Arches National Park Things to Do

This trailhead offers a range of hikes, from short to strenuous. Beyond Landscape Arch (listed above), the trail climbs sandstone slabs. Footing is rocky, with narrow ledges, exposure to heights, rock scrambling, and few trail markers. Avoid when rock is wet or snowy. Bring at least 3 quarts (3 L) of water per person. Roundtrip just to Double O Arch: 4.0 miles (6.4 km), 2-3 hours. Whole Trail: 7.9 miles (12.7 km), 3-5 hours

Pets and owners have a special bond, but a national park is not always the best place for pets. Arches National Park is a designated natural area, and its purpose is to preserve and protect the park's natural environment, cultural resources, wildlife, and scenic beauty. When in Arches, it is your responsibility to know and adhere to all rules and regulations regarding pets in the park.

Hike through deep sand to find this hidden arch between tall sandstone walls. You may also choose to continue across a grassland to Broken Arch, returning via the same trail or making a loop through the campground. Roundtrip Distance: 0.4 mi (0.6 km) Time: 15-30 min Elevation Change: 0 ft (0 m)

A short, out-and-back hike on well defined trail leads to an arch in a high wall. On a cold night in November 1940, a large chunk fell out of this arch, instantly doubling the size of its opening. Roundtrip Distance: 0.4 mi (0.6 km) Time: 10-20 min Elevation Change: 28 ft (8 m)

Visiting Arches? From April 1–July 6 and August 28–October 31, 2025, you'll need a Timed Entry Ticket to enter the park. This pilot timed entry system is designed to help manage traffic and improve visitor experiences.

This trail climbs up a rock wall, cuts across a valley, and then meanders through sandstone fins and sand dunes. Reaching this trailhead requires driving 8 mi (14 km) on unpaved roads, which wash out quickly in rainstorms. Roundtrip Distance: 2.6 mi (4.2 km) Time: 2-3 hours Elevation Change: 290 ft (89 m)

This humble, one-room cabin sits near the present-day trailhead for the hike to Delicate Arch. Visitors regularly peer through the doorway and wonder aloud, "Who lived here... and how?... And why?" For more than a decade, John Wesley Wolfe and his family lived and worked on the remote "Bar DX" ranch, eventually grazing more than 1,000 head of cattle on native grasses that once covered this area.

Massive North Window is visible from the parking lot. A gentle climb up a hard-packed trail and stone steps leads to North Window, South Window, and Turret Arch. Return to the parking lot via the same trail, or take the slightly longer primitive route around the back side. First 300 feet (91 m) of main trail may be accessible to wheelchairs with assistance. Roundtrip Distance: 1 mi (1.6 km) Time: 30-60 min Elevation Change: 99 ft (30 m)

A panel located at the Arches National Park Visitor Center that explains some of the activities that you can do at Arches National Park. They are sightseeing, walking, picnicking, camping, biking, and four-wheel driving. A park map is featured on the panel.

Balanced Rock is visible from the park road. Although parking is limited, many visitors stop to complete the short hike around the feature's base for unusual and up-close perspectives. This loop trail is partly paved and may be accessible to wheelchairs. Climbing on Balanced Rock is prohibited. Roundtrip Distance: 0.3 mi (0.4 km) Time: 15-30 min Elevation Change: 35 ft (11 m)

The area includes the entrance to the interior of the Visitor Center and the amenities in the area. Amenities include restrooms, benches, and water filling stations.

Featured outside of the Arches National Park Visitor Center

Arches Entrance Station

Audio description of Arches Visitor Center Zone 1- Water Filling Station

This panel, titled Park Trails, identifies hiking trails throughout the park, providing important data to know before hiking, and notes trail locations on a large map.

This panel, titled Canyon Country, identifies and describes a number of parks and recreation areas within the greater Utah region that provide more opportunities to explore a variety of scenic and historic wonders. A map notes their locations.

This panel informs visitors of the rules and safety practices for climbing and canyoneering in the park, as well as instructs how to obtain a permit for these activities.

A panel that describes the best practices for cycling at Arches National Park. Includes rules and safety information.

Panel that describes the variety of wildlife that you can find in Arches National Park.

Walk a short path behind the visitor center to learn about native desert plants and their traditional uses. Roundtrip Distance: 150 feet (45 m) Time: 10 min Elevation Change: 0 ft (0 m)

From the trailhead at the Sand Dune Arch parking area, the trail crosses a large meadow to Broken Arch. You can return from there or continue through the arch to the campground, then circle back through fins with sand dunes and some moderate scrambling. Roundtrip Distance: 1.2 mi (1.9 km) Time: 30-60 minutes Elevation Change: 59 ft (18 m)

This is the north end of the Park Avenue Trail, which traces a mostly smooth canyon bottom uphill, then ascends rock-cut stairs to Park Avenue Viewpoint. For an easier walk, turn around at the base of the stairs. Roundtrip hikers: please remain on the trail both directions rather than walking along the road. Roundtrip Distance: 1.8 mi (3.2 km) Time: 1 hour Elevation Change: 322 ft (98 m) -- or much less if you skip the stairs

A rock markings panel above the Colorado River offers insight into the lives and movements of archaic peoples. View the panel from below (better with binoculars) or hike a short trail up to its base. First part of trail is paved and accessible to wheelchairs. Roundtrip Distance: 0.8 mi (1.4 km) Time: 30-60 min Elevation Change: 60 ft (18 m)

This trail hikes up 538 feet (164 m) to the most famous arch in the park, crossing open slickrock with no shade. Pass historic Wolfe Ranch and a rock markings panel, then climb steadily; follow the rock cairns and signs. Just before you get to Delicate Arch, the trail traverses a narrow rock ledge for about 200 yards (183 m). Take at least 2 quarts (2 L) of water per person. Roundtrip distance: 3 miles (4.8 km) Time: 2-3 hours

See the most famous arch in the park at a distance from one of these viewpoints. Lower Viewpoint is level and wheelchair-accessible; with a roundtrip distance of 200 ft (61 m). Upper Viewpoint is moderately strenuous: Roundtrip Distance: 0.5 mi (0.8 km) Time: 30-45 min Elevation Change: 171 ft (52 m)

The tallest arch in the park at 122 ft (34 m), Double Arch is visible from The Windows parking loop. A relatively flat, gravel-surfaced path leads to the base of its two huge, arching spans. May be accessible to wheelchairs with some assistance. Roundtrip Distance: 0.6 mi (1 km) Time: 15-30 min Elevation Change: 30 ft (10 m)

The Fiery Furnace is a labyrinth of narrow sandstone canyons that requires agility to explore. One route is marked, but getting lost is still possible. Entering the Fiery Furnace requires tickets for a ranger-led hike or permits for exploring on your own. Both must be reserved in advance through Recreation.gov.

La Sal Mountains Viewpoint is located a short distance inside the park and offers an excellent overview of red rock scenery both inside and outside the park.

A hard-packed trail leads to a spectacular ribbon of rock, whose span is longer than 300 feet (91 m). Spur trails lead to Pine Tree Arch and Tunnel Arch. Steep slopes may be accessible to wheelchairs with assistance. After Landscape Arch, the Devils Garden Trail becomes difficult, with rock scrambling, narrow ledges, and exposure to heights. Roundtrip Distance: 1.8 mi (2.9 km) Time: 30-60 min Elevation Change: 40 ft (12 m)

The highway below Arches parallels an ancient geologic fracture line, called the Moab Fault.

Panorama Point offers wide-open views of Arches and the surrounding area. Located at the top of a hill, you can enjoy views of the La Sal Mountains, the Fiery Furnace, and even Devils Garden from your vehicle or at viewpoints along the parking area. Panorama Point is also an excellent place to stargaze and take in the night sky.

A paved sidewalk (wheelchair accessible) leads to a viewpoint down a corridor of towering rock walls and spires. Descend stairs to walk the trail among massive monoliths toward Courthouse Towers Viewpoint. For a roundtrip hike, return along the trail rather than walking along the road. Roundtrip Distance: 1.8 mi (3.2 km) Time: 1 hour Elevation Change: 322 ft (98 m)

Arches contains a variety of hiking trails, from easy/moderate to long and strenuous. Many trails use cairns (stacks of rocks) for markers and cross broad rock surfaces, requiring attention to follow. Learn how to Protect Yourself and Protect Your Park with hiking safety and Leave No Trace tips.

Backpacking at Arches is allowed in designated sites only and requires a permit.

Arches has no real "slot canyons" but does afford some unique on-rope opportunities.

Most climbing routes in the park require advanced techniques. Climbing is not allowed on any arches or certain named features, such as Balanced Rock.

If you pay close attention, you can see close to two dozen arches from the comfort of your car.

Entry to the Fiery Furnace is managed by permits and ranger-led tours to ensure the experience of solitude and wilderness.

Stop at the visitor center to plan your visit, fill your water bottle, learn about the park, and pick up a souvenir.

Filled with fun activities, free Arches Junior Ranger books reveal the wonders of Arches to kids and parents alike.

Arches National Park and the surrounding Colorado Plateau offer some of the darkest night skies remaining in the United States. You can enjoy the park after dark by viewing spectacular night skies.