18 Best Things to Do in Arches National ParkFrom Impressive Rock Formations to Camping and Stargazing

A group of friends and I had the opportunity to take a week-long road trip during spring break from graduate schooland we headed to Arizonawhere we visited Monument Valley. From therewe continued our West Coast journey with a stop at another iconic landmark: Arches National Park. Located just north of MoabUtahand bordered by the Colorado River to the southeastArches is home to over 2,000 natural sandstone arches — a landscape unlike anywhere else in the country. Herewe’ll share some of the park’s most popular attractions. Whether it’s your first visit or you’re returning to rediscover its wondersthis guide is for you.

1: Arches Scenic Drive

This 22-mile paved road winding through Arches National Park offers numerous spots to stop for panoramic views and stunning photos. If you’re short on timevisiting the designated viewpoints and points of interest along this scenic drive — typically 8 to 15 stops — is the best way to make the most of your visit. The road starts at Highway 191 and ends at the Devils Garden Trailheadtaking about three hours to completeincluding stops for views and photos. Some highlights along the route include Courthouse Towers ViewpointBalanced RockDelicate Arch ViewpointFiery Furnace ViewpointSkyline Archand Windows District.

2: Balanced Rock

Located next to the park’s main roadabout 9.2 miles from the entranceBalanced Rock is one of Arches National Park’s most popular features. Standing 128 feet tall and weighing approximately 3,577 tons — roughly the weight of an icebreaker ship or 27 blue whales — it’s an awe-inspiring sight. What many visitors don’t know is that Balanced Rock once had a smaller siblingnicknamed “Chip Off the Old Block,” which collapsed during a winter season. Balanced Rock is expected to meet the same fate somedayso be sure to see it while you can. Expect some traffic near the parking areaor plan to arrive early and head straight to this attraction.

3: Fiery Furnace

Past the turnoff for Delicate Archanother prominent feature of the parkyou’ll find a bent and twisted labyrinth of sandstone finsalso known as the Fiery Furnace — named for the reddish glow it takes on at sunset. Due to the confusing terrain and fragile ecosystemthis area can only be visited by obtaining a permit from the visitor center or by joining one of the ranger-led tourstypically offered twice daily from March to October. Note that tickets for these hikes are in high demandand reservations are required. If you’re lucky enough to snag a ticketbe sure to meet at the Fiery Furnace turnout at least 10 minutes before the tour begins.

Some Tips

Expect a strenuous hike lasting about 3 hours. You’ll walk and climb over irregularbroken sandstone and navigate narrow ledges above steep drop-offs. There are also gaps to jump across and tight spaces to squeeze throughso be sure to wear sturdy hiking shoes or boots with good grip. Bring plenty of water and salty snacks to stay hydrated and energized. Due to the challenging terrainchildren under 5 are not permittedand those aged 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

4: Devils Garden

Located at the northern end of the parkabout 45 minutes from the visitor centerDevils Garden is a fantastic destination for sightseershikersand thrill-seekers alike. The trail follows a counter-clockwise loop and takes you past several iconic formationsincluding Tunnel ArchPine Tree ArchPrivate ArchDark AngelNavajo ArchPartition Archand Landscape Arch. You can skip some of the side trails to reduce the distance or difficulty. Some sections do require light scramblingbut the main trail is well-maintained and wide. In addition to hikingDevils Garden also offers plenty of opportunities for camping, backpackingand stargazing.

Some Tips

If you plan to camp overnightreserve your spot at Devils Garden Campgroundwhich is open from March through October and operates on a first-comefirst-served basis. After the first mile of the trailyou’ll arrive at Landscape Arch. Before thatyou can take spur trails to see Tunnel Arch and Pine Tree Arch. If you continue hiking past Landscape Archyou’ll see Navajo ArchPartition Archand Double O Arch before reaching the end of the Devils Garden Trail. Parking lots can get very busy during peak seasonso it’s best to head out early to avoid the crowds.

5: Skyline Arch

An easyless-than-half-mile hike leads you to Skyline Archperched atop a large sandstone fin and visible from many viewpoints throughout Arches National Park. While this formation may not be as popular as the Delicate ArchLandscape Archor the Fiery FurnaceSkyline Arch offers spectacular views of the area and plenty of photo opportunities. The best time to visit is between March and November. Keep in mind that dogs are not allowed on this trailso you'll need to leave your pup at home. The proximity to the Devils Garden Campground makes it a perfect hike for visitors arriving late in the afternoon with limited time to explore.

6: Landscape Arch

After a 1.6-mile hike along the Devil’s Garden Trailyou’ll soon reach the incredible Landscape Archwhich spans longer than a football fieldwith the thinnest part of the archway measuring just 8 feet thick! There used to be a trail that passed directly beneath the archbut it has been closed due to recent rockfalls. The trail to the arch is mostly flatbut it can get extremely hot during the summer. Water is available at the trailhead — also the starting point for the more challenging Devils Garden trek — but be sure to bring your own or a refillable bottlealong with salty snacks. Alsocome in a hat to protect yourself from direct sun exposure.

7: Sand Dune Arch

Take the 0.3-mile out-and-back trail to Sand Dune Arch — a shadedground-level arch nestled between two large sandstone fins. As the name suggeststhe area has quite a bit of soft sand carried in by the wind. Many hikers choose to take off their shoes and enjoy the cool sand between their tired toes. From hereyou can continue hiking another 0.2 miles on a short spur trail to reach Broken Arch.

8: Broken Arch

Despite its nameBroken Arch isn’t actually broken — it has simply been worn thin over time by the natural elements. Located at the eastern end of the Broken Arch Trailthis striking formation is known for the central crack that gives it a fracturedoverlapping appearance. You can reach it via a relatively flat 0.83-mile hike. While the trek is shortexpect to leave with lots of red sand in your shoes — and possibly your car. The area is also a great spot for wildlife viewing. We recommend sitting quietly for a few minutesand you might spot mule deerkit foxesgolden eaglesperegrine falconsdesert bighorn sheepor even bobcats. If you’re lucky enough to spot any animalsbe sure to maintain a proper distance.

9: The Windows Section

The Windows section features two arches of similar size — the North and South Windows — also known as “The Spectacles” for their eyeglass-like appearance. From the top of the rockyou’ll take in sweeping views of the expansive grasslands and blue skies dotted with marshmallow-like clouds. The trail is mostly flat and accessible to hikers of all levels. After the first 100 yardsthe path becomes uneven and requires a bit of climbing over small rocksbut the stunning scenery is well worth the effort. Within just over two square milesyou’ll also find the North WindowTurret Archand Double Arch. Other landmarks in the area include the Garden of EdenElephant Butteand the Parade of Elephants.

10: Double Arch

A scenic 0.5-mile hike from The Windows will take you to Double Archa close-set pair of natural arches formed by water erosion from above over 190 million years ago. This is also the tallest and second-longest arch in Arches National Park.

11: Wolfe Ranch

As you hike to Delicate Archdon’t forget to stop by this humbleone-room cabinpeer through the doorway and ask yourself“Who used to live hereand why?”

12: Delicate Arch

No picture can capture the grandeur of Delicate Arch — you have to witness its beauty in person. Howeverbe prepared for a strenuous hike if you want to see this formation up close. The hike begins at Wolfe Ranch and leads you through the desert and up a large slab of sandstoneclimbing several hundred feet in elevation. The area is fully exposed with no shadeso it can be brutal in the summer. The trail ends with a dirt path that takes you right to the arch. Time your visit for sunsetas the view framed by Delicate Arch is truly unforgettable. You can also reserve a campsite in the area between March and Octoberbut navigating the trail after dark can be challengingso it’s best to go with an experienced guide.

13: Upper Delicate Arch Viewpoint

The trail to Delicate Arch is a 3-mile round trip and takes about two and a half hours to complete. If you prefer to skip the strenuous hikethere’s an accessible option: the Upper Delicate Arch Viewpointlocated across from the archoffers a closer look at this natural masterpiece without the full trek. From the same parking areayou can also visit the Lower Delicate Arch Viewpointwhich requires even less walking. Howeverthis viewpoint is much fartherand the viewthereforeis limited. You can barely see it from that distance unless you bring binoculars.

14: Park Avenue Trail

As one of the first major attractions in Arches National Parkthis easy one-mile hike takes you to some of the park’s most massive rock formationsincluding the Three Gossipsthe Courthouse TowersQueen Nefertitiand the Tower of Babel. While there are no arches along this trailit’s still a wonderful walk not to miss.

15: La Sal Mountains Viewpoint

This is the first viewpoint you’ll encounter as you drive through Arches National Park. Although there are no arches hereyou can walk onto an unevenrocky bench for panoramic views of the La Sal Mountains outside the parkthe Courthouse Towers areaand even Balanced Rock and The Windows in the far distance.

16: Courthouse Wash Rock Art

Immediately after crossing the Colorado River Bridgepark your car on the right side of the road and hike east. Soonyou’ll reach the base of rock cliffs carved with petroglyphs — including human figuressheepshieldsbirdsdogsand abstract symbols — created by ancient ArchaicUteand Pueblo peoples. This is a great spot to bring your little oneswho might enjoy making up stories about what the figures are doing. Alsoplease do not touch the petroglyphscarve your names or initialsor even climb on the rocksas this can cause damage to the artwork.

17: Courthouse Towers

A one-mile trek along the Park Avenue Trail takes you up close to the Courthouse Towers for a closer look. The hike is relatively easy but becomes more strenuous if done as a round trip. You can also see this impressive formation from a roadside turnout about 4 miles from the visitor center. While there are no arches along this trailthe scenery makes it well worth the visit. As you approach the Courthouse Towersthe freestanding formation may appear like a huge sandstone mountain — but when viewed from the sideit's actually a thinfragileand gravity-defying fin. The best time to visit Courthouse Towers is in the early evening when the glowing sandstone and dramatic shadows create a stunning view.

18: Tower Arch

A 2.5-mile hike at the end of Klondike Bluff Road takes you to this largesecluded arch located in the northwest corner of Arches National Park. With a graceful 92-foot span and scenic views to the westTower Arch impresses visitors with its depth and solid presence. Although the trail is relatively shortit is rugged. Expect over 100 feet of elevation gain and some light climbingso be sure to wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring plenty of water and snacks to keep you energized.

When to Visit Arches National Park

Overallthe best time to visit Arches National Park is from April through May and September through Octoberwhen daytime temperatures typically range from 60°F (15°C) to 80°F (26°C). To avoid crowdsplan your visit for early morning or late afternoonideally between 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM or 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM.

Our tips for visiting Arches National Park

It can be tempting to let your guard down when visiting a place as stunning as Arches National Park. Howeverthere are real dangers if you come unprepared or act carelessly. To ensure a safe and pleasant experiencehere are a few things you should know. If you’re visiting in the summerexpect high temperaturesintense sunlightand low humidity. Eat a good meal before heading outand bring plenty of water. Wear light-coloredcasual clothing and a wide-brimmed hat to reduce sun exposureand don’t forget to apply sunscreen. Most of the arches are made of sandstonewhich can be slippery when wet or covered in sand. Avoid climbing on them — and wear hiking shoes with good tread for traction.

In wintertrails can be icyso bring traction devices for your shoes. Cell service is limited in many areas of the parkso always hike with a partner. If you get loststay where you are and wait for help. Although rarebear sightings can occur as they search for food and water. Stay on the trail and make plenty of noise — talkingsingingor chatting with your companions can alert wildlife to your presence. Avoid carrying odorous items like bacontunahamor scented personal products. If you see a dead animal or a bear cubleave the area immediately — a protective adult may be nearby. Before venturing deep into the parkstop by the visitor center and grab a map to help you navigate Arches with confidence.