The Top 11 Epic Hikes in Arches National Park

Arches is a hiker’s paradise known for its mountainous red orange rock formations, arches, and towers. Did you know there are over 90 miles of trails and over 2,000 arches to see in Arches National Park? Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a casual explorer, Arches offers something for everyone. We’ve created a guide to the best hikes in Arches National Park that will showcase the park’s natural beauty and unique geology.

11 Epic Hikes in Arches National Park

1. Delicate Arch Trail
2. Devil’s Garden Trail
3. Windows Loop and Turret Arch
4. Double Arch
5. Fiery Furnace
6. Landscape Arch Trail
7. Balanced Rock
8. Park Avenue Trail
9. Sand Dune Arch
10. The Wolf Ranch and Petroglyph Trail
11. Tower Arch

Delicate Arch Trail

• Length: 3.2  miles
• Elevation Gain: 629ft
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Route Type: Out & Back

Out of our list of the best hikes in Arches National Park, the Delicate Arch Trail is the most iconic and the hike you absolutely cannot miss. It is the most famous arch by far and often is the arch that majority of people go to see.

The hike starts off at Wolf Ranch area, crossing over a bridge and gradually takes you up some slab rock. Overall, the trail isn’t that technical and is pretty well marked. Though there are portions that can be a little difficult to navigate but just pay attention to the cairns and use a hiking app to help with navigation. The hike slowly climbs to a side wall trail right before you get to the grand finale, the Delicate Arch.

A heads up if you’re going in the summer, I recommend going early to beat the heat and the crowds. By mid-morning this hike gets super busy. Also, bring your water to stay hydrated and a hat as there is no shade on this trail. Overall, if you choose to do any trail in this park you have to do this one.

Devil’s Garden Trail

Length: 7.9 miles
Elevation Gain: 1085ft
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Route Type: Loop

The Devil’s Garden Trail is one of the most popular hikes in the northern portion of the park by the Devil’s Garden Campground. This loop is a bunch of smaller hikes within one big loop. Out of the best hikes in Arches National Park this loop provides access to many of the most interesting arches in the park.

One of the most known in this hike is the Landscape Arch, which is one of the longest natural arches in the world. The Double O Arch trail is a moderately challenging hike located in the Devil’s Garden area, highlighting its 4.1-mile length and elevation gain of 672 feet.

Other hikes along the Devils Garden loop include Tunnel Arch, Pine Tree Arch, Private Arch, Dark Angel Arch, Double O Arch, Partition Arch, Navajo Arch, and finally Landscape Arch. Now that’s a whole bunch of arches in one hike.

The trailhead is at the end of the main road through the park. While the parking area is pretty decent. It can get super busy on the weekends and in the summer season. I recommend doing this hike early in the morning if able to.

Windows Loop and Turret Arch 

• Length: 1.2 miles
• Elevation Gain: 154 ft
• Difficulty: Easy
• Route Type: Loop

The Windows is a nice short stop and is pretty accessible. Some sections have rock stairs. During this hike you’ll follow a short trail to three large giant openings in the red orange rocky section. Through the window is a scenic view of rocky landscapes. The Windows Loop is one of the many hiking trails in Arches National Park that offer stunning views and unique rock formations.

The trails are relatively short, hiking doesn’t take too long. A portion of the trails is fairly primitive only marked by small rocky outlines and small cairns. Hiking to the Turret Arch is a good addition as it is another beautiful free-standing arch in the area.

Overall, the windows loop is a great trek for the family and provides enough entertainment for the kids. It has a good amount of action for such a short hike, and it is near another popular and unique arches.

Double Arch 

• Length: 0.6 miles
• Elevation Gain: 95 ft
• Difficulty: Easy
• Route Type: Out & Back
• Accessible: Yes, beginning portion is

Double Arch Trail is another short out and back very close to the Windows Loop. The beginning of the trail is fairly accessible up to the base and provides a pretty good view of the double arch. At the end of the trail there is a bit of a scramble that will lead closer to the arches. The path is fairly sandy like a lot of the other trails in the area.

If you plan on seeing this arch and others in the area. Plan on getting to the area fairly early and if going at a busy time be prepared to have to wait a bit for parking. This parking lot fills up fairly quickly and it takes time for people to leave because of the many trail options.

Also, with that being said, be kind to others and aware of how long you are spending at these trails due to the limited space. Visitors can also explore the nearby Broken Arch for a more rewarding experience.

Fiery Furnace 

• Length: 2.1 miles 
• Elevation Gain: 492 ft 
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Route Type: Loop

This is a really unique part of the park. During sunrise and sunset, it can look like these rocks are on fire due to the way the sun hits them. There is a viewing area to see the fiery furnace on a short trail. To hike further into the area a permit will be required.

This is the only hike the requires a permit in this list of best hikes in Arches National Park. Mainly because it can be easy to get lost. I recommend doing the ranger lead hike into the Fiery Furnace if you have a chance, it can be purchased at the Arches National Park Visitors Center.

Landscape Arch Trail 

• Length: 1.9 miles 
• Elevation Gain: 252 ft 
• Difficulty: Easy
• Route Type: Out & Back 

Two mile out and back easy trail with a beautiful view of the landscape arch. The trail begins with a gentle slow ascent through beautiful red rock and desert vegetation. As you approach the arch, the path follows a light sandy flat area.

The Landscape Arch is quite a sight measuring about 306 feet from base to base which makes it the longest arch in North America. Just looking at the arch is jaw dropping as it appears to completely defy gravity. This trail was one of our favorites and would highly recommend it for anyone and even for families as the trail is usually well maintained and the distance isn’t too great.

Balanced Rock 

• Length: 0.3 miles 
• Elevation Gain: 55 ft 
• Difficulty: Easy
• Route Type: Loop
• Accessible: Yes, good portion is 

Probably the most family friendly trail out of this list of best hikes in Arches National Park and another one of our favorite hikes. While hiking this trail we found the majority of it was fairly paved, and the loop was short making probably taking us about 15 minutes. Which makes this a great short but entertaining trail for children.

It is one of the most accessible trails in the park and starts off fairly paved path taking you up close to a huge 3600-ton boulder perched atop a spire support and several other interesting rock formations. There is a section where you can climb up to the bottom of the rock to get a closer look which is exciting for children.

Overall, we found this trail short and fun and were just blown away by how unique this formation was. Like a lot of the other structures, it is so neat how this formation just stays standing with gravity constantly pushing down upon such a small amount of support.

Park Avenue Trail  

• Length: 1.8 miles 
• Elevation Gain: 298 ft 
• Difficulty: Easy
• Route Type: Out & Back 

The first trail you will most likely encounter in the park is the Park Avenue trail. It runs for about 2 miles round trip. At Park Avenue, you will see many rock structures around. One popular rock formation is “Queen Nefertiti”, a giant rock in an Egyptian looking shape. 

From the Park Avenue parking area, the trail descends about a mile downhill toward the area known as Courthouse Towers. Around this area are more neat contrasting colorful landforms. If you have a shuttle driver or other people with you. Then to make it a shorter trek you can begin at one point and be picked up at the other. 

Sand Dune Arch 

• Length: 0.3 miles 
• Elevation Gain: 108 ft 
• Difficulty: Easy
• Route Type: Out & Back 

Sand Dune Arch Trail leads through deep sand to a secluded arch among sandstone fins. It is very common to come back from this trail with shoes full of beautiful red sand so if you have children be ready! 

Out of our list of best hikes in Arches National Park this one is a great short trek for the family. It is an easy hike from the parking area to a neat area in the canyon that takes you through sandstone fins towards the Sand Dune Arch. One of our favorite things about this hike was how it stayed fairly shaded throughout.

Wolf Ranch and Petroglyph Trail 

• Length: 0.5 miles 
• Elevation Gain: 19 ft 
• Difficulty: Easy
• Route Type: Loop

Wolf Ranch and Petroglyph trail are neat hikes that we thoroughly enjoyed as history buffs. Wolf Ranch gives you an opportunity to learn and see more of the historical value of the park. The trail takes you back to the late 1800’s when the Ranch was first bought and developed.

Near the Ranch on Petroglyph Trails is an even older bit of history. An Ute rock art panel preserved shows the existence of ancient Indian civilizations in the park. 

Tower Arch 

• Length: 2.4 miles 
• Elevation Gain: 600 ft 
• Difficulty: Easy
• Route Type: Loop

The Klondike Bluffs are one of the more remote sections of Arches National Park. Before doing this trek check with park rangers to make sure the road has not been washed out. This trail is fairly lightly traveled but definitely worth it. 

Towards the middle of the trail is a neat structure called Marching Men. Features large sandstone fin structures that look similar to soldiers on a march. After that you will encounter more gradual ups and downs toward the Tower Arch. The Tower Arch lives up to its name as one of the larger arches in the park. Though still not the largest but definitely neat to see as it towers across the sky. 

Tips for Planning Your Visit

Planning a visit to conquer hikes in Arches National Park requires some preparation to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Here are some tips to help you plan your visit:

• Check the Park’s Website: Before heading out, make sure to check the Arches National Park website for up-to-date information on trail closures, weather conditions, and other important alerts. This will help you avoid any surprises and ensure a smooth visit.
• Visit During Shoulder Season: To avoid the crowds and extreme weather conditions, plan your visit during the shoulder season, which is from April to May or September to October. During these times, the temperatures are milder, and the park is less crowded, making for a more pleasant experience.
• Bring Essentials: Services within the park can be limited, so it’s crucial to bring plenty of water, snacks, and sun protection. The desert environment can be harsh, and staying hydrated and protected from the sun is essential.
• America the Beautiful Pass: If you plan on visiting multiple national parks, consider purchasing an America the Beautiful pass. This pass grants you free entry to all national parks for one year, saving you money and making your visits more convenient. Be sure to visit my other favorite parks Glacier National Park and the Grand Teton National Parks for more great hikes.
• Book Accommodations in Advance: Especially during peak season, accommodations in Moab or within the park can fill up quickly. Make sure to book your lodging well in advance to secure a place to stay.

By following these tips, you’ll be well-prepared for an unforgettable adventure in Arches National Park.

Best Time to Visit Arches National Park

The best time to visit Arches National Park is during Spring and Fall. At those times the temperatures are a little milder, about 60 to 80 degrees. Crowds can be a bit heavy during spring through fall. 

Summer gets pretty warm with temperatures exceeding 100F. Winter is much quieter, and you can hike many of the trails in solitude.

Spring

This is one of the best times to go. The temperatures are more mild ranging in the 60 to 80s. Because of the temperatures being milder at this time. This will be one of the most popular times to go.

Summer

At this time of the year temperatures can get pretty toasty. We’re talking temperatures in the 100s. When we went in June temperatures were easily around 105 during the afternoon.

But, despite it being hot the park was still packed with a high number of crowds by mid-day. At this time of the year expect big crowds with school out and families going on vacation. To beat the heat and the crowds start early and bring lots of water. 

Fall

Similar to Spring, temperatures are fairly mild ranging between 60s to 80s and sometimes cooler. Because of great temperatures this is another popular time for people to go visit. So, plan to start early.

Winter

Cooler temperatures in the 30s to 50s deter some people from coming. Having smaller crowds is probably the biggest benefit of going in the winter. Make sure to check the weather reports and NPS site for trail closures and snowy weather. Another positive is that snow and frost can make for a unique view of the park and a photographer’s dream. 

Timed Entry Reservations

During the park’s busy season, from April 1st to October 31st, Arches National Park implements a timed entry reservation system to help manage crowds. Reservations are required for entry between 7 AM and 4 PM. However, if you enter the park before 7 AM, you do not need a reservation.

To ensure you can visit the park during your desired time, make sure to plan ahead and book your reservation in advance. This system helps to reduce congestion and allows for a more enjoyable experience for all visitors. Remember, the early bird gets the worm, so consider arriving before 7 AM to avoid the need for a reservation and enjoy the park in the cooler morning hours.

Transportation for Arches National Park 

Overall, transportation is fairly easy to get set up if you are planning on heading to Arches. Moab, which is the main town next to Arches, makes it easier to set up vehicles and other accommodations. However, due to the popularity of the park it is always better to plan months ahead, so you’ll be ready when you get there.

How to Get There

The closest airport is served by the small Canyonlands Field Airports which has daily flights from Denver and a few car rental agencies. Grand Junction Regional Airport is the closest mid-sized airport located in Grand Junction, Colorado about 110 miles away from Moab. 

How to Get Around

The best way to get around is by vehicle using either your own or a rental. The park doesn’t offer a shuttle service. There are plenty of great online sources for rental cars and if you’re wanting to rent a RV or camper van check out RVshare for a good selection. 

Where to Stay

Finding a place to stay in Arches is limited and there is no lodging within the park. However, there are plenty if options in nearby towns like Moab, such as: 

Moab Springs Ranch: A neat resort located in the red cliffs of Moab, many springs flow through the resort which create a pretty contrast. The resort offers Townhouses and Bungalows and is located at the north portion of Moab. The resort provides nice amenities like a heated pool, hot tub, and private parking. Bungalows offer kitchenettes and townhomes full kitchens.

Hyatt Place Moab: A bit pricier, this hotel is only minutes away from Arches and has over 100 rooms available. There are also Casitas that provide stunning views of the red orange rock mountain views. The hotel offers access to a swimming pool, hot tub, and children’s playground. 

Bowen Motel: A little more budget friendly while not giving up on the quality. It offers the basic room amenities such as internet, refrigerator, tv, microwave. There is also a swimming pool on site. The big plus is location, it is walking distance to main parts of Moab which means easy access to dining and activities. 

Camping In Arches National Park 

Devil’s Garden Campground: This is the only campground in Arches National Park. It gets reserved fairly quickly and is usually full every night. Campsites between November and February are usually first-come, first-serve. 

There are usually many camping options outside of Arches in surrounding towns. Moab usually has quite a few options. Most of the campsites will fill up on weekends and holidays but during the week usually some are available with a little luck. Other campgrounds that we’ve enjoyed:

Up the Creek: This is a tent-only family run campground nestled in Moab. We stayed here a couple times and really enjoyed how close it was to the main part of Moab and to Arches. It is fairly small and limited on sites. Does offer showers, toilets, cleaning stations, and drinking water. 

Kings Bottom: This is a beautiful campground next to the Colorado River nestled in the canyons. It works on a first come first serve basis and is a tent and small RV campground. It has toilets but doesn’t have water or hook ups.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can you not miss at Arches National Park? I would for sure do the Delicate Arch Trail it is the most popular trail and is a bit of an icon in Utah.

What hikes to do at Arches National Park? If I had to choose the top trails to do in Arches National Park. I would for sure do the Delicate Arch Trail, add the Petroglyph trail at the beginning or end, Devils Garden loop, Windows Loop and Turret Arch, and finally make a quick stop at Double Arch after the Windows section. 

What is the most iconic arch in Arches National Park? Definitely the Delicate Arch 

Is 1 day enough in Arches? 1 day is enough to do the Delicate arch and a few of the shorter trails such as the Windows section. While also driving through the whole park. I would recommend at 2 days to do a little more. Arches is the second smallest National Park in Utah, so you really don’t need any more than 3 days. 

Summary of Best Hikes in Arches National Park 

1. Delicate Arch Trail 
2. Devil’s Garden Trail
3. Windows Loop and Turret Arch 
4. Double Arch 
5. Fiery Furnace 
6. Landscape Arch 
7. Balanced Rock 
8. Park Avenue Trail 
9. Sand Dune Arch 
10. The Wolf Ranch and Petroglyph Trail
11. Tower Arch 

Final Thoughts

Arches National Park is full of amazing hikes that let you see some of the coolest rock formations around. Whether you’re looking for an easy stroll or a tougher adventure, there’s a trail here for you. From the famous Delicate Arch to the hidden gems like Tower Arch, each hike offers something special.

Don’t forget to bring plenty of water, wear good shoes, and take lots of pictures! The red rocks and blue sky make for some awesome shots. So, pack your backpack, grab your hiking buddies, and get ready to make some great memories during your hikes in Arches National Park.

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on January 26, 2023, and updated on September 12, 2024