Arches National Park, UT
One of the five national parks in Utah, Arches National Park is the 20th most visited national park in the United States. The red rock wonderland has 2,000 natural stone arches. With a variety of trail lengths and difficulties, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you are on a roadtrip and camping or taking a day trip down from Salt Lake City, you will be amazed at the beauty of the sandstone landscape.
The most crowded time is the summer months which is also the hottest. Try going in April for cooler temperatures.
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You will need a timed entry ticket and also pay a fee to get into the park
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Safety is always key when hiking. Pay attention to trail markers and make sure to bring tons of water
Stay
Devils Garden Campground
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This is the only place to stay in the actual limits of Arches national park. Located in the middle of the park, there are beautiful panoramic views. During peak season you will need to make a reservation so make sure to plan ahead.
Camping |
Moab
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Moab is only a short drive from the park and has a variety of different hotel and rental options
Hotel | Rentals |
Food and Drink
Picnic Areas
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There are no restaurants within the park but plenty of picnic areas including Arches Visitor Center, Panorama Point, Delicate Arch viewpoint, and Devils Garden picnic area.
Outdoor |
Moab
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Take a short drive to Moab for either groceries or one of the many restaurants
Grocery | Restaurant |
Activities
Delicate Arch
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One of the largest free standing arches in the park, this arch is also the most visited in the park. The Lower Delicate Arch Viewport is the easiest way to see the arch, which is a 100 yard hike to see the arch from 1 mi away. The Upper Delicate Arch Viewpoint is a 0.5 mi hike with a slightly less obstructed view. Both the Upper and Lower Viewpoints are from the same trailhead if you wanted to see both views. The hike to get up close and personal to the arch is 3 mi roundtrip from the Wolfe ranch parking lot.
Hiking |
Fiery Furnace
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You can view the Fiery Furnaces from the Fiery Furnace viewpoint. In order to hike the Fiery Furnaces you will need to join a Ranger led hike or get a permit for a self-guided hike. I recommend a ranger hike if you don’t do much hiking since it is easy to get lost and a strenuous hike
Hiking |
Arches Scenic Drive
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If you don’t have the time or don’t want to take a difficult hike then hop in your car and cruise through the park. Stop at any of the multiple viewpoints or go for a short hike
Sight Seeing |
Double Arch
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Located at the middle section of the park in the Windows Section, it is named for its two arches that connect on one end and is the tallest in the park. Their is parking in either the Double Arch trailhead or Windows trailhead for a 0.6 mi hike to see the Double Arch.
Hiking |
The Windows Section
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The Windows Section is the area located at the middle southern part of the park. This area includes Double Arch, North and South Window Section Arches, and Turret Arch. There is parking at the Double Arch trailhead and The Windows Trailhead. Take the Double Arch Trail to see the Double Arch. To see the Turret Arch and Window Section Arches take the Windows Loop Trailhead
Hiking |
Double O Arch
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Located along the Devil’s Garden Trail and primitive loop, it is a 4 mi roundtrip hike to get to the second largest arch in the park which is two arches stacked on top of one another
Hiking |
La Sal Mountains Viewpoint
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Pull of the main road to the viewport to spot the La Sal Mountains that are just south of the Arches
Sightseeing |
Tower Arch
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Located in the northern, more secluded area of the park. In order to get to the Tower Arch trailhead, you will need to drive on unpaved roads. The hike to get to the arch is 2.6 mi more difficult hike
Hiking |
Stargazing
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The park takes every measure to reduce light pollution, making it the perfect spot to spot the stars in the dark sky. The best places to see the stars are at higher ground like Balanced Rock Picnic Area or Garden of Eden Viewpoint. Sometimes park rangers will led stargazing events. Make sure to check the weather and park website for the best chances to see the stars, Milky Way, or even some of the planets
Adventure |
Devils Garden
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Devils Garden is the area located at the northern part of the park. From the Devils Garden trailhead, the trail walks you through eight arches, fins of sandstone and of course amazing views. The trail is an 8 mi hike including the primitive loop. Depending on the level of difficulty you want to experience, you could see the Landscape Arch (1.8 mi), Double O Arch (4.0 mi), or the Tunnel Arch (0.5 mi)
Hiking |
Landscape Arch
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Located in the Devils Garden area of the Arches National Park, Landscape Arch is the largest arch on Earth. From the Devils Garden trailhead it is a 2 mi roundtrip hike
Hiking |
Tower of Babel
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The tower is located right off of the Arches Scenic Drive, you can’t miss it. It is a giant narrow free standing wall of sandstone. Rock climbing is allowed on this structure but make sure to check the park’s website for closures.
Sightseeing | Climbing |
Broken Arch
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The trail to get to the Broken Arch is a great opportunity to look for wildlife in the grasslands. From the Sand Dune Arch trailhead it is a 1.2 mi hike. Take the Broken Arch loop trail from the Broken Arch trailhead for a more difficult 2.3 mi hike to see the Sand Dune Arch and Broken Arch
Hiking |
Tunnel Arch
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Located on the Devils Garden trail, it is a short 0.5 mi hike to see the arch with a tunnel like opening
Hiking |
Balanced Rock
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You can spot the picturesque rock formation from the scenic road or park at the balanced rock trailhead to see the rock up close. It is a 0.3 mi hike to walk to the rock formation
Hiking | Sight Seeing |
Sand Dune Arch
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As its name implies, the arch is surrounded by deep sand in secluded sandstone fins. From the Sand Dune Arch trailhead it is a easy 0.4 mi hike. Take the Broken Arch loop trail from the Broken Arch trailhead for a more difficult 2.3 mi hike to see the Sand Dune Arch and Broken Arch
Hiking |
Park Avenue Trail
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Located at the southern part of the park, it is the closest trail to the Visitor Center. There is parking at the Park Avenue trailhead or Courthouse Towers trailhead. The 1.8 mi hike will take you through massive monoliths and towering rock walls, including the Courthouse Towers
Hiking |
Skyline Arch
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Park at the Skyline Arch Trailhead for a short 0.4 mi hike to see the Arch
Hiking |
Turret Arch
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Located in the Windows Section of the park, the Turret Arch can be reached from parking at the Double Arch trailhead and The Windows Trailhead. To see the Turret Arch and Window Section Arches take the Windows Loop trail which is a 1.2 mi hike
Hiking |
Dark Angel
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A 150 ft tall sandstone column located in more isolated part of Devils Garden. The column can be seem from different parts of the park but to see it up close it will be a 4.9 mi out and back hike from the Devils Garden Trailhead. Take the Devils Garden trail to the Primitive loop trail to the Dark Angel trail.
Hiking | Climbing |
Wolfe Ranch
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A small cabin located at the trailhead for the Delicate Arch, it was home to John Wolfe.
History |
Travel Tips
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Weather
The summers months have an average high temp of 100 degrees. Monsoon and flood season in late summer
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Events and Festivals
Southeast Utah AstroFest, Ranger guided walks, Stargazing events and Devils Garden Amphitheater events
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What to pack
Make sure to bring plenty of water for those hot days. Along with a hat and sunscreen
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Best Time to Visit
The most crowded time is the summer months which is also the hottest. Try going in April for cooler temperatures.
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Culture/Atmosphere
Being a National Park, this is a tourist area that has about 1.5 million visitors each year
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Trip Length
I recommend 1-2 days, but could be more depending on how many hikes you want to do
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Accessibility
All restrooms, viewports, and trailheads. The Balanced Rock Picnic area and Panorama Point
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Transportation
A vehicle is needed to get around the park. The closest airport being Canyonlands Airport
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Traveling with Dogs?
Dogs are allowed at parking areas, campgrounds, and picnic areas. Dogs are not allowed on any of the trails
