Panorama Point Arches National Park
Experience sweeping 360-degree desert vistas and unparalleled stargazing at this easily accessible viewpoint in Arches National Park.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour light paints the rocks.
Panorama Point Arches National Park
Best Time
Golden hour light paints the rocks.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience sweeping 360-degree desert vistas and unparalleled stargazing at this easily accessible viewpoint in Arches National Park.
"It's called Panorama Point for a reason!"
Bring Plenty of Water! :droplet:
The desert is dry; stay hydrated. Refill stations are limited.
Arrive Early or Stay Late :sunrise_over_mountains:
Beat the crowds for a more peaceful experience and better photo ops.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Vistas
Panorama Point
Expansive 360-degree views of red rock formations, La Sal Mountains, and the vast desert landscape.
Stargazing Haven
Panorama Point
Experience an incredibly dark night sky, perfect for observing stars, planets, and the Milky Way.
Picnic Spot
Panorama Point
Enjoy a meal amidst stunning scenery with covered picnic pavilions and tables available.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Pack for the Desert
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bring Plenty of Water! :droplet:
The desert is dry; stay hydrated. Refill stations are limited.
Arrive Early or Stay Late :sunrise_over_mountains:
Beat the crowds for a more peaceful experience and better photo ops.
Stargazing is a Must :star2:
Arches is an International Dark Sky Park. Benches and star maps available.
Comfortable Shoes Essential :athletic_shoe:
You'll be walking to viewpoints.
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring Plenty of Water! :droplet:
The desert is dry; stay hydrated. Refill stations are limited.
Arrive Early or Stay Late :sunrise_over_mountains:
Beat the crowds for a more peaceful experience and better photo ops.
Stargazing is a Must :star2:
Arches is an International Dark Sky Park. Benches and star maps available.
Comfortable Shoes Essential :athletic_shoe:
You'll be walking to viewpoints.
Capture the Scale :camera_with_flash:
Use foreground elements to emphasize the vastness of the landscape.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the breathtaking 360-degree panoramas at Panorama Point, calling it a perfect pit stop for soaking in the vast desert landscape and distant La Sal Mountains. The exceptional stargazing opportunities under dark skies are a major highlight, with many appreciating the available benches and interpretive displays. It's considered an easily accessible and rewarding viewpoint for all.
"Follow Arches National Park Road until you reach the Panorama Point road on the east side. Follow the road to the tear-drop parking lot, which is perched atop a sandy ridge line. From this breathtaking viewpoint, you will have a commanding view of the surrounding landscape, of rolling hills of rust-red rock stretch out before you, dotted with towering fins and monumental arches that seem to defy gravity. Today, with the sky so clear, this panorama view stretched out for miles, and we were able to enjoy the stunning La Sal Mountains rising in the distance. This is an excellent location to take a deep breath, stretch your legs or enjoy a snack. On the backside of the loop, there is a two-stall vault toilet and in the middle of the loop are three covered picnic pavilions with tables. At the top end of the loop, there are several interpretive displays concerning stargazing as well as numerous stone benches, used by the U.S. Park Rangers to deliver lectures to the public on a variety of topics."
Thomas B
"Panorama Point offers wide-open views of Arches and the surrounding area. Located at the top of a hill, you can enjoy views of the La Sal Mountains, the Fiery Furnace, and even Devils Garden from your vehicle or at viewpoints along the parking area. Panorama Point is also an excellent place to stargaze and take in the night sky."
Mark Brown
"Gobi dessert all around you, feel very dry"
hanhua ge
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Panorama Point is located along the main park road in Arches National Park. Follow the park road until you see signs for Panorama Point. It's a well-marked turn-off with a parking area at the viewpoint.
Yes, Panorama Point is easily accessible by car. There is a dedicated parking lot at the viewpoint, making it a convenient stop for visitors driving through the park.
The best way to experience Panorama Point is to take your time, walk around the viewpoints, and soak in the expansive scenery. It's also a prime spot for stargazing at night.
Panorama Point is situated on the main scenic drive within Arches National Park. You'll follow the park's primary road, and the turn-off for Panorama Point is clearly signed.
Yes, Arches National Park is generally open 24/7, and you can drive to Panorama Point at night for stargazing. Remember to drive slowly and be aware of wildlife.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, you need to pay the entrance fee for Arches National Park to access Panorama Point. The park is free to enter at night for stargazing, but daytime access requires a fee.
Panorama Point is accessible 24/7 as part of Arches National Park. However, the best times to visit are during daylight for the views and at night for stargazing.
No, there is no separate fee for Panorama Point. It is included with your Arches National Park entrance fee.
Arches National Park often implements a timed entry system during peak seasons. It's crucial to check the official NPS website for current requirements and book your entry permit in advance if needed.
Tickets or timed entry permits for Arches National Park should be booked as soon as they become available, especially for peak season visits, as they can sell out quickly.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire area offers stunning 360-degree views. Look for compositions that include the rolling hills, distant mountains, and unique rock formations. The parking lot itself provides immediate access to incredible vistas. 
Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting, with golden hues illuminating the red rocks. Midday can be harsh, but the vastness of the landscape is still impressive.
Drone usage is prohibited in all national parks, including Arches National Park, to protect wildlife and preserve the natural environment.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive panoramas. For stargazing, a camera with good low-light performance and a tripod are essential.
The entire rim of the parking area offers excellent vantage points. You can also find smaller pull-offs along the short access road for slightly different perspectives.
🎫 ⭐ Stargazing
Absolutely! Panorama Point is renowned for its exceptional stargazing due to its remote location and minimal light pollution. It's an International Dark Sky Park.
On a clear night, you can see countless stars, constellations, planets, the Milky Way, and sometimes even shooting stars.
Yes, there are stone benches and interpretive displays related to stargazing, often used by park rangers for public lectures.
No, stargazing at Panorama Point is free and does not require any special booking, though daytime park entry fees may apply.
Bring a blanket or chair, warm clothing, and a red-light flashlight to preserve your night vision. A star chart or stargazing app can also enhance the experience.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the main attraction is the view, the stargazing opportunities at night can be magical for kids, offering a unique educational experience. Just be sure to pack extra water and sun protection, as the desert sun can be intense even for short visits. The vault toilet on-site is also a practical convenience for families.
🌌 Stargazers & Astrophotographers
Astrophotographers will find ample opportunities to capture stunning images of the night sky, especially with the dramatic desert landscape as a foreground. Bring your tripod, wide-angle lenses, and a camera with good low-light capabilities. Remember to use a red-light headlamp to preserve your night vision and that of others. The park's ranger programs on stargazing can also offer valuable insights.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Majesty of the Arches Landscape
This viewpoint is particularly effective for understanding the geomorphology of the region. You can observe how millennia of wind and water have sculpted the Entrada Sandstone into the dramatic formations seen today. The Fiery Furnace area, a labyrinth of narrow sandstone canyons, is also visible from here, offering a glimpse into a more rugged and challenging part of the park. It’s a place that encourages contemplation and a deeper appreciation for the forces of nature.
Many visitors find Panorama Point to be a perfect pit stop within the park. It's an ideal location to stretch your legs, enjoy a snack, and simply absorb the breathtaking scenery without a strenuous hike. The accessibility makes it a great spot for all visitors, including families and those with limited mobility, to experience the park's iconic beauty.
Arches National Park as an International Dark Sky Park
At Panorama Point, you'll find interpretive displays and often park rangers who can guide you through the celestial wonders above. Benches are strategically placed, allowing you to comfortably recline and gaze upwards. On a clear night, the Milky Way galaxy is often visible as a luminous band stretching across the sky, a truly awe-inspiring sight. It’s a chance to connect with the universe in a profound way, far from the distractions of modern life.
Visitors are encouraged to bring red-light flashlights to preserve their night vision and to download stargazing apps that can help identify constellations, planets, and other celestial objects. The experience of stargazing at Panorama Point is often cited as a highlight of a trip to Arches, offering a peaceful and magical counterpoint to the dramatic daytime landscapes.
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