One Day Guide to Arches National Park
Arches National Park
Since we were going to be in Moah, Utah for a 4x4 Adventure Tour I knew we would want to make a stop at Arches National Park to see the arches. Seeing the beautiful red arches throughout this park really was an amazing site to see. Can you believe there are over 2,000 arches within this park!! Many of the arches an be see within the roads or within a short walking distance although one of the most famous arches, The Delicate Arch, a 3 mile round trip hike.
Address: 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 NP. You can purchase your timed entry ticket HERE. It is a $2 non-refundable fee per vehicle. Tickets are easy to get and currently (June 2023) 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 hours.
We always start out at the Visitors Center to get a map in case you 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 long 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.
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 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.
Below is a closer view of the North Window. Please remember to wear sunscreen as it is hot in the summer.
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
This is located near 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 in the park and has 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 6 year old loved climbing all the rocks.
There is limited oversized parking here and there are restrooms available. Dogs are not allowed on this trail.
Balanced Rock
This is an easy hike of only 0.3 miles round trip. You can also see this rock from the road. I love the beauty that God has created for us to enjoy. 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. 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.
Upper and Lower Viewpoints
There are two view points you can view the arch from. 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. I just love the names they give these landmarks! We didn’t stop, this picture was on our drive 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.
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 lead to marking 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 both which can be obtained HERE.
Tower Arch Trail which requires an 8 mile off road drive which can washout in rain storms and this hike goes up the rock wall and through a valley and sand dunes for an 2.6 mile round trip hike.
Devil’s Garden Campground
Camping is available at Arches National Park. Devils Garden Campground is open year round. March through October this campground is typically full and advanced reservations are recommended. November through April camping is on a first come, first served basis.
51 Campsites include: drinking water, picnic table, grill and pit & flush toilets.
Fee: $25 pre night for individual sites. Large group sites are also available.
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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