Best Things to Do in Arches National Park, Utah | 17+ Attractions

Planning a trip to Utah and looking for the top things to do in Arches National Park? Covering only 76,680 acres, Arches is one of the smaller national parks in the state. But this park has no shortage of fun activities and spectacular attractions. 

As you may have guessed by the name, this national park is filled with over 2,000 sandstone arches and many other cool and quirky rock formations. These include hoodoos, mesas, towering sandstone fins, and canyons. 

Among all this natural beauty, you’ll have access to some of the best hikes in Utah, ranging from super easy to ultra-challenging. This is what makes Arches a great option to visit with family or a group of friends, as there’s something for everyone to try out. 

Ready to find out what else you can do in one of Utah’s Mighty 5 parks? Let’s jump right in. 

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click one of them, I may receive a small commission (for which I am very grateful for) at no extra cost to you.

Arches National Park Permit

Best Time for Visiting Arches National Park

The best time to visit Arches National Park is during the spring and fall months — if you don’t mind the crowds. During this time, temperatures are mild, making hikes much more enjoyable. 

Winter is another great time to visit Arches, especially if you’d like the park to yourself, as very few people visit during this time. As with visiting Bryce Canyon in winter, a visit to Arches during the snowy months provides unmatched photo opportunities of the red sandstone contrasting the white snow.  

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Arches National Park: Where to Stay

One of the best places to base yourself when visiting Arches National Park is in the nearby city of Moab. Below are some of the best places to stay in Moab near Arches NP for every budget.

Camping — Sun Outdoors Arches Gateway

If you can’t secure a spot at Devils Campground and want more comfort and facilities, the Sun Outdoors Arches Gateway is an excellent option. This pet-friendly RV resort offers a budget-friendly stay near the Arches entrance. With an on-site hot tub, electrical hookups, picnic tables, and charcoal grills available, this RV campground allows you to enjoy nature without sacrificing comfort. >>>Find Out More

SpringHill Suites by Marriott Moab — $$

This eclectic spot features mountain views, warm-hued interiors, and large outdoor pools. This accommodation sits along U.S. Highway 191, near the Arches NP entrance. You’ll also have the Colorado River practically in your backyard. >>>Check Availability

The Moab Resort — $$$

The elegant Moab Resort offers spacious, well-equipped suites, a large pool, and hot tubs, so you can unwind in the water, whatever the weather. There’s also a children’s area and laundry facilities, making it a great option if you’re traveling with family. >>>Check Availability

Read More: Where to Stay in Moab, Utah – 12 Best Hotels, Lodges & Rentals

What To Pack For Visiting Arches National Park

• Sunscreen: Super important and it is part of the ten essentials!  >Buy Sunscreen
• Chapstick: This one has SPF so your lips won’t get burned! >Check Out This Chapstick
• Hiking Boots/Shoes: If you use tennis shoes, you can easily hurt your toes by hitting a rock by accident (Trust me, I have done it so many times before). Hiking boots helped tremendously in this park. They grip so well on the red rocks.  >Check Out My Hiking Shoes
• Hiking socks: Having the correct socks helps prevent getting blisters. Smart Wool is probably my favorite brand out there. >Buy Hiking Socks
• Water Reservoir: Water reservoirs help prevent dehydration while hiking. The great thing about this reservoir is that it doesn’t have a plastic taste. >Here Is My Water Reservoir
• Water: Stay nice and hydrated.
• Sunglasses: It can get sunny in the summer and winter, so make sure to pack some sunglasses. I forgot mine and it was a pain!  >Check Out These Sunglasses
• Snacks: The best snacks are jerky, nuts, and energy bars. >>>Check Out These Snacks
• Camera: The Sony A6000 was one of the first cameras I started traveling with. The Sony A6000 is an excellent camera for people that want to start improving at travel photography.  >Buy Sony Camera Here
• First Aid Kit: This is one of the first things I bought when I first started going on adventures. It is super portable. >Buy This Awesome First Aid Kit Here
• Day Pack to carry all your things: To carry all your gear, water, and food, you need a good backpack.REI has some great beginner backpacks. >Buy This Great Quality Backpack
• Headlamp: A headlamp is an absolute must in case you get stranded in the dark! It is a lot more portable and easier to use than a flashlight. >Buy A Headlamp Now
• Leggings or Hiking Pants: I always wear leggings while hiking because it is what I feel most comfortable with! >Click For My Favorite Hiking Leggings
• Breathable sweat-wicking shirts: Cotton shirts soak up your sweat when hiking, so make sure to wear something breathable. >Check out this awesome breathable shirt here.
• Mid Base Layer: If you are hiking in the Winter, Spring Or Fall, this might be a great idea.  >Check Out My Sweater Here
• Sports Bra: For women. >Check This One Here
• Jacket: I always have a jacket in my backpack, even if it is hot. I do it just in case of an emergency.  >Buy My Favorite Jacket
• Rain Jacket: The worst feeling in the world is being wet and cold while hiking.  >Check Out My Rain Jacket Here
• Tripod: This is an optional item, but it is excellent for getting the ideal sunset pictures. >Check out this tripod
• Knife: I always carry a knife in my backpack just in case. >Check Out My Knife Here
• National Park Pass:  I highly recommend getting a year-long America The Beautiful Pass so you can get into both parks with ease. >Get It Here
• Map And Trail Guide: Start planning your trip with this. >Buy One Here

How to Get to Arches National Park, Utah

There are two ways to get to Arches National Park. The first option is to fly into Salt Lake City Airport and drive from there. The second is to fly into the smaller Grand Junction Airport. 

Flying to Grand Junction Airport may be a bit more costly since it’s smaller, but it’ll cut your travel time to Moab in half. From Grand Junction, the 114-mile trip will take roughly two hours. On the other hand, from Salt Lake City, the 239-mile route will take you about four hours. 

Tours Of Arches National Park

What to Do in Arches National Park for a Memorable Visit

Below are the top activities Arches National Park has to offer. 

Take the Arches Scenic Drive

The Arches Scenic Drive is the perfect activity if you don’t have much time or want a more accessible way to see the park’s top attractions. The 19-mile paved road leads off Highway 191 and all the way to the Devils Garden trailhead. 

It runs past many excellent sights, like Balanced Rock and the La Sal Mountains viewpoint. So your otherwise 30-minute drive is likely to take upwards of two hours if you include the many scenic stops. 

Hike to Delicate Arch 

As the largest free-standing arch in the park, Delicate Arch draws quite the crowd. If you’ve ever seen photos of this arch with the mountains in the background, you may have thought it to be quite small. But, once you stand in its 46-foot-high, 32-foot-wide light opening, you’ll realize the true majesty of this arch. 

To reach this beautiful attraction, you’ll have to take a 3-mile round-trip hike up somewhat steep terrain. What makes the hike a bit trickier is that you’ll be hiking over slick rock and sandy paths, so be sure to bring your best hiking shoes. There’s also a somewhat intimidating steep drop-off just before you reach the arch, so be careful and keep an eye on any kiddos you may have with you. 

The trek kicks off at the parking lot on Delicate Arch Road. This parking lot can fill up quite fast, so try to arrive early in the morning if you’d like to avoid the crowds. The most popular time to see this rock formation is at sunset, so you can expect a busier trail. But this is also one of the best times of day to put your landscape photography skills to the test. 

Read More: The Ultimate Guide To The Delicate Arch Hike

Go Stargazing

With its many national parks, Utah offers some of the best opportunities for stargazing. And, with Arches being designated an International Dark Sky Association Certified park in 2019, you can trust that you’ll have supreme views of the starry heavens. 

Extend your stay in the park after watching the sunset to spot a few constellations. Or, book a camping spot in the park to enjoy the skies for a few nights. You can also set out on a nighttime hike if you’re confident in your navigational skills or join a ranger-led stargazing program. 

Some of the best spots for stargazing in Arches National Park are:

• Panorama Point
• Garden of Eden Viewpoint
• Devils Garden Area 
• The Windows Section
• Balanced Rock Picnic Area
• Delicate Arch

Hike to Sand Dune Arch 

This little gem of an arch is tucked away among towering sandstone fins and is the perfect option for a short and shaded hike in summer. The 0.4-mile round-trip kicks off at the Sand Dune Arch trailhead and takes about 15-30 minutes. You’ll be hiking along a sandy but easy trail. 

You can extend this trail by hiking further to Broken Arch and even Tapestry Arch if you have the time. 

Hike the Devils Garden Trail to Landscape Arch

If you’re looking for a moderate hike that’s packed with arches, you won’t want to miss the Devils Garden Trail. In fact, it’s on my list of top 10 favorite trails of all time. 

The 1.9-mile round-trip hike to Landscape Arch can take about 45 minutes to over an hour, depending on how far you go and how often you stop. And there’ll be plenty of reasons for you to pause. 

Spanning 306 feet, Landscape Arch is the longest natural arch in the United States. It seems nearly impossible that such a thin sliver of rock is still standing. Which is one of the reasons why it’s the main attraction on this trail. 

But, on your way to this beautiful sight, you’ll also pass by Pine Tree Arch and Tunnel Arch, both of which provide lovely photo ops. Extend your hike beyond Landscape Arch, and you’ll come across the Partition, Navajo, and Double-O Arches. 

If you’re looking for even more of a challenge, you can take on the primitive trail that leads to Private Arch. This is one of Arches National Park’s best hikes, but it’s definitely for more advanced hikers. 

The Devils Garden trail starts at the end of the Arches Scenic Drive, at the Devils Garden trailhead. It’s a popular hike, so try to go early in the morning or later in the afternoon. 

Join a Ranger-Led Program

Why not take advantage of the free ranger-led programs offered at the visitor center from spring to fall? These programs range from introductory talks on the visitor center patio, to guided nighttime walks around the Devils Campground amphitheater. 

The rangers also offer guided walks around The Windows Area, which last about an hour, and host occasional stargazing and arts-related events. 

It’s always a good idea to just pop into the Arches Visitor Center on arrival and ask about the programs being hosted for the day. It’s a great way to learn more about the park’s history and geology in an engaging way. 

Go Backcountry Backpacking

This activity is for the more experienced hikers, as it involves navigating rough terrains with limited water sources and no defined trails. If that sounds like your ideal adventure, then you’ll be happy to know that backcountry backpacking is allowed in Arches National Park. 

You’ll have to apply for a permit from the Backcountry Permit Office two miles south of Moab. This permit is limited to seven people and grants you access to the backcountry for seven days. Permits cost about $7 per person, and you’ll have to apply for these up to seven days ahead of your planned trip. 

Tapestry Arch Hike

A hike to Tapestry Arch is great if you’re looking to escape the crowds, as it’s a very quiet trail tucked behind the Devils Garden Campground. What’s interesting about this arch is the false arches by its side, which make the rock look somewhat like a tapestry. 

You can start the 0.3-mile trail at the Devils Garden parking lot for a short 30-minute hike. Or, combine this sight with Broken Arch and Sand Dune Arch for a 2.8-mile loop trail. 

Go Camping at Devils Garden

Despite the intimidating name, camping at the Devils Garden Campground is one of the best things to do at Arches National Park. Picture yourself relaxing around the fire with the stars glistening above and boulders towering around you. Who wouldn’t want to stay here, right? 

This campground is 18 miles from the park entrance and offers grills, picnic tables, and toilets. There are, however, no electrical hookups, and the signal can be extremely weak, so prepare to rough it out a bit. 

Despite the somewhat limited facilities, this campground is ultra popular. So you’ll have to book about six months in advance to secure one of the 51 sites during the peak season months of March to October. For off-season camping, the sites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Individual campsites start at $25 per night.

Hike or Drive to Tower Arch 

This spot is for those who want to go off the beaten path and explore the more secluded, less-visited areas of the park. The 2.5-mile round-trip hike kicks off at the Klondike Bluffs and involves walking through sand dunes and sandstone fins. 

Alternatively, you can get much closer to Tower Arch with a 4×4 drive to the west of the arch along a gravel road. From there, you’ll only have to hike about 0.3 miles to reach the arch. 

Take On the Fiery Furnace Trail

Staying on theme with the scary names, Fiery Furnace is actually quite the intimidating trail. The 2-mile moderately challenging route features steep drop-offs, loose sand, and narrow ledges, and there’s limited GPS signal. 

As the trail winds through a maze of sandstone canyons, it’s easy to get lost. So you can only do this trail on a ranger-led hike or with a backcountry permit. You’ll have to reserve your spot well in advance and will need your best hiking shoes to navigate this tricky terrain. 

If you’re not up for the hike, you can admire the fiery furnace at sunset, when the sun sets it alight with an orange glow. Head to the nearby car park and take a short walk to the Fiery Furnace Overlook for stunning views. 

Hike the Park Avenue Trail

The Park Avenue trail is one of the most beautiful in the park, leading past must-see Arches National Park attractions like the Three Gossips and the Courthouse Towers. There are no arches on this trail, but walking among these towering rock formations is a real treat for the eyes. 

The easy 2-mile out-and-back hike starts at the Park Avenue parking lot, and ends at the Courthouse Towers. You can choose to retrace your steps back to your starting point, or end your hike at the Courthouse Towers parking lot if you only have time to hike one mile. 

Your hike will take about 30-45 minutes. If you’re short on time, the Park Avenue parking lot is one of the first stops on Arches Scenic Drive. So you can simply admire the views from your car. 

Top Arches National Park Must-See Attractions

Below are some of the best things to see in Arches National Park. You’re going to want to bring your best camera gear along for these sights. 

The Windows and Turret Arch

Another must-see in Arches National Park is The Windows Area. With an easy, 1-mile hike, you’ll make your way past three stunning arches; North and South Window and Turret Arch. The two windows almost look like a masquerade mask or a pair of spectacles, and serve as a creative frame for a photo of Turret Arch. 

The trail kicks off at the car park on Windows Road, which runs off Arches Scenic Drive. The trail is relatively easy, with a gentle elevation. If you’d like to make the trail a bit more challenging, you can return to your starting point via the primitive trail that starts behind the North Window. This trail adds about 0.5 miles to your hike and is a bit more rough. 

Read More: Visiting Arches National Park in Winter | Snowy Weather Guide

Balanced Rock 

Balanced Rock is one of the top things to see in Arches National Park. The oval-shaped rock looks like it may topple over at any moment. Yet, like many rock formations in the park, it seems to withstand the forces of gravity and the elements. 

This is one of the first attractions as you enter the park, and it’s definitely worth the quick stop just to snap a few iconic photos. The 0.3-mile round-trip trail runs from the parking lot around Balanced Rock.

Garden of Eden

Despite the name, you won’t find a landscape of lush greenery here. But the Garden of Eden is still a beautiful sight to add to your list of things to do at Arches National Park. This spot features towering knobby hoodoos and other red sandstone formations and can be combined with your visit to The Windows Area and Double Arch. 

You can access the viewpoint by turning off Windows Road. From the viewpoint, you’ll also have panoramic vistas of the Windows Area, with the La Sal Mountains in the background contrasting beautifully with the red sandstone structures.  

Other sights in this area include Cove Arch, Ribbon Arch, and Elephant Butte — which is a great spot for canyoneering and climbing. 

La Sal Mountains Viewpoint 

This is the first viewpoint as you enter the park, and many people drive right past it. But you don’t want to miss this must-see sight. Offering sweeping, 360° views of the park and the La Sal Mountains in the background, this view is one of the best things to see at Arches National Park. 

There are no arches in this view, but the rocky landscape offers a beautiful opportunity to take photos. The scene changes as the day passes. So you can stop here at various times throughout the day to capture vastly different images. 

Skyline Arch 

This quirky little arch can be accessed on an easy, 0.5-mile round-trip hike on flat terrain. Your endpoint is a slanted rock with a peekaboo hole at the top that frames the sky. There’s not much else to do here, but it’s still a lovely attraction to add to your day. 

Double Arch

One of the absolute must-see Arches National Park attractions is the Double Arch. Standing at 112 feet tall and 144 feet wide, this arch is the tallest and second longest of the arches in the park. It’s also one of the few places in Arches where you can climb on the rocks underneath the arches. You’ll feel absolutely tiny below these two connected arches.

The Double Arch trailhead is very close to The Windows trailhead, making it a great attraction to combine with your visit. This is also one of the easiest sights to access. You’ll simply have to take a 0.5-mile round-trip walk along a smooth but sandy trail, which should take about 30 minutes. 

Arches National Park Things to Do | FAQs

Still have a few burning questions about Arches National Park? Below are the answers to some frequently asked questions that may help you plan your trip. 

How Long to Spend in Arches National Park? 

Arches is a relatively small park compared to Utah’s other national parks. So you can easily see its top attractions, and a few lesser-known ones, in one or two days. 

What Else is There to Do Around Arches National Park?

There are plenty of things to do around Arches National Park. You can take on a few fun activities in Moab or go hiking in Canyonlands National Park. Have a look at this one-day Arches to Canyonlands itinerary if you’re looking to explore both parks in a short period. 

Final Thoughts on What to Do at Arches National Park

As you can see, there are enough things to do in this Moab national park to keep you busy for a few days. With its scenic viewpoints, wondrous rock formations, and various hikes, it’s no wonder that this park made it to Utah’s Mighty 5 national parks list. 

If you can’t get enough of the Beehive State’s beauty, why not plan a Utah national parks road trip to visit all five parks? You may also enjoy this guide to the best hiking apps to help you while exploring the natural landscape. 

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