Arches National Park is one of Utah’s Mighty 5 – the five National Parks of Utah. This epic destination is filled with incredible landscapes and is one of the best places to visit in Utah.
This stunning National Park is home to over 2,000 natural stone arches, the highest concentration in the United States. Its scenery is filled with fiery red rocks, towering cliffs, impressive sandstone fins and, of course, its iconic natural arches.
Arches National Park is one of my favourite places I’ve ever visited. The park boasts such a surreal landscape unlike anywhere else I’ve ever been. If you’re planning a road trip through Utah, a visit to Arches National Park is an absolute must on your itinerary.
In this post, I’ve shared how to spend one day in Arches National Park. This includes how to get there, where to stay, tips for your visit and the best things to include on your Arches National Park itinerary.
Visiting Arches National Park as part of a longer road trip through Utah? Check out my Utah road trip guide and how to spend a day in Bryce Canyon National Park.
Where is Arches National Park?
Arches National Park is in eastern Utah and is one of Utah’s Mighty 5 – the five National Parks of Utah. With its unique and other worldly landscape, it’s one of the best places to include on a road trip through Utah.
In terms of how to get to Arches National Park, the closest city is the adventure hub of Moab. The main entrance to Arches Park is just a ten-minute drive north of Moab.
Moab is also the perfect base for exploring Canyonlands National Park.
For a road trip through Utah, the most common start and end points are Salt Lake City and Las Vegas. If travelling from Salt Lake City, Moab and Arches are a great first destination on your itinerary.
If beginning your road trip through Utah from Las Vegas, Moab is a good first or last destination depending on your route. I’ve spoken more about the perfect Utah National Parks itinerary in my guide.
Realistically, you’re going to need a car to get to and around Arches National Park. There’s no shuttle system in place and the area does not have public transport that allows you to explore the park.
When is the best time of year to visit Arches National Park?
The best time of year to visit Arches National Park is either the spring (April & May) or the fall (September & October). The crowds will be less intense and the heat more bearable.
The summer months see high temperatures which can exceed 100 degrees (38 c). While you can absolutely still visit Arches in the summer, it’s not the best time for hiking. If you do find yourself hitting the hiking trails in the summer months, be sure to carry plenty of water and sun protection.
The winter months are the quietest time to visit Arches. It’s not as prone to snow like other areas in Utah such as Bryce Canyon, but snow is still possible. With freezing temperatures, the hiking trails are also prone to ice. A trip to Arches in the winter will certainly be beautiful and peaceful, but be prepared to change your plans if the weather isn’t in your favour.
Arches National Park: Timed Entry System
Visiting Arches National Park requires a bit of planning as it operates with a timed entry system. This means you’ll need to book your entry slot to the park in advance, otherwise you won’t be allowed to enter.
You’ll only need a permit if you’re visiting between April and October. The winter months in Arches don’t require a permit.
I won’t lie, the timed entry system is a little bit confusing. But basically, the tickets for each month are released in two stages – 3 months before and the evening before. You’ll either need to be very organised and book 3 months ahead, or last minute and hope for the best.
The dates of release and where to book your permits can be found on the Recreation website.
Note: if you enter the park before 7am or after 4pm, you won’t need a permit. For those heading into the park for sunrise (as per the below itinerary), this will mean you don’t need to worry about the timed entry system.
How to Spend One Day in Arches National Park
Sunrise in Arches National Park
Start your epic day in Arches National Park early by heading to Delicate Arch to watch the sunrise. Delicate Arch is one of the most iconic places in Arches to see the sunrise, so it’s the perfect way to kick off your day.
The hike is a 3-mile (4.8km) round trip. The trail can be a little hard to follow, especially in the dark, so bring a headlamp. It’s also worth downloading the trail offline on AllTrails.
Delicate Arch is an incredible feature of Arches National Park. At 46 feet-high, Delicate Arch is the park’s largest free-standing arch.
It takes about 45-minutes to reach the best sunrise view. Unfortunately, it was cloudy on the day I visited so we didn’t quite get a sunrise. It was still worth-it however.
Despite the early start, you’ll still likely encounter crowds on this sunrise hike. It’s one of the most popular sunrise spots in the park (and for good reason).
Tip: if you’re not keen on an early start for sunrise, Delicate Arch is also beautiful at sunset.
How to get to the parking lot: drive into the park onto Delicate Arch Road. Continue along the road to the Delicate Arch Parking Lot.
Hike in Devils Garden
After leaving Delicate Arch, head to the parking lot for Devils Garden. Devils Garden in Arches National Park is one of my favourite places I’ve ever been to. It was one of the first places I visited on my Utah road trip and I was blown away by the scenery.
The truth is, you could spend an entire day hiking the trails in Devils Garden. I’d personally opt to spend as much time exploring this area as possible.
After watching the sunrise at Delicate Arch, head straight to the Devils Garden Parking Lot to get ahead of the crowds and heat. It’s about a 15-minute drive.
The famous Devils Garden trail is a total of 7.9 miles (12.7km). The best thing about the hike is it takes you past several iconic features of the park and you can turn around at any point. This includes iconic landmarks such as Landscape Arch and Double O Arch. It also connects to the famous Primitive Trail if you want to do a full loop.
Here’s a breakdown of the best things to see in Devils Garden.
Landscape Arch
The top attraction in Devils Garden is the famous Landscape Arch. This arch is one of the longest natural rock arches in the entire world.
The track to Landscape Arch is 1.8 miles (2.9km) round trip. It’s a well-maintained track and is relatively flat, so even if you’re not the biggest hiker you can enjoy this easy hike.
The scenery here is truly beautiful.
Partition Arch and Navajo Arch
These two arches require you to take a detour from the main Devils Garden hike, but trust me when I say it’s well worth it.
The arches require an additional 0.5 miles (0.8km) of hiking each way.
First up is Partition Arch which boasts an epic photo spot. The arch acts like a window for some stunning scenery. Navajo Arch is quite unique and almost cave like. When I visited, there was water on the ground creating a stunning mirror-like effect.
Black Arch Overlook
Next up on the Devils Garden hike is the Black Arch Overlook. This spot is incredible. To get here, return to the main path from Navajo Arch and follow signs for Double O Arch.
The hike itself takes you across narrow rocks with steep drops either side. It’s not for the faint of heart but you’re rewarded with panoramic views of the Utah landscape, including Black Arch Overlook. If I had to list my top five views when hiking, this would certainly be in there.
Black Arch Overlook is another short detour, but only a few minutes.
Double O Arch
Keep following the signs to Double O Arch. The arch is about 2.1 miles (3.4km) from the start of the Devils Garden trailhead.
This is another brilliant spot in Arches National Park. The Arch has two layers to it hence the name, Double O.
If you don’t want to do the full Devils Garden hike with the Primitive Trail, this is the best spot to turn around. You can also choose to take the Primitive Trail back which I’ve spoken more about below.
Dark Angel
If you’ve decided to carry on, the next stop on your hike is Dark Angel. This is a large rock pillar. Honestly, I was a little underwhelmed by this. The hike itself was fun, but with just one day in Arches National Park I’d suggest focusing on other sights.
Primitive Trail
To get back to the Devils Garden Trailhead, you have two options. Go back the way you came (easiest), or take the Primitive Trail.
The Primitive Trail is a great way to escape the busy crowds of Arches National Park, but it’s not for everyone. The trail requires you to traverse rocky and steep terrain with sheer drops in parts. It’s not the hardest hike in the world, but I wouldn’t recommend it unless you’re a confident hiker.
It’s one of the most spectacular hikes in Utah.
Tunnel Arch and Pine Tree Arch
Whichever way you return, before leaving Devils Garden make a quick stop at Tunnel Arch and Pine Tree Arch. They’re about a ten-minute walk from the Devils Garden trailhead and well worth-it.
You can get right up to Tunnel Arch and it’s a great photo spot.
Note: there is difficult terrain on the Devils Garden hike. Make sure you have suitable footwear and are carrying plenty of water.
The Arches Scenic Drive
Spend the rest of your day making the most of the Arches Scenic Drive. The main road connects the main features of the park. It’s only 22-miles (35km) long but it is full of picturesque scenic spots and short hikes.
If you only have a few hours in Arches National Park, focus on this drive and making the most of the viewpoints.
Here are some of the best stops on the Arches Scenic Drive. (You might not have the time to do everything, but it’s worth a try).
Note: there are several other quick viewpoints along the Arches Scenic Drive. The below is a selection of the best spots.
Skyline Arch
A few minutes after leaving Devils Garden you’ll find the Skyline Arch. This is short and easy hiking trail with epic views. There’s a convenient parking lot too.
Skyline Arch is one of the best places to watch the sunset in Arches National Park.
Sand Dune Arch
This popular hike is a little more secluded than other spots on this list. The short hike requires you to walk through the sand to reach Sand Dune Arch. It’s less than 0.5 miles round-trip.
If you’re still feeling energetic after your morning exploring, consider hiking to Broken Arch from Sand Dune Arch. The total distance for this hike is 2.3 miles (3.7km). Continue on the trail past Sand Dune Arch.
Double Arch and Windows Arch
Next up is Double Arch. From the parking lot, it’s only a 10-to-15-minute short walk to reach this giant arch. It was one of my favourite spots in Arches National Park.
If you have the time and energy, just over the road is the Windows Trail. This trail features various arches including the famous Turret Arch, North Window Arch and South Window Arch. In total, it’s just over a mile to hike the full trail.
Balanced Rock
Balanced Rock is one of the most popular spots in all of Arches National Park. The landmark is exactly what it sounds like, a giant rock looking like it’s balancing on another rock.
It’s a quick stop with the hiking trail being less than a 0.3 miles round trip. Be sure to include this stop during your day in Arches National Park.
Park Avenue Trail
This longer hike is an absolute must while in Arches. It’s very different to other hikes in the park.
It’s a 2-mile (3.2km) round trip but it’s absolutely worthwhile. The trail leads you to the famous Courthouse Towers, giant rock formations which look like… towers.
If you don’t want to do the full hike, it’s still worth it to drive to the parking lot. It’s very different to other areas of Arches National Park.
Other viewpoints
As I mentioned above, the Arches Scenic Drive is filled with epic viewpoints and photo stops. Around every corner, the views somehow seem to get better. Be sure to check out the Garden of Eden and the Petrified Dunes Viewpoint before leaving the park.
Planning a trip to other destinations in Utah? Check out my guide for how to spend a day in Bryce Canyon.
Other epic things to do in Arches National Park
The above itinerary is how I would spend one day in Arches National Park. If you have extra time or more than one day in the park, here are some other exciting things to do in Arches National Park.
Fiery Furnace Hike
The Fiery Furnace is a fun and unique hike in Arches. It’s a maze of canyons, cliffs and giant rocks to navigate.
This is a 2-mile (3.2km) hike which requires a bit of planning. You’ll either need to purchase a $10 permit from the Visitor Center, or join a ranger-led tour ($16).
For those who want a quick glimpse, there’s a free viewpoint of the area on the Arches Scenic Drive.
Stargazing
Arches National Park has recently been certified as a Dark Sky Park, making it an epic spot to be wowed by the night sky.
I didn’t get a chance to stargaze in Arches myself, but the stargazing I did do in Utah was some of the best of my life.
If you have the chance, stargazing in Arches is an absolute must.
Find the petroglyphs
Arches is home to some amazing petroglyphs (ancient rock carvings). The best place to see these in near Wolfe Ranch. It’s believed these carvings were created between 1650 and 1850 AD.
Wolfe Ranch is right next to the trailhead for Delicate Arch. It’s an easy stop before or after visiting here.
4×4 adventure tour
Arches is right next door to Moab, the Adventure Capital of the West. There’s an exciting array of outdoor activities to do here, including a 4×4 jeep tour of Arches National Park.
The jeep tours take you on a thrilling off-road adventure.
Dead Horse Point State Park
Okay, not technically part of Arches National Park, but it’s an absolute must visit on your Arches itinerary.
Dead Horse Point State Park is an incredible canyon in Utah. The vast landscape is similar to that of the Grand Canyon, and a great alternative for those not visiting there.
The park is about a thirty-minute drive from the Arches park entrance. I’d recommend visiting Dead Horse Point State Park at sunset when the light creates a magnificent spectacle in the park.
The park is also a Dark Sky Reserve making it one of the best places in the area to stargaze.
Tips for visiting Arches National Park
- Carry plenty of water: the weather in Arches National Park can be brutal in the summer. The days are long with scorching heat. Many of the trails in Arches are exposed with little respite from the sun. Make sure you are carrying plenty of water with you. Tip: take more than you think you need. There are water refill stations available at Devils Garden and the Visitor Center.
- Wear suitable footwear: the terrain in Arches National Park is no joke. The walking paths are rocky, steep and unstable at times. If you’re planning to hit the trails, it’s essential to have the correct shoes. I’d recommend hiking boots with a strong grip and ankle support.
- Take lunch and snacks: there are no restaurants inside the park. You’ll need to take your lunch with you for your one day in Arches National Park. There’s lots of picnic benches around the park.
- Arrive early: Arches is an incredibly popular National Park. To avoid the crowds (and the heat), arrive as early as you can in the day.
Struggling with what to take with you? Here’s the ultimate packing list for the Utah National Parks.
Where to stay in Arches National Park
The closest city to Arches National Park is the adventure city of Moab.
This conveniently located place is just down the road from both Arches and Canyonlands National Park, making it the perfect spot to base yourself for exploring these two destinations. There’s a range of campgrounds, hostels and hotels to suit all needs and budgets.
Note: there is no accommodation inside of Arches National Park. If you want to stay inside Arches National Park, you’ll need to camp.
Camping in Arches National Park
The only campsite in Arches National Park is the Devils Garden Campground.
This is an extremely popular spot and you’ll need to book your space months ahead for the peak season.
The campsite is conveniently located close to the trailheads for the Devils Garden Trail and the Delicate Arch Trail.
There are also several campsites in Moab. I camped at the Sun Outdoors campground which has sites for tents, campervans and RVs.
Glamping near Arches National Park
If you want to camp but with all the luxuries, consider a glamping experience. The Under Canvas “glampground” is just down the road from Arches National Park. It’s truly a unique place to stay in Moab.
Hotels near the Arches main entrance
If you want to be as close to Arches National Park as possible, consider Springhill Suites (by Marriott. This hotel is only a few minutes down the road from the park entrance to Arches.
Aarchway Inn is another popular hotel near the entrance to Arches National Park. It provides a free shuttle into the centre of Moab for those who don’t want to drive.
Budget accommodations near Arches
Moab is filled with budget places to stay including hostels and motels.
The Lazy Lizard hostel is one of the closest hostels to Arches National Park. Another budget accommodation option is Comfort Suites Moab. This is one of the cheapest hotels in Moab and includes a free breakfast.
I suggest using Booking.com to research and compare your accommodation options. Booking is a reliable website for making hotel and hostel reservations around the world.
Cost to enter Arches National Park
Unfortunately, it’s not free to enter Arches National Park. The National Parks Service works hard to maintain this delicate landscape.
It currently costs $30 for a private vehicle to enter Arches National Park, this vehicle can hold up to 15 passengers.
If you’re travelling without a car, it’s $15 to enter.
The National Parks Service offers an annual pass known as America the Beautiful. This pass costs $80 and gives you access to every National Park in the United States for one year. If you’re visiting a National Park three times or more, it’s well worth the money.
The Timed Entry Permit System is an additional cost of $2.
other utah posts
Have you checked out my other Utah themed posts to help you plan the ultimate road trip?
Did you find this post on how to spend a day in Arches National Park useful? Share on social media below.
