Arches National Park is famous for its remarkable collection of towering spires, surreal rock formations, gravity-defying arches. The park has over 2,000 natural arches, and is home to iconic landmarks including the famous Delicate Arch. Whether you explore hiking trails, go rock climbing, or simply marvel at the incredible scenery, there is so much to do and see at Arches!

Things to see 

Delicate Arch

When you think of Utah, you think of the Delicate arch. The Delicate Arch is one of the most iconic symbols of Utah. The arch is much bigger than it seems, approximately measuring a whopping 52 feet tall! There are many options for taking a look at the arch:

Delicate Arch Trail

This hike takes you to see the majestic Delicate Arch up-close and personal! The trail is moderately strenuous, with some uphill sections, but the rewarding view of the arch framed by the surrounding red rocks is absolutely worth it.

• Distance: 3 miles round-trip

• Time: 2-3 hours

• Difficulty: Moderate

Delicate Arch Lower Viewpoint

This short walk is perfect for getting a view of the Iconic Arch without the hike. Just 200 feet roundtrip, this viewpoint offer easier access to views of the arch.

• Distance: 200 feet round-trip

• Difficulty: Easy

Delicate Arch Upper Viewpoint

This viewpoint offers clearer views of the arch with a short hike. The hike is fairly steep, gaining 171 feet in elevation, so it offers a bit of a challenge, but without the entire 3-mile hike.

• Distance: 1/2 mile round-trip

• Time: 30 Minutes

• Difficulty: Moderate

FIERY FURNACE

Named for its striking red glow at sunset, the Fiery Furnace is a labyrinth of narrow canyons, crevasses, and sandstone fins. Hiking through Fiery Furnace requires  physical skill and endurance, but if you prepare well, it's an awesome adventure. Though you can do the hike by yourself with a permit, it's recommended you take a guided tour with a park ranger for the best experience, especially if it's your first time. You can take a 2-mile loop that takes you through the maze, or you can explore it on your own. Just be careful not to get lost!

For more information about how to hike Fiery Furnace, check out this article from nps.gov.

• Distance: 2 Miles
• Time: 2.5 Hours
• Difficulty: Moderate

The Windows Section

 

South Window

 

The Windows Section is packed with formations, including the North and South Window and the Turret Arch. You can see the arches up close with a short, family friendly hike. All of these can be accessed on the Windows section Loop.

Windows Section Loop

• Distance: 1 Mile
• Time: 30 Min - 1 Hour
• Difficulty: Easy

The Double Arch Viewpoint Trail

There are many more formations to explore in this area, including the giant Double Arch. The Double Arch Viewpoint trail also offers family-friendly access to the  spectacular formations in the Windows Section.

• Distance: 0.6 Miles Round Trip
• Time:  15-30 Minutes
• Difficulty: Easy

Landscape Arch

Landscape Arch, with a light opening of 306 feet, is the largest arch in the world! Despite its size, the arch is incredibly narrow, with some parts of the arch are only 6 feet in diameter. 

Landscape Arch Trail

The Landscape Arch trail offers a short and easy hike to the arch.

• Distance: 1.8 Miles Round Trip
• Time: 30 minutes - 1 Hour
• Difficulty: Easy

Devil's Garden Primitive Loop Trail

Landscape Park is part of Devil's Garden, a section of the park filled with even more incredible landmarks. The Devil's Garden Primitive Loop trail takes you through Devil's Garden on what could be considered the longest, most challenging hike in Arches National Park.

• Distance:  7.2 Miles Round Trip
• Time: 3+ Hours
• Difficulty: Moderate-Challenging

Balanced Rock

Rock Climbing

Areas in Arches such as Fiery Furnace, The Three Dancers, and The Great Wall offer incredible rock climbing! Just be aware that a lot of the park's climbing is challenging and requires advanced techniques. In order to rock climb, you need to get a free permit from the National Park Service.

Click here to learn more about rock climbing in Arches.

Location

Arches is located near Moab in Southeastern Utah, about 230 miles southeast of Salt Lake.