Arches National Park features over 2000 of natural stone arches, other rock formations, and cliff walls. Numerous walking trails lead you to all the famous and scenic spots. The park is located just outside the town of Moab. It is set much higher than the town and thus offers great views. The park is well organized for visitors and most of the popular sites can be reached easily during short hikes. If you want more fascinating scenery, you should choose longer walks.
Some of the best sites and hiking areas are Fiery Furnace, Park Avenue, Balanced Rock, the Windows, and Devil's Garden. Among arches, the Delicate Arch, Double Arch, Broken Arch, and Sandstone Arch are the most recognizable. Start your walking with an almost 5 km long trail to the Delicate Arch. It is probably the most famous place in the park. The view that opens from the top of the Delicate Arch is truly unforgettable. The best time to see the Arch is during the sunset.
Fiery Furnace is a labyrinth of sandstone fins and numerous red rock formations. This trail needs a special permit and features a ranger-led 3.2 km long tour.
The Devils Garden Trail is a 6.8 km rugged trek that takes you through the Tunnel Arch, Landscape Arch, Navajo Arch, Partition Arch, and Double O Arch. The Devil's Garden Primitive Loop is a 11.6 km trail, located at the far end of the park. Amazing rock scenery opens to you along the way.
The Windows section is also a quite popular hiking area. It features easy trails to the North and South Windows and Turret arch. Right in front of the Windows parking lot is a trail that leads to the Double Arch. You can already see it from the parking lot, but the close view is hard to compare with this.
It is one of the most difficult trails in the park that includes scrambles over slick rock and exposed ledges. If you are afraid of height, this is not a hike for you.
The National Park Service denotes that the prime time to visit the Arches runs from April to May and from mid-September to the end of October. Spring is an ideal time to visit the Arches. It is a time of pleasant temperatures, fewer mosquitoes, smaller crowds, and beautiful wildflower in bloom. Fall is also great, even though it's the rainiest season. The main advantage of the season is wildlife watching opportunities. Migrating birds as well as resident ones, bighorn sheep, coyotes, prairie dogs, mule deer, and foxes can all be easily spotted.
Despite the heat, in summer the park is filled with visitors. Hikers, bikers, and campers—all come to see the ancient red rock formations. Although there are trails that can be quite difficult and dangerous during the heat, especially those which are under the full sun all the time. Summer is the best season when you'd like to combine hiking with rafting on Colorado River.
Winter makes this place exceptionally charming. Snow appears often and creates some dramatic views. But during winter most of spectacular canyons and spires are closed and the temperatures are below freezing.
Practical info
What are some popular hiking trails in Arches National Park?
Arches National Park has numerous hiking trails that go to both popular and lesser-known locations in the area. The Trails that are commonly visited include Fiery Furnace, Park Avenue, Balanced Rock, Devil's Garden, the Windows, and Delicate Arch. Fiery Furnace, a sandstone formation with iron strips, provides people with a 3.2 km trip guided by a ranger. The most famous site in the park is Delicate arch and offers a mesmerizing view of the sunset, and the Devil's Garden trail is the most rugged path covering multiple arches, among others, Landscape Arch, Navajo Arch, Partition Arch, and Double O Arch. Show more
What is the best time to visit Arches National Park?
The most optimal time to visit Arches National Park is from mid-September through late October and April to May. During spring, hikers can benefit from the wildflowers blooming and a calm climate ideal for a hike. Summers are suitable for floating through river waters, but the heat and the swarms of mosquitoes complicate hiking. Winter offers scenic views, but several trails are only accessible through walking or skiing, and many areas are closed. Show more
Which arch in Arches National Park offers the most unforgettable view?
The sight at the Delicate Arch during sunset is the most unforgettable among the different spots in Arches National Park. This route is 5 km long and is the most sought-after destination among all hikers. The Turret arch, North and South Windows, and Double Arch are equally popular areas for visitors. The Double Arch, in particular, offers a fantastic view from the parking lot, but it requires experienced hikers to hike through the ground. Hikers can get an outstanding view of it when on the Double O Arch trail, which can be challenging due to the exposure to rock scrambling and slick rocks. Show more
Which season is best for wildlife watching in Arches National Park?
Arches National Park has the most diverse wildlife sightings in the Fall season. The rainy season enlivens the dry desert environment and offers visitors an adequate chance to spot various animals. Bird watchers go crazy for both migratory and local birds. The park also has bighorn sheep, coyotes, prairie dogs, mule deer, and foxes that are easy to observe in the park in Fall. Tourists can also experience incredible scenic spots with red rocks and green vegetation during this season. Show more
What should visitors avoid when hiking during summer in Arches National Park?
Hiking in Arches National Park during the summer can be a strenuous and arduous task. During that time, the temperature goes beyond 90 degrees Fahrenheit, making it extremely uncomfortable. Visitors should avoid hiking in trails where there is a high exposure to direct sunlight. Carrying enough water is crucial, and carrying pets is not recommended, as animals can't bear extreme heat. Tourists should plan their schedule early morning and carry sun protection clothing. People should stay alert and heed the park's instructions to avoid showing symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke, including breathlessness, nausea, and dizziness. Show more
