ARCHES NATIONAL PARK
THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN ARCHES NATIONAL PARK
From iconic hikes and scenic drives to unforgettable adventures.
Make the most of your time in one of Utah’s most incredible national parks.
TOP THINGS TO DO IN ARCHES NATIONAL PARK
Whether you’re here for a day or a week, these must do experiences will help you explore the beauty, adventure, and wonder of Arches National Park.
Best Hikes in Arches National Park
Delicate Arch
- 3 mile round trip hike to the most famous arch in Utah
- Moderate difficulty with exposed slickrock sections
- No shade so bring plenty of water
- Best experienced at sunset for lighting and views
- Trailhead located at Wolfe Ranch
Windows Section
- One of the best areas in Arches National Park for seeing multiple arches in a short amount of time
- Includes North Window, South Window, and Turret Arch formations
- Approximately 1 mile round trip on the Windows loop trail
- Easy walking trail with incredible views of surrounding red rock scenery
- One of the best locations for sunrise, sunset, and photography
Devil’s Garden Loop
- One of the most adventurous and scenic hikes in Arches National Park
- 7.9 mile loop featuring multiple arches and unique sandstone formations
- Includes Landscape Arch, Navajo Arch, Partition Arch, and Double O Arch
- Features narrow fins, slickrock sections, and some scrambling areas
- Best choice for experienced hikers wanting a full day adventure
Landscape Arch Trail
- 1.6 mile easy round trip hike
- Leads to one of the longest arches in the world
- Flat and family friendly
- Located in Devils Garden
- Go early to avoid crowds
Fiery Furnace
- Permit required or guided tour
- No marked trails
- Narrow passages and rock mazes
- Very unique experience
- Best with a guide
Balanced Rock
- One of the most recognizable landmarks in Arches National Park
- Easy 0.3 mile loop trail around the massive rock formation
- Great option for families and visitors with limited hiking time
- Provides incredible views of the La Sal Mountains and surrounding desert
- One of the best quick stops for photography and sightseeing
Best Guided Tours Near Arches National Park
World Famous Hell's Revenge UTV Tour
- Best way to experience Moab’s famous slickrock terrain and off-road trails
- High performance machines that you can drive or we can drive
- Ideal for groups, families, and first-time off-road drivers
- Guided tours include local experts who know the safest and best routes
- Perfect balance of adventure, speed, and accessibility near Arches National Park
Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Tours
- Best option for controlled, comfortable off-road exploration of Moab terrain
- Perfect for visitors who want capability with a expert guide leading the way
- Access iconic trails like Hell’s Revenge, Fins & Things, and scenic overlooks
- Professional guides are there every step if the way for maximize safety
- Great for photography, sightseeing, and relaxed or adventurous experiences
Dirt Bike Adventure Tours
- The ultimate Moab adventure
- Trails for all skill levels
- Expert local guides lead the way
- Small groups for better experience
- High-performance dirt bikes included
Best Viewpoints in Arches National Park
Park Avenue Viewpoint
- Massive canyon with towering walls
- One of the first stops in the park
- Optional short hike
- Best in the morning
- Great photo location
Balanced Rock
- Iconic rock formation
- Short walking loop
- Easy roadside access
- Great for sunrise or sunset
- Very popular stop
Windows Section
- Multiple arches in one area
- Easy walking paths
- Great for photos
- Wide open views
- Very accessible
La Sal Mountains Viewpoint
- Views of snow capped mountains
- Strong contrast with red rock
- Quick roadside stop
- Best at sunrise
- Less crowded
Panorama Point
- Wide desert views
- Elevated perspective
- Quick pullout
- Great for photos
- Less traffic
Courthouse Towers
- Massive sandstone formations
- Includes Three Gossips
- Short trail nearby
- Easy access
- Near park entrance
Can’t Miss Iconic Spots
Delicate Arch
- The most famous arch in Utah
- Freestanding arch with dramatic backdrop
- Requires a moderate hike to reach
- Best viewed at sunset
- Iconic photo location
Landscape Arch
- One of the longest natural arches in the world
- Extremely thin and fragile appearance
- Located in Devils Garden
- Easy hike to access
- Popular with photographers
Double Arch
- Massive double span rock formation
- Very easy to access
- Great for all ages
- Unique compared to other arches
- Popular filming location
North and South Windows
- Large arch openings facing each other
- Short easy trails
- Great framing views of landscape
- Very popular with visitors
- Located close to parking area
Turret Arch
- Smaller arch with tower formation
- Great framing through nearby windows
- Easy short trail access
- Less crowded than main arches
- Ideal for sunrise photography
Balanced Rock
- Massive rock balanced on a narrow base
- One of the most recognizable features
- Easy loop trail
- Quick stop along main road
- Great photo opportunity
Best Self-Guided Rentals Near Arches National Park
UTV Rentals
- Best way to experience Moab’s famous slickrock terrain and off-road trails
- High performance machines that you can drive or we can drive
- Ideal for groups, families, and first-time off-road drivers
- Guided tours include local experts who know the safest and best routes
- Perfect balance of adventure, speed, and accessibility near Arches National Park
Jeep Rubicon Rentals
- Best option for controlled, comfortable off-road exploration of Moab terrain
- Perfect for visitors who want capability with a expert guide leading the way
- Access iconic trails like Hell’s Revenge, Fins & Things, and scenic overlooks
- Professional guides are there every step if the way for maximize safety
- Great for photography, sightseeing, and relaxed or adventurous experiences
Dirt Bike Rentals
- The ultimate Moab adventure
- Trails for all skill levels
- Expert local guides lead the way
- Small groups for better experience
- High-performance dirt bikes included
Best Sunrise and Sunset Spots
Delicate Arch at Sunset
- Iconic sunset destination
- Warm light enhances red rock color
- Very popular so arrive early
- Wide open viewing area
- No shade on return hike
Windows Section at Sunset
- Multiple arches glowing in evening light
- Easy access from parking lot
- Great for photography
- Wide open viewing area
- One of the best sunset locations
Balanced Rock at Sunrise
- Soft morning light and fewer crowds
- Quick and easy access
- Great early photo opportunity
- Located near park entrance
- Ideal first stop of the day
Park Avenue at Sunset
- Dramatic shadows in canyon walls
- Cooler temperatures in morning
- Less crowded early in the day
- Optional short hike available
- Great vertical rock formations
Turret Arch at Sunset
- Unique framing through nearby arches
- Soft light highlights textures
- Quiet compared to sunset locations
- Easy short trail access
- Great for photography
Three Gossips Sunrise
- One of the best sunrise photo spots in Arches National Park
- Located in the Courthouse Towers area near the park entrance
- Early morning light creates dramatic shadows and highlights on the rock
- Very easy access with minimal walking required from the parking area
- Less crowded than Delicate Arch and other popular sunrise locations
Best Easy Stops or Easy Access
Balanced Rock
- Located right off the main road
- Very short walking loop
- Iconic rock formation
- Good for all ages
- Quick and easy stop
Double Arch
- Short walk from parking lot
- Massive formation
- Easy for families
- Minimal elevation gain
- Located in Windows Section
Windows Section
- Multiple arches close together
- Flat walking paths
- Great for quick exploration
- Very accessible area
- Popular stop
Park Avenue
- Viewpoint directly from parking lot
- Optional short hike
- Dramatic scenery
- Easy access
- Near park entrance
Courthouse Towers
- Roadside viewpoints
- Minimal walking required
- Large rock formations
- Good for photos
- Quick stop location
Sand Dune Arch
- Short shaded walk
- Unique sandy terrain
- Cooler temperatures
- Easy for kids
- Fun and different experience
Hidden Gems and Less Crowded Spots
Broken Arch
- Moderate 2 mile loop
- Less crowded than main trails
- Unique arch structure
- Located near campground
- Great alternative hike
Skyline Arch
- Very short walk
- Less visited location
- Large arch visible from road
- Quiet compared to others
- Located in Devils Garden
Tower Arch
- Remote and less crowded
- Requires longer dirt road access
- Moderate hike
- Unique formation
- Great for solitude
Sand Dune Arch
- Avoid crowds by timing visit
- Cool shaded environment
- Quiet compared to mid day
- Great for families
- Unique terrain
Courthouse Wash Petroglyphs
- Ancient rock art panel
- Short walk to view
- Cultural and historical site
- Less crowded location
- Located outside main entrance
Fiery Furnace
- Permit required limits crowds
- Maze like sandstone terrain
- No marked trails
- Guided tours available
- One of the most unique experiences
đź“… WHEN TO VISIT
Best Seasons: Spring (Apr–May) & Fall (Sept–Oct)
Can Get Warm During: June–August
Can Be Cold With Snow During: December–February(But beautiful if there is snow on the ground)