Best Things to Do in Arches National Park

Nestled in eastern Utah, Arches National Park is a landscape of red rock wonders, home to over 2,000 natural stone arches and an array of breathtaking geological formations. From towering sandstone fins to delicate balancing rocks, this park offers an unforgettable experience for hikers, photographers, and outdoor enthusiasts.

Whether you’re looking for iconic hikes, scenic drives, or lesser-known gems, this guide will help you discover the best things to do in Arches National Park.

Drive the Arches Scenic Road

• Distance: 18 miles one way (36 miles round trip)

• Time Needed: 2–3 hours with stops

The Arches Scenic Road is the best way to see the park’s highlights, especially for first-time visitors or those short on time. This picturesque route winds through towering red rock formations, offering easy access to some of the most famous landmarks in the park.

📍 Must-See Stops Along the Drive:

• Park Avenue Viewpoint – A stunning canyon walk among massive rock walls.

• La Sal Mountains Viewpoint – A breathtaking contrast of red rocks against snow-capped peaks.

• Balanced Rock – A precariously perched rock formation that defies gravity.

• The Windows Section – Home to North Window, South Window, and Turret Arch, perfect for a short hike.

Insider Tips:

✔️ Start early to avoid traffic and catch the best lighting for photos.
✔️ Drive slowly—wildlife like bighorn sheep can sometimes be spotted.
✔️ Pull over at designated viewpoints for the best photo opportunities.

Hike to Delicate Arch – The Park’s Iconic Landmark

• Distance: 3 miles round trip

• Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous

• Time Needed: 2–3 hours

Delicate Arch is the most famous natural arch in the park, appearing on Utah’s license plates and countless postcards. Standing at 46 feet tall, this freestanding arch is a bucket-list destination for many visitors.

The hike to Delicate Arch is challenging but rewarding, taking you across open slickrock, a gradual incline, and a narrow rock ledge before revealing the breathtaking view of the arch against the desert landscape.

Insider Tips:

✔️ Best Time to Visit: Sunset provides the most dramatic lighting and cooler temperatures.
✔️ Be Prepared: There’s no shade on the trail, so bring plenty of water.
✔️ Winter Bonus: If you visit in winter, you might see a dusting of snow on the arch—an incredible sight!

Explore the Windows Section & Double Arch

• Distance: 1.2 miles round trip

• Difficulty: Easy

• Time Needed: 30–60 minutes

If you’re looking for an easy yet rewarding hike, the Windows Section offers some of the park’s largest arches in a short distance. This area features North Window, South Window, and Turret Arch, all easily accessible via a short hike.

Just across the parking lot, Double Arch is another must-see formation. It consists of two massive arches connected at the base, making it one of the most unique rock formations in the park.

Insider Tips:

✔️ Great for families and kids—short, flat trails make it an easy walk.
✔️ Visit in the morning for soft lighting and fewer crowds.
✔️ Bring a wide-angle lens for capturing the massive arches in one shot.

See the Fiery Furnace (With a Permit or Ranger Tour)

• Distance: Varies

• Difficulty: Challenging (requires navigation skills)

• Permit Required: Yes, or guided ranger tour

The Fiery Furnace is a maze-like labyrinth of narrow sandstone canyons, towering walls, and hidden arches. Unlike the rest of the park, there are no marked trails, making navigation tricky but exciting. Visitors can explore on their own (with a permit) or join a guided ranger tour for a more educational experience.

Insider Tips:

✔️ If hiking alone, get a permit in advance—they are limited.
✔️ Wear good traction shoes—slickrock surfaces can be tricky.
✔️ Be prepared to scramble—you may need to climb over some rocks.

Visit Sand Dune Arch & Broken Arch

• Distance: 2 miles round trip

• Difficulty: Easy

• Time Needed: 1 hour

Sand Dune Arch is a hidden gem, tucked between narrow rock walls and surrounded by soft sand—making it a fun stop, especially for kids. Just a short distance away, Broken Arch is another less-crowded but equally stunning formation that provides great photo opportunities.

Insider Tips:

✔️ Best for families—kids love playing in the sand near Sand Dune Arch.
✔️ Great midday stop—shaded areas make it a good break from the sun.

Stargaze in One of the Darkest Skies in the U.S.

Arches National Park is one of the best places in the country for stargazing. With minimal light pollution, the night sky becomes a canvas of stars, planets, and even the Milky Way.

Best Stargazing Spots:

🌌 Balanced Rock – A stunning foreground for night photography.
🌌 Panorama Point – Offers a wide-open view of the sky.
🌌 The Windows Section – Arches framing the night sky make for an unforgettable experience.

Insider Tips:

✔️ Visit during a new moon for the darkest skies.
✔️ Bring a flashlight with a red filter to protect your night vision.
✔️ Use a tripod if you’re taking long-exposure star photos.