Arches National Park
A Complete Guide to Exploring the Iconic Landscape
Arches National Park
Arches National Park: A Complete Guide to Exploring the Iconic Landscape
Arches National Park, located just outside of Moab, Utah, is home to over 2,000 natural sandstone arches and some of the most striking rock formations in the world. Whether you’re looking for an easy scenic drive, short walks, long hikes, or an unforgettable stargazing experience, here’s how to make the most of your visit.
1. Sightseeing Without Leaving the Car
If you want to experience the beauty of Arches without walking, you can enjoy a stunning drive along the Arches Scenic Drive, a 19-mile paved road that takes visitors past some of the park’s most famous landmarks. Key stops include:
Park Avenue Viewpoint – Towering rock formations resembling a city skyline
La Sal Mountains Viewpoint – A striking contrast between the red rock and distant mountain peaks
Balanced Rock – A massive rock precariously balanced atop a narrow base
The Windows Section – One of the most iconic areas in the park with massive arch formations visible from the parking lot
Panorama Point – a great spot to take in the vast expanse of the entire park.
Skyline Arch – a beautiful arch located right along park’s road
Devil’s Garden – driving through the Devil’s Garden is a unique experience in itself. Stop here for lunch at one of the best picnic areas in the park.Â
2. Sightseeing with Short Walks
Add these short walks to the above itinerary to take your visit to Arches National Park up to another level.
Double Arch (0.5 miles round trip) – A flat, family-friendly trail leading to two enormous arches standing side by side
The Windows & Turret Arch (1 mile round trip) – A short walk to some of the largest and most famous arches in the park
Balanced Rock Trail (0.3 miles round trip) – A paved, accessible trail leading to one of the most photographed rock formations
Delicate Arch Viewpoint (0.7 miles round trip) – A short uphill walk to see Delicate Arch from a distance
Sand Dune Arch (0.6 miles round trip) – By far one of the most interesting stop in all of Arches National Park.Â
3. Sightseeing with Longer Hikes
For those looking to explore Arches National Park on foot, these hikes offer some of the best views and experiences:
Delicate Arch (3 miles round trip, moderate) – A must-do hike leading to the park’s most famous and picturesque arch
Devil’s Garden Trail (Up to 7.2 miles round trip, moderate to strenuous) – A longer hike featuring multiple arches, including Landscape Arch, one of the longest natural arches in the world
Fiery Furnace (Variable distance, permit required) – A maze-like landscape of narrow canyons and towering rock walls; guided tours are available for those unfamiliar with the terrain
4. Night Sky Gazing at Arches
Arches National Park is a certified International Dark Sky Park, making it one of the best places in the country for stargazing. The park’s remote location and lack of light pollution allow for incredible views of the Milky Way, planets, and constellations. Great stargazing spots include:
Balanced Rock – A stunning foreground for astrophotography
The Windows Section – Wide-open views with towering rock formations silhouetted against the night sky
Panorama Point – One of the park’s best locations for an unobstructed view of the cosmos
5. Exploring the Park’s Dirt Roads
For those with a high-clearance or four-wheel-drive vehicle, Arches National Park offers several dirt roads that provide a more rugged and remote experience:
Willow Springs Road – An alternative entry point to the park with access to dinosaur tracks
Salt Valley Road – Leads to lesser-known areas like Tower Arch and provides a quieter experience away from the crowds
Klondike Bluffs Road – A rougher road that takes you to an isolated section of the park with stunning rock formations
6. What Else is There TO DO in Moab, Utah?
Visiting Arches National Park is just a small part of what makes Moab, Utah so special. Here are a few additional activities to consider for you visit:
Canyonlands National Park – The other National Park in Moab. Don’t miss this gem as it is nothing like Arches and it will equally take your breath away.
Dead Horse Pt State Park – The state parks out west are mini National Parks, just owned by the state. Don’t miss this most beautiful Colorado river overlook in Moab.Â
Hell’s Revenge – The most iconic activity in Moab, outside the National Parks is by far the Hell’s Revenger off road trail. This one is for the thrill seeker. Look for a tour with cool machines that can do more tricks. We recommend Epic 4×4 Adventures for the most fun on the Hell’s Revenger trail!
Arches National Park - Arguably The Most Unique National Park In The Nation
Arches National Park & Moab Utah offer something for everyone, from easy roadside views to challenging hikes and breathtaking night skies. No matter how you choose to explore, you’ll be surrounded by some of the most unique and awe-inspiring landscapes in the world.
Explore our most popular tours
discover the hidden & remote side of arches - solitaire desert arches hike
$189/pp + taxes | ~ 4 hours | 2 Guests Min
secluded arches sunset experience - the best of devil's garden arches sunset hike
$189/pp + taxes | ~3.5 hours | 2 Guests Min
take the arches challenge - 7m devil's garden complete loop arches hike
$299/pp + taxes | ~ 7 hours | 2 Guests Min
