Arches National Park is best known for its natural sandstone arches. There are more than 2,000 arches within the park. Carved by wind, ice and water over millenniums, these stunning rock formations create a unique and picturesque landscape. The park is even more spectacular at sunset when the park’s arches, pinnacles, spires, fins, and balanced rocks turn a blazing orange color.
It’s possible to explore the park in one day with the 25-mile scenic drive and see the highlights. However, we recommend spending more time in Arches and hiking to get a closer look at the park’s most famous natural features, such as Delicate Arch, Double Arch, Landscape Arch and Balanced Rock. You will definitely want to see all the most famous arches but be sure to take some time to enjoy the less visited areas to get away from the crowds. We enjoyed the times when we could just hear the sounds of nature and contemplate our surroundings.
Also, be sure to return to the park in the evening for stargazing. Find a spot away from the car lights and be prepared to be dazzled once your eyes adjust to the darkness. On a clear night you might even see the Milky Way!
Delicate Arch
Delicate Arch, the park’s largest free-standing sandstone arch, is probably Arches most famous attraction and one of Utah’s most recognizable landmarks. It is, after all, featured on the state’s license plates. This iconic arch is a must-see, and you can get a distant view from the Lower Viewpoint which is wheelchair accessible. Another option is to hike up a moderately difficult rocky trail to the Upper Viewpoint. But here too, you will only see it from a distance. To get a closer look, you must hike the full trail which is uphill on slick rock and includes walking along a narrow ledge. I can’t believe that I did this strenuous 3-mile (4.8 km) hike with my vertigo. But I’m so glad I did because from up there the view was amazing with the La Sal Mountains in the background and we could even get up close and touch Delicate Arch.
At the beginning of the trail you will see the Wolfe Ranch cabin, built by John Wesley Wolfe in the early 1900s. And a bit further along the trail you will see some Ute Indian petroglyphs dating back to 1650 -1850 AD.
We were there at mid-day but if you can go later in the afternoon when the sun lights up the front of Delicate Arch the shadow will be behind it for the best pictures.
Double Arch
Double Arch is one of the park’s most scenic arches and a must-see. You can see it from the parking lot but there is an easy, mostly flat, half-mile trail that leads to its base. From this perspective you can appreciate its grandiosity and beauty. You can actually climb up on the rocks to get under it and get some pictures of the sky in the background. This is also Arches’ tallest arch.
On the way you will pass by the Parade of Elephants rock formation!
Landscape Arch
Landscape Arch is Arches National Park’s longest arch with an opening of 306 ft (93.3 m). At its narrowest point it’s only six feet wide. In 1991, hikers heard loud cracking noises and had time to get out of the way before a huge 60-foot long rock slab came crashing down. Since then, it’s no longer possible to go under it but viewing this marvel of nature is well worth the 1.8-mile (2.9 km) roundtrip trek. On the way make a small detour along the well-marked trail to see Pine Tree Arch and Tunnel Arch.
Landscape Arch is located in the Devils Garden area at the end of the scenic road and to see it you must walk along part of the Devils Garden Trail. This is a difficult trail but the part to get to Landscape Arch is fairly easy on hard packed terrain. However, beyond this point the trail becomes more challenging with narrow ledges, uneven terrain and (we hear) that it requires some scrambling up rock faces.
Balanced Rock
This interesting rock formation seems to defy gravity and is best viewed at sunset. It’s visible from the car, but we suggest getting a closer look by walking around the base of Balanced Rock. The short trail is very easy and part of it is paved.
Balanced Rock is also a popular stargazing spot.
The Windows and Turret Arch
This is one of Arches National Park’s most scenic areas with a large concentration of arches. There is a short easy 1-mile (1.6 km) roundtrip trail that leads to three of the park’s famous arches. The North Window, South Window and Turret Arch. There is also a longer and more primitive trail that goes around the back of the window arches where you will get The Spectacle view.
Double Arch is also located in this area.
Garden of Eden
From this scenic spot you will see interesting rock formations and the Elephant Butte. However, we preferred the amazing view of the whole Windows section with the La Sal Mountains in the background that we got from a pull-off near the Garden of Eden. It was even more spectacular at sunset!
Fiery Furnace Viewpoint
When the sun lights up this area the sandstone fins turn a bright fiery orange. This was a great place to come and simply bask in the beauty and quiet of Arches National Park. At times we had the place to ourselves, well almost, this cute little Hopi chipmunk showed up to keep us company. Well maybe he was just after our lunch!
It’s also possible to take a ranger-guided hike through this maze of narrow canyons but be aware that this hike is strenuous and difficult. To venture out on your own you and everyone in your party must obtain a permit at the visitor center.
Sand Dune Arch
To see this secluded arch, you need to navigate through sandstone fins. The sandy trail is only 0.3-mile (0.5 km) roundtrip. We really enjoyed this quiet spot.
Skyline Arch
The trail to Skyline Arch is short and easy but once at the end of the trail we found that we had a much better view from a distance.
Park Avenue and Courthouse Towers
When you enter Arches National Park, Park Avenue is one of the first viewpoints that you will see. In the afternoon, the sun enhances the warm golden hue of these colossal rock towers beautifully. This is a very scenic part of the park where you can walk amongst these towering rock formations. Seeing them from their bases lets us really appreciate their grandeur.
Park Avenue is a moderate 1-mile (1.6 km) hike but unless you have someone to pick you up at the other end you will have to backtrack and return to your starting point.
Hiking in Arches National Park
There are lots of great hikes to do in the park. They range in levels of difficulty from an easy stroll in the park to walking along narrow ledges and scrambling up uneven rock faces and rough terrain. Be sure to wear sturdy shoes or hiking boots as many of the trails are rocky and uneven. Some might need a walking stick. Also, there isn’t much shade on the trails, so be sure to wear sunscreen and a hat, and bring plenty of water. This is even more important if you visit in the summer months when temperatures can exceed 100ºF (38ºC). I’m sure glad that we visited in April because I don’t think that I could have done all the hikes we did in the coming summer heat.
For a list of trails, lengths, elevations, and levels of difficulty see the Arches National Park website.
Good to know
Arches National Park entrance fee for a private vehicle is $30 and the admission is good for a week. But if you plan on visiting other national parks throughout the year, we suggest that you buy the America the Beautiful $80 annual park pass. We always do and it’s really worth it.
Get there early or late afternoon, especially during the busy season, to avoid a long line at the entrance. When the park is full, you may even get turned away. The gate is open 24hrs so you can get in for your stargazing or sunrise and sunset moments.
Stop by the Visitor Center (8am – 5 pm) for extra information about the park’s trails and wildlife (and souvenirs).
Bring snacks and water with you because there are no food concessions within the confines of the park. And be sure to carry your trash back out to keep this National Park beautiful.
Aside from the Devils Garden Campground there isn’t any lodging within the park.
Arches National Park is located about 5.5 miles (9 km) from Moab, Utah, making this a good place to stay. We stayed at the Springhill Suites Moab by Marriott and this was a perfect home base to visit Arches, Canyonlands and Dead Horse Point State Park.