Photo: Christian Mehlführer, User:Chmehl, CC BY 2.5, Wikimedia Commons
More than 2,000 stone arches are scattered across this red-rock high desert outside Moab, from delicate spans to giant windows you can walk through. Many of the best are an easy walk from the road, which makes Arches great for families and short visits. One full day covers the highlights; two lets you add Devils Garden and a sunset at Delicate Arch. The real hazard is heat, so hike early or late.
TRAILS
1 OF 6
Delicate Arch
Difficulty
Hard
Length
3 mi
Elevation gain
540 ft
Delicate Arch Road · Wolfe Ranch trailhead — Utah's most famous arch stands alone on the rim of a slickrock bowl with the La Sal Mountains behind it. The trail climbs steadily up open slickrock, then curls around a narrow ledge for a sudden first view. Sunset is the classic time and the busiest; sunrise is quieter. There's no shade at all, so carry plenty of water.
⚠︎ No shade. Dangerous in summer heat; start early or late.
Photo: Thomas Carlier, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
2 OF 6
Landscape Arch
Difficulty
Easy
Length
1.9 mi
Elevation gain
40 ft
Devils Garden · Devils Garden trailhead — A mostly flat gravel trail leads to the longest arch in North America, a ribbon of rock stretching over 300 feet. It's thinner than seems possible, and pieces have fallen in recent decades. Add short spurs to Tunnel and Pine Tree arches on the way. A great choice for families.
Photo: GyozaDumpling, CC BY 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
3 OF 6
Devils Garden Primitive Loop
Difficulty
Strenuous
Length
7.9 mi loop
Elevation gain
300 ft
Devils Garden · Devils Garden trailhead — Beyond Landscape Arch, the trail climbs onto narrow sandstone fins and visits Partition, Navajo and Double O arches before looping back through remote canyons on the primitive trail. Expect scrambling, route-finding, steep slickrock and possibly a pool to wade or skirt. It's the most adventurous day hike in the park. Skip the primitive section when rock is wet or icy.
⚠︎ Primitive trail has exposed scrambles and is not recommended when wet or icy.
Photo: Arches National Park, public domain, Wikimedia Commons
4 OF 6
Windows Loop and Turret Arch
Difficulty
Easy
Length
1 mi loop
Elevation gain
100 ft
The Windows · Windows trailhead — Three big arches on one short loop: North Window, South Window and Turret Arch. Look through North Window to frame Turret Arch, a favorite shot at sunrise. Take the primitive trail around the back of the windows for a quieter return. Great when time is short.
Photo: Arches National Park, public domain, Wikimedia Commons
5 OF 6
Double Arch
Difficulty
Easy
Length
0.6 mi
Elevation gain
30 ft
The Windows · Double Arch trailhead — Two massive arches spring from the same base, forming a soaring alcove you can walk right under. It's a short, sandy stroll from the same parking area as the Windows, so do both together. Late afternoon light makes the rock glow.
Photo: OrangeJedi, CC BY 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
6 OF 6
Park Avenue
Difficulty
Easy
Length
2 mi
Elevation gain
320 ft
Main road · Park Avenue viewpoint — The first trail on the park road drops into a wash between towering sandstone walls that look like a city skyline. Walk to Courthouse Towers and back, or have a friend pick you up at the far end for a 1-mile one-way stroll. It's a great first taste of the park on the way in.
Photo: Farragutful, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Plan your Arches trip
The Nova Bound app builds the whole trip around these trails: where to stay, where to charge, and what to see each day. Coming soon to the App Store.
Distances are round trip unless noted, from NPS.gov and rounded. Trails, permits and road openings change; always check nps.gov before you go. Trail write-ups by Nova Bound.