Looking for the best hiking trails in Arches National Park? Arches is located in Grand County, Utah, just 10 minutes outside of Moab, Utah. With over 2,000 naturally carved arches, this area is a hub for unique rock formations. And the best part? Some of the best Arches National Park hiking trails are extremely accessible.

In this post, I’ll shared a short guide to some of the best trails in Arches, how to navigate the timed-entry into the park, and share some hiking tips for desert hiking.

If that sounds good to you, let’s get into it!

Just so you know, this post contains affiliate links, which means I can earn a small commission on purchases without any cost to you. Thanks for your support!

Best Arches National Park Hiking Trails

Having visited Arches National Park in the winter, summer, and shoulder season, I’m stoked to share some of my insight into one of Utah’s most unique areas. In fact, I’ve hiked practically every trail in Arches twice and three times over!

There are a number of easy hikes in Arches NP with great views. But don’t consider every trail with a short distance easy. Some of the trails are challenging technically or have steep elevation gain.

So, let’s hit the trail.

Quick Travel Guide to Arches National Park

Just beginning to plan your trip to Arches? Here are a few highlights for trip planning:

• Getting There: I’ve used three airports to fly into when visiting Utah’s National Parks: Denver International Airport, Salt Lake City International Airport, and Las Vegas Airport. Salt Lake City is the closest. Check out affordable flights here.
• Entrance Fee: $30/vehicle for 7 days or free with an America the Beautiful Pass ($80 annually). PLUS, you’ll need a timed-entry permit for $2(more on this below).
• Where to Stay: Moab is the closest town to the Arches Entrance. I loved staying at Expedition Lodge, but you can check out hotels on Booking.com.
• What to do: Hiking and sightseeing are the most popular activities in Arches, but you can also book various ATV tours, canyoneering tours, and even whitewater rafting routes. Check out other options here!
• How to Get Around: You’ll need to rent a personal vehicle. Jeeps are an extremely popular rental in the area for ORV driving.
• Best Time to Visit: October – April
• How Long to Visit: 2 Days, +1 for Canyonlands

What to Wear Hiking in Arches

While most of the trails in Arches are under 5 miles, you should still take precautions and come prepared for a grueling day on the trail, especially if you’re going in the summer.

In addition to packing plenty of water, about 2.5 L of water per day, you should also pack:

• A hiking backpack
• Hiking Boots – I have been wearing Oboz Bridgers for YEARS. You can also wear hiking sandals, Teva Hurricanes are my go-to. Look for anything with good traction.
• A sun hoodie – My favorite is the Backcountry Tahoe
• Convertible Hiking Pants
• Wool Socks – Good socks are a necessity for avoiding blisters
• Micropuff Jacket – You’d be surprised how chilly it gets when the sun is down, regardless of the time of year.
• Sun protection – sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses.
• Snacks
• First Aid Kit – Include blister care, an emergency blanket, aloe, standard cleaning supplies, and bandages.
• Trail Map or GPS Virtual Map that can be used offline
• GPS Device

Looking for the best things to do in Moab? Check out my friend Maddy’s Guide!

Sand Dune Arch Trail

• Trail Length: 0.3 miles
• Elevation Gain: 125 feet of elevation gain
• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Time to Hike: ~15 minutes

Sand Dune Arch Trail is a short trail near the north end of Arches National Park. This secluded arch requires a short walk through deep sand, but the effort is well worth it. Tucked away in a small slot canyon, this arch is surrounded by beautiful canyon views.

View the trail guide here.

Devils Garden Trail

• Trail Length: 8.0 miles
• Elevation Gain: 1,100 feet of elevation gain
• Difficulty Level: Hard
• Time to Hike: 4 – 5 hours

Devils Garden Loop is one of the longer hikes and most difficult trails in Arches National Park. The loop brings you to a number of viewpoints, each of which could be a hike in and of itself. So if you want to go to one of the interesting points, you don’t have to complete the trail in totality.

There are plenty of arches along this route: Pine Tree Arch, Tunnel Arch, Landscape Arch, Partition Arch, Double O Arch, and Black Arch in that order when hiking clockwise(recommended).

In the summer, this trail can become extremely dangerous without taking the appropriate measures to be safe. With temperatures in the 100s, it is important to pack enough water to last the trail. I’d recommend 4 liters of water to complete this trail in the summer. You should also consider eye protection and a hat.

Winter is the best time to complete the Devils Garden Loop due to the extreme conditions in the summer.

The Devils Garden Trailhead is located at the end of the Arches scenic drive near the Devils Garden Campground.

View the trail guide here.

Landscape Arch Trail

• Trail Length: 1.8 miles
• Elevation Gain: 40 feet of elevation gain
• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Time: > 1 hour

Landscape Arch is one of the more popular arches in the park, so be prepared for crowds. It is also one of the longest arches in the world. The expansive arch is extremely impressive and should definitely be on your list.

The trail is easy to follow, but sandy, so be prepared for a little bit of opposition.

Landscape Arch is part of the Devils Garden Trail, and if you don’t have time to complete the entire loop, just hiking to Landscape Arch will still be incredible.

View the Trail Map Here.

Delicate Arch Trail

• Trail Length: 3.2 miles
• Elevation Gain: 630 feet of elevation gain
• Difficulty Level: Moderate
• Time: 2 hours

This is probably the most iconic arch in Arches and the most widely recognized. Delicate Arch is a free-standing arch along a cliffside with the La Sal Mountains as a backdrop.

While this trail is shorter, it is still quite the hike up to Delicate Arch. In the winter, the trail can get extremely icy, making microspikes necessary for safety.

On the way to the Delicate Arch, you will pass some petroglyphs and an old homestead, Wolfe Ranch. It is worth a stop in to see these points of interest!

Delicate Arch Viewpoint

If you don’t have time to do the entire Delicate Arch Trail, but still want to see it, you can drive to the Delicate Arch Viewpoint. It is still a 1.0-mile round-trip out and back. There is still some elevation gain, and due to the trail’s grade, it is considered moderate.

View the trail guide here!

Fiery Furnace Viewpoint and Permit Area

• Trail Length: 2.1 miles
• Elevation Gain: 500 feet of elevation gain
• Difficulty Level: Hard
• Time: 2 hours

The Fiery Furnace hike and Surprise Arch are two of the only permitted areas in the park. Meaning you will need to get permits in advance to access this area. That can be done on recreation.gov by searching “Self-Guided Fiery Furnace Exploration permit”. They can be reserved at least 2 days before your trip and up to 7 days in advance with a six-person limit. Everyone in your party will need to watch the required education video and listen to an orientation talk.

The Fiery Furnace is a maze-like trail that brings you through slot canyons and narrow passages up, around, and on sandstone, narrow ledges, and sand. It is one of the most unique trails in the park! The trail can be challenging to follow and in the summer it truly becomes a fiery furnace due to the extreme heat in the canyon.

You can go on a ranger-led hike of the fiery furnace from Spring through Fall. This is a great option for people with young children (5+ years old) and people who want to learn more about the natural arches, red rock, and biological soil crust of Arches.

Fiery Furnace Viewpoint

If you can secure permits or don’t have time for the Surprise Arch Trail, you can still view the area at the viewpoint.

A short 0.2-mile out-and-back trail from the parking lot overlooks the fiery furnace. You’ll be able to see the different slot canyons and the maze of rock formations!

Learn more about the Fiery Furnace Area here.

Double Arch Trail

• Trail Length: 0.6 miles round-trip
• Elevation Gain: 100 feet elevation gain
• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Time: 15 minutes

Double Arch is one of my favorite trails in the park because it brings you to such a unique land formation. You can choose to climb as far as you feel comfortable into the arch to snag the perfect photo.

The parking lot for Double Arch is shared with The Windows and Turret Arch. There is a short trail that connects to two trailheads that you may have to use, depending on where you park along the loop.

As you hike along this trail, you’ll be able to see Elephant Arch and the Parade of Elephants.

View the Double Arch Trail guide here!

Park Avenue Trail (& Park Avenue Viewpoint)

• Trail Length: 1.8 miles
• Elevation Gain: 300 feet of elevation gain
• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Time: 1 hour

The Park Avenue Trail is one of the first trails you will encounter as you drive into Arches National Park. The trailhead has a small parking lot, which provides the perfect Park Avenue viewpoint for catching sunrise in Arches.

As an out-and-back, you can hike as far into the canyon as you’d like before turning around.

The trail has you hiking down into the canyon alongside Courthouse Towers. Courthouse Towers can be seen from a different viewpoint, but I believe it is best viewed from the Park Avenue Trail.

Check out the trail information here.

Windows Loop

• Trail Length: 0.7 miles round-trip
• Elevation Gain: 130 feet elevation gain
• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Time: 30 minutes +

The Windows in Arches is one of my favorite places to catch the sunrise. The most popular window, and likely the one you will see the most photos of, is the North Window. You will find lots of people perched up in the basin of the arch watching the sunrise.

The full loop takes you to South Window and Turret Arch before looping back to the parking lot.

There is a primitive trail that you can take to get a better view of the South Window. If you want to avoid crowds, you’ll be hard pressed to do so at this trailhead, but very few people make it out to the South Window Viewpoint. You’ll have a short reprieve if you hike there.

Turret Arch

Located along the Windows Loop, Turret Arch is a beautiful arch facing the Labyrinth Canyon Wilderness and Canyonlands National Park.

Check out the trail guide here!

Balanced Rock Trail (and Viewpoint)

• Trail Length: 0.3 miles
• Elevation Gain: 50 feet
• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Time: 10 minutes

The Balanced Rock trail is a short walk from the parking area around the base of Balanced Rock.

As one of the more popular viewpoints in the park, parking can be a challenge. Consider trying to go right when you enter the park or on your way out if the parking lot is full. Since the trail is so short, people aren’t parked for very long, but backups in the park are common here.

View the trail map here!

Tower Arch Trail

• Trail Length: 2.5 miles round trip
• Elevation Gain: 650 feet elevation gain
• Difficulty Level: Moderate
• Time: > 2 hours

If you’re looking for a little solitude in the park with stunning views, Tower Arch is for you. The trailhead is located off the main road in the park on a high-clearance road. You will want to take heed of the warnings because this road is very rough. As one of the more challenging trails in the park, not many people complete this trail.

Expect walking in soft, deep sand and climbing a few scrambles.

En route to Tower Arch, you will pass Parallel Arch, which is comprised of two arches…you guessed it—running parallel to each other!

Check out the trail guide.

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Other Trails in Arches National Park

Click on the links below to view the trail guides for some other popular trails in the park.

• Arches Visitor Center Nature Trail
• Courthouse Towers Viewpoint and Trail
• Courthouse Wash Panel Trail
• Skyline Arch Trail

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Timed-Entry for Arches National Park

With increased foot traffic and vehicle congestion, Arches National Park has implemented timed entry for periods throughout the year.

Timed entry tickets are needed in addition to the entrance fee (or Park Pass) from April 1st through July 6th and August 28th through October 31st from 7 AM to 4 PM.

The timed entry tickets are available on Recreation.gov using the following schedule:

• April, May, and June reservations open January 2nd at 7 AM PST.
• July reservations open February 1st at 7 AM PST.
• August reservations open March 1st at 7 AM PST.
• September reservations open April 1st at 7 AM PST.
• October reservations open May 1st at 7 AM PST.

Can’t reserve your ticket in advance? More timed-entry permits are released the day before entry at 6 PM PST.

When reserving your ticket on recreation.gov, search “Arches National Park Timed Entry Ticket.” Select the day you will visit the park and complete the payment for the $2 reservation processing fee. Print, download, or screenshot your timed-entry ticket to show the gate assistant upon arrival.

Entering Without a Timed-Entry Permit

If you enter the park entrance before 7 AM and after 4 PM, you do not need a timed-entry permit. Remember that many other people will be trying to enter the park before timed-entry permits are required, and it can get backed up.

The earlier you enter, the better.

Find the Best Day Hikes in Canyonlands Here!

Tips for Hiking in Arches National Park

FIRST: Stay hydrated. Pack lots of water regardless of the time of year. In summer months, it is recommended that you bring 1 liter of water per hour on the trail.

SECOND: Be prepared for crowds. Shoulder season is one of the busiest times in the park due to mild temperatures. As the day progresses, you will see more and more people.

THIRD: Start early. For some of the more Moderate and Challenging hikes, consider starting around sunrise to take advantage of cool temperatures, excellent lighting, and minimal crowds.

FOURTH: Pay attention to trail markers. The desert environment is fragile, and one step off the trail can cause significant damage. When in doubt, stop and look for the nearest cairn.

FIFTH: Use lots of sun protection. Not only should you slather yourself in sunscreen, but you should also bring a hat, sunglasses, and lip balm with SPF. I like wearing sun hoodies to protect the back of my neck and ears.

SIXTH: Be considerate of others. The popular areas are popular for a reason and tend to get pretty crowded. Consider how much time you spend in prime photo spots and how much space your party takes up on the trail.

Have questions about hiking in Arches National Park? Drop it in the comments!

For more desert hiking tips, read this Desert Hiking Guide!

Pack it Up

Some of the best hikes in Arches National Park can be seen in just a weekend trip. This accessible park is excellent for everyone as long as you come prepared.

Carry more water than you think you’ll need. The last time I visited the park, I kept my 5-gallon water jug in my car so I could refill my water bottle between hikes.

Keep your skin protected. While it can be tempting to wear shorts, sandals, and a tank top due to the heat, too much sun exposure can be dangerous in Arches. Wear light, breathable clothing and regularly reapply sunscreen.

Happy Hiking!