The McXperience

With over 2,000 natural sandstone arches, otherworldly rock formations, and endless views of red desert landscapes, it’s no wonder that Arches National Park is one of Utah’s top destinations. Whether you’re crafting a full Arches National Park itinerary or just looking for what to do in Arches National Park in one day, this guide has you covered.

From must-see spots like Delicate Arch to underrated gems like Sand Dune Arch, here’s how to make the most of your adventure.

1. How Long Should You Stay in Arches National Park
2. Best Time to Visit Arches National Park
3. Where to Stay Near Arches
4. Getting Around Arches National Park
5. Arches National Park Itinerary
   1. Day 1: Arches Scenic Drive and Dinner in Moab
      1. Arches Scenic Drive
      2. Dinner in Moab
   2. Day 2: Devils Garden Trail and More Arches

How Long Should You Stay in Arches National Park

If you’ve only got one day, no worries—you can still hit the highlights with a well-planned Arches National Park 1-day itinerary. But if you have extra time, two days lets you explore at a more relaxed pace and check out arches that take longer to hike to.

Best Time to Visit Arches National Park

This park offers very little shade, so spring and fall are prime times to visit with mild temperatures and clear skies. Summer can be scorching, but if that’s your only option, you can avoid the heat by exploring during the early morning or late evening. Winter is quieter and cooler, but snow and ice can make some trails trickier to navigate.

Where to Stay Near Arches

Basing yourself in nearby Moab, just five miles from the park entrance, makes things easy. It’s a little town, but it’s lively, and has everything you need after a day of hiking—cozy hotels, fun shops, and some great places to eat.

If you’re into camping, there are plenty of options in and around the park. Devils Garden Campground is the only one inside Arches, but other spots like Sand Flats Recreation Area or campgrounds along the Colorado River are also solid choices.

Getting Around Arches National Park

Before you hit the road, a little planning goes a long way. Arches National Park requires a timed entry reservation during peak season (April through October). It’s easy to book online, but spots fill up fast, so don’t wait until the last minute.

If you don’t have your own car with you, you’ll definitely want to rent one to explore the park. With a 20-mile Scenic Drive that connects all the best spots, having your own ride gives you the flexibility to stop and explore whenever something catches your eye.

Arches National Park Itinerary

Day 1: Arches Scenic Drive and Dinner in Moab

There’s only one road that travels through Arches National Park: Arches Scenic Drive. It’s about 20 miles long. If you only have one day, hit a lot of viewpoints and do the most iconic hike in the park to Delicate Arch. With a second day, you’ll have time to do more longer hikes throughout the park.

Arches Scenic Drive

• Stop 1: Balanced Rock is a must-see and easy start to the day.
  • Balanced Rock: Allow 15 minutes for this 0.3 mile walk to this famous rock transformation.
• Stop 2: From the same parking lot, you’ll be able to walk out to South Window, North Window, Turret, and Double Arches. The Windows and Turret Arch are along the same 1.2 mile loop which I would allow 45 minutes for.
  • South Window Arch: For the best lighting, sunrise/early morning is best, so I’d recommend doing this towards the beginning of your drive.
  • North Window Arch: Climb through the other side of this arch to get a cool picture of Turret arch through the window!
  • Turret Arch: The last stop on this loop before you’ll make your way back to the parking lot to start the walk to Double Arch.
  • Double Arch: As the tallest arch in the park and one of the few places where you can climb on the rocks under the arch, this is a must-see. Allow 20 minutes for this 0.6 mile walk.
• Stop 3: Don’t miss one of the best hikes in Arches with Devils Garden to see Landscape Arch.
  • Devils Garden Trail: This hike is a 7.9 mile loop but if you’re just in Arches for one day, I’d recommend turning around at Landscape Arch to have enough time to see other viewpoints.
  • Landscape Arch: 0.9 miles into Devils Garden Trail, you’ll see this famous arch. Allow 1 hour for this portion of the 1.9 mile hike.
• Stop 4: Tucked away behind Devils Garden Campground, you’ll see Tapestry Arch.
  • Tapestry Arch: With this arch being less popular than some of the others, it’s a great little break from the crowds. Allow 30 minutes for this 0.7 mile walk from the parking lot.
• Stop 5: Make a quick stop for Sand Dune Arch and see Broken Arch from afar on the way back to the parking lot.
  • Sand Dune Arch: This arch is a great way to get some shade as it’s tucked away behind fins of sandstone rock. Allow 15 minutes for this 0.3 mile walk.
  • Broken Arch: On the way back from Sand Dune Arch, be on the lookout for this arch in the distance. If you have time, you can walk the full 1.8 mile round trip walk to see Broken Arch up close.
• Stop 6: Last but not least, you can’t miss Delicate Arch – so iconic that it’s even on the Utah license plate.
  • Delicate Arch: While this is technically next on the drive after the Windows, I saved this for the end of the day when lighting is best. Allow 1.5-2 hours for this 3.2-mile hike.

Dinner in Moab

Moab is only 10 minutes from Arches National Park, so it’s a great place to stop for a bit at the end of the day. Walk around the shops, grab dinner, and then head to your campground or hotel for the night.

Day 2: Devils Garden Trail and More Arches

A second day for Arches National Park isn’t necessary, but it will make your trip a little less rushed. If you do have time for another day, skip Devils Garden Trail on the first day and spend the next day doing the full 7.9 mile loop to see even more arches!

Whether it’s 2 days, or just an afternoon – Arches National Park is a great one to add to the list! Looking to add on another one of the 5 Utah National Parks to your trip? Check out my itineraries for Canyonlands National Park, Capitol Reef National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, and Zion National Park.