Activities to Explore in Arches National Park
Start your day early in Arches National Park, located in eastern Utah, and prepare for an unforgettable journey through one of America's most unique natural landscapes.
Morning: Kick off your adventure with the Devils Garden Trail, considered the best hike in the park. This trail offers a flexible route, allowing you to choose a short 1.6-mile round trip to Landscape Arch or extend to a full 7.8-mile loop visiting up to eight arches. For families or those seeking less strenuous options, explore nearby Pine Tree Arch and Tunnel Arch at the start of Devils Garden Trail (CuddlyNest, Earth Trekkers).
Midday: Afterward, head to the Windows District, featuring short, easy walks to the spectacular Double Arch and other formations. Don't miss out on Balanced Rock and Park Avenue viewpoints for classic photographic spots with panoramic views (CuddlyNest, TripAdvisor).
Afternoon: Plan your afternoon for the moderately strenuous 3-mile round-trip hike to Delicate Arch, Utah’s most iconic landmark. To avoid peak heat and crowds, it's best to hike either early in the morning or late afternoon. Alternatively, the Delicate Arch Viewpoint offers an easier way to see the arch if time or fitness is limited (CuddlyNest).
Evening: Finish your day by watching the sunset at Delicate Arch, a highly recommended and dramatic way to end your visit to Arches National Park.
A balanced itinerary includes:
- Early morning: Devils Garden Trail (choose distance based on ability)
- Midday: Windows District and Balanced Rock viewpoints
- Afternoon: Delicate Arch hike or viewpoint
- Evening: Sunset at Delicate Arch
Starting early (around 7-8 AM) helps avoid midday heat, especially in summer. Bring water, sun protection, and plan according to your hiking fitness and time available (CuddlyNest, Earth Trekkers).
Popular spots for sunset photos in Arches National Park include Delicate Arch, Balanced Rock, and Turret Arch through North Window.
Remember, Arches National Park is a fragile ecosystem, so stay on trails to help preserve its natural beauty. The Arches Scenic Drive provides access to popular trailheads such as Park Avenue, Balanced Rock, and Fiery Furnace Viewpoint.
Exploring the Fiery Furnace, a maze of narrow sandstone canyons, requires a permit or participation in a ranger-led hike.
The proximity of Arches National Park to Canyonlands National Park, Dead Horse Point State Park, and the adventure-filled town of Moab adds to the itinerary for visitors, offering additional activities like rafting, mountain biking, and off-road tours.
Lastly, keep in mind that Arches National Park has timed entry reservations from spring to fall, so plan accordingly. The Arches Scenic Drive is an 18-mile route that winds through the park, offering views of rock formations, desert landscapes, and the La Sal Mountains.
Enjoy your day in Arches National Park, a photographer's paradise with unique shapes and textures of the arches that change with the light throughout the day. The National Park Service also offers ranger-led activities and Arches is a certified International Dark Sky Park, making it an exceptional place for stargazing.
- Begin your day early at 7-8 AM in Arches National Park, a unique natural landscape in eastern Utah.
- Start your adventure with the Devils Garden Trail, the park's best hike, offering flexible routes to Landscape Arch.
- For families or less strenuous options, explore Pine Tree Arch and Tunnel Arch at the start of Devils Garden Trail.
- Journey to the Windows District afterward for short, easy walks to Double Arch and other formations.
- Don't miss out on Balanced Rock and Park Avenue viewpoints for classic photographic spots with panoramic views.
- Plan your afternoon for a moderately strenuous 3-mile round-trip hike to Delicate Arch, Utah’s most iconic landmark.
- To avoid peak heat and crowds, hike Delicate Arch either early in the morning or late afternoon.
- The Delicate Arch Viewpoint offers an easier way to see the arch if time or fitness is limited.
- Finish your day by watching the sunset at Delicate Arch, providing a dramatic end to your visit to Arches National Park.
- Popular spots for sunset photos include Delicate Arch, Balanced Rock, and Turret Arch through North Window.
- Arches National Park is a fragile ecosystem, so stay on trails to preserve its natural beauty.
- The Arches Scenic Drive offers access to popular trailheads like Park Avenue, Balanced Rock, and Fiery Furnace Viewpoint.
- Exploring the Fiery Furnace, a maze of narrow sandstone canyons, requires a permit or ranger-led hike.
- The proximity to Canyonlands National Park, Dead Horse Point State Park, and Moab offers additional activities like rafting, mountain biking, and off-road tours.
- Arches National Park has timed entry reservations from spring to fall, so plan accordingly.
- Enjoy your day in Arches National Park, a photographer's paradise with unique shapes and textures, offering views of rock formations, desert landscapes, and the La Sal Mountains, and an exceptional place for stargazing as it's a certified International Dark Sky Park.
