Arches National Park Itinerary: One Day in Arches
Did you know that Arches National Park has the highest concentration of natural stone arches IN THE WORLD? That’s where the name came from! But that’s not all, Arches has tons of fun trails and other amazing rock formations to check out. Because it’s SUCH a must on any Utah road trip, I’ve crafted an Arches National Park Itinerary so you can make the most of your trip, even if you only have one day in Arches.
Arches National Park is a little under 4 hours from Salt Lake City, Utah. Your best bet is to stay in the nearby town of Moab, which is just 15 minutes from the park entrance.
Arches itinerary tip: Arches is close to both Canyonlands National Park and Dead Horse Point State Park. Staying in Moab is a once in a lifetime opportunity to visit all three!
Best time to visit Arches
Arches National Park is an excellent year-round destination with most of the trails remaining accessible throughout the winter months:
- Spring and Fall: This is my recommendation and favorite time to visit. Moderate temperatures make Spring and Fall great times to visit Arches. Despite being outside peak summer season, May and September are still pretty popular, so expect some crowds.
- Summer: Summer is HOT in Arches! Daytime temperatures often exceed 100°F and hiking can be challenging in the middle of the day.
- Winter: Expect few crowds and low but manageable temperatures. Average winter highs range between 30°F and 50°F. The biggest downside of a Winter visit is the fewer hours of daylight, making your one day in Arches a lot shorter.
How long to spend in Arches National Park
One full day at Arches National Park will provide ample time to explore the majority of what the park has to offer. I spent one day at Arches and I was able to see all the famous landmarks along with doing a little hiking. If the trails are most important to you, then you might want to plan for two days at Arches.
When planning your Arches National Park itinerary, my suggestion is to allot some time to spend in Moab because it has a lot to offer from souvenir shops, to hand-made goods and even a food truck park. You should also stay in the area for another day so you can visit Canyonlands and Dead Horse State Park.
What to pack for Arches National Park
- Hiking shoes/boots and socks: make sure your hiking shoes/boots are worn in before hitting the trails to avoid blisters.
- Water Bottle/hydration pack
- LED headlight: if you’re planning early morning or late evening walks then bring a headlamp.
- Sunscreen, sunhat, sunglasses, light rain jacket: for summer visits
- Hiking jacket, hat and layers: for winter visits
One Day Arches National Park Itinerary
My one day itinerary for arches national park showcases some of the best hikes in Arches and makes sure you see all the highlights of this beautiful park in a short time.
To help you navigate this Arches itinerary National Park, here is a map of the park. Getting a little familiar with the layout ahead of time can save lots of time when you get there.
Delicate Arch
Delicate Arch is the MOST iconic arch in Utah. Trust me, you will recognize it right away. It’s the Arch on the license plates and all the postcards, so you definitely don’t want to miss it.
I went to Delicate Arch at the end of my one day in Arches for sunset. It was lovely, but if I could do it over again I would go for sunrise instead. We started the hike at about 4 in the afternoon, and it was HOT. We got there a little before sunset, and thank goodness we did or I would not have ANY pictures from Delicate Arch. A married couple started taking their wedding photos under the arch right before sunset, and no one wants to get in the way of that, so nobody was able to get any more pictures once they got there.
Delicate Arch sits atop a natural rock amphitheater and provides sweeping views across the park. The Delicate Arch trail is 3 miles roundtrip. I like to think I’m in pretty good shape, but this trail was pretty challenging – especially in the scorching heat. It’s also quite daunting since you have to climb straight up a slick rock for about a third of the hike, going up about 500 feet in elevation. There are also some drop offs, so exercise caution.
Although challenging, this hike is definitely doable and ABSOLUTELY worth every step because Delicate Arch is mesmerizing and definitely a bucket list place. Plus, the photo ops are to die for (not literally, be careful!) and probably my favorite pictures from my Utah road trip.
If the hike to Delicate Arch seems too strenuous for you, there are also trails that lead to a distant view of the Delicate Arch. I didn’t walk these trails, so I can’t speak to how good these views are, but I can imagine this is a good alternative so as not to miss the arch altogether.
Arches itinerary tip: there is very little shade on the Delicate Arch trail so of you’re visiting during one of the warmer months, it’s best to hike it early or late in the day to avoid the heat and the crowds. This will also make it much easier to get a spot in the parking lot. Give yourself 2-3 hours to complete this hike.
Landscape Arch
If you started your day bright and early at Delicate Arch, then the next logical spot is to head out to the back of the park to see Landscape Arch, the largest natural arch in the USA.
An easy 1.6 mile trail leads to Landscape Arch. The trail is flat and on a well-defined path making it an easy hike. If you have some extra time, there is a short side trail to Tunnel Arch and Pine Arch which will take about half an hour.
Landscape Arch is also part of the more challenging 6.2 mile Devil’s Garden Loop. On this hike you’ll come across 6 more arches and an impressive sandstone tower.
Landscape Arch can take anywhere from 30 minute to 1.5 hours. My visit was on the shorter side.
Lunch Break
After a very busy morning filled with lots of hiking, you deserve a lunch break! There is a nice picnic area at the Devil’s Garden trail head. However, there aren’t any dining options inside Arches, so make sure you bring lots of water and a lunch with you.
Be prepared to eat in your car because the picnic tables are in high demand, so you might not be lucky enough to snag one.
I decided to head back to Moab for lunch at the food truck park. This is a good option if you want to see more of Moab, but opt for the picnic if you want to save time and money.
Skyline Arch
Landscape Arch is located in Devil’s Garden at the very north end of the park. If you have lunch inside the park, then afterwards you can drive back towards the entrance, making lots of stops along the way.
The first stop after lunch is Skyline Arch, which looks like a window inside the rock. This arch is visible from the road, so you can just pull over and look at the arch if you’d like. There is also a nice, flat 0.4 mile trail to the arch where you can see a huge piece that fell to the ground.
Tapestry Arch & Broken Arch
The trail to Tapestry Arch and through Broken Arch is definitely the road less traveled, and not one that many people see during their time at Arches.
The total distance from the campground to Tapestry Arch, through Broken Arch, and to the other parking area is 2.0 miles.
The trailhead for Broken Arch and Sand Dune Arch start at the same place. Broken Arch to the left, Sand Dune to the right. Broken Arch also shares a parking lot with Sand Dune Arch, which is 2 miles across the meadow.
Sand Dune Arch
Sand Dune Arch is an easy 0.3 mile trail with deep sands and a small slot canyon. If you’re traveling with young kids, don’t skip this one! Right underneath the arch is lots of red, beach like sand. It’s like a playground!
Arches itinerary tip: Sand Dune Arch is very shaded, making it the perfect spot as that afternoon heat starts to linger.
Fiery Furnace
The Fiery Furnace viewpoint is a very quick stop and overlooks the maze of canyon walls which cut through the Fiery Furnace. You will probably be here less than 10 minutes.
Arches itinerary tip: Fiery Furnace is a permit only trail and ranger led hikes are available.
The Windows and Double Arch
As you pull up to Windows, they look super close, but it actually takes about 15 minutes to walk there. If you follow the easy 1 mile trail, you’ll get to see all arches: the North Window, the South Window, and Turret Arch. The Windows is a very popular sunrise spot, but most people flock to the North and South, so I had Turret Arch all to myself as the sun came up.
It’s really nice how you can see so many beautiful Arches on one little hike, and Double Arch is just across the street. Double Arch is 0.5 miles in the opposite direction and comprises two giant connected arches springing from a single piece of rock. This Arch appeared in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. How cool is that?
To save time you can view it from the parking lot, but the views aren’t nearly as nice.
Balanced Rock
Balanced Rock is a sandstone boulder perched precariously on a larger mud stone rock. There is an easy 0.3 mile loop to walk around the rock formation, or you can just look at it from the parking lot. Whether you decide to walk around or just hop out of the car for a photo, this shouldn’t take more than about 15 minutes.
I quickly stopped here on my way into and out of the park to capture the rock with different sunlight.
Courthouse Towers Viewpoint
As long as you drive in or out of Arches during daylight hours, you won’t miss this because The courthouse Towers are HUGE. The viewpoint overlooks stone columns that soar over 4,000 feet from the desert floor.
La Sal Viewpoint
Before you exit the park, soak in the beautiful panoramic views out to La Sal Mountains at this viewpoint.
Because Arches has become such a hot spot in recent years, they will sometimes limit the number of guests in the park. If this happens to you, then you can head over to Dead Horse Point, Canyonlands, or spend the day in Moab. There’s also the Corona Arch nearby. It isn’t officially part of Arches, but it’s another beautiful arch nonetheless!
As you can see, the soaring arches, unique rock formations and fun variety of hikes make Arches one of the most amazing national parks there is.
Kate Toll
I was just talking about visiting the Arches with my family! This makes me want to go even more, how stunning! The Delicate Arch is first on my list for sure, what an amazing view and photo spot!
Sightseeing Señorita
Kate TollThis is the perfect place for a family vacation! The hike to Delicate Arch is tough, but so worth those views.
Karen
I’ve been to Arches NP a few times and love these arches. You do a great job of including the best ones. And your photos are stunning!
Sightseeing Señorita
KarenThank you so much. That means a lot coming from an Arches Veteran. 🙂
Daphna
Love all the great info in this post! We missed Arches on our last trip to Utah…definitely looking to go there next time!
Sightseeing Señorita
DaphnaThanks, Daphna! I’m glad you liked my post, and I hope you get back out there to see Arches soon!
Megan Lawrence
Arches is definitely on my list, and your pictures make it even more tempting. Can’t wait to come and make my own memories here. Thanks for the tips.
Sightseeing Señorita
Megan LawrenceYou’ll have an amazing time! Truly unforgettable.
Melissa
This post has so much information, I love it! I love how you break it all out. I need details like this when I plan trips!
Sightseeing Señorita
MelissaThanks so much! I’m so glad you enjoyed my post. 🙂
Ciara
I really love the national parks in Utah, but I haven’t made it to Arches yet. Having this post is really helpful for me plan my trip there. I can’t wait to go!
Sightseeing Señorita
CiaraI’m glad you found my post helpful. I’m so excited for you to go!
Carley
I had no idea there were so many!! Fantastic post, and your pictures are gorgeous. Thanks for sharing!
Sightseeing Señorita
CarleyThanks, Carley!
Margie
We did most of this when we visited Arches, but I hope to do Fiery Furnance next time!
Sightseeing Señorita
MargieThat’s good that you got to do so much! I didn’t get to hike Fiery Furnace either because it was closed, so I’ll be right back there with you!
Elina
I would love to visit Arches National Park! Thank you for sharing this one-day itinerary!
Sightseeing Señorita
ElinaYou are so welcome, Elina. I’m glad you like it.
Sara
This place looks incredible 🙂 thank you so much for your informative and super helpful post!
Sightseeing Señorita
SaraGlad you like it, Sara!
Tiffany Smith
This is so helpful! I am always worried that I either will schedule too much time or not enough when going to National parks so a post like this is perfect 🙂
Sightseeing Señorita
Tiffany SmithYay, I’m so happy you think so!
Lisa
I absolutely love the red dress you brought to take pictures in at the Arches! This is such a beautiful area and I want to visit it so badly! Thanks for the great tips and recommendations! Hoping to visit asap!
Sightseeing Señorita
LisaThank you so much Lisa – you’re so kind! I hope you get to visit soon.
Farrah
Arches is such a beautiful national park! I went here in…August, hahaha. Was suuuuuper hot (hiking to Delicate Arch in 102 degree weather was not so great) but gorgeous anyway! I’d love to do the Fiery Furnace trail someday! Moab is definitely an awesome town to visit. :]
Sightseeing Señorita
FarrahI went at the beginning of October and it was still pretty hot. I can’t imagine doing that hike in August!
Chrissy Koulouris
I have never been to the arches. They looked so beautiful and you have inspired to visit. Such a great post. Your photos are absolutely stunning. Pinning so I have this guide when I go.
Sightseeing Señorita
Chrissy KoulourisThank you so much, Chrissy. It means so much to me that my post has inspired you.
Margarita Ibbott
I cannot tell you how much I want to see this park. It is so beautiful I can hardly wait to see it in person. Great post!
Sightseeing Señorita
Margarita IbbottThank you! It’s so beautiful. I hope you get to visit soon.
Kitti
Arches has been on my bucket list for ages, but never had a chance when I was in America. Well, I guess this gives me a good reason to return 🙂
Sightseeing Señorita
KittiYes, definitely a very good reason to return!
Joanna
The arches are pretty spectacular and you managed to capture them in some wonderful photos. I would love to add this national park to my itinerary, for when I will visit the States.
Sightseeing Señorita
JoannaThank you so much, Joanna. Definitely a USA bucket list trip!