Cannot Miss Sights in Arches National Park
Aptly named, Arches National Park has over 2,000 natural sandstone arches in the park, including the iconic Delicate Arch. Discover the massive red rock formations, arches, windows, pinnacles, balanced rocks, and more!
In this guide to Arches National Park, I’ll cover everything you need to know to plan a perfect trip based on my experience visiting the park.
Let’s get started!
Arches is open 24/7 every day of the year.
Park fees are $30 per vehicle which is valid for 7 days. If you’re planning on visiting multiple national parks an annual pass can be purchased for $80 and gives you access to all Federal fee areas for one year.
Arches is an extremely popular site, with more than 1.5 million visitors each year. Between March and October is the busiest season of the park, with the weeks surrounding Easter, Memorial Day weekend, and Labor Day weekend being the absolute busiest in the park.
There is parking available at multiple trailheads, but is limited and fills up early. For the most popular trailheads, plan on parking before 7:30 am or arriving later in the afternoon once some of the morning visitors have left. Long lines can also form at the entrance to the park as the park sometimes issues temporary restrictions into the park when the parking lots are full. These restrictions on entry to the park can last sometimes upwards of 3-5 hours. If the entrance is backed up, you are not allowed to stop along the highway or near the entrance sign to wait, so plan on coming back to the park at a later time. To avoid crowds, avoid visiting on holidays and weekends, visit the park early morning or late afternoon, and carpool if you can.
The most popular trailheads that can be hard to find parking at tend to be:
Devils Garden
Delicate Arch
The Windows
The Arches Visitor Center at the entrance to the park is the only visitor center in the park. It is open 8 am - 6 pm daily, and is closed on Christmas Day.
Delicate Arch
Distance: 3 miles roundtrip
Difficulty: Difficult
Elevation Change: 480 ft
Trailhead Access: Delicate Arch parking lot
Duration: 2.5 hours
Delicate Arch is the most iconic spot in the park. Start the first half-mile along a well-defined trail. After the first half-mile, you’ll begin to ascend up a rock face where there isn’t a clearly defined trail; just keep heading upwards along the rock. After hiking up the rock face, you’ll traverse a narrow rock ledge for about 200 yards. After going around the ledge, you’ll turn and be at the amazing Delicate Arch. The opening beneath the arch spans 46 ft high and 32 ft wide, making it the largest free-standing arch in the park, and it does not disappoint!
It can be extremely crowded at the arch, so if you want a picture standing under the arch (definitely recommend you take one since you hiked all the way there!), be prepared to wait in a short line to snap a picture.
Trekker Tip: There is little shade on the majority of the trail. When visiting, plan on arriving early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat.
If you’re not interested in hiking all the way to the arch, you can check out the two Delicate Arch viewpoints for a view of the arch in the distance. The Lower Delicate Arch Viewpoint only requires about a 100-yard walk to see the arch from about a mile away. The Upper Delicate Arch Viewpoint is a half-mile hike involving some stairs and offers a slightly less obstructed view.
Double Arch
Distance: 0.5 miles roundtrip
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Change: Minimal
Trailhead Access: Double Arch trailhead, in The Windows Section
Duration: 20 minutes
Double Arch is the tallest arch in the park with a height of 112 ft and the second widest arch in the park with a span of 144 ft. You can take a short stroll along a relatively flat surface to reach the base of the arch. You can also climb into the arch for great pictures!
This trail can be accessible to wheelchairs with some assistance.
Trekker Tip: Since they’re in the same section, plan to do this hike with the Windows.
Trekker Tip: This area has several short hikes, making it better to do in the middle of the day when it is hotter. There are also some nice picnic tables nearby to take lunch.
Windows
Distance: 1 mile roundtrip
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Change: Minimal
Trailhead Access: The Windows Trailhead, in The Windows Section
Duration: 45 minutes
Take a loop around the North Window, South Window, and Turret Arch along a gentle gravel trail. Some slight stairs are required to climb to get to the closest views of the Windows and Turret Arch. But this is a great place to stop if looking for a short hike or are short on time in the park.
Trekker Tip: Since they’re in the same section, plan to do this hike with Double Arch.
Sand Dune Arch
Distance: 0.3 miles roundtrip
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Change: Minimal
Trailhead Access: Sand Dune Arch trailhead
Duration: 20 minutes
Take an easy, short trail to reach sand dune arch. This is a great area for families to come where kids can play in the sand under the arch. Visitors are not allowed to climb on the arch, but you can stand under the arch. There is typically some shade around the arch, making it a great place to enjoy mid-day when it’s hot out.
Landscape Arch
Distance: 1.9 miles roundtrip
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Change: Minimal
Trailhead Access: Devils Garden trailhead
Duration: 1 hour
Visit one of the world's largest arches spanning 306 ft. What makes this even more incredible is how thin the arch is at only 11 ft thick in the center. In 1991, a 60ft slab of rock fell from this arch, making it as thin as it is currently.
You cannot hike under this arch due, but it’s spectacular to view from only a short distance away.
Trekker Tip: You can add to the hike by continuing down the path to visit Pine Tree Arch and Tunnel Arch. After this point, the trail becomes strenuous as you head towards Double O Arch, so only continue with lots of water and if in good shape.
Pine Tree Arch
Tunnel Arch
When we visited, we were at the trailhead during a large storm for the area. Small mud slides were occurring on the roads nearby as conditions were worsening. We started the hike right after the storm passed, and parts of the trail turned quick-sand like and made it more difficult to hike through. By the time we returned, however, the trail changed back into a solid surface. So if visiting right after a rain, be prepared for slightly tougher conditions.
Broken Arch
Distance: 2 miles roundtrip
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Change: 167 ft
Trailhead Access: Sand Dune Arch trailhead
Duration: 1-2 hours
Continue along the trail from Sand Dune arch to cross a large meadow to head towards Broken Arch. When crossing the meadow, the trail is not very well maintained, but follow the matted down portions of the meadow where people have previously walked. You cannot see the arch from the meadow, so it also feels like the meadow stretches for a while.
After crossing the meadow, there is a short section of scrambling required to take you to the arch. You can hike under this arch to snap pictures.
Balanced Rock
Distance: 0.3 miles roundtrip
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Change: Minimal
Trailhead Access: Balanced Rock parking lot
Duration: 15 minutes
At 128 ft tall, Balanced Rock is one of the most iconic features in the park, ranking along with Delicate Arch. Take a short loop around Balanced Rock to get views from all sides. Part of the path is paved and at the end of the paved section is a viewpoint where you can see The Windows and the La Sal Mountains off in the distance.
You can easily spend multiple days in this park. If you have more time, some other things you can check out are:
Explore the Fiery Furnace
You can hike through a labyrinth of narrow passages between the red sandstone walls. There are very few trail markers and it is possible to encounter dead ends and/or become lost. GPS units do not work well due to the large sandstone walls, so navigating requires careful observation.
To visit the Fiery Furnace you must join a ranger-guided hike which you can book up to 6 months in advance, or obtain a day-use permit online two - seven days in advance.
Ranger-guided hikes cost:
$16 for adults
$8 for children (5-12 years old)
Free for children under the age of 5
Day use permit costs:
$6 for adults
$3 for children (5-12 years old)
Free for children under the age of 5
$15 for an annual permit
Drive the 18-mile Scenic Road
Drive past many natural sandstone features, arches, windows, and more along the scenic drive. Plan to spend 4-5 hours if you want to drive all of the scenic road, stop at the viewpoints, and do some of the shorter hikes in The Windows Section.
If you have less time, drive to either The Windows Section or The Delicate Arch section to view some of the largest arches in the park.
Bicycling
Bicycling and e-bikes are permitted on all paved and unpaved roads in the park but are not allowed on any trails or anywhere off-road. The Salt Valley and Willow Springs dirt roads are better suited to mountain bikes, and as such get fewer bikers.
There are also numerous options for bike rides and mountain biking in the town of Moab.
Canyoneering
Arches has no real “slot canyons”, but has narrow passages between sandstone walls to explore.
Canyoners must complete a free self-registration permit.
Groups are limited to 10 people except in the Fiery Furnace or Lost Spring Canyon area where groups are limited to 6 people.
Take a Guided Four-Wheel Drive Tour
Three companies are authorized to operate in the park:
Horseback Riding
Horseback riding is limited to day use only.
Use is permitted on all designated four-well drive roads within the park, along with the Sun Valley road from the main park road to the park’s west boundary and the Klondike Bluffs road.
Groups are limited to 10 people and 10 pack animals.
Rock Climbing
The rocks in the park offer great climbing opportunities, however, most climbing routes require advanced techniques.
Groups are limited to 5 people, and guided rock climbing services are prohibited. You can obtain a free permit at the self-register kiosk outside the visitor center.
Stargaze
Arches National Park is certified as an official International Dark Sky Park. It can take your eyes 20-30 minutes to adjust to the dark, so give yourself some time to take in the sky. Some top stargazing areas are:
Balanced Rock
The Windows Section
Garden of Eden Viewpoint
Panorama Point
Explore the Nearby Town of Moab
The town of Moab is only 10 minutes away from the entrance to Arches National park, making it the most popular home base for visitors. In addition to just staying in Moab, there are multiple tours originating from Moab if you have extra time when visiting. Some top things to do are:
Take a rafting trip on the Colorado River
There are multiple choices for morning, mid-day, or full-day rafting trips depending on your interests.
Some top rated tour companies are:
Go on a four-wheeling tour
Four-wheeling is a great way to get off road and explore all the red sandstone cliffs have to offer.
Some top rated tour companies are:
Check out the Petroglyphs
Take in the ancient Petroglyphs that follow the Barrier Canyon Style and are believed to be between 1500 and 4000 years old.
You can view the Petroglyphs at:
Moab Golf Club
Courthouse Wash
Kane Creek Blvd.
Canyoneering
Take an adventure and rappel down a canyon to be rewarded with incredible views into the canyons.
Some top rated tour companies are:
Ride the Moab Zip Line
Take a four-wheeler up a mountain to reach the start of the zip line. On this ride up the mountain, I was holding on for dear life as you’re right on the edge of the mountain going over large rocks and I felt like we were seconds away from tipping over. Of course, the drivers are professionals and won’t let that happen, but it was a thrilling ride! The zip line is not very high off the ground from the mountain but offers great views overlooking the town of Moab and of the red sandstone formations. You’ll also have a chance to cross a suspension bridge through the mountain.
Some top-rated tour companies are:
Check out the restaurants and shops in downtown Moab
There are numerous stores to check out downtown. Options include gift shops, art galleries, rock ships, farmer’s markets, restaurants, and more!
Visit Canyonlands National Park
With only a 30 minute drive between Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park, these are great to combine together to visit in a single trip. Find out more about Canyonlands National Park by checking out the blog post deciated to the park.
Visit Dead Horse State Park
Located 40 minutes from Arches National Park and near the entrance to Canyonlands National Park, Dead Horse Point State Park features a dramatic overlook of the Colorado River featuring an amazing horseshoe bend in the river.
You can hike around the rim of the canyon ranging between a quarter of a mile to multiple miles to stop at the various overlooks. If not interested in hiking, a short walk to an overlook at the visitor center offers fantastic views of the horseshoe bend.
Trekker Tip: This is a good place to catch a sunset to finish off your day and snap a few pics.
Lodging in Arches National Park:
There is no lodge in Arches National Park, but camping is available.
Reservations are required to camp in Arches National Park between March 1st and October 31st. Between November 1st and the end of February, campsites are on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance.
The only campground is the Devils Garden Campground, and the campground offers drinking water, picnic tables, grills, and both pit-style and flush toilets.
Individual sites cost $25/night and group sites cost between $75-$250/night depending on group site size.
Lodging in Moab:
Moab is the most popular place to stay nearby as it is the largest town near the park, and is only about 10 minutes from the park entrance. Moab offers lots of shops and restaurants, making it a fantastic place to stay. You can find most large hotel chains in Moab, making it easy to collect or use your favorite brand’s loyalty points. There are also quite a few VRBOs and AirBNBs near Moab if you’re looking to have a place to yourself.
Popular hotels to stay at in Moab are:
Best Western Plus Greenwell Inn
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Moab
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Moab
Wingate by Wyndham Moab
This is where we stayed when we visited. This hotel is slightly further out of downtown Moab, making it a bit far if you want to walk to the shops or restaurants. But since it’s further from town, it tends to be less expensive. The pool at the hotel was very nice and a great way to cool down in the Utah heat.
We visited the week Arches and Canyonlands National Parks opened up after locking down for Covid-19, so the hotel was extremely empty and there were no more than 10 other guests at the hotel, which isn’t common. But being further from town, this hotel doesn’t fill up quite as fast as hotels right in downtown Moab.
Homewood Suites by Hilton Moab
Hyatt Place Moab
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Moab
La Quinta Inn & Suites Moab
There are no restaurants located inside Arches National Park, but the nearby town of Moab offers lots of options for dining. There are however, several picnic areas within the park if you want to bring your lunch. Picnic locations include:
Arches Visitor Center
Across from Balanced Rock
Panorama Point
Delicate Arch Viewpoint
Devils Garden
For lunches each day, we packed our own lunches and brought it with us into the park so we could experience all the park has to offer.
In Moab, popular places to eat are:
We ate dinner at the Spoke on Center one night. They had good burgers and fries, but also offer pasta, salad, and sandwiches.
We also ate dinner at the Broken Oar and had really good steaks. They offer a large menu with something for everyone including sandwiches, burgers, pasta, seafood, steak, salad, chicken, and ribs.
Quesadilla Mobilla is a popular food truck in downtown Moab offering a variety of quesadillas.
Sweet Cravings Bakery + Bistro on the north end of Moab offers coffee and pastries to help kick start your day.
Desert Bistro is a Southwestern-inspired American restaurant in downtown Moab.
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Helpful with the steep inclines if you’re planning to hike to Delicate Arch.
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Good hiking socks to keep your feet comfortable when scrambling over rocks or climbing up inclines.
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Bring waterproof hiking boots that are comfortable and you have a chance to break in before you set out on long hikes.
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Keep your hands free while having space for your sunscreen, water, extra layers, quick dry towel, and more.
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Is a must as Arches gets very hot and sunny and there are multiple areas that don’t have much shade.
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Stay hydrated while you’re hiking in the sun as Utah can get hot, hot, hot!
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A roll-up hat you can pack in your day bag to keep cool in the hot Arches sun.