There are a number of hikes you can take in Utah’s awesome Arches National Park. They vary in length, terrain, and level of difficulty too. In order to help you work out your hiking itinerary, here are the 15 best hikes in Arches National Park.

The 15 Best Hikes In Arches National Park

The Best Hikes Under One Mile

Have a busy vacation schedule? Not a real hiker? Here are some Arches National Park hikes with a total distance of one mile or less.  

1. The Double Arch Hike

This easy “hike” is only half a mile in total. The trail is semi-paved. Veteran visitors consider this a favorite in terms of short hikes because it takes you right to the impressive Double Arch. Mind you, if you want a little exercise, climb up one of these famous arches and enjoy the view. You will not be disappointed!

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 Balanced Rock Hike

This stroll to rugged Balanced Rock hardly even qualifies as a hike. The total distance is an easy three-tenths of a mile, and the trail is paved. Here you walk around the entire perimeter of this striking rock formation. Enjoy this brief stroll. 

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The Skyline Arch Hike

The Skyline Arch Hike is an easy hike that has a total distance of just under a half mile. The trail is sandy and a little rocky. It not only takes you quickly to the Skyline Arch but also serves as a fun little detour for those who prefer mainly driving through this beautiful American national park.  

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The Windows Trail 

The Windows Trail is a wonderful way for people short on time yet still hoping to see multiple arches. This is an easy 0.7-mile loop trail that will give you access to three different arches including the tremendous Turret Arch, the North Window Arch, and the South Window Arch. Much of the trail is semi-paved as well although you really should make the extra effort to get closer to the arches now that you’re here! (If you take what some call the brief “primitive trail” on your way back to your vehicle, it will make your hike a bit longer).

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The Sand Dune Arch Hike

This is a kid-friendly, easy, 0.4-mile, heavily trafficked hiking trail. It is uniquely located and thus a favorite of families who hike here. It takes you directly to an impressive arch tucked away in a sleek slot canyon.  

Indeed, both the arch itself and the surrounding area is coated with this incredibly smooth sand. In fact, the sand is so smooth it would make some beaches on the planet envious. The entire area is also shaded so that’s another plus. It’s a nice place to cool off and catch your breath before hiking in more challenging areas of the park.

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Delicate Arch Upper Viewpoint Hike

This hike is ideal for anyone who wants to see the park’s most famous arch without actually hiking to it. This viewpoint will give you a look at it. The trail is only half a mile long, but it’s uneven, rocky, a little steep, and there is no shade.   

The experts note that for its length it is still “fairly strenuous.” Some also say that there’s not a significant difference between the view from the Upper Viewpoint and the view from the popular Delicate Arch Lower Viewpoint, which is just a 100-yard stroll on a paved path from the parking area. So, if you don’t like this uneven, rocky climb, short as it is, don’t stress it.  

A Few Fun 1-3 Mile Arches National Park Hikes

The following official Arches National Park hikes feature some of the park’s most iconic arches.

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The Delicate Arch Hike

Hiking to Delicate Arch is not an easy feat. Some veteran visitors say completing this difficult hike on a windy day makes it even harder. It’s three miles long and has an elevation of 480 feet. There’s not a lot of shade here either.  

The hike not only includes a steep climb up a hill of loose sandstone, but also a narrow section with a high wall on one side and a drop on the other. As you approach the end of the hike, you’ll see another arch to your left. It’s called the Twisted Doughnut Arch. Climb and look through it to get a perfect view of Delicate Arch.

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The Park Avenue Hike

It doesn’t include an arch, but stunning Park Avenue is still well worth the visit. The hike is between one and two miles depending on how you plan your adventure. Those in the know suggest beginning the hike at the top and hiking towards the well-known Courthouse Towers since the views as you descend are exceptional. The National Park Service suggests if you decide to hike back up to your vehicle, that you stick to the trail and avoid the actual road. On the other hand, if you arrange to be picked up at the trail’s end, it’s just one easy downhill mile.

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The Broken Arch Hike

Just to clarify, the famous Broken Arch isn’t broken. It’s just cracked. It’s just an easy, 1.3-mile hike across an open field to see it too.  

You’ll also be able to enjoy great views of the lovely La Sal Mountains. You should actually climb through the arch for the very best views. You can combine this tiny trek with that of Sand Dune Arch too since they both use the same trailhead.

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The Landscape Arch Hike

Impressive Landscape Arch is 306 feet in length and (in some spots) only seven feet wide. It’s one of the most popular arches in the park. This easy 1.6-mile-long hike to the arch is along a packed trail. Mind you, if you have the time there are a couple of potential side trips you can make here as well. As this is being written, this arch is behind a fence in order to preserve and protect it.  

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 The Pine Tree Arch Hike

If you don’t have a lot of time, you can see Pine Tree Arch on a short, solo hike or include it as a side trip when you visit Landscape Arch. Check out the desert view through its center! If you have time for another short detour, go see Tunnel Arch too. (Take the fairly easy one-mile trail to see Pine Tree Arch as a fast standalone hike, if need be.

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The Navajo Arch And Partition Arch Hike

A lot of hikers combine hiking to this pair of arches with a hike around the Devils Garden, as they’re found past Landscape Arch but before the Double O Arch. Even if you are not up to hiking all the way to Double O, it’s worth the effort to go past Landscape Arch to see Navajo Arch and Partition Arch. You can see all three arches in three miles. It’s not an easy trek and there is some rock scrambling involved.

Some Longer Hikes in Arches National Park

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The Double O Arch Hike

Some claim that the rugged beauty of this arch is almost overshadowed by the hike itself. The trail here, especially the section between Double O Arch and Landscape Arch, is both memorable and invigorating. It features fantastic views of the La Sal Mountains and the surrounding area. The journey to and from Double O Arch is over four miles, and you will be hiking along high ledges, and doing a bit of rock scrambling too.

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The Fiery Furnace Hike

This is a unique hike. You can only complete it with a permit or on a ranger-led hike. While exploring this natural maze of slot canyons and rugged rock fins is fun, this is a difficult hike.

The ranger-led hike is 2 miles long and takes approximately three hours from start to finish. Keep in mind that you’ll need to use both your hands and your feet to navigate the canyons and be okay with tight spaces in order to master this maze. Don’t be confused by its name though, as this place gets significantly more shade than most of the trails here and is thus literally one of the coolest hikes here.

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The Devils Garden Trail

This trail, plus the optional section of the popular Primitive Trail, which might include a detour to Private Arch, is the Park’s longest. Several arches listed here can be found on the Devils Garden trail, including Pine Tree Arch, Navajo Arch, Landscape Arch, and Double O Arch. Indeed, if you decide to hike the entire trail, including all the optional side trips, you will see a total of seven arches.  

This complete 7.2-mile hike includes sun exposure, some ledges, and some rock scrambling too. None of these hikes specifically require any special equipment or expert technical knowledge. Still, you will need to remember to pack the essentials and follow all the hiking tips you would need on any other hike!  

Do you have any favorite hikes in Arches National Park? Let us know! As always, fellow hikers: Happy Trails!

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If you love sharp fresh air, otherworldly deserts, and snow-capped mountains, then read on, happy traveler. The US National Park System features 63 different national parks from which to choose. To help you decide where to go in the upcoming months, here are 15 stunning US national parks to visit this winter.

US National Parks To Visit In The Winter

1.  Arches National Park, Utah

This is one of the country’s most popular national parks and can be found right outside the city of Moab. It spans an area of 120 square miles and is highlighted by more than 2,000 natural arches. They were formed by millions of years of erosion.

In the winter, after the ground has been covered by light snow, the arches are uniquely highlighted. Visit Devil’s Garden. The section of hiking trail to Landscape Arch is generally flat and paved and easily accessible. The Skylight and Sand Dune Arches are also easy to see in winter too.

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Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

This popular national park near Yellowstone is a great place for a winter getaway. Here you will find Jackson Hole and the 13,775-foot Grand Teton mountain too. Each year, over three million travelers come here to fish or hike to the great glaciers. Of course, the top two reasons to visit this park in the winter are to go snowboarding or skiing.

If you’re not into winter sports, you can look for animals that come out at the start and close of winter when there are fewer visitors.

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Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

More than six million tourists visit this park annually. Here you will find one of the largest canyons on the planet, the famous Grand Canyon. Although the North Rim of this great canyon closes in the winter, the arguably more popular South Rim is open all year and it looks even more beautiful when dusted with a bit of snow. So while you can’t hike the entire canyon rim to rim as your roving writer and his father once did, the place has an otherworldly feel in the midst of winter.

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Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

This park encompasses an area of approximately 415 square miles of the well-known mountain range. This park features more than 350 miles of hiking trails complete with alpine lakes and snow-capped peaks. Split by the famous Continental Divide, this park shows visitors a totally different side in the winter.  

It is a great place for winter hiking and snowshoeing. In fact, you can sign up for a ranger-led snowshoe hike. If you’re an amateur, don’t worry. Newcomers are welcome. You can go sledding and skiing here as well.

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Canyonlands National Park, Utah

Canyonlands National Park in Moab is the state’s largest national park. It’s divided into three sections: the popular, panoramic Island in the sky, the colorful Needles district, and the “no man’s land” known as the Maze. Veteran visitors say the panoramic views and scarlet rocks are even more striking under a blanket of white, virgin snow.

Additionally, it is a surprisingly peaceful place in the winter. While some of the hiking trails can be closed due to heavy snowfall, others remain open. Be sure to visit the Grand View Overlook and see the sunrise or sunset. The light reflecting off the snow makes it nigh magical.

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Yosemite National Park, California

Another one of the United State’s most popular national parks, Yosemite is even more inspiring in the midst of winter. While some roads are closed to traffic from Mid-November until May, avoiding the crowds and the view of a snow-framed 2,425-foot Yosemite Falls alone is worth the price and use of the tire chains required to travel there. The El Capitan also includes the Half Dome, giant sequoias, glaciers, and the 2,140-foot Snow Creek Falls as well. It is truly a natural winter wonderland. 

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Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah

The best time to visit this park is actually from the month of December through February. This park is in reality a number of natural amphitheaters. They are located approximately one mile up and are only referred to as a “canyon” for advertising purposes. Some travel writers say that this place is actually more attractive during the winter months when the striking orange of the park is offset by the glistening snow.All four major viewpoints–Bryce Point, Inspiration Point, Sunrise Point, and Sunset Point offer visitors magnificent views.

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Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii

If you’d prefer to stay warm in the winter, visit Volcanoes National Park. Situated on the Big Island, it spans 500 square miles and includes two active volcanoes. One is Kilauea which is also the world’s most active volcano. Here you can also attend an informative ranger talk, take a road trip, witness the exciting eruptions of Mauna Loa, see the lava fields, visit a deep caldera, and incredible lava trails as well. Finally, after a full day of exceptional outdoor activities, you can grab a bite at the popular main lodge.

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Big Bend National Park, Texas

The heat in West Texas is notorious. Indeed, the only time there are closures here is when it gets too hot in the summer. Unsurprisingly then, the best time to visit this national park is during the winter months. Veteran visitors say one of the most popular activities here is to go hiking.

The best hike to take is the popular Hot Springs Hike. If you hit the trail before sunrise you’ll get a head start on the crowds. Another recommended hike to take is the Lost Mine Trail. It’s another favorite amongst hikers and is exceptional for sunset views.

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Biscayne National Park, Florida

Again, if you prefer the feel of summer but want to avoid the tourist crowds, this national park reportedly “feels like summer” all year. Located south of Miami, this park contains some of the country’s best beaches and clearest water. Even during the winter months, temperatures stay in the 80s.

If you’re going to stay overnight, try nearby Key Biscayne or Coral Gables. Mind you, if you own or rent a boat you can camp right in the park. Favorite outdoor activities here include kayaking, snorkeling, and swimming.

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Death Valley National Park, California, And Nevada

Even in the winter, this national park is the driest, hottest place in the United States. During the winter months, the daytime temperatures are quite comfortable and you can explore the place free of crowds. It’s a great place to go hiking. Visit Dante’s View at sunrise and watch as the multi-colored sunlight reflects off the Sierra Nevada. You can also stop by the official lowest point on the entire North American continent at Badwater Basin. Check out Rhyolite, the ghost town to the north of the park too. 

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Saguaro National Park, Arizona

Visit this park that straddles Tucson between the months of November and February and you will enjoy temperatures between 69 and 74 degrees Fahrenheit. This particular park has an interesting origin as it was founded to help preserve the Giant Saguaro cacti–the large cacti most famously known as the cacti upon which the animated Wile E. Coyote sometimes falls. It is an exceptional winter destination for both birdwatchers and hikers. Highlights here include the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum, the historic petroglyphs at Signal Rock, and the Brown Mountain Trail.

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The Everglades National Park, Florida

The best time to visit this park located in the Everglades just 45 minutes out of Miami, is in the winter when the weather is dry and warm. Covering an area of 1.5 million acres, it is the official third-largest park in the entire continental United States. It features the largest wetlands on the planet and is part of a truly distinct ecosystem. It is also the home of several threatened and endangered species such as American crocodiles, the Florida panther, manatees, and several others. 

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Joshua Tree National Park, California

This popular park, not very far from San Diego, was made famous thanks to the 1987 U2 album of the same name. It is the 11th most-visited state park and offers an exceptional escape from cold weather. This place is the home of 501 different archeological sites and also features the best group of rock-climbing faces in the US. Here you can enjoy camping, hiking, rock-climbing, and even four-wheeling on Geology Tour Road. Be sure to see the superb sunset at Keys View as well.

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Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado

Last but not least, we have the four-season destination Mesa Verde National Park. This popular park in southwestern Colorado might be open all year but it is not visited as much during the winter. By visiting in the colder months, you can not only avoid the summer crowds but you can also gain a greater appreciation for the actual living conditions experienced by the ancestral pueblo people who once populated this place. This park has been an official UNESCO world heritage site since 1978 because of its historical and archaeological significance. 

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Are you headed to Arches National Park Utah? Are you interested in info on the best things to do there? Then read on, as we present 11 amazing things to do in Arches National Park.

1. The Delicate Arch

Delicate Arch is one of the most famous arches in the world (that isn’t golden). It certainly is the most popular arch when it comes to hiking destinations in this park. This is a three-mile return hike.

The hike is difficult enough to require at least two and a half hours. Visit Wolfe Ranch at the start of the hike. You can also stop to rest at the drop off prior to reaching Delicate Arch.

If you visit in April you will also be able to take in a contrasting view of the Utah desert and the snow-capped majestic La Sal Mountains in the background. Sunset and sunrise are the best time of the day to see it. Additionally, you reportedly have a better chance of avoiding crowds at sunrise.

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2. The Delicate Arch Viewpoint

If you would rather not do the hiking, this is a great option. Around the corner from the official trailhead, there is a great viewpoint. In fact, there’s an upper and lower viewpoint.

The lower viewpoint is unique but if you choose to hike to the Delicate Arch don’t bother going there as it is comparatively speaking not all that exciting. The upper viewpoint is only half a mile away but it’s a climb up a rocky route. Veteran visitors insist if you can do the actual hike to the Delicate Arch then that should be your priority.

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3. The Landscape Arch

The Landscape Arch is actually the start of a more challenging nearly eight-mile hike known as the Devil’s Garden Trail. Those in the know suggest not attempting it with children. The Landscape Arch hike is a 1.6-mile return hike.

It’s an easy hike. You can do it in an hour. While there is some uphill hiking it is not difficult.

Plus, you get the chance to look at more arches on the way. There are also short side trails here. They lead to Pine Tree Arch, Tunnel Arch, and Double O Arch. Additionally, there are other nearby side trails that lead to the Partition and Navajo Arches.

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4. The Windows and Turret Arch

You will be able to see three arches in one hike. Better yet, this hike is an easy one-mile round trip hike. It should only take you roughly 45 minutes.

You can see both the North and South Window and then continue on to see the Turret Arch. Be sure to stop, turn and look behind you at the North and South Window
Too. It is then that you will be able to get a good look at the Mask.

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5. The Sand Dune Arch

If you are visiting the park and looking for a hike that would be good with kids then look no further. Veteran visitors say this is one of the best hikes to take. This is an easy 0.3-mile return hike.

Within 20 minutes you will reach the Sand Dune Arch. Furthermore, this particular trail takes you between some narrow walls of sedimentary rock. It also has a huge sandy floor also known as “the sandpit” for your kids.

The kids can leap from the small edges of the pit and play in the sand. Not too far from this sandpit, you will be able to spot the sand dunes ensconced in the fins. It actually sheds a lot of light on exactly how the arches here are created in the center of the fins.

(While your more energetic kids play, you can catch your breath there.) On the other hand, if you are more energetic, there is another option. There is another trail that breaks off from the Sand Dune Arch.

This 1.3-mile return trail will lead you to Broken Arch. It is reported to be an easy hike that will take you across flat, open grassland. In fact, these two arches are so close you can actually see Broken Arch from the entrance to the Sand Dune Arch.

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6. The Double Arch

The Double Arch is the park’s tallest arch. It is located across from the Windows and Turret Arch. This half-mile return hike is an easy one.

If you have kids this is another especially family-friendly hike. It should take you about 20 minutes to complete the hike. This is also a great trek because you get the opportunity to see four different arches within a short period of time.

In fact, those who have been, confirm that you can even see one from the parking lot itself. This is especially good for families with younger children because they can actually have a visual goal. (In fact, a visual goal is nice for adults too!) The kids can even climb on the rocks under the arch when you get there.

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7. The Skyline Arch

The impressive Skyline Arch is situated between Landscape Arch and Sand Dune Arch on the well-known Devils’ Garden Drive. You can easily see it from the road if you’re driving and have a tight schedule. However, if you don’t have a tight schedule you should stop and check it out.

This is an easy 0.4-mile return hike. Hiking over the rocks will only take 20 minutes of your time. More importantly, you’ll be able to get a significantly closer view of this arch.

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8. Balanced Rock

The trail around the Balanced Rock perimeter is one of the shortest in the entire park. Thus, it is an easy 0.3-mile return hike that you should be able to complete in 20 minutes or less. It will also provide you with a beautiful view of the previously-mentioned Windows Arch.

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9. The Fiery Furnace Hike

Are you tired of easy trails? Arches National Park offers adventure as well. There are some trail markings here but it is still listed as a strenuous, difficult two-mile hike. Indeed, those who have been, say it is still quite possible to get lost and solo hikers are strongly discouraged.

Nevertheless, for more adventurous, experienced hikers this is one of the top ten activities offered here in Moab . You will need agility to explore the narrow, labyrinthine sandstone canyons of Fiery Furnace. You also must get a day-use permit at the park’s visitor center or sign on to a ranger-led hike to go into the famous Fiery Furnace.

The hike is thus named because of the unique sunset scarlet glow. You can see this glow from the overlook viewpoint if you are unable to go on a guided hike. If you do plan on attempting it then be sure to register early as the hike does get booked well in advance.

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10. Scenic Drive Viewpoints

Some of this park is also easy to see via the popular 19-mile Arches Scenic Drive. This drive begins at the park’s entrance at Highway 191 and continues to the official Devils Garden trailhead. If you choose this option, be sure to schedule some time to stop at the numerous trailheads and viewpoints you find on the way.

Keep in mind that parking is limited at every stop. Such popular trailheads as Devils Garden and Delicate Arch can be filled for hours, especially on holidays and weekends. Veteran visitors suggest you plan on stopping at such places as Courthouse Towers Viewpoint, Panorama Point and Petrified Dunes Viewpoint.

Photographers should also pull over somewhere safe and get a good shot of the impressive snow-capped La Sal Mountains. There is a popular place named LA Sal Mountains Viewpoint that will provide shutterbugs with a 360-degree view of the mountain and the park. If it’s busy though don’t stress because there are several other spots during the initial portion of the drive where the careful observer will discover similar views.

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11. The Junior Ranger Program

If you are visiting any national park and have kids, this is simply a must-do activity. Upon arrival, stop in at the Arches National Park Visitor Center. Request a Junior Ranger Program book for your child.

This is said to be one of the best activities you can do with your kids here. This activity engages your children during the visit but they learn from experience. The Arches National Park Junior Ranger program book includes activities specific to this park.

Simply complete the various age-appropriate required activities during your visit. (For example, children are instructed to form specific arch shapes using their bodies while others guess which arch they are portraying.) Before you leave, return to the visitor center. Your kids recite the pro-environment pledge and are presented with an official Junior Ranger badge. As a former educator, your roving writer can confirm that this program is especially engaging to kinesthetic learners.

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Extra Activity

If you’re looking for yet another activity, take the Park Avenue trek. It will take you to such large rock formations as Courthouse Towers and the Three Gossips.

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