Arches National Park truly is one of the most beautiful places on earth! Arches is home to some of the most dramatic terrains in the United States.
It has 73,234 acres of balanced rock formations, tall hoodoos, and the largest expansion of arches in the world! How cool is that? With over 2,000 natural sandstone arches recorded, the park is overflowing with natural beauty and ample things to see and do.
Exploring this unearthly terrain is a memorable experience, to say the least. There are so many beautiful archways and trails it will have you reaching for your camera at every stop.
When it comes to planning hiking trails and arches, it can be slightly overwhelming as there are so many, so I’m here to share with you 8 of the absolute BEST arches in Arches National Park. You truly can’t go wrong with any of these. Let’s get hiking!
Get your camera and hiking boots ready! Here are the best arches in Arches National Park that you shouldn’t miss.
1. Delicate Arch
Hands down, Delicate Arch is possibly the most famous arch in the world and is one of the best arches in Arches National Park that you can visit.
With more than 480 feet (146m) above the parking lot and trailhead, Delicate Arch is a 46-foot (14.02m) high sandstone arch making it the largest free-standing arch in all of Arches National Park.
It’s one of the most photographed arches in the world and has become a definitive icon for Southern Utah, so much so it’s even depicted on their license plates.
Hiking to Delicate Arch is a very popular thing to do on any USA road trip and is certainly worth braving the crowds for. The hiking trail is a 3-mile round trip (4.8km), roughly taking 2-3 hours to complete. Delicate Arch is considered a moderate hike with a steadily uphill trail.
The best time to hike Delicate Arch is at sunset or at sunrise. Watch the arch glow in the warm afternoon light as it peaks through the archway.
During the summer months, there’s generally quite a crowd at sunset; however, it’s totally worth staying back afterward to see the arch under the stars.
Delicate Arch Viewpoints
There are two other areas where you can view Delicate arch without hiking the main trail.
First is the Upper Delicate Arch Viewpoint. Here, you can see Delicate Arch from a higher elevation in the distance. You still have to hike a bit. However, this viewpoint is much easier and quicker to get to.
The second is from the Lower Delicate Arch viewpoint. The arch is much further away here, and honestly, it’s not a great viewing spot. overall, I wouldn’t recommend this trial.
What you need to know!
There is no shade on this hike, so be sure to pack plenty of water, sunscreen, and a hat.
The Delicate Arch hike is one of the busiest in all of the park, be sure to have a solid plan when it comes to finding a car park and hiking at popular times.
Wolfe Ranch is the beginning of the Delicate Arch trail. To get there, turn right onto Delicate Arch road about 1.2 miles down, you will see the arch parking lot to your left.
Grab an annual pass and start saving now!
For $80, America the Beautiful Pass will grant you access to multiple National Parks around the United States for an entire year.
It’s absolutely worth purchasing if you plan to visit numerous parks on your USA road trip!
Please Note: From April 1st to October 31st, 2023, in order to visit Arches, you must have a timed entry ticket. Entry permits are released 6 months in advance.
2. The Windows
Also known as the spectacles, The Windows are two side-by-side arches separated by a large sandstone fin commonly referred to as the nose.
The windows section offers three incredible arches in a short one-mile (1.6km) scenic loop trail.
From the parking area, the main trailhead leads to the North and South Windows. From the North Window, head to the right and follow the Spur trail. This will take you toward the breathtaking Turret Arch.
To get back to the car park, you can follow the Primitive Trail back around. Please note that this trail isn’t well marked, and you will need to follow the cairns (the small stacked stone markers) to navigate your way back.
For such easy hikes, the Windows Primitive Loop packs a lot in! The Windows are a family-friendly trail and lead to some of the park’s most popular hikes.
North Window
Starting at the car park, the first window you will come across is the North Window. Its grand staircase leads you to its large base opening. Within the base, you can see Dry Mesa and Dome Plateau in the distance.
I highly recommend hiking through to the opposite side as it offers incredible views of Turret Arch within the North Window opening.
Did you know Arches National Park is one of the best places to see the milky way? Plan a sunset hike to experience the arches after dark, this is one of the best times to witness the natural beauty of the windows.
South Window
As you leave the North Window, follow the trail towards the left and follow the signs to the South Window. The trail will lead you to the base of the South Window, looking up into the opening.
The South Window is the third largest arch in the park sitting at 65 feet high (19.8m) and 115 feet wide (35m).
Unless you are a pro climber, do not attempt to climb into the South Window opening. it’s extremely difficult. There have been reports that several people have fallen or have become stranded trying to do so.
3. Turret Arch
Coming in at number three on our best arches in Aches National Park list is Turret Arch. Located within the Windows section, Turret Arch is the smallest of the three arches in this area.
This was my favorite arch in the Windows. Peaking through the arch, you can see beautiful views out over the Parade of Elephants.
Again this hike doesn’t require too much effort but still offers that wow factor when you see its impressive views. The trail to Turret Arch is a short hike via the Windows trail, providing little to minimum elevation gain.
This arch is about 64 feet high (19.5m) and 39 feet wide (11.8m) and has a similar resemblance to a keyhole. While Turret Arch may be one of the smaller arches in the park, it’s certainly one of the most picturesque.
To reach Turret Arch from the Windows parking lot, take the Windows Loop Trail in either direction and look for the Turret Arch turnoff (Spur Trail).
The whole windows loop is short and beautiful, I recommend completing the entire circle and soaking in all the viewpoints.
Once you have fully explored the Windows and Turret Arch, head back to the car park and start making your way toward Double Arch, another popular hike in the park with unique archways.
4. Double Arch
Recorded as the third-largest archway opening in the park, Double Arch is one of the most unique and interesting rock formations in the park. Its double arch consists of two large arches that share the same stone base structure.
Its arches were formed differently from the others in the park, they were from by downward water erosion from above rather than the usual erosion that happens from the side. From the car park, its sheer size doesn’t come into full view until you get closer. It’s absolutely gigantic!
Its largest opening sits 148 feet (45m) wide and has a whopping height of 104 feet (32m). This is my all-time favorite arch in the entire park! The views from inside the natural arches are unbelievable, it really takes your breath away.
The trailhead to Double Arch is just a short walk from the Windows car park. The trek out to the arches is about half a mile (0.8km) and is relatively flat and easy to navigate.
Fun Fact! Movie buffs may recognize this location from the opening scene of Spielberg’s “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.” when a young Indy enters through a small rock cave.
5. Sand Dune Arch
Another great arch you shouldn’t miss is Sand Dune Arch, A hidden Gem! Tucked away between sandstone fins is this spectacular arch, very unlike the other arches in the park.
To get to the arch, walk along the sandy pathway. This will lead you through a passage between two rows of sandstone fins, revealing a secluded Sand Dune Arch. This hike is very easy. It’s mostly in the shade and is the shortest hike you can do, taking about 15mins to complete.
The best place for a photo at Sand Dune Arch is inside the archway, looking back. This was my second favorite arch in the park. I love how hidden it is.
Sand Dune Arch is located near the Devils Campground at the north end of Arches National Park. Sand Dune is an amazing hike and is the perfect place for kids to play in the sand and wander through the canyon walls.
6. Navajo Arch
A short detour off the Devil’s Garden Trail will lead to the stunning Navajo Arch. The trail route begins at the Landscape Arch trailhead. Follow the trail down until it comes to a fork, take the side trail, this will then lead you to Navajo Arch.
The arch features a low sandstone opening, which you can walk through to the other side. Its sheer beauty, trail accessibility, and beautiful vegetation make it one of the best arches in Arches National Park.
Be sure to combine your Navajo Arch hike with Petition Arch, this arch isn’t quite as popular as the others but still just as beautiful.
7. Double O Arch
Not to be confused with Double Arch, Double O Arch is the second-largest arch along the Devil’s Garden Trail. It can be found at the far end of the Devils Garden Primitive Loop, 1.93 miles past the main trail and car park.
This incredible arch is absolutely captivating, and I’m happy it made the top seven of this list. Double O Arch is considered a moderate hike with narrow ledges and steep drop-offs. This trail does have some cairns, which will help direct you.
Remember to always practice caution when it comes to more difficult hikes.
What makes The Devil’s Garden such a great place to explore is the many surrounding arches that make up some of the best landscapes in the park.
I’m excited to get back and explore more of this area someday, I feel as if I only just scratched the surface here!
8. Landscape Arch
Situated at the end of the Devil’s Garden Loop is the magnificent Landscape Arch. This beautiful archway has a grand opening of 306 feet (93.2m), which makes it the longest stone opening in the world.
If you’re on the hunt for the most impressive arches in the park, all I can say is that Landscape Arch doesn’t disappoint. About 18 miles (28km) from the Visitor Center, the car park for Landscape Arch can be found towards the end of Arches Scenic Drive.
Landscape Arch is a small, easy hike, roughly 1.6 miles (2.5km) out and back.
Did you know In 1991, parts of the arch actually collapsed? Nearby hikers heard popping and cracking sounds coming from the arch, which led to large portions of rocks falling.
Other amazing rock formations in Arches National Park
Arches National Park contains the world’s most impressive collection of natural sculptures. Throughout the park, you’ll see more wonders in all shapes and sizes, including balanced rocks, needles, pinnacles, spires, gargoyles, hoodoos, and more.
See below for more awesome rock formations that are totally worth checking out on your Arches National Park trip!
Balanced Rock
This iconic rock formation is a must-see when visiting the park. As stated in the name, Balanced Rock is an epic rock that happens to be balancing on top of a rock boulder.
This unbelievable rock formation stands 128 feet (39m) tall and is one of the most famous formations in the entire park.
Fun fact! Balanced rock isn’t actually balancing at all, the rock itself is made of the same entrada sandstone as Delicate Arch, and it sits on a layer of soft bridge mudstone underneath.
With millions of years of erosion, the soft mudstone eroded away, leaving the rock-shaped formation situated on top of an ever-shrinking pillar.
Park Avenue
Just past the Visitor Center, you will come across your first stop in the park, Park Avenue.
This beautiful easy hike takes you past some of the park’s most impressive rock formations, including The Three Gossips and the Courthouse Towers. You can also see the nearby views of the La Sal Mountains.
The Park Avenue Trail is a one-mile hike (1.6km) that follows along the bottom of a canyon alongside some of the park’s enormous monoliths. The hike takes around 50 mins to complete.
Dark Angel
Located northwest of Dobule O Arch is a 150-foot sandstone tower called Dark Angel. It was named Dark Angel due to its dark sandstone color.
Dark Angel is a great out-and-back hike within Devil’s Garden loop. This hike passes the famous Landscape Arch, the largest arch in the world.
Fiery Furnace
Named after its fiery red glow, the Fiery Furnace is a large maze collection of sandstone canyons. There are three ways to experience the canyons, at the viewpoint, on a ranger-guided hike, or on a self-guided exploration with a permit.
Head to the Fiery Furnace viewpoint in the late afternoon to watch the sunset and see the canyons glow in the soft light.
How many Arches are in Arches National Park
Arches National Park is considered one of the most popular and iconic National Parks in the United States, and for a good reason.
With its soaring entrada sandstone formations, hoodoos, monoliths, and vast desert landscape, it’s no wonder that millions of people visit the park each year.
Now you maybe be wondering, how many arches are actually in Arches National Park? It is documented that there are over 2,000 natural stone arches spread throughout the park as well as other unique geological formations.
Arches National Park contains the highest range of natural arches in the world.
Best hikes in arches national park
Easy Hikes
Park Avenue | 2 miles | 50 mins
Windows Loop | 1 mile | 30 mins
Double Arch | 0.8 mile | 15 mins
Landscape Arch | 1.6 miles | 50 mins
Broken Arch Trail | 2 miles | 30 mins
Moderate / Hard hiking trails
Delicate Arch | 3 miles | 2-3 hrs
Devil’s Garden Trails | 7.9 miles | 3-5 hrs
Tower Arch | 2.6 miles | 2-3 hrs
Fiery Furnace | Guided ranger hike
What to pack when visiting arches national park
What to pack on your Arches trip will depend on the time of year you choose to visit and the activities you plan on doing.
This packing list is aimed at those who like to hit the trails, so it will include items such as appropriate footwear, basic hiking essentials, clothing, etc.
See below my recommended hiking gear for a trip to Arches National Park.
Hiking Boots
Below are my two options for hiking boots, one for colder winter climates and the other for summer weather. If you plan to visit Arches during the summer, it’s best to wear lightweight, breathable hiking shoes.
I really like the Danner Women’s Trail 2650 hiking boots, they are my go-to for summer. For cooler climates, I love the Women’s Nubuk Alpine Hiking Boots. They give great ankle support and protection and keep your feet dry from wet and snowy weather.
Apparel
Generally, I like to wear leggings or shorts when it comes to hiking. My go-to leggings are the Gym Shark Vital Seamless. I love these for all activities, whether that’s pilates or hiking outdoors. I love their quality and durability.
Here are my recommendations for hiking shorts, tanks, pants, long-sleeve tops, and sweater jackets. Having said this, do choose whatever feels comfortable and practical for you.
Backpack
Choose something that has great support for the ultimate comfortability. I love this smaller backpack for short hikes and walks, or sometimes I’ll opt for an over-the-shoulder hip bag, just something for my phone, keys, and other important essentials.
Backpack Essentials
Lastly, we have the hiking essentials, such as a reusable water bottle or bladder, hat, headlamp, compass, sunscreen, electrolytes, snacks, and lip balm.
Know before you go!
From camping fees to timed entry passes, here are some helpful tips when it comes to visiting Arches National Park.
How to get to Arches National Park
Seeing as Arches is located in Southern Utah, it can be quite the trip to get out there. Many people tend to make the visit as part of their USA road trip. Moab is the closest town to the park and is roughly 5 miles away (8km), so very close.
If you happen to be flying in, the nearest airport would be Las Vegas or Salt Lake City. You can use sites like Google Flights or Skyscanner to find great deals on flights.
Entrance Fees
As I mentioned earlier, Arches National Park requires a timed entry ticket into the park. Passes are released 6 months in advance. You can book your reservation at Recreation.gov.
If you have a camping pass, Fiery Furence pass, or special use permit, you do not need to reserve a timed entry ticket. Tickets do sell out quickly, so I encourage you to book asap to avoid missing out.
Best time to visit Arches National Park
You can visit Arche pretty much any time of year. However, the Spring and Fall months are better months to explore. The temperatures in the desert are much cooler, there’s less snowfall, and you often miss the big summer crowds, which is always a win!
We visited Arches during the tail end of summer, and all I can say is it was HOT! I don’t recommend this time. If you do go during the summer, be prepared to pack plenty of water and sun protection, as there is little to no shade out there.
Camping at Arches National Park
There is no lodging within Arches National Park, only campgrounds. The only campground is the Devil’s Garden Campground. To camp here, you will need to book a site well in advance.
When we arrived, there were no sites available, so we opted for free camping, which we were excited to try. Utah’s desert landscape makes it very easy to find free dispersed camping, which is great as it helps cut done on road trip costs.
Remember to pack these items
Final thoughts on the best arches in Arches National Park
This concludes my list of the best arches in Arches National Park. I hope you found this guide helpful, and if you have any other recommendations, please share them in the comments below.
Safe Travels. ☺️
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You will not pay more when you buy through these links. All opinions are my own, and I would never recommend anything I don’t personally love.
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