Salt Valley Overlook

The Salt Valley Overlook at Arches National Park near Moab, Utah is an easy 0.1-mile out-and-back walk that leads to the panoramic vista over Salt Valley.

This is not a hike but rather a very short off-trail walk that leads from the Salt Valley Overlook parking lot, due east, to reach an overlook vista. Hikers will follow a bedrock outcropping that's mostly-flat out to the viewpoint. From the view, you'll see why it's named the Salt Valley -- in the distance you can clearly see the white salt deposits sitting on hillside slopes.

How to Get Into Arches National Park
Note that Arches National Park, as of September 2023 (and earlier) only allows vehicles to enter the park during scheduled time slots. You can read all about Arches' timed entry here and you can find reservation information here. Reservations are grabbed quickly, so be sure to log onto the reservation website when the date opens up to grab your timed entry ticket. Note that vehicles can enter the park outside of the timed entry slots (i.e. before 7AM or after 4PM each day, as of September 2023). If you do not have a timed entry ticket between 7AM and 4PM, do not wait in line to enter the park as you will be turned away and will slow everyone else down. The vehicle line to enter the park is very long and wait-times to enter can be a pain so show up prepared.

Parking
Hikers will find a large parking lot at the coordinates provided at the end of Salt Valley Overlook Road in Arches National Park. The lot is large enough to fit over a dozen vehicles.

Pets
Dogs are not allowed on any trails at Arches National Park. Please do not bring your dog here.

Fees
As of September 2023, there's a $30 fee per vehicle to enter Arches National Park.

Warnings
Sun exposure: This trail has very little shade and no water sources. Pack-in all water and wear sun screen and a hat to protect against sun exposure. It's smart to hike either in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the intense desert sun.

No water: This trail has no water sources so you must pack-in all water. A general rule of thumb in the desert is 1 gallon of water per person per day.

Rattlesnakes: This is rattlesnake territory, so be on the lookout and give any rattlers you find plenty of space.