Top Things to do in Arches National Park
Things to do in Arches National Park, Arches National Park: The Best Geologic Formations
One of the smallest parks, Arches is dominated by strange and beautiful sandstone arches which are illuminated at sunset.
1. Delicate Arch
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,859 reviews
A world-famous natural sandstone arch.
Reviewed By 355margotm
We hiked to Delicate Arch in November, starting early-ish in the morning of a sunny (but cool) day. The walk has a bit of everything - colonial history (a historic shack), pre-history (petroglyphs), slick-rock, clambering, ledges and - when you get around the final corner, the amazing Delicate Arch! It stands off to the side of a natural amphitheatre, and we couldn't imagine how it came to be formed. Amazing and beautiful.
2. Fiery Furnace
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 469 reviews
Excellent hike, especially with a guide, and a wonderful opportunity for sunset photos.
Reviewed By Jane_A60 - Socorro, United States
First make sure you sign up for this hike as early as you can at the Visitor's Center. It takes a couple of days to get into the ranger led hike. $16 for adults, and senior pass holders and children $8. You can also get a self guided permit. I hike a lot and we had hiked a lot in Arches and Canyonlands and thought I was prepared for this hike. I went with my husband and if it hadn't been for his helping hand I'm not sure I could have managed some of the rock climbs. The good part is all of us taking part in this ranger guided tour in Fiery Furnace helped each other get through the difficult parts. There was a total of 14 people in our group including a family with two younger children, maybe 7 and 9. We were slowed down a bit by two people who probably shouldn't have taken this trail but it didn't take away from the experience and the guide told us we still were able to do 80% of the regular tour. He said that finishing only a partial tour was not that unusual depending on the group and how easily they can rock climb and hike through the trail. Just know that there was a lot more rock climbing than I anticipated. Travis was our guide and he was fantastic showing us the foot holds to navigate the rocks. I am glad I did this hike and in no way am discouraging anyone from taking this hike, just know going in how much rock scrambling that there will be. I consider this hike requiring a little bit of canyoneering as a moderate strenuous hike.
3. Double Arch
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 631 reviews
Arch which requires a 4.2-mile hike through challenging terrain.
Reviewed By BruinDan - Fullerton, United States
This short (0.5 mi/0.8 km) out-and-back trail features one of the most impressive formations in Arches National Park, the famous “Double Arch.” To reach the trailhead, take the Windows Road off the main Arches Scenic Drive (the turnoff is near Balanced Rock) to the end of the road, which takes you directly into the parking area for the Windows Loop Trail. You can either park there or continue a little further to the parking area right in front of the Double Arch trailhead. A flat, sandy trail leads to the base of this stunning twin arch formation. NOTE that because the trail is so easy and the view so excellent, the trail (and the parking area) can become quite crowed. There are vault toilets up the stairs from the trailhead adjacent to the parking lot for the Windows Loop Trail. Also NOTE that early morning is considered the best time to photograph the Double Arch. It’s one of the highlights in Arches National Park and should not be missed.
4. Tower Arch
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 38 reviews
Reviewed By PandaHouston - Houston, United States
To get to Tower Arch, you have to drive off road. The first road is a 2WD dirt road. From there, you can either continue to the trailhead to hike 1.7 miles to Tower Arch. Or, you can turn off to a 4WD road to hike .3 miles to Tower Arch. We had a rental car - Hyundai Santa Fe 4WD and thought we would attempt the 4WD road. However, on the way in, 2 cars turned around and told us to do the same because they advised we would not have enough clearance. So we turned around and parked at the trailhead for the 1.7 mile hike to Tower Arch. For these reasons, this is not a popular hike. So if you like a less crowded area, this is a great trail. We came close to sunset and the arch lit up in brilliant colors.
5. Eye of the Whale Arch
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By TravelingJohnB80 - Martinsburg, United States
Beautiful arch in a remote area off of a 4x4 trail. You will need a 4x4 vehicle with good ground clearance to access this arch and there are no crowds around. While we were driving on the 4x4 road we didn’t see more than 5-6 other vehicles all day. From the trail head it is a short hike up to this arch with beautiful views.
6. Tower of Babel
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 65 reviews
Stunning rock formation in Arches National Park.
Reviewed By FYL003 - Chicago, United States
Not too far from the entrance on the right side, there is a view point that one can see the rock formations of the 3 Gossips, Skip rock, Courthouse tower and Tower of Babel. There is a signage identifying all the names. A good starting point to the park or the end point before departure.
7. Sand Dune Arch
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 271 reviews
Arch formation at the end of an easy hiking trail.
Reviewed By LSUTraveller - Denham Springs, United States
It's an easy hike from the parking lot - note, that in the winter some of the route may be snow impacted and incredibly slick. The arch is located just beyond the slot canyon narrows.
8. Double O Arch
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 194 reviews
Arch which requires a 4.2 mile hike through challenging terrain.
Reviewed By TravelingSoccerLoon - Saint Paul, United States
Hiked from Devil's Garden Trailhead to Double O Arch and back and it was one of the highlights of my visit to Arches. The hike itself is even more rewarding than seeing the Arch. Getting to Landscape Arch is pretty easy but the hike gets challenging after that and involves scrambling up rocks several times and walking across narrow rock ledges but I found this all part of the fun like doing an obstacle course. It doesn't require great athletic ability but you need to have some nerve and not have any issues with your balance or fear of heights. Bring lots of water as it gets hot quickly. I would also recommend starting shortly after sunrise to avoid the mid day heat but also to avoid the crowds that build later in the morning and to get a parking space although there were spots available all day long the Sunday I was there in late August. Also, don't miss stopping at Partition Arch along the way for some great views. I had considered returning on the primitive trail but probably wisely did not as I was hiking solo and am not an overly experienced hiker. I found the hike to Double O Arch on the " regular" trail challenging enough needing to follow rock cairns and got off track several times when doing so.
9. Broken Arch
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 115 reviews
Majestic natural rock formation best experienced in the early morning light.
Reviewed By workhardplayhard27 - Mantorville, United States
The almost mile long hike to Broken Arch is through a grassland area. It is an easy walk and the view is well worth the time and effort to get there. Once you reach the arch, the trail is more crude, so you may not want to proceed depending on your skills.
10. Landscape Arch
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 556 reviews
Arch formation called "incredible" by many visitors.
Reviewed By ekelleman88 - Hammond, United States
This is my 2nd favorite site in Arches after Delicate Arch. It is so cool to see this long, narrow arch that is longer than a football field. And it's an easy hike that is not far from the Devils Garden trailhead.
