Top 10 Hikes in Arches National Park
Arches National Park, located in southeastern Utah, is famous for its more than 2,000 natural stone arches and dramatic rock formations. Spanning over 76,000 acres, the park offers an incredible landscape for hiking, exploring, and adventuring. This is a great park for all types of adventurers to visit since the trails range from short strolls to challenging treks.
Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned adventurer, these top 10 hikes in Arches National Park provide a diverse mix of scenery, difficulty, and unforgettable memories.
For more information on the best time to visit, places to stay, insider tips, and more..check out the guide below!
Double Arch in Arches National Park
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Hiking Tips for Arches National Park
Enter the park EARLY. This is not only helpful to avoid warm temperatures but it also helps avoid the crowds.
Pack more water than you think you need. Hiking in the desert sun can dehydrate you quickly. It is recommended each person carries one liter per 4-5 miles hiked.
Use electrolytes to maximize hydration.
Dress in clothing that protects you from the sun. We love wearing UPF long sleeve shirts and wide brimmed hats when hiking in the desert along with sunscreen.
Cell service can be hit or miss in the park. We recommend hiking with a reliable SOS device, especially if you plan to hike longer trails. Also, be sure to download offline trail maps before entering the park.
Always stay on the trail! This protects the fragile desert ecosystems by not trampling cryptobiotic soil.
What to Wear in Arches National Park
The weather in Arches National Park can vary greatly depending on the time of year you visit. In the summer months, temperatures can reach 100 degrees or more and in the winter months, temperatures can drop below freezing.
If you visit in the winter, layers are key:
Waterproof rain shell (pro tip: wear a bright shell, pink or blue, to stand out in photos)
If you visit in the warmer months, sun protection is key:
Other hiking gear you may need includes:
Microspikes (if you visit in the winter)
Headlamp (for sunrise or sunset hikes)
Pro Tip:
Stop by the visitor’s center, located directly behind the park entrance, to check on trail conditions and learn more about the rock formations before hiking.
Top 10 Hikes in Arches National Park
Here are the Top 10 Hikes in Arches National Park! Each trail name is hyperlinked to AllTrails so you can quickly access the trail details and download offline trail maps for your next trip.
1. Delicate Arch Trail
Distance: 3.2 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 630 feet
Duration: 2 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Description: This is the park’s most famous hike, leading to the iconic Delicate Arch. The trail traverses slickrock and some rock ledges before revealing the awe-inspiring arch.
Pro Tip:
This hike is the busiest in the park so we recommend hiking at sunrise to beat the crowds.
2. Devils Garden Trail
Distance: 8 mile loop
Elevation Gain: 1,150 feet
Duration: 3–5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous
Description: A diverse and adventurous hike that takes you by several arches including Landscape Arch (one of the world’s longest arches), Double O Arch, and more. Some scrambling required on the primitive loop.
Pro tip: Hike the loop counter-clockwise for the best views.
Landscape Arch
is only .75 miles away from the Devil’s Garden Trailhead so if you do not want to hike an 8 mile trail, the beginning of the hike is worth doing to see one of the world’s longest arches!
3. The Windows Loop and Turret Arch
Distance: 1.1 mile loop
Elevation Gain: 130 feet
Duration: 30–60 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Description: A short and family-friendly trail to North and South Windows and nearby Turret Arch. Ideal for sunrise photography.
Pro tip: This is right across the parking lot from Double Arch (below) so plan to see them back to back.
Double Arch
4. Double Arch Trail
Distance: 0.6 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 100 feet
Duration: 20–30 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Description: A short walk to two massive, interconnected arches.
Pro tip: These arches are best appreciated from underneath so make sure you hike up to this vantage point!
5. Sand Dune Arch Trail
Distance: 0.3 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 30 feet
Duration: 15–20 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Description: A fun trail through a narrow sandstone slot canyon to a hidden arch nestled among fins and soft sand.
Pro tip:
The lighting here is best at sunrise. If you go later, the background will be blown out and hard to photograph.
6. Park Avenue Trail
Distance: 2 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: ~300 feet
Duration: 1–1.5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Description: A scenic canyon walk between towering rock walls that resemble a city skyline.
Pro tip: This is one of the first trails after the park entrance making it a great trail to start or end your day with.
7. Balanced Rock Trail
Distance: 0.3 miles loop
Elevation Gain: ~45 feet
Duration: 10–15 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Description: A short loop around one of the park’s most famous formations—a massive boulder perched precariously atop a pedestal. Part of this hike is paved and ADA-friendly.
Pro tip: If you packed lunch, this is a great spot to enjoy it as there are many picnic tables here with beautiful views.
8. Tower Arch Trail
Distance: 2.5 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 600 feet
Duration: 2–3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous
Description: A quieter trail in the park's remote western section. After a steep climb, the path weaves through sandstone fins to the large and scenic Tower Arch.
Pro tip: This is the best hike in the park to escape the crowds.
9. Fiery Furnace
Distance: ~2 miles (varies with route)
Elevation Gain: ~500 feet
Duration: 2–3 hours
Difficulty: Strenuous (navigation required)
Description: A labyrinth of narrow canyons and fins. This is a technical hike requiring permits or ranger guidance due to its maze-like nature. You can pick your own adventure here so the milage will vary greatly depending on the route.
Pro tip: This hike requires a permit and careful planning to successfully complete. We only recommend this hike to seasoned adventurers confident in their navigation skills.
10. Broken Arch Loop
Distance: 2 mile loop
Elevation Gain: ~200 feet
Duration: 1–1.5 hours
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Description: This trail passes through desert terrain to Broken Arch and back through a scenic loop.
Pro tip: You can also see both Tapestry Arch and Sand Dune Arch on short offshoot trails from the loop.
Final Thoughts:
From the iconic Delicate Arch to the lesser-known gems of Devil’s Garden and Tower Arch, Arches National Park offers unforgettable hiking experiences for every adventurer. If this is your first national park in Utah, it is a great introduction to the epic adventures the state holds and we suggest continuing your exploration to the neighboring Canyonlands National Park! So throw on your hiking shoes, grab some snacks and a camera, and get out there. Adventure’s waiting, and the red rocks aren’t going to explore themselves!
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