Outside the park
Outside of Arches National Park is Moab, a town full of lodging and dining options for Arches National Park's many tourists. Nearby areas include Castle Valley, Cisco (a ghost town), and Crescent Junction (not much to see there, folks). Castle Valley is 20 miles east of Moab, nestled right under the awesome loom of the La Sal Mountains. This tiny community (approx. 300 residents) boasts artists, naturalists, grubby outdoor folk, and even a winery with a distinct desert terroir. Most visitors, however, head right for Moab. Moab is a destination unto itself, boasting world-class rock climbing and mountain biking, and being no slouch in the river rafting and kayaking department either, what with the Colorado River running right through town. Visit the sister companies of The Moab Adventure Center and Red Rock Outfitters to get a handle on your outdoor activities. Quench your thirst at the Moab Brewery or Eddie McStiff's. Stroll through downtown and take in the Southwest-themed bookstores, gorgeous local artisan crafts, and a decent variety of restaurants, including sushi, vegetarian, Mexican, and good old American diner food. Canyonlands National Park is also near Moab. This rugged, beautiful destination offers vistas markedly different from Arches, though definitely no less striking. Most visitors combine their parks and visit both Canyonlands and Arches.