13 Best Things To Do In Arches National Park

Arches National Park holds over 2,000 natural stone arches, more than any other place on Earth.

This red rock wonderland in southeastern Utah offers adventures for hikers, photographers, and anyone who loves dramatic desert landscapes.

Regardless of if you visit for a few hours or several days, you’ll find trails, viewpoints, and geological marvels that make this park unforgettable.

Disclaimer: This article reflects subjective editorial perspectives on popular activities in Arches National Park and should not be interpreted as definitive fact or universal consensus.

1. Watch Sunrise or Sunset at Delicate Arch

Golden hour transforms this iconic landmark into a glowing masterpiece that photographers dream about.

The 3-mile round-trip hike feels challenging but rewarding, especially when you arrive to find the arch bathed in deep orange light.

Early morning visits mean cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.

Evening treks offer dramatic shadows that dance across the sandstone as the sun dips below the horizon, creating unforgettable memories.

2. Walk Beneath Landscape Arch

Spanning nearly 300 feet, Landscape Arch looks impossibly thin, like nature’s tightrope stretched across the sky.

This geological wonder ranks among the longest natural arches anywhere on the planet.

A relatively easy trail brings you right beneath its delicate span.

Standing underneath makes you realize just how fragile these formations are, as rockfalls have altered its shape over recent decades, reminding visitors that erosion never stops.

3. Explore Devils Garden

Fins, spires, and multiple arches await along this scenic trail system that showcases classic high-desert beauty.

The full loop stretches nearly 8 miles, but shorter options let you customize your adventure based on time and energy.

Primitive trails wind through narrow passages and over slickrock expanses.

Each turn reveals new formations, and the sense of solitude increases the farther you venture from the trailhead.

4. Visit the Windows Section

Short, well-marked paths make this area perfect for families and anyone seeking impressive arches without strenuous climbs.

North Window, South Window, and Turret Arch cluster together, offering multiple photo opportunities within a compact zone.

Minimal elevation change means kids and older visitors can enjoy these massive formations comfortably.

The loop trail takes less than an hour, yet delivers some of the park’s most photogenic views.

5. Photograph Balanced Rock

A massive boulder perches on a narrow pedestal, defying gravity in a way that makes you stop and stare.

This roadside wonder sits just steps from a parking area, making it one of the easiest attractions to reach.

Sunset casts gorgeous light across its surface, turning the stone warm shades of amber and crimson.

A short loop trail circles the formation, giving you angles from every direction for that perfect shot.

6. Stand Beneath Double Arch

Two towering arches rise from a single foundation, creating one of the most dramatic sights in the entire park.

Film fans might recognize this spot from the opening scene of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.

The short 0.3-mile trail crosses sandy terrain and ends right beneath the massive openings.

Looking up from below gives you a true sense of scale and makes you appreciate the forces that carved these giants.

7. Take a Guided Hike Through Fiery Furnace

This maze of narrow sandstone passages requires a permit or ranger-led tour to protect the fragile terrain from overuse.

Slot canyons, hidden arches, and tight squeezes make this adventure feel like true exploration.

Rangers share geological insights and help you navigate the confusing network of fins and corridors.

Self-guided permits are available but require careful route-finding skills, so first-timers often prefer the guided option.

8. Visit Sand Dune Arch

Soft sand and tall rock walls create a cooler, shaded environment that offers welcome relief from exposed trails.

The short 0.4-mile walk leads to an arch nestled between towering fins, making it feel hidden and intimate.

Kids love playing in the soft sand beneath the arch, and the sheltered location provides a nice break during midday heat.

Photographers appreciate the unique lighting conditions created by the surrounding walls.

9. Hike to Broken Arch

Despite its name, this arch remains intact and stands proudly over open desert terrain.

The moderately easy route covers about 2 miles round-trip and offers views of distant cliffs and expansive landscapes.

Fewer crowds visit this arch compared to more famous formations, giving you a quieter experience.

The trail connects to Devils Garden Campground, making it convenient for campers seeking an evening stroll.

10. Stop at Skyline Arch

A large arch visible from the scenic drive, formed after a significant rockfall in 1940 doubled its size overnight.

This dramatic geological event transformed it into one of the more impressive roadside formations.

A short 0.4-mile trail leads to a closer view, though many visitors simply photograph it from the parking area.

The arch’s size becomes more apparent as you approach, revealing details hidden from the road.

11. View Courthouse Towers

Massive vertical formations rise dramatically near the park entrance, offering visitors a striking first impression of the red rock landscape.

These towering pillars and columns resemble ancient buildings, inspiring their courthouse nickname.

Several pullouts along the scenic drive provide excellent viewing and photography opportunities.

The formations look especially impressive during late afternoon when shadows accentuate their vertical lines and rugged textures.

12. Hike to Tower Arch

A quieter trail in the park’s remote Klondike Bluffs area provides a sense of isolation along with expansive desert views.

The 3.4-mile round-trip hike rewards those willing to venture off the main scenic drive.

Four-wheel-drive vehicles can shorten the approach, though high-clearance is required for the rough access road.

Once there, you’ll often have the arch mostly to yourself, a rare treat in this popular park.

13. Drive the Arches Scenic Road

This winding 18-mile route connects major viewpoints, trailheads, and signature formations throughout the park.

Even visitors with limited time can experience highlights without extensive hiking.

Multiple pullouts offer chances to photograph Balanced Rock, Petrified Dunes, and distant La Sal Mountains.

The road itself provides constantly changing perspectives, making the journey just as memorable as the destinations along the way.