One Day in Arches National Park Itinerary for First-Timers
Looking to make the most of your day trip to Arches National Park?
You’ve landed in the perfect spot. In this article, I’m excited to guide you through a highly efficient one day in Arches National Park itinerary, inspired by my own journey through the park during an epic 5 month road trip up the Rockies and down the West Coast.
Juggling between work meetings, I had one afternoon and the following morning at this park, so I planned to a tee everything possible to see in a day. One day isn’t quite enough to fully enough time to see everything in this Utah gem, as there are more than 2000 arches! But, we’re going to make every minute count.
Let’s start your adventure with Park Avenue and the Delicate Arch hike. And as the sun starts to set, I say the perfect way to wrap up the day is at the Windows Area. I’ll also point you toward other must-see spots and share some handy tips to help you navigate your way around the park.
Sample One Day in Arches National Park Itinerary
So you have everything in one scroll, hereās a sample suggested itinerary that goes much more in detail below.
Early Morning:
- Enter the park on the Arches Scenic Drive.
- Hike Park Avenue with no arches, but impressive monoliths.
- Snap a pic at La Sal Mountains Viewpoint and Petrified Dunes Landscape.
- Take a short walk at the gravity-defying, Balanced Rock.
Morning:
- Hike to the park’s poster child, Delicate Arch (Easier Alternative: Upper Delicate Arch Viewpoint)
Early Afternoon:
- Eat a packed lunch at Devils Garden Picnic area.
- The Devils Garden area has 8 notable arches, but you won’t have time for them all. Choose the Devil’s Garden Trail to Landscape Arch or the shorter Broken Arch Trail for Broken Arch, Tapestry, Sand Dune, and Skyline Arch.
Late Afternoon:
- Stop at the Garden of Eden for a quick detour.
- Sunset at Windows Section, whichĀ leads to Turret Arch and Double Arch.
Recommended lodging options for the Night: Arches National Park
- Luxury: Hampton Inn Moab
- Mid-range: Scenic View Inn & Suites Moab
- Budget: Wingate by Wyndham Moab
Quick Facts to Visiting Arches
Covering a vast expanse in eastern Utah, Arches National Park is a spectacle of nature’s artistic hand, boasting over 2,000 natural stone arches, towering pinnacles, and colossal balanced rocks. With the world’s largest concentration of natural sandstone arches, including the iconic Delicate Arch, this red-rock wonderland is a popular place to visit in Utah.
| Quick Facts | Information |
|---|---|
| Entrance Fee | $30 per vehicle, valid for 7 days or $80 for the America the Beautiful Annual National Park Pass |
| Operating Hours | Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week |
| Visitor Center | Arches Visitor Center |
| Park Entrances | Main entrance is 5 miles north of Moab on US 191 |
| Main Activities | Hiking, camping, rock climbing, photography, stargazing |
| Number of Campgrounds | 1 (Devils Garden Campground) |
| Hotels | No hotels within the park, but plenty in nearby Moab |
| Best Time to Visit | Spring (April-May) and Fall (mid-Sept-Oct), to avoid summer heat and winter cold |
| Nearest Cities | Moab (5 miles), Salt Lake City (236 miles), Denver (355 miles) |
| Nearest Airports | Canyonlands Field Airport (21 miles), Salt Lake City International Airport (236 miles), Denver International Airport (355 miles) |
Know Before You Go!
Timed Entry: Arches National Park has a timed entry system between 7 AM and 4 PM daily from April 1 to October 31 due to overcrowding. You can avoid all this by getting in before 7 AM or after 4 PM.
This means you’ll reserve a ticket for a specific hour during this period and must enter the park within that hour. For instance, if your ticket is for a 2 PM entry, you should arrive anytime between 2:00 and 2:59 PM.
Fiery Furnace Permit: To hike in the Fiery Furnace, you must accompany a ranger-led tour or obtain a day-use permit between 2-7 days before you go.
Camping Reservations: If you plan on camping, you will need a reservation. These can be made up to 6 months in advance through the Recreation.gov website.
What to Do in Arches in One Day
Early Morning: Arches Scenic Drive
The Arches Scenic Drive is the main road that travels through Arches National Park, offering stunning views of the park’s unique geology. Spanning 18 miles one way, the drive takes about one hour to complete without stopping but plan on at least 2-3 hours for the full experience.
The drive begins at the Visitor’s Center and heads north, winding through the park’s vast landscape. The road is paved all the way and is easily navigable by all types of vehicles. Along the drive are numerous pullouts and parking areas for easy access to the trailheads and viewpoints.
Park Avenue
- Trail Length: ~ 1 mile one way
- Duration: About 1-2 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
The Park Avenue Trail is one of the first major points of interest along the Arches Scenic Drive. It’s a relatively easy 2-mile round trip that begins at Park Avenue Viewpoint and ends at the Courthouse Towers parking lot.
The trail offers an up-close and personal view of some of the park’s coolest features, like the impressive Courthouse Towers, Queen Nefertiti, and Queen Victoria Rock. As you hike along the trail, you’ll be surrounded by towering sandstone cliffs, giving you the feeling of strolling down a city street lined with skyscrapers, like NYC’s Park Avenue.
You won’t spot any arches on this trail, but there are very visually impressive cliff walls, balanced rocks, and unique eroded formations.
La Sal Mountains Viewpoint
La Sal Mountains Viewpoint is an easily accessible stop-off point along the Arches Scenic Drive. It has a panoramic view of the park’s red rock landscape with the snow-capped La Sal Mountains as a backdrop. The viewpoint is a short walk from the parking lot.
Petrified Dunes Landscape
- Trail Length: 0.3 miles round trip
- Duration: 20-30 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
The Petrified Dunes Landscape is another quick stop on the Arches Scenic Drive. These ancient sand dunes were once shifting and changing with the wind, but over time, they’ve hardened into the rock formations you see today. The Petrified Dunes trail is an easy walk away from the main park road.
Balanced Rock
- Trail Length: 0.3 miles round trip
- Duration: 15-30 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
Balanced Rock, one of the most iconic features in Arches National Park, is a must-visit photo stop on your trip. The trail to Balanced Rock is a short, easy, and family-friendly loop that starts from the parking area.
This 0.3-mile trail takes you up close to a precariously balanced rock formation that stands at a staggering height of 128 feet. The rock at the top is the size of three school buses.
The trail circumnavigated the Balanced Rock, so you can see it from all angles.
I’m mentioning it here, but the Balanced Rock is also a great spot for sunset photography. However, since I really think the Windows Area is the spot for catching the sunset, I wouldn’t want you to miss out on seeing this spot if you’re in a rush later on.
Mid-Morning: Delicate Arch
Delicate Arch Trail
- Trail Length: 3 miles round trip
- Duration: 2-3 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
If you’ve ever seen a Utah license plate, you’re already familiar with Delicate Arch. Freestanding proud at 52 feet tall in a natural sandstone bowl, it’s one of the most iconic natural landmarks in the United States.
Seeing the Delicate Arch is a must-do. There’s a 3-mile round-trip trail that takes you right to the base of it. It’s a moderate hike, but some say it’s a bit more challenging.
After crossing a bridge over Salt Wash, the trail takes you to the first point of interest – the Ute Indian petroglyphs, which are almost 2,000 years old.
After the petroglyphs, the marked trail ends, and for the next mile, you’ll navigate open slick rock, following cairns (those small stacked rocks).
Finally, Delicate Arch stands majestically in an open field with the backdrop of the La Sal Mountains. The shadow creates a completely different look depending on the time of day.
A lot of people choose to view the arch from the edges of the sandstone bowl. Just a heads up, I actually walked to the backside of the arch, and let me tell you, it’s steep, and you can get dangerously close to slipping off the cliff.
Alternative: Upper Delicate Arch Viewpoint
- Trail Length: 0.5 miles round trip
- Duration: 30 minutes – 1 hour
- Difficulty: Easy
The Upper Delicate Arch Viewpoint is a great option for those who want to see the Delicate Arch but prefer a shorter or easier trail. You can reach this viewpoint by taking a half-mile round trip trail, much shorter and less steep than the main Delicate Arch Trail.
Once you reach the viewpoint, you’ll be greeted with a distant but clear view of the Delicate Arch, framed against the La Sal Mountains. You just won’t get a close encounter like the Delicate Arch Trail.
Early Afternoon: Devil’s Garden Area
After completing the Delicate Arch Trail, you can head back to the main park road and continue your journey towards Devil’s Garden Area. This area has two trails: the Devil’s Garden Trail and the Broken Arch Trail.
Devil’s Garden Trail to Landscape Arch
- Trail Length: 1.6 miles round trip
- Duration: 1-1.5 hours
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
The Devil’s Garden Trail is the longest and most challenging maintained trail within the park. Stretching a total of 7.9 miles round-trip, the full Devil’s Garden Trail typically takes 3-5 hours to complete. Basically, you don’t have time on a one day itinerary.
However, I recommend doing just the portion of the trail that leads to Landscape Arch and returning the same way. This shorter version is about 1.6 miles round trip and can be completed in approximately 1 to 1.5 hours.
Starting at the Devil’s Garden Trailhead, the trail leads you through open desert and over solid rock. After about 0.8 miles, you’ll reach Landscape Arch, one of the longest natural rock spans in the world.
Before reaching the Landscape Arch, the trail takes you past Tunnel Arch, an interesting formation that appears as though a hole has been bored through the rock. Another is Pine Tree Arch, named for the pines growing around its base.
Broken Arch Trail
- Trail Length: 1.3 miles round trip
- Duration: 1-2 hours
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
If you’re up for another hike in the area and you still have time before the sunset, Broken Arch Trail is another great loop trail located in the Devil’s Garden Area.
Start at the Sand Dune Arch parking lot, where you will follow the clearly marked trail. After a short distance, rest at the sandy alcove of Sand Dune Arch before the path connects with the loop section that leads to Broken Arch.
The trailās main highlight is the Broken Arch, which, contrary to its name, is not broken but features a crack that can be seen through the arch. This crack gives the arch its unique appearance and name.
You can also spot Tapestry Arch. This one is slightly off the main trail but can be easily reached with a short walk.
Skyline Arch
- Trail Length: 0.4 miles round trip
- Duration: 15-30 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
If you have some extra time and energy, Skyline Arch is another short hike worth checking out. This arch is one of the newest in the park, as it was created when a massive chunk of rock fell from the center of it.
It’s an easy and flat hike that starts at the parking lot and takes you right up close to the arch.
Late Afternoon: The Windows Area
Garden of Eden
- Trail Length: 0.4 miles round trip
- Duration: 15-30 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
If you’re not yet rushing to catch the sunset at the Windows Viewpoint, the Garden of Eden is a landscape of sandstone formations. The trailhead for the Garden of Eden is located just north of the Windows Area parking lot. You’ll be able to spot several freestanding arches in the distance from various points along the trail.
The Windows Viewpoint and Trail
- Trail Length: 1 mile round trip
- Duration: 1-1.5 hours
- Difficulty: Easy
As the golden hour came, I found myself running the Windows Trail to catch the sunset. The Windows Area Trail is undoubtedly one of the most popular trails in the park, and sunset is the time to see it.
It’s an easy, relatively flat 1-mile loop to three massive arches – North Window, South Window, and Turret Arch. The North and South Windows are massive arches, known as “The Spectacles.” From the right angle, they look like a pair of eyeglasses. You can walk right up to and beneath the arches. There’s actually a spot from the North Window, where it perfectly frames Turret Arch.
Continuing along the trail, you’ll reach Turret Arch, named for the turret-like formation to the right of the arch.
Where to Stay
Moab is the nearest town, a famous American outdoor destination with hotels and motels to boutique stays, all within a 10-minute drive to the park. Alternatively, camp within the park itself at the Devils Garden Campground.
Best Hotels in Moab
Here’s some of the top three hotels near Arches National Park, each catering to a different budget:
| Hotel Name | Budget | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Hampton Inn Moab | Luxury | – Comfortable hotel with a very good breakfast – Great location near the park – Stunning views of the surrounding landscape |
| Scenic View Inn & Suites Moab | Mid-range | – Close to the park – Spacious and nicely furnished rooms |
| Wingate by Wyndham Moab | Budget | – Great choice for budget-conscious travelers – Located near the Arches National Park |
Campgrounds in Arches
There is no lodging inside Arches and only one developed campground. Reservations go fast, so you will want to reserve beforehand. There are other campsites around, just outside of park boundaries.
| Campground Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Devils Garden Campground | – End of the Arches Scenic Road – Amidst the park’s natural arches – 51 sites available for tents and RVs |
| Backcountry Camping | Backcountry camping is possible with a permit |
Places to Visit with More Time
Other Attractions Within Arches
With so many arches in the park, there’s always something new and amazing to discover! Here are some more awesome places if you have more time in the park.
- Double O Arch: This spot is further along the Devil’s Garden trail. The Double O Arch is where two arches are stacked on top of one another.
- Tower Arch: Off the beaten path in the Klondike Bluffs area, Tower Arch is less crowded than other parts of the park.
- Double Arch: Another iconic spot in the park of two massive arches that share a common end.
- Fiery Furnace: This hiking area requires a permit and ranger-guided tour due to its tricky terrain of a maze of fins, towers, and canyons you could get lost in.
- Black Arch: In the Devil’s Garden Area, Black Arch is a massive and impressive arch that requires some scrambling to reach.
Day Trips Near Arches
The area surrounding Arches also has several amazing sights to see. Here are some nearby day trip options if you have more time.
- Canyonlands National Park: Roughly an hour’s drive from Arches, Canyonlands is like the wilder sibling of Arches.
- Capitol Reef National Park: About 2.5 hours from Arches, Capitol Reef has vibrant cliffs, hidden arches, and ancient petroglyphs.
- Dead Horse Point State Park: Just over an hour away, the vista from Dead Horse Point stands 2,000 feet above a gooseneck in the Colorado River.
- Goblin Valley State Park: Roughly two hours away, Goblin Valley is home to thousands of mushroom-shaped rock formations known as hoodoos.
- Moab Adventure Center: Offers thrilling activities like white-water rafting on the Colorado River, off-road Hummer safaris, and hot air balloon rides.
Is 1 Day Enough for Arches National Park
24 hours in Arches National Park is enough time to see many of the park’s highlights, but you’ll need to adhere to a fairly strict itinerary to experience the must-see attractions.
With additional days, the extra time allows for spontaneous detours and off-the-beaten-path adventures. You could take longer hikes or trails, such as the entire trail in Devils Garden, venture into remote areas like the Klondike Bluffs, or participate in ranger-led programs.
If you have more than a few days, explore the surrounding region. Go to other Utah National and State Parks, many of which are within a few hour’s drive.
Best Time To Visit
Spring (April to May) and Fall (September to October) are the best times to visit. Daytime temperatures usually range between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, perfect for hiking and exploring. These periods are also less crowded.
Summer (June to August) in Arches National Park can be scorching. If you’re prepared for the heat, summer visits are great for stargazing under warm, clear skies. But, it is also the park’s busiest time of the year.
Winter (November to March) is the least crowded season. Temperatures can drop below freezing, and occasional snowfall may occur. You may be lucky to see the stark contrast of white snow against the red rocks. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in certain areas of the park.
How to Get There
Arches National Park is close to Moab but not to large international airports.
By Air
The closest airport to Arches National Park is Canyonlands Field Airport, located approximately 23 miles from the park in Moab, Utah. This airport has regular flights to and from Denver and Salt Lake City. Car rental services are available at the airport.
By Car
If you’re driving, Arches National Park is accessible via US Highway 191. The park entrance is located just 5 miles north of Moab. Salt Lake City (236 miles) and Denver (355 miles) are the two nearest major cities, but many also are on a road trip from Las Vegas.
By Public Transporation
The closest Amtrak train station to Arches is in Green River, Utah, about 50 miles from the park. Greyhound bus services stop in Green River and Grand Junction, Colorado.
Sure, here’s a table of some cities near Arches National Park, along with their distance from the park and the approximate driving time.
Absolutely! Here’s the revised table with a friendly, conversational tone. Let’s dive in to see how far some of our favorite cities are from the magnificent Arches National Park:
| City | Distance (Miles) | Road Trip Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Moab, Utah | Just 5 miles away! | Can practically walk or a 10 minute drive |
| Denver, Colorado | 350 miles | 5.5 Hours |
| Salt Lake City, Utah | 230 miles | 4 Hours |
| Las Vegas, Nevada | 470 miles | 7 Hours |
Final Thoughts: Day Trip to Arches
From marveling at the Delicate Arch to hiking along the Devil’s Garden Trail, this Arches National Park itinerary is sure to leave you yearning for more of Utah’s Big 5 parks. If your travel bug is still buzzing, continue your journey with our other itineraries about the many attractions in the Beehive State.
Before you Close That Tab…Where to Next in Utah?
Utah may very well be one of the most underrated, beautiful places in the world. I’ve traveled all through this great state, snowboarding down some of the best resorts and hiking through godly monoliths. If you’re heading elsewhere in Utah, check out these posts.
- One Day in Zion National Park Itinerary for Adventurers
- One Day in Arches National Park Itinerary for First-Timers
- Perfect One Day in Canyonlands Itinerary for First-Timers
- Perfect One Day In Salt Lake City Itinerary For First TimersĀ
- Perfect One Day In Bryce Canyon Itinerary For First-Timers
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