Utah’s Arches National Park is famous around the world for its incredible hiking and outdoor adventures. With over 2,000 natural sandstone arches, the park has diverse trails for every skill level.
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just getting started, Arches has something for everyone. This guide covers the best hikes Arches National Park has to offer, along with essential tips and planning information.
Get ready for an unforgettable experience exploring the unique and breathtaking landscapes of Arches. We’ll also cover how to make the most of your visit while respecting the park’s fragile environment.
Planning Your Arches National Park Hiking Trip
A little planning can go a long way when you’re headed to Arches National Park. Here are some things to keep in mind.
Best Time to Visit Arches National Park
Spring and fall are generally thought to be the best times to go, since the temperatures are milder then. Summers can be extremely hot, so if you go then, you’ll need to take extra precautions to avoid heatstroke. Winter can be beautiful and uncrowded, but you might encounter snow and ice.
Getting to Arches National Park
Arches National Park is near Moab, Utah. Moab has hotels and restaurants, gas stations, and outdoor stores where you can buy gear or get advice.
The closest major airport is Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC), which is about a 4-hour drive away.
Essential Permits and Reservations
During the busy season, you may need to reserve a timed entry ticket to get into the park. You’ll also need a backcountry permit if you plan to camp overnight. It’s a good idea to research trail conditions and permit requirements before you go.
If you want to stay at Devils Garden Campground, the only campground inside the park, you’ll need to make a reservation well in advance.
Arches National Park Hiking Tips
Hiking in Arches National Park can be an unforgettable experience, but it’s important to be prepared. Here are a few tips to help you stay safe and protect the park’s delicate environment.
Safety First
- Carry plenty of water. The park service recommends at least a gallon of water per person per day. Dehydration is a real risk, especially in the warmer months.
- Protect yourself from the sun. Wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. The desert sun can be intense, even when it’s not that hot.
- Wear appropriate footwear. Hiking boots with good traction are essential. The trails can be rocky and uneven, and you’ll want ankle support.
- Be aware of weather conditions. Check the forecast before you go, and be prepared for sudden changes. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in the summer.
Leave No Trace Principles
Help preserve the beauty of Arches National Park for future generations by following Leave No Trace principles:
- Pack out everything you pack in. Don’t leave any trash behind. Dispose of waste properly.
- Stay on marked trails. Avoid creating new trails or shortcuts. Protect fragile vegetation and prevent erosion.
- Don’t carve or mark on rocks. Preserve the natural beauty of the park.
Other Considerations
- Start hikes early. Beat the crowds and the heat. Sunrise hikes offer stunning views and solitude.
- Be aware that dogs are not allowed on trails or overlooks.
- Respect wildlife. Observe animals from a distance, and do not feed them.
Must-Do Hikes in Arches National Park
Arches National Park is a hiker’s paradise, offering trails for all skill levels. Here are a few of the hikes you won’t want to miss:
Delicate Arch
This is the big one, the most iconic arch in the park. The hike to Delicate Arch is a 3-mile round trip that gains about 600 feet in elevation, so give yourself 2 to 3 hours to complete it. If you want to avoid some of the crowds, try visiting in the winter or at sunrise.
Keep in mind that the last part of the trail is a slickrock slope with absolutely no shade, so it’s best to hike this trail in cooler weather or at a cooler time of day.
Landscape Arch
Located in the Devils Garden area, Landscape Arch is the longest arch in Arches National Park. This is a fairly easy 1.8-mile round trip hike with very little elevation gain, so you should be able to complete it in 30 to 45 minutes.
This trail was rerouted at one time due to a rockfall.
Devils Garden Loop Trail (including Double O Arch and Dark Angel)
If you’re up for a challenge, try the Devils Garden Loop Trail. This hike can be up to 7.8 miles long, and there are several places where you can turn around if you get tired. Plan to spend up to 3 hours on this trail.
Along the way, you’ll see several arches, including Landscape Arch, Double O Arch, and Partition Arch.
The Primitive Trail section can be tricky to navigate, so be sure to bring a map.
Windows Loop & Turret Arch
This is a short and easy 1-mile loop with about 154 feet of elevation gain. You should be able to complete it in about 30 minutes. Along the way, you’ll see North Window, South Window, and Turret Arch.
Since the Windows Loop and Double Arch share a parking area, you may want to combine these two hikes into one visit.
Double Arch
This is an easy 0.5-mile out and back trail with very little elevation gain, so it should only take you about 15 minutes to complete. You’ll see two massive arches that were formed by water erosion.
Park Avenue Trail
The Park Avenue Trail is a 2-mile trail that winds through a canyon with towering rock formations. Allow 40 minutes to an hour to complete this hike, which offers stunning views of the park’s landscape.
Sand Dune Arch
This is a short and easy 0.3-mile out and back trail with about 100 feet of elevation gain. It should only take you about 15 minutes to hike. You’ll see a sandy area nestled between sandstone fins, which makes for a unique experience.
Other Notable Hikes and Viewpoints
Arches National Park is bursting with incredible hikes and stunning scenery. Here are a few more options to consider:
Balanced Rock
Balanced Rock is an iconic rock formation that’s accessible via an easy 0.3-mile loop. You can probably complete the loop in about 15 minutes. Consider visiting at sunrise or sunset for a particularly memorable view.
Partition Arch & Navajo Arch
These arches, accessible via the Devils Garden Trail, offer unique perspectives and great photo opportunities. It’s a 2.9-mile out-and-back trail with a 500-foot elevation gain, so plan to spend about an hour and a half on this hike.
Lower Delicate Arch Viewpoint
If you’re not able to hike to Delicate Arch, this viewpoint offers a distant view of the famous arch. This is a 0.7-mile out-and-back trail with a 140-foot elevation gain, so it’s a fairly easy 20-minute walk.
Tower Arch
Tower Arch is a less-crowded hike that leads to a massive, impressive arch. The trail is 2.4 miles out and back, with a 600-foot elevation gain. Plan for about 2 hours to complete this hike.
In Summary
From easy, accessible strolls to challenging backpacking treks, Arches National Park has a hike for just about everyone. With the right planning and preparation, you can safely experience the park’s unparalleled beauty.
While you’re there, remember to Leave No Trace so that others can enjoy the park for years to come. That means respecting the fragile desert environment and minimizing your impact.
Arches is more than just a daytime destination, too. It’s also an International Dark Sky Park, which means it offers some of the best stargazing on Earth. If you have the chance, plan to stay after dark and enjoy the celestial wonders.
Whether you’re seeking adventure, solitude, or simply breathtaking scenery, Arches National Park is an unforgettable destination that will stay with you long after you leave.