Top Things to do in Arches National Park
What to do and see in Arches National Park, Arches National Park: The Best Outdoor Activities
One of the smallest parks, Arches is dominated by strange and beautiful sandstone arches which are illuminated at sunset.
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Arches National Park Scenic Drive
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 211 reviews
Reviewed By TravelingSoccerLoon - Saint Paul, United States
Not long after entering the park as you climb up the road through several switchbacks, you will experience spectacular sights throughout the drive. My favorite section was driving from Park Avenue through The Courtland Towers area. Balanced Rock is beautiful especially at sunset and is about a 30 min drive from the entrance. It takes about 40-45 min to drive to the end of the scenic drive at Devil's Garden Trailhead. As beautiful the sights are along the road, the highlights of Arches National Park involved getting out and doing some hiking including to Delicate Arch, Landscape Arch and beyond to Double O Arch, Broken Arch and the Windows area.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Park Avenue Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 282 reviews
The most popular hike in the park because of its ease and scenery.
Reviewed By CATTSAR - Provincetown, United States
This was the first trail that I came across after entering the park. The hike is not particularly long as I clocked it at about 2.36 miles (3.8 km). It is considered easy to moderate due to some hills and changing terrain. This trail will take you past the gigantic monoliths, most notably The Three Gossips, The Courthouse Towers and The Organ just to name a few. You will also hike through canyons with amazing views. It will also follow along a smooth, multi colored wash that resembles poured cake mix. This is an out and back hike as opposed to a loop. With numerous stops for pictures and observation it was still under an hour. Take your map, bring water, if you carry it in carry it out and descending always yields to ascending!
7. Devils Garden Trailhead
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 424 reviews
A 2.2-mile trail leading to Double O arch.
Reviewed By BruinDan - Fullerton, United States
Devils Garden Trailhead is one of the most popular destinations for visitors to Arches National Park. That’s because this trailhead is the starting point for trails that lead to quite a few arches, including Landscape Arch, Pine Tree Arch, Tunnel Arch, Partition Arch, Navajo Arch, Wall Arch, Private Arch, Dark Angel Arch, and Double O Arch. To reach the trailhead from the park entrance or visitor center, take the main scenic drive road and drive 18 mi/29 km north; the road ends at Devils Garden. Parking for the trailhead is just past the campground. There are vault toilets available between the parking lot and trailhead. The parking area is large, but due to its popularity it can fill up quickly. My wife and I arrived here around 8:30 am on a Tuesday in early October, and the parking lot was already approximately 70 percent full. As you begin your hike from the trailhead, you’ll go through a short slot canyon. The trail curves a couple of times, you’ll go up a slight incline and then emerge into an area where the landscape is dotted with interesting formations that are so prevalent in Arches National Park. Before long, you’ll reach a junction with a spur trail that will take you to Pine Tree Arch and Tunnel Arch. The majority of the hikers on the well-groomed trail go on to the remarkable Landscape Arch (a 2.0 mi/3.2 km out-and-back hike); from there the trail becomes more primitive, and the more hardy and ambitious continue on to some of the other arches, most notably Double O Arch. And that’s probably the best element about the Devils Garden Trailhead -- there are hikes here for virtually every skill and fitness level.
8. Windows
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 513 reviews
Section of Arches National Park that is home to juniper forest, collections of eroded sandstone formations and famous arches.
Reviewed By TravelingSoccerLoon - Saint Paul, United States
Arrived in the early morning 30 minutes after sunrise to avoid the crowds that build here throughout the day given the easy accessibility with a short easy walk from the parking lot. Sun was still low in the sky making for cool views of North Window. What really made the experience was walking the primitive trail from just beyond South Window which loops around the back side of the arches providing outstanding views of both North And South Window especially in the early morning light and explaining why The Spectacles are a good nickname. The primitive trail was a bit difficult to find but once on it, I could easily follow the rock cairns. I was the only one walking the trail on an early Monday morning in late August. Made the whole experience pretty special.
9. Salt Valley Road
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By Kerny7678 - Telluride & Mountain Village, United States
This road let’s you drive on the road less traveled. When I was on the paved road I saw hundreds of cars. On this road I saw maybe 10. That being said, I would not recommend taking your sedan on this road. Washboard gravel makes up half the length of this road. It’s do-able just slow.
10. Pine Tree Arch Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12 reviews
Reviewed By S4136XSdavidb - Texas, United States
Part of a trail that can lead to several arches, this one offers some unique photo opportunities. Wear hiking boots or athletic shoes.
