If you’re planning a trip to Utah, Arches National Park belongs near the top of your list. I’ve spent time here, and it never gets old.
This guide covers 17 things to do in Arches National Park, from easy walks to iconic viewpoints. You’ll find tips on trails, photo spots, and how to plan your visit without feeling overwhelmed.
First-timers and returning visitors alike will find something useful here. I’ve put in the research so you don’t have to.
Let’s get into everything this park has to offer.
Why Visit Arches National Park
Home to over 2,000 natural arches, this Utah park is one of the most rewarding stops in the American Southwest.
Arches National Park sits in southeastern Utah and holds more natural stone arches than anywhere else on Earth.
The park is easy to get around, with paved roads and trails for all skill levels. Hikers, photographers, and road trippers all find something worth coming back for.
17 Things to Do in Arches National Park
From iconic rock formations to quiet stargazing spots, here’s everything you need to see and do on your visit.
1. Walk Through Park Avenue
This trail runs between towering sandstone walls that look like city skyscrapers. It’s a 2-mile out-and-back walk, mostly flat and manageable. Morning light hits the rock walls at a great angle.
2. Visit Double Arch
Double Arch is two connected arches sharing a single base. The short 0.5-mile trail makes it one of the most accessible spots in the park. It’s a top pick for photos.
3. Visit North & South Windows and Turret Arch
These three arches sit close together on a 1-mile loop. The Windows arches frame the landscape like giant openings in the rock. Turret Arch adds a dramatic backdrop for photos.
4. Take a Guided Tour of Fiery Furnace
Fiery Furnace is a maze of narrow sandstone canyons. You need a permit or a ranger-guided tour to enter. Tours run spring through fall and fill up fast, so book early.
5. Watch Sunrise or Sunset at Delicate Arch
Delicate Arch is the most recognized landmark in the park. The 3-mile round-trip hike is moderate but worth every step. Go early or late to avoid the biggest crowds.
6. Visit Sand Dune Arch
Sand Dune Arch sits tucked between two large rock fins. The 0.4-mile walk is short and partly shaded. Kids especially love the soft sandy ground around the arch.
7. See Broken Arch
Broken Arch isn’t actually broken, despite the name. The 2.5-mile loop trail passes through open grassland before reaching it. It’s quiet and less crowded than most spots.
8. Hike to Double O Arch
Double O Arch sits at the far end of Devils Garden Trail, about 4.2 miles round-trip. It’s rated moderate with some scrambling involved.
The views along the way make the distance worthwhile.
9. See Balanced Rock
A large boulder sits on a narrow pedestal, looking like it could tip at any moment. A short 0.3-mile loop circles it. It’s a quick stop with great photo potential.
10. Watch Sunset at La Sal Mountains Viewpoint
This overlook gives you a wide view of the park with the La Sal Mountains in the background. Late afternoon light makes it a solid spot for landscape photography.
11. Stop by the Visitor Center
The visitor center near the park entrance has maps, ranger talks, and restrooms. Rangers can suggest trails based on your fitness level. It’s a smart first stop before heading deeper in.
12. Drive the Arches Scenic Road
The main park road runs about 18 miles one way and passes most major landmarks. Even if you don’t hike, the drive alone is worth the entry fee.
13. Visit Courthouse Towers
Courthouse Towers is a cluster of tall red rock formations near the park entrance. The Park Avenue trailhead starts here and it’s easy to walk around.
14. Hike Devils Garden Trail (See 7 Arches)
Devils Garden is the longest maintained trail in the park at about 7.9 miles. It passes seven arches, including Landscape Arch. Plan at least half a day for this one.
15. Go Stargazing in Arches
Arches is a certified Dark Sky Park. On clear nights, the Milky Way is visible without any equipment. The Windows area and Delicate Arch trailhead are popular stargazing spots.
16. Try Flightseeing Over Arches
Several operators offer small plane or helicopter rides over the park. From above, the scale of the arches and canyons is hard to believe. It’s a splurge, but a memorable one.
17. Capture Photos at Top Photography Spots
Sunrise at Delicate Arch and sunset from the Windows are top picks for photographers. For night shots, bring a tripod and a wide-angle lens.
The rock formations hold color long after the sun drops.
Planning Your Visit to Arches National Park
A little prep goes a long way when visiting one of Utah’s busiest national parks.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March to May) and fall (September to October) offer the most comfortable conditions. Summer brings intense heat and peak crowds. Winter is quieter but some trails may be icy.
How Many Days Do You Need
One day covers the highlights: Delicate Arch, Balanced Rock, and the Windows. Two days lets you hike Devils Garden and move at a slower pace. Three days gives you time to see nearly everything.
Reservations and Entry Requirements
Arches uses a timed entry system from spring through fall. Book your reservation in advance on Recreation.gov. There’s a $2 vehicle fee on top of the regular park entry cost.
Tips for Visiting Arches National Park
These simple steps will help you stay safe, save time, and get more out of your visit.
- Arrive before 8 a.m. to avoid crowds and secure parking easily
- Carry at least 1 liter of water for every hour of hiking
- Use sunscreen and wear a hat to protect yourself from strong sun exposure
- Stay on marked trails to preserve the fragile desert surface
- Pack out all trash and leave no waste behind
- Respect the environment and keep the park as you found it
Conclusion
Arches National Park is one of those places that stays with you long after you leave. I still think about watching the light shift over Delicate Arch at golden hour.
There’s so much packed into one park, and this list of things to do in Arches National Park gives you a strong starting point.
Go at your own pace, take breaks, and look around. If you’ve been before or have a favorite spot I didn’t mention, drop it in the comments. I’d love to hear what made your trip special.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Arches National Park worth visiting?
Yes, absolutely. The concentration of arches, easy access, and scenic drives make it one of the best parks in the country. Most visitors leave wishing they had more time.
Do you need a reservation to enter Arches National Park?
During peak season (spring through fall), a timed entry reservation is required. Book your spot on Recreation.gov before your trip to avoid being turned away at the gate.
How long does it take to see Arches National Park?
One day covers the main highlights, but two days gives you more time for longer trails. Plan based on how much walking you want to do.
Is Arches National Park good for first-time visitors?
Yes. Many trails are short and easy, including Balanced Rock and the Windows loop. Even less experienced hikers can enjoy most of what the park has to offer.
What should I bring to Arches National Park?
Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, a hat, and sturdy shoes. Cell service is limited inside the park, so download offline maps before you go.
