The outdoors is for everyone, but it is up to us to protect it. When enjoying the outdoors, it’s important to practice the Leave No Trace Principles so that we can leave the environment better than we found it and ensure that everyone can continue to enjoy it. Learn more about Leave No Trace here.
Although this .3-mile trail is short, Sand Dune Arch is one of my favorites in the park and should not be overlooked! The arch sits in a narrow canyon with a deep sandy floor and towering rock walls on either side. Something about the canyon, the sand, and the colors creates this incredible feeling of solitude and that this place is sacred. Depending on the time of year you visit, that solitary vibe may be more or less present- I have seen this arch completely deserted or filled with people several times. I enjoy this area much more when there are fewer people, and if you think you would feel the same, check out these tips on when to visit Arches National Park to avoid crowds.
At .6 miles and 95 ft elevation gain, this is a very easy and rewarding trail for all skill levels! Like most trails on this list, the time of year you visit will highly affect your experience. No matter the season, this area is one of the most popular in the park. However, in early spring, I have seen it with much fewer people compared to the summer when the parking lot fills up fast, and there are people everywhere. Although you can catch a glimpse of Double Arch from the parking lot, the view gets a lot better when you get up close, so it is worth exploring!
Sharing the same parking lot as Double Arch Trail, the Windows Loop is more of a short walk than a hike. This quick .7-mile loop takes you up close and personal with the North and South Windows. These massive arches are like nothing you have ever seen before. They provide an epic window view of the landscape beyond and the vast, ever-changing desert sky. You can also easily add on Turret Arch, which is an extremely short detour off of the main loop. Although most people stick to the front side of the Windows, there is a slightly longer 1.2-mile loop that takes visitors to the back side for a different perspective and then loops back around to the parking lot. The Windows Loop is a must-see trail on your visit to Arches and is accessible enough for everyone in your group to hike!
Park Avenue is the only hike on this list that I have not done myself, but it has been on my list for my next visit for a long time! This trail is 1.8 miles round trip and is just under 300 ft of elevation gain. The Park Avenue Trail is different from many other hikes in Arches National Park because the highlight is giant sandstone towers and rock walls rather than arches. But the views look magnificent and are pulled straight from an old Western film! This trail has parking lots on both ends and can start from either direction, but be aware that both parking lots are small. However, in this area, many people stop briefly to take a few pictures and then continue without actually doing the hike, so finding a spot may be easier than it would seem at first glance.
There is also a viewpoint of Delicate Arch that is shorter and more accessible to get to. It is 1 mile long and gains about 175 feet in elevation, making it a much easier alternative to see the arch!
Jumping to a more strenuous 7.9-mile hike with 1,085 ft of elevation gain, the Devils Garden is one of my favorite trails I have ever hiked. With over ten arches on one trail, this is the best place to get the most out of your visit to Arches National Park. This trail requires some scrambling, and navigational skills can come in handy because some arches and side trails can be easy to overlook. I have done this hike twice – the first time as an out-and-back to Dark Angel Arch because I wasn’t aware that the trail could be a loop. The second time I intended to complete the loop but ended up hiking the same out and back because I overlooked the trail turnoff near Double O Arch that takes you on the rest of the loop. With that in mind, if you want to hike the whole loop, you should hike it counterclockwise so that you cannot miss the trail turnoff, as I did. However, I loved this trail even as an out-and-back to Dark Angel Arch, and many of the highlights seem to be on this side of the loop anyway, so I would also recommend exploring the area this way if the whole loop sounds less appealing. This hike really has everything you could ever want from a single trail in Arches National Park, and if you only have time for one, I would highly recommend this one.
If you are looking for a fun, adventurous, and physical hike, the Fiery Furnace is one of the most enchanting areas within Arches National Park and is one of the most unique hikes I have ever done. This area is amazingly fragile and sensitive, which is why you either need a permit to access it or go with a ranger on a guided hike. A hiking permit can be reserved online and up to seven days in advance, but keep in mind that during the busy season, they sell out quickly and can be difficult to lock down. All visitors are also required to watch an educational video before entering the Furnace – this is so that hikers know how to navigate the fragile ecosystem without causing damage.
The Furnace is a maze of hidden arches, dead ends, and towering sandstone walls. Although there is a loosely marked 2.1-mile counterclockwise loop through the Fiery Furnace, the fun is in taking your time freely exploring all of the nooks and crannies. This loop can also be difficult to follow – I have explored this area twice and missed parts of the trail both times. If you want to get the most out of your visit to the Fiery Furnace, it is best to go with someone who has been before or go on the ranger-guided hike so that you can see everything the Furnace has to offer. A downloaded trail map can also be helpful but know that GPS does not always work well due to the tall rock walls- good navigational skills may be more reliable here.
Arches National Park contains some of the best hiking in the country, if not the world. This park is absolutely incredible – everyone should visit Arches National Park at least once, or if you are like me, maybe five or more times! Chances are, if you are looking into hiking trails at Arches, you may already have a trip planned or are considering visiting. Congratulations! I cannot wait for you to experience this magical park! Here, I will tell you all about the best hikes in Arches National Park and the hidden gems I have discovered on my visits there. From easy and accessible trails to longer, more strenuous hikes, there is something for everyone at Arches National Park!
The outdoors is for everyone, but it is up to us to protect it. When enjoying the outdoors, it’s important to practice the Leave No Trace Principles so that we can leave the environment better than we found it and ensure that everyone can continue to enjoy it. Learn more about Leave No Trace here.
The landscape in Arches National Park is astounding! The ecology and environment here are also very fragile, so Arches has specific rules to protect the park. When hiking here, it is imperative that you stay on the trails, rocks, or sandy washes (where rainwater flows through). However, a good general rule is that if there is a trail, stay on it. In some areas of the park, you can explore more freely, and in these areas, it is important to only walk on rock or in sandy washes. The reason is that damage to plants and the living, biological soil crust does not occur.
Another feature to look for is ephemeral pools or desert potholes. These small pools of water in the sandstone hold a variety of life! Although they are neat to observe, if you stumble upon one of these basins, whether or not they are full of water, please help protect them by not physically disturbing them!
Another important note is to NEVER WALK ON TOP OF ARCHES!! These geological wonders have taken millions of years to take the forms we see today. Although all arches will eventually crumble on their own time due to erosion and gravity, climbing and hiking on top of them can cause loose rock to fall. This is dangerous for everyone around and can damage a natural form of art that has taken eternities to form. Not to mention, everyone will yell at you. Don’t be that guy, and keep off the arches!
And don’t even think about vandalizing any arch, petroglyph, or rock with graffiti or carvings! Not only is it illegal, but it is also one of the most disrespectful things you can do to this infinite and eternal landscape.
Now that we have gotten that out of the way and you have promised to protect and respect the unique landscape, here are some of my favorite hikes in Arches National Park!
This 1.7-mile hike starts outside of Arches National Park and enters the park via Courthouse Wash. This unique part of the park meanders along a river into a lush, plant-filled wash with towering canyon walls on either side. This trail is less popular than others in Arches, so it can be a way to avoid crowds during quieter times of the day! There are also petroglyphs close to the start of the trail that you can check out! They will be off the main trail, on the north side of the bend of Highway 191.
However, keep in mind that because this is a wash with a river running through it, the time of year can drastically change the conditions of this trail. During late spring, when it is runoff season with snowmelt from the mountains, the river level can rise to a level that is unsafe to cross. Deep mud can also be present during the wet season.
Delicate Arch Trail is not only one of the most popular trails in Arches National Park, but it is also where you will find one of the most iconic views in the country. This 3.2-mile round-trip trail traverses up 629 ft over sand, dirt, and stretches of slickrock marked with cairns to keep you on the right path. If the fun and unique trail is not worth the journey in itself, the view of Delicate Arch at the end certainly makes the trek worth it. Since this hike is so popular, the parking lot fills up quickly, and the season of your visit impacts the number of visitors there. A good rule of thumb is if you are visiting during a time of year when a Timed Entry Ticket is needed, it is best to get to trails early in the day to make sure you can get a parking spot. During other times of the year, it is generally easier to find available parking at popular trailheads.
Sunset is a beautiful time to visit Delicate Arch, but can be incredibly busy. So, if you want to catch a sunset here, plan on visiting during a less popular time of year, or be prepared to circle the parking lot and hope you get lucky if you travel during the busy season. With that said, the sunset at Delicate Arch is definetly one of the most enchanting experiences you can have in the park!
Delicate Arch Trail is not only one of the most popular trails in Arches National Park, but it is also where you will find one of the most iconic views in the country. This 3.2-mile round-trip trail traverses up 629 ft over sand, dirt, and stretches of slickrock marked with cairns to keep you on the right path. If the fun and unique trail is not worth the journey in itself, the view of Delicate Arch at the end certainly makes the trek worth it. Since this hike is so popular, the parking lot fills up quickly, and the season of your visit impacts the number of visitors there. A good rule of thumb is if you are visiting during a time of year when a Timed Entry Ticket is needed, it is best to get to trails early in the day to make sure you can get a parking spot. During other times of the year, it is generally easier to find available parking at popular trailheads.
Sunset is a beautiful time to visit Delicate Arch, but can be incredibly busy. So, if you want to catch a sunset here, plan on visiting during a less popular time of year, or be prepared to circle the parking lot and hope you get lucky if you travel during the busy season. With that said, the sunset at Delicate Arch is definetly one of the most enchanting experiences you can have in the park!
There is also a viewpoint of Delicate Arch that is shorter and more accessible to get to. It is 1 mile long and gains about 175 feet in elevation, making it a much easier alternative to see the arch!
At first glance, Eye of the Whale Arch may seem not worth the effort. And honestly, unless you have a high clearance, 4WD vehicle, and offroading skills, I would say there are much better places in the park to explore. However, if you do have a capable vehicle and offroading experience, I highly encourage you to visit one of my favorite and least visited arches in the park. Although you can hike here, it is 5.1 miles round trip, and it is almost entirely on sandy roads that are eternally more fun to drive than to walk. I also do not recommend walking here because there are fun hiking and scrambling areas once you get to the arch, which piles on additional miles on top of the trek to even get there.
If you are equipped for the adventure and interested in learning more about this unique section of Arches, check out this guide (coming soon), where I go in-depth about the 4WD road and the hiking and scrambling opportunities around Eye of the Whale Arch.
Arches National Park contains some of the best hiking in the country, if not the world. This park is absolutely incredible – everyone should visit Arches National Park at least once, or if you are like me, maybe five or more times! Chances are, if you are looking into hiking trails at Arches, you may already have a trip planned or are considering visiting. Congratulations! I cannot wait for you to experience this magical park! Here, I will tell you all about the best hikes in Arches National Park and the hidden gems I have discovered on my visits there. From easy and accessible trails to longer, more strenuous hikes, there is something for everyone at Arches National Park!
The outdoors is for everyone, but it is up to us to protect it. When enjoying the outdoors, it’s important to practice the Leave No Trace Principles so that we can leave the environment better than we found it and ensure that everyone can continue to enjoy it. Learn more about Leave No Trace here.
The landscape in Arches National Park is astounding! The ecology and environment here are also very fragile, so Arches has specific rules to protect the park. When hiking here, it is imperative that you stay on the trails, rocks, or sandy washes (where rainwater flows through). However, a good general rule is that if there is a trail, stay on it. In some areas of the park, you can explore more freely, and in these areas, it is important to only walk on rock or in sandy washes. The reason is that damage to plants and the living, biological soil crust does not occur.
Another feature to look for is ephemeral pools or desert potholes. These small pools of water in the sandstone hold a variety of life! Although they are neat to observe, if you stumble upon one of these basins, whether or not they are full of water, please help protect them by not physically disturbing them!
Another important note is to NEVER WALK ON TOP OF ARCHES!! These geological wonders have taken millions of years to take the forms we see today. Although all arches will eventually crumble on their own time due to erosion and gravity, climbing and hiking on top of them can cause loose rock to fall. This is dangerous for everyone around and can damage a natural form of art that has taken eternities to form. Not to mention, everyone will yell at you. Don’t be that guy, and keep off the arches!
And don’t even think about vandalizing any arch, petroglyph, or rock with graffiti or carvings! Not only is it illegal, but it is also one of the most disrespectful things you can do to this infinite and eternal landscape.
Now that we have gotten that out of the way and you have promised to protect and respect the unique landscape, here are some of my favorite hikes in Arches National Park!
Although this .3-mile trail is short, Sand Dune Arch is one of my favorites in the park and should not be overlooked! The arch sits in a narrow canyon with a deep sandy floor and towering rock walls on either side. Something about the canyon, the sand, and the colors creates this incredible feeling of solitude and that this place is sacred. Depending on the time of year you visit, that solitary vibe may be more or less present- I have seen this arch completely deserted or filled with people several times. I enjoy this area much more when there are fewer people, and if you think you would feel the same, check out these tips on when to visit Arches National Park to avoid crowds.
At .6 miles and 95 ft elevation gain, this is a very easy and rewarding trail for all skill levels! Like most trails on this list, the time of year you visit will highly affect your experience. No matter the season, this area is one of the most popular in the park. However, in early spring, I have seen it with much fewer people compared to the summer when the parking lot fills up fast, and there are people everywhere. Although you can catch a glimpse of Double Arch from the parking lot, the view gets a lot better when you get up close, so it is worth exploring!
Sharing the same parking lot as Double Arch Trail, the Windows Loop is more of a short walk than a hike. This quick .7-mile loop takes you up close and personal with the North and South Windows. These massive arches are like nothing you have ever seen before. They provide an epic window view of the landscape beyond and the vast, ever-changing desert sky. You can also easily add on Turret Arch, which is an extremely short detour off of the main loop. Although most people stick to the front side of the Windows, there is a slightly longer 1.2-mile loop that takes visitors to the back side for a different perspective and then loops back around to the parking lot. The Windows Loop is a must-see trail on your visit to Arches and is accessible enough for everyone in your group to hike!
Park Avenue is the only hike on this list that I have not done myself, but it has been on my list for my next visit for a long time! This trail is 1.8 miles round trip and is just under 300 ft of elevation gain. The Park Avenue Trail is different from many other hikes in Arches National Park because the highlight is giant sandstone towers and rock walls rather than arches. But the views look magnificent and are pulled straight from an old Western film! This trail has parking lots on both ends and can start from either direction, but be aware that both parking lots are small. However, in this area, many people stop briefly to take a few pictures and then continue without actually doing the hike, so finding a spot may be easier than it would seem at first glance.
This 1.7-mile hike starts outside of Arches National Park and enters the park via Courthouse Wash. This unique part of the park meanders along a river into a lush, plant-filled wash with towering canyon walls on either side. This trail is less popular than others in Arches, so it can be a way to avoid crowds during quieter times of the day! There are also petroglyphs close to the start of the trail that you can check out! They will be off the main trail, on the north side of the bend of Highway 191.
However, keep in mind that because this is a wash with a river running through it, the time of year can drastically change the conditions of this trail. During late spring, when it is runoff season with snowmelt from the mountains, the river level can rise to a level that is unsafe to cross. Deep mud can also be present during the wet season.
Delicate Arch Trail is not only one of the most popular trails in Arches National Park, but it is also where you will find one of the most iconic views in the country. This 3.2-mile round-trip trail traverses up 629 ft over sand, dirt, and stretches of slickrock marked with cairns to keep you on the right path. If the fun and unique trail is not worth the journey in itself, the view of Delicate Arch at the end certainly makes the trek worth it. Since this hike is so popular, the parking lot fills up quickly, and the season of your visit impacts the number of visitors there. A good rule of thumb is if you are visiting during a time of year when a Timed Entry Ticket is needed, it is best to get to trails early in the day to make sure you can get a parking spot. During other times of the year, it is generally easier to find available parking at popular trailheads.
Sunset is a beautiful time to visit Delicate Arch, but can be incredibly busy. So, if you want to catch a sunset here, plan on visiting during a less popular time of year, or be prepared to circle the parking lot and hope you get lucky if you travel during the busy season. With that said, the sunset at Delicate Arch is definetly one of the most enchanting experiences you can have in the park!
There is also a viewpoint of Delicate Arch that is shorter and more accessible to get to. It is 1 mile long and gains about 175 feet in elevation, making it a much easier alternative to see the arch!
Jumping to a more strenuous 7.9-mile hike with 1,085 ft of elevation gain, the Devils Garden is one of my favorite trails I have ever hiked. With over ten arches on one trail, this is the best place to get the most out of your visit to Arches National Park.
This trail requires some scrambling, and navigational skills can come in handy because some arches and side trails can be easy to overlook. I have done this hike twice – the first time as an out-and-back to Dark Angel Arch because I wasn’t aware that the trail could be a loop. The second time I intended to complete the loop but ended up hiking the same out and back because I overlooked the trail turnoff near Double O Arch that takes you on the rest of the loop.
With that in mind, if you want to hike the whole loop, you should hike it counterclockwise so that you cannot miss the trail turnoff, as I did. However, I loved this trail even as an out-and-back to Dark Angel Arch, and many of the highlights seem to be on this side of the loop anyway, so I would also recommend exploring the area this way if the whole loop sounds less appealing. This hike really has everything you could ever want from a single trail in Arches National Park, and if you only have time for one, I would highly recommend this one.
If you are looking for a fun, adventurous, and physical hike, the Fiery Furnace is one of the most enchanting areas within Arches National Park and is one of the most unique hikes I have ever done. This area is amazingly fragile and sensitive, which is why you either need a permit to access it or go with a ranger on a guided hike. A hiking permit can be reserved online and up to seven days in advance, but keep in mind that during the busy season, they sell out quickly and can be difficult to lock down. All visitors are also required to watch an educational video before entering the Furnace – this is so that hikers know how to navigate the fragile ecosystem without causing damage.
The Furnace is a maze of hidden arches, dead ends, and towering sandstone walls. Although there is a loosely marked 2.1-mile counterclockwise loop through the Fiery Furnace, the fun is in taking your time freely exploring all of the nooks and crannies. This loop can also be difficult to follow – I have explored this area twice and missed parts of the trail both times. If you want to get the most out of your visit to the Fiery Furnace, it is best to go with someone who has been before or go on the ranger-guided hike so that you can see everything the Furnace has to offer. A downloaded trail map can also be helpful but know that GPS does not always work well due to the tall rock walls- good navigational skills may be more reliable here.
At first glance, Eye of the Whale Arch may seem not worth the effort. And honestly, unless you have a high clearance, 4WD vehicle, and offroading skills, I would say there are much better places in the park to explore. However, if you do have a capable vehicle and offroading experience, I highly encourage you to visit one of my favorite and least visited arches in the park. Although you can hike here, it is 5.1 miles round trip, and it is almost entirely on sandy roads that are eternally more fun to drive than to walk. I also do not recommend walking here because there are fun hiking and scrambling areas once you get to the arch, which piles on additional miles on top of the trek to even get there.
If you are equipped for the adventure and interested in learning more about this unique section of Arches, check out this guide (coming soon), where I go in-depth about the 4WD road and the hiking and scrambling opportunities around Eye of the Whale Arch.
For even more inspiration, check out my reasons why Arches is the Best National Park, and to continue planning your trip, read my Things to Know Before Visiting Arches National Park!
UT: 26 miles – 30 minutes
UT: 136 Miles – 2 hours and 10 minutes
AZ: 153 miles – 2 hours and 45 minutes