpacking? Zion
Need Help Planning Your Arches or Zion Trip?
Here are some Arches and Zion guides that are up on the blog right now!
- Arches National Park: Complete Guide
- Jam-Packed 3-Day Arches National Park Itinerary
- 6 Best Hikes in Arches National Park
- What Are the Best Arches at Arches National Park?
- Broken Arch Trail Guide: How to See 3 Underrated Natural Arches!
- How to Conquer the Fiery Furnace in Arches National Park
- One Day in Zion National Park
- Zion National Park: Complete Guide
- Complete Guide to Hiking the Zion Narrows
- 7 Things to Know Before Visiting Zion National Park
- Utah National Parks Ranked Best to Worst
- Ultimate Utah Mighty Five National Parks Itinerary
Discover Your Next Adventure
Where to next? I’ve got some suggestions!
- Bryce Canyon National Park
- Dead Horse Point State Park
- Canyonlands National Park
- Capitol Reef National Park
- Kanab Sand Caves
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