One Day Guide to Exploring Arches National Park
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updated July 2024
Arches National Park
Arches National Park, located in Moab, Utah, provides a breathtaking destination that will captivate you with its stunning natural beauty and unique geological formations. This park amazingly has over 2,000 natural stone arches which will leave you in awe at what seems likes an artist painted landscape. Many of the arches can be seen along the road or within a short walking distance although one of the most famous iconic arches, The Delicate Arch, is a 3-mile round trip hike. Seeing the beautiful red arches in person is an amazing site to see.
Since we were going to be in Moah, Utah for a 4x4 T-Rex Adventure Tour I knew we would want to stop at Arches National Park to see this spectacular landscape.
Address: Moab, Utah
Hours: open 24 hours daily
Cost: $30 per private vehicle or FREE with National Park pass
Reservations are required from April 1st to October 31st to enter Arches National Park. You can purchase your timed entry ticket online. It is a $2 non-refundable fee per vehicle. Tickets are easy to get and currently (June 2024) you can purchase them for the day you go or in advance. Tickets are required from 7am to 4pm daily. Arches National Park is open 24/7 so you can enter without a timed ticket outside of those normal hours.
We always start out at the Visitors Center to get a map in case we don’t have cell service and to shop for souvenirs. Hours: 7:30am to 6pm daily. (Hours vary depending on season).
Pets: are not allowed on any trails. They can be on paved roads, parking lots, campgrounds and picnic areas.
Things to do: hiking, canyoneering, backpacking, ranger led programs, rock climbing, bicycling, horseback riding, weddings, and more
Camping: Devil’s Garden campground has 51 sites and is usually full in the summer months. You can reserve a spot between March 1 and October 31st, outside of those dates it is first come, first served. More details below.
This blog will include 9 must see stops within the park
Arches National Park map
The Windows Viewpoint and Trail
There are two parking lots in this area. The first parking lot will lead you to North and South Window and Turret Arch. The second parking lot, with limited over-sized parking, is a very short drive and allows easier access to the Double Arch. You can also walk to this area from the first parking lot. The second parking lot has restrooms available.
Dogs are not allowed on these trails.
North and South Window
This is a moderate walk up to the North Window. You do have to climb some rocks to get into the arch.
Trail distance: 1-mile round trip and listed as moderate.
North window
Below is a closer view of the North Window. It is a mild incline to get to the North Window.
Please remember to wear sunscreen as it is hot in the summer.
South Window
Below is a view of the South Window. Although we didn’t walk to the South Window it was still a wonderful view.
Turret Arch
I think it was one of my favorite views in the park. You can view it from the North and South Window or walk up to this arch for an even more amazing view. How magical this view is with the sun shining through! Although this is a smaller arch it is still a great view.
There is parking at the trailhead, and this is about a 0.2-mile hike from the parking lot.
Double Arch
The Double Arch Trail is located near the North and South Window. You can use the same parking lot or drive briefly to the parking lot in front of Double Arch. This is the tallest arch at 122 feet in the park and consists of two arches next to each other.
Can I have more than one favorite view, because just look at that picture?!! It is a 0.6-mile hike, round trip, to Double Arch. This is an easy hike and once at the arches you can take your time to climb the rocks and look around or sit and enjoy the view. We spent a lot of time enjoying this area. My then 6-year-old loved climbing all the rocks.
There is limited oversized parking here but there are restrooms available.
Dogs are not allowed on this trail.
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Balanced Rock
This is an easy hike of only 0.3-mile round trip. You can also see this rock from the road if you prefer not to hike this small trail. I love the beauty that God has created for us to enjoy, what an amazingly beautiful landscape. Just look at how that rock is balanced (hence the name) on top of the other rock structure. So unique.
Delicate Arch
This is an iconic arch in the park that draws millions of visitors every year for that perfect Instagram picture. I definitely recommend hiking to this arch. Unfortunately, during my time there we were not able to make this hike, but I was able to view it from the Upper Viewpoint. I plan to come back someday and take the time to hike to Delicate Arch. This picture below is nothing compared to the images I see on Instagram or Pinterest of Delicate Arch.
Trail distance: 3 miles round trip and listed as strenuous
Upper and Lower Viewpoints
There are two viewpoints where you can view the arch from if you do not want to hike to Delicate Arch. The Upper Viewpoint (as mentioned above) and the Lower Viewpoint.
The Lower Viewpoint is wheelchair accessible and is about 200 feet from the parking lot and the Upper Viewpoint is more strenuous and is 0.5 miles round trip.
Three Gossips
We were able to view the Three Gossips from the road and sitting near the Courthouse Towers. Located with a view of the La Sal Mountains, this view is not to be missed. I just love the names they give these landmarks! This picture was taken as we drove by.
Park Avenue Viewpoint and Courthouse Towers
Stop at the Park Avenue Viewpoint trail to see the magnificent view below and the Courthouse Towers on the right. I was awestruck at this view, seen in the picture and video below. There is a 1.8-mile, round trip, trail that goes between these two viewpoints. You will turn around at the road and hike back. The map states this is a moderately difficult trail although the trail is relatively flat and paved.
Other Hikes in the park
There are many other hikes within the park for you to enjoy
Broken Arch Trail is 1.2 miles round trip
Courthouse Wash Panel Trail led to markings from the archaic peoples. This is a 0.8-mile hike round trip
Landscape Arch Trail where the arch spans over 300 feet. This is 1.8 miles round trip
Sand Dune Arch Trail where you will hike through deep sand. This is 0.4 miles round trip
Devil’s Garden Trail is a more strenuous hike of 7.9 miles round trip
Fiery Furnace Viewpoint and Permit Area is a complicated trail that requires agility to explore. You can take this through a ticketed ranger led program or explore on your own with a permit which can be obtained online.
Tower Arch Trail which requires an 8 mile off road drive which can washout in rainstorms and this hike goes up the rock wall and through a valley and sand dunes for a 2.6-mile round trip hike.
Skyline Arch Trail is a short trail of 0.4-miles.
Arches Visitor Center Nature Trail is located behind the trail where you can experience the native desert plants. This trail is only 150 feet in length.
Spend the afternoon rafting down the Colorado River with your guide along the red rock canyons. Prices start at $99.01
Hiking essentials
Devil’s Garden Campground
Camping is available at Arches National Park. Devil’s Garden Campground is open year-round. March through October this campground is typically full and advanced reservations are recommended. November through February camping is on a first come, first served basis.
51 Campsites are available
Amenities: drinking water, picnic table, grill and vault & flush toilets. No showers.
Firewood is available at the Visitor Center, not the campground.
Fee: $25 per night for individual sites. Large group sites are also available.
Photo courtesy of NPS
Enjoy this rugged off-road adventure tour in a Jeep as you explore Moab surrounded by some magnificent landscapes.
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This park has nothing but amazingly beautiful landscapes throughout. The arches are amazing, and it is hard to imagine this park has over 2,000 arches within. This park is a must see when in Utah. You will not be disappointed!
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Meet the author: Jennifer
I am a girl who loves to travel with my family and enjoys sharing expert family travel advice. I am a content creator and influencer on Instagram with years of travel experience and provide readers with advice, tips, and details on adventurous family travel and tips on saving money while boondocking or traveling across the US. You can usually find me dreaming up our next epic vacation or outside exploring natural landscapes. I am a fearless roadtripper who isn’t afraid to explore new and off the path adventures. Pic: Natural Tunnel State Park
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