The 10 Best Hikes in Arches National Park

If you’re looking for stunning views without the grueling all-day treks, Arches National Park is your hiking dream come true!

With more than 2,000 natural stone arches, towering red rock fins, and sweeping desert vistas, it’s a place where even the short hikes pack a huge punch.

This guide covers the best hikes in Arches National Park—from quick roadside strolls to the must-do hikes in Arches that belong on every bucket list.

Most of these trails are easy-to-moderate, so you can see a ton even if you only have one day here.

We’ll go in an order that makes the most sense to optimize your time (and to avoid the biggest crowds), and I’ll share trail details—distance, difficulty, and hike time—in addition to my personal tips from my own visit in November.

Let’s get started!

Quick Overview: The Best Hikes in Arches

Short on time? Here’s your cheat sheet to the top hikes in Arches National Park, with distances, difficulty ratings, average hiking times, and highlights all in one place.

Whether you’re looking for easy hikes in Arches National Park that deliver big views in under an hour or must-do hikes worth carving out half a day for, this table will help you zero in on the ones that match your schedule, fitness level, and sense of adventure.

Hike	Distance (Round-Trip)	Difficulty	Time to Complete	Highlights
Balanced Rock	0.3 miles	Easy	20 minutes	Iconic rock with epic sunset views
The Windows	1 mile	Easy	45 minutes	North & South Windows, Turret Arch
Double Arch	0.5 miles	Easy	20 minutes	Two massive arches joined together
Delicate Arch Viewpoints	0.1–0.5 miles	Easy	10-30 minutes	Views of the park’s most famous arch
Sand Dune Arch	0.3 miles	Easy	20 minutes	Hidden arch with a sandy approach
Broken Arch Loop	2–2.8 miles	Easy/Moderate	60 minutes	Broken Arch & Tapestry Arch
Landscape Arch	1.9 miles	Easy	50 minutes	Longest natural rock span in the world
Skyline Arch	0.4 miles	Easy	10-20 minutes	Short walk to a dramatic arch
Park Avenue	2 miles	Moderate	1.5 hours	Towering canyon walls
Delicate Arch	3 miles	Strenuous	2.5 hours	Utah’s most famous arch

Map of the Best Hikes in Arches

To help you visualize where each trail sits within the park, I’ve created this map of the best hikes in Arches National Park.

It shows trailhead locations, nearby parking areas, and the general layout of the park’s road system so you can plan your route efficiently.

Whether you’re tackling just a few short hikes or attempting a full day of exploring, having a visual reference will save you time and help you avoid backtracking.

A Broad Recommendation: Cell service is limited in many parts of Arches National Park, so it’s smart to have a backup. Save this map to your phone for offline use or bring along a printed copy. You can also download individual hike routes on AllTrails or save the entire park in Google Maps for offline navigation.

How to Fit These Hikes Into Your Trip

If you’re visiting on a time crunch, you can still see the best hikes in Arches National Park in a single day.

The shorter trails make it possible to experience a mix of iconic arches, stunning viewpoints, and hidden gems without feeling rushed.

My boyfriend, Tim, and I combined many of these into our Arches National Park one day itinerary, which worked perfectly for our fall visit.

Best Hikes in Arches Trail-by-Trail

Now that you’ve got the big picture, let’s dive into the best hikes in Arches National Park one-by-one.

Whether you’re chasing easy, high-reward trails or ready to tackle more challenging terrain, these hikes showcase the park’s most popular arches, some lesser-known gems, and sweeping desert views.

I’ve included distances, difficulty levels, and tips for each hike so you can pick and choose the ones that fit your schedule—or combine them all for the ultimate Arches adventure!

Balanced Rock

Distance: 0.3 miles | Difficulty: Easy | Time: 20 minutes

First up is Balanced Rock. This is one of the most famous landmarks in the park—and it’s also one of the easiest hikes in Arches National Park.

Sitting about 9 miles from the park entrance (about a 20 minute drive), this quirky rock formation looks like it’s defying gravity, with a massive boulder perched 55 feet above its base.

The short loop trail takes you right to the base, where you can fully appreciate just how huge it is (128 feet tall in total!).

As you circle around, you’ll also get beautiful views of The Windows area and the distant La Sal Mountains.

We first visited here at sunset the night before our full day in the park, and wow—the golden light on those red rocks was unreal.

If you’re looking for an easy hike in Arches National Park with a huge visual payoff, start here.

The Windows

Distance: 1 mile | Difficulty: Easy | Time: 45 minutes

We kicked off our first full day in the park in The Windows section, and it was pure magic watching the first light spill over the desert through the arches.

This is hands-down one of the top hikes in Arches National Park for photographers, sunrise lovers, and anyone who wants to see a big concentration of arches in a small area.

Here, you’ll find the North and South Windows, Turret Arch, and a whole lineup of impressive formations like Elephant Butte and the Parade of Elephants.

The main trail is an easy gravel path with a slight incline, leading first to the North Window and then the South.

From there, you can either retrace your steps or take the slightly longer Primitive Loop around the back for a different perspective.

Turret Arch is also just a short detour, and if you line it up just right, you can frame it through the North Window for an epic shot.

If you only do a couple of short hikes, make sure this is on your list—it’s definitely one of the must-do hikes in Arches National Park (especially at sunrise!).

Double Arch

Distance: 0.5 miles | Difficulty: Easy | Time: 20 minutes

Just across the parking lot from The Windows, Double Arch features two massive arches joined together on one side, creating a huge, dramatic opening.

The larger span is 148 feet across and 104 feet tall, making it the tallest and second-longest arch in the park.

The short, gravel trail takes you right to the base, and it’s a humbling experience standing beneath it!

Fun fact: Double Arch made its Hollywood debut in the opening scene of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.

Since it’s so close to The Windows, it’s easy to see both in one stop, and if you’re looking for a short hike in Arches National Park with that wow-factor, this one’s a no-brainer.

Delicate Arch Viewpoints

Distance: 100 yards or 0.5 miles | Difficulty: Easy | Time: 10–30 minutes

If the full Delicate Arch hike feels daunting, the Upper and Lower Viewpoints provide a distant but still beautiful look at Utah’s most famous arch.

We stopped here just for fun before tackling the real thing later, but you could also skip it if you’re short on time.

Still, it’s a quick and easy hike in Arches that lets you say, “I saw Delicate Arch!” without breaking a sweat.

Sand Dune Arch

Distance: 0.3 miles | Difficulty: Easy | Time: 20 minutes

Tucked between tall sandstone rock fins, Sand Dune Arch feels like a little hidden oasis, complete with—you guessed it—soft sand underfoot.

The short spur trail starts at the Sand Dune/Broken Arch parking lot and winds through a narrow slot before opening up to the shady arch.

This is a great stop if you’re visiting in the heat of the day since it’s one of the few shaded hikes in Arches National Park. Just remember—no climbing on the arch!

Broken Arch + Tapestry Arch

Distance: 2-2.8 miles (if you add Tapestry Arch) | Difficulty: Easy/Moderate | Time: 1–2 hours

From Sand Dune Arch, a sandy trail leads you across a wide meadow toward Broken Arch.

Despite the name, it’s fully intact and quite photogenic!

The loop takes you under its span, over slickrock, and on to Tapestry Arch, a lesser-known gem that’s worth the extra walk.

You can return the way you came or continue the loop through the Devils Garden Campground back to the parking lot.

There’s a bit of scrambling after Broken Arch, but nothing too tricky. It’s a quieter must-do hike in Arches National Park if you want to escape the biggest crowds.

Landscape Arch

Distance: 1.9 miles | Difficulty: Easy | Time: 50 minutes

At 306 feet, Landscape Arch holds the title of the world’s longest natural rock span. It’s six feet longer than a football field—woah!

In 1991, a huge chunk fell from underneath, making it even thinner (and more delicate) than before.

Starting from the Devils Garden Trailhead, you’ll take a mostly flat, gravel-surfaced trail to Landscape Arch with short spur trails to Pine Tree Arch and Tunnel Arch along the way.

If you’re up for more of an adventure, you can keep going past Landscape Arch toward Double O Arch and beyond, but be ready for tougher terrain.

This stretch of the Devils Garden Trail includes steep inclines, narrow ledges, rock scrambling, and some exposure to heights as you make your way to Partition Arch, Navajo Arch, Double O Arch, Dark Angel, and Private Arch.

We decided to turn around here and save the more challenging section for another trip.

If you only have time for a few top hikes in Arches National Park, this one belongs on your list!

Skyline Arch

Distance: 0.4 miles | Difficulty: Easy | Time: 10–20 minutes

Perched high on the rocks of Devils Garden, Skyline Arch is easy to spot even from the road.

The short, flat, out-and-back trail takes you right to its base, where you can still see the rubble from a rockfall in 1940 that doubled the size of its opening.

This is a quick stop you can fit in between bigger hikes and serves as a nice example of how the arches are always changing.

Park Avenue

Distance: 2 miles | Difficulty: Moderate | Time: 1.5 hours

From Skyline Arch, we headed to something completely different—Park Avenue.

This trail isn’t about arches at all, but it’s still one of the most memorable hikes in Arches National Park.

Imagine strolling down a canyon flanked by towering sandstone walls that feel like nature’s own skyscrapers.

You’ll start at the Park Avenue Viewpoint and Trailhead, where the path quickly drops into an incredible canyon and winds its way to the Courthouse Towers Viewpoint.

Along the way, keep an eye out for famous rock formations like the Three Gossips, The Organ, Tower of Babel, and Sheep Rock.

If you have a shuttle driver, you can make it a one-way hike. Otherwise, plan for an out-and-back adventure with a bit of a climb on the return (walking back along the road isn’t allowed).

A Broad Recommendation: We made the rookie mistake of tackling this trail during the heat of the day (since we wanted to hike Delicate Arch for sunset), and even in November, it felt toasty. Trust me, you’ll want to bring plenty of water, sunscreen, electrolytes, and snacks. For the best experience, aim to hike this one earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon when the light is softer and the temps are cooler.

Delicate Arch

Distance: 3 miles | Difficulty: Strenuous | Time: 2.5 hours

No list of the best hikes in Arches would be complete without Delicate Arch. It’s the park’s crown jewel at 46 feet tall and 32 feet wide, and sits proudly on the edge of a sandstone bowl.

It’s also the largest free-standing arch in the park and has become a symbol for not only Arches National Park but also the entire state of Utah.

People from all over the world visit the park to see Delicate Arch!

That being said, this hike is no joke! The trail is a steady incline over slickrock, requires some trail finding, and has no shade.

There are also portions that require walking along a narrow ledge (for about 200 yards), so take your time and be careful.

But the reward? Absolutely worth it. Seeing Delicate Arch up close is one of those travel moments you’ll remember forever.

Along the way, you’ll pass Wolfe Ranch, built by John Wesley Wolfe in the early 1900s, and a wall of Ute petroglyphs, adding a layer of history to the adventure.

We hiked Delicate Arch for sunset, and while it was busy, the glow on the arch was simply magical.

Sunrise, late afternoon, and sunset are all great times to visit Delicate Arch, especially for photos.

Since this trail is so popular, the Wolfe Ranch parking area will fill up, but there’s additional parking at the Delicate Arch Viewpoint parking lot.

Other Hikes in Arches

We only spent one day in Arches National Park during our Southwest U.S. road trip.

If you have more time, here are a few more trails your future self will thank you for doing.

• Primitive Trail: A loop option in Devils Garden that’s a bit rugged but offers solitude and variety.
• Fiery Furnace: A ranger-led or permitted self-guided maze of narrow canyons and fins, this one is challenging but unforgettable.
• Tower Arch: A quieter hike in the Klondike Bluffs area with fewer crowds and incredible scenery. Remote and less crowded, with some fun scrambling.
• Devils Garden to Double O Arch: A continuation from Landscape Arch for those ready for a more strenuous challenge with big payoffs.

For information on the hikes we did and other hikes in Arches National Park, check out the NPS website.

Tips for Hiking in Arches

Here are some things we learned from our visit (and a few we wish we’d known beforehand).

• Start early: Even in the fall, trails like Delicate Arch and The Windows can get busy. Mornings have cooler temps and softer light for photos.
• Pace yourself: It’s tempting to squeeze in every trail, but the heat, sun, and elevation can sneak up on you. Take your time and enjoy the moment!
• Watch for cryptobiotic soil: This “living soil” is crucial to the desert ecosystem. Stay on marked trails to protect it.
• Bring a headlamp or flashlight: If you’re doing a sunrise or sunset hike, you’ll need it for the walk back.
• Check the weather: Fall is generally mild, but sudden rainstorms can cause flash flooding in certain areas.
• In the fall, dress in layers: We started our mornings in puffy jackets and ended in tank tops and t-shirts.
  

Best Time to Hike in Arches

If you’re wondering when to tackle the best hikes in Arches, here’s the scoop.

Best Time of Year:

• Spring (April–May) and Fall (September–October) are ideal for mild temps, fewer crowds, and gorgeous lighting for photography.
• Summer can be brutally hot (often over 100°F), making midday hiking unpleasant and sometimes dangerous.
• Winter offers solitude but can be cold and icy in spots.

We visited the first week of November, and the weather was perfect for hiking. Evenings and early mornings were cool, but it was warm during the day, and it wasn’t too crowded.

Best Time of Day:

• Sunrise: Magical light and cooler temps. Great for The Windows, Delicate Arch, and Balanced Rock.
• Late Afternoon/Sunset: Perfect for Delicate Arch and Balanced Rock.
• Midday: Best saved for short, shaded hikes like Sand Dune Arch or quick, easy hikes like Skyline Arch.

If you’re only spending one day in Arches National Park, I recommend hitting the bigger, more famous hikes early and filling in with the shorter, less crowded trails later in the day.

Current conditions for Arches National Park can be found here.

What to Pack for Hiking in Arches

Whether you’re planning an Arches National Park one day itinerary or spreading your hikes out over a few days, the desert climate here can be tricky—chilly mornings, hot afternoons, and very little shade.

At the very least, you’ll want:

• Plenty of water: A good rule of thumb is at least 1 liter per person for short hikes and 2–3 liters for longer hikes like Delicate Arch.
• Snacks: Think trail mix, protein bars, or fruit for quick energy.
• Sun protection: Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen (and reapply often!).
• Layers: Even in the fall, mornings can be cold and afternoons can be hot.
• Sturdy shoes: Trails can be rocky, sandy, and uneven, so solid hiking boots or trail shoes are a must.
• A daypack: To carry everything comfortably. This is the backpack I used.

For a full breakdown of exactly what we bring on every hiking trip, from safety gear to photography essentials, check out my Complete Hiking Packing List.

Arches Entrance Fees

Arches National Park is open 365 days a year, with the visitor center open daily (except Christmas Day). Hours vary by season, with extended hours from spring through fall.

The entrance fee is $30 per private vehicle (valid for seven days), but if you’re visiting multiple national parks within a year, like Zion, Bryce Canyon, and Capitol Reef, I highly recommend the America the Beautiful Pass.

For $80, it covers entry to more than 2,000 federally managed sites across the U.S., including all of the Utah national parks.

Final Thoughts: The Best Hikes in Arches

Arches National Park is a hiker’s paradise, with trails that prove you don’t need to trek for miles to find incredible, natural beauty.

From the easy loop around Balanced Rock to the unforgettable climb to Delicate Arch, every hike offers a unique perspective on Utah’s red rock wonderland.

Whether you have a few hours or a full day, these trails deliver the kind of views that stay with you long after you’ve left the park—I truly can’t recommend this national park enough!

If you’re road-tripping through the Southwest, Arches pairs perfectly with nearby Canyonlands National Park, our next stop on this adventure.

In that guide, I share how to explore its vast canyons, dramatic overlooks, and stunning hikes in a single day. I’ll see you there! And, until then, happy hiking!

👉 Read Next: The Best of Canyonlands National Park in One Day

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P.S. Don’t forget to pin this post to refer back to it later.

XOXO Sara at Travel A-Broads