Arches National Park stands as a testament to the awe-inspiring forces of nature. This captivating landscape boasts a stunning array of more than 2,000 natural sandstone arches, sculpted by the relentless forces of erosion. From the iconic Delicate Arch to the massive Balanced Rock, each formation tells a story of time and transformation. Beyond its famous arches, the park’s rugged terrain is adorned with towering spires, deep canyons, and ancient petroglyphs, offering endless opportunities for exploration and discovery. Whether hiking along scenic trails, stargazing beneath pristine night skies, or marveling at the vivid hues of sunrise and sunset, a visit to Arches National Park is a journey into the heart of nature’s grandeur and beauty.
Fun Facts about Arches National Park
- The park was established as a national monument on April 12, 1929, by President Herbert Hoover. It was later redesignated as a national park on November 12, 1971, by Congress.
- Arches National Park is constantly changing due to erosion and weathering. Every year, some arches collapse while new ones are formed, making each visit unique.
- Arches National Park contains the highest density of natural stone arches in the world, with over 2,000 documented arches spread across its 76,679 acres.
- Delicate Arch, the park’s most famous landmark, stands 52 feet tall and 32 feet wide. It’s a symbol of Utah and even appears on the state’s license plates.
- The park is home to over 6,000 archaeological sites, including petroglyphs, pictographs, and other remnants of ancient civilizations.
- Arches has served as a backdrop for numerous films and commercials due to its stunning scenery. Movies like “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade” and “Thelma & Louise” feature scenes shot in the park.
- Despite its harsh environment, Arches is home to a variety of wildlife, including desert bighorn sheep, coyotes, kangaroo rats, and many species of birds and reptiles.
- Arches National Park holds the record for the highest temperature ever recorded in Utah, with a scorching 109 degrees Fahrenheit in July 2005.
A Quick Look at Arches National Park
- Best time of year to visit. The best times to visit this park are April through May and September through October. This is when the temperatures are cooler.
- How long to stay. Most of the trails are on the shorter side, so three days should give you plenty of time to experience much of what the park has to offer.
- How to get there. The closest airport is Canyonlands Field Airport (CNY), and the nearest major airport is Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC). The entrance is just north of the town of Moab.
- Places to stay. There are not any lodges inside the park, but there are some in the nearby town of Moab. However, you can stay at Devil’s Garden Campground inside the park.
Things to Know Before Hiking in Arches National Park
- Arches National Park is in bear country. This park is known to have bears come down from the mountains and wander around. Carrying bear spray is highly recommended when hiking or staying in any areas that are homes to potentially dangerous wildlife. Bear spray is a specialized type of pepper spray that is proven to be effective in deterring aggressive wildlife in the event of close encounters.
- Cell phone reception is limited in most of the park. Before you head to the park, I highly recommend that you download and have offline copies of any reservation details, directions, or permits.
- Have offline access to hiking trails maps Make sure you have downloaded versions of any trail that you plan on hiking. If you don’t have a fancy GPS with tracking and messaging, you should download the AllTrails app and upgrade to AllTrails+ for $35.99 a year. This upgrade lets you download topographical, satellite, and other varieties of offline trails, shows you where you are, how far you have gone, and how much longer you must go, as well as your elevation gain, speed, and estimated burned calories. I use it for every non-overnight hike that I do.
- Pack essential items and proper clothing. Some very basic, but essential items that should always be carried while hiking include a navigation system, a flashlight or headlamp, sun protection, a first aid kit, insect repellent, a knife, matches, a lighter, or a fire started, extra food and water beyond the minimum expectation, and extra clothes such as a rain jacket, wind breaker, and warmer layers. Some of these items may feel unnecessary at first glance but it is better to have something and not need it, than to need it and not have it.
- Arches National Park charges an entry fee. These fees usually cost $35 and grant you a week of additional access to over 425 sites that are also run by the National Park Service. If you plan on visiting three or more parks within a year, then I recommend you purchase the America the Beautiful annual pass. This pass will make entering parks a bit quicker, much easier, and provides you with access to the same number of parks that the week-long pass does, but for an entire year.
Twenty-One Stunning Things to See in Arches National Park
1. Delicate Arch
Delicate Arch is a magnificent and famous natural wonder carved from sandstone. This majestic arch, standing 52 feet tall and 32 feet wide, is renowned for its delicate, free-standing form and breathtaking location overlooking the vast Utah desert. As the park’s most recognizable landmark, Delicate Arch attracts visitors from around the world, who hike to witness its stunning silhouette against the backdrop of the expansive landscape, particularly at sunrise and sunset.
2. Petroglyphs
Petroglyphs are ancient rock carvings created by Indigenous people hundreds to thousands of years ago. These intricate designs offer a glimpse into the cultural and spiritual practices of the region’s early inhabitants. Preserved as valuable archaeological treasures, the petroglyphs serve as a reminder of the rich history and enduring connection between humans and the natural landscape. Please ensure that when you visit these sites, you do not touch or deface them and that you leave no trash behind, whatsoever.
3. Courthouse Wash
Courthouse Wash is a scenic canyon that offers a tranquil escape amidst towering sandstone walls. This picturesque hike follows the sandy bottom of the wash, providing opportunities to admire ancient petroglyphs etched into the rock formations. Courthouse Wash serves as both a natural and cultural treasure, inviting you to explore its serene beauty and rich history while enjoying the peaceful ambiance of the desert landscape.
4. Double Arch
Double Arch is a stunning geological formation consisting of two massive arches joined at a single base. This iconic landmark, located in the Windows Section of the park, offers a breathtaking sight as you marvel at the impressive scale and symmetry of the arches. Double Arch is a popular spot for photography, especially during sunrise and sunset when the warm hues of the sandstone illuminate the scene.
5. Navajo Arch
Navajo Arch is a captivating natural wonder tucked away amidst the sandstone formations of the park. This arch features a wide opening framed by sculpted rock, inviting you to explore its tranquil surroundings. Nestled along scenic hiking trails, Navajo Arch offers a serene and picturesque spot to pause, reflect, and admire the timeless beauty of the desert landscape.
6. Park Avenue
Park Avenue is a dramatic canyon featuring towering sandstone monoliths that resemble skyscrapers, hence its name. This iconic viewpoint and trail offer a stunning panorama of the park’s landscape, with sheer rock walls rising majestically on either side. Exploring Park Avenue provides a captivating glimpse into the raw beauty and geological marvels that define the unique character of Arches National Park.
7. Wolf Ranch
This ranch is a historic site that offers a glimpse into the area’s early settlement history. The ranch, once home to a homesteader named John Wesley Wolfe, features remnants of a cabin and other structures dating back to the early 20th century. Hiking to Wolf Ranch allows you to explore the rugged desert landscape while reflecting on the history of those who sought to make a living in this harsh environment.
8. Balanced Rock
Balanced Rock is an iconic geological formation that captivates you with its delicate balance on top of a narrow pedestal. This massive sandstone boulder stands over 39 feet tall, with its upper rock layer estimated to weigh as much as an incredible 3,600 tons. As one of the park’s most photographed landmarks, Balanced Rock serves as a striking symbol of the relentless forces of erosion that have shaped the unique landscape of the region.
9. Owl Rock
Owl Rock is another distinctive sandstone formation that resembles the silhouette of an owl perched on a pedestal. Standing prominently along the Park Avenue Trail, this natural wonder offers a unique photo opportunity and a chance to marvel at the intricate geological features of the park. As one of the many fascinating rock formations in Arches, Owl Rock adds to the park’s allure and serves as a testament to the extraordinary forces of erosion.
10. The Windows Viewpoint
The Windows Viewpoint offers a breathtaking panorama of some of the park’s most iconic natural arches. From this vantage point, you can marvel at the majestic sight of North Window and South Window arches, framed against the expansive desert backdrop. The Windows Viewpoint provides an ideal spot to witness the warm hues of sunrise or sunset, casting a golden glow on the towering sandstone formations, creating a truly magical experience.
11. North Window Arch
The North Window Arch is a magnificent natural wonder that stands as a symbol of the park’s unique geological formations. The hike here offers a closer view than the Windows Viewpoint, you can really see the sheer size and intricate details of this massive sandstone arch. Standing beneath its towering span, you are enveloped by the immensity of the arch, providing an awe-inspiring experience amidst the breathtaking desert landscape.
12. South Window Arch
Hiking to the South Window Arch offers a closer and more intimate view compared to the Windows Viewpoint. As one of the park’s iconic landmarks, South Window Arch provides an opportunity for visitors to stand beneath its impressive span and admire the intricate details of its sculpted rock. From this vantage point, visitors can appreciate the sheer size and natural beauty of the arch, framed against the expansive desert landscape, creating a truly memorable experience.
13. Skyline Arch
This arch is a captivating natural wonder known for its delicate and slender shape, stretching across the desert landscape. As one of the many remarkable geological formations in the park, Skyline Arch serves as a testament to the powerful forces of erosion that continue to shape the stunning scenery of Arches National Park.
14. Eye of the Whale Arch
The Eye of the Whale Arch is a captivating sandstone formation tucked away in a remote corner of the park. Resembling the shape of a whale’s eye, this unique geological feature offers a picturesque spot for exploration and photography amidst the park’s stunning desert landscape. While not as well-known as some of the park’s other arches, the Eye of the Whale Arch invites you to discover its hidden charm and appreciate the intricate beauty of nature’s craftsmanship.
15. Broken Arch
Broken Arch is a striking geological formation characterized by its partially collapsed span, offering a unique glimpse into the dynamic nature of erosion. This iconic arch sits invites you to explore its intricate sandstone features and marvel at the forces that have shaped it over time. Hiking to Broken Arch provides an opportunity to appreciate the raw beauty and geological diversity of Arches National Park firsthand.
16. Landscape Arch
Landscape Arch is another remarkable natural wonder, boasting the title of the longest natural stone arch in North America. This slender arch spans an impressive 306 feet with its delicate, gravity-defying form. Hiking to Landscape Arch offers a memorable experience, allowing you to witness the remarkable forces of erosion that continue to shape the captivating landscape of Arches National Park.
17. Private Arch
Private Arch is a hidden gem tucked away in a remote area of the park, offering a serene and secluded experience. Unlike some of the more popular arches, Private Arch provides a tranquil setting for exploration and solitude. Its unique beauty and off-the-beaten-path location make it a rewarding destination for anyone seeking to discover the lesser-known wonders of Arches National Park.
18. Fiery Furnace
The Fiery Furnace in Arches National Park is a maze of towering sandstone fins, narrow passages, and captivating rock formations. This challenging terrain offers a thrilling exploration through one of the park’s most intricate geological wonders. Guided tours are available for those seeking to navigate the fiery hues and fascinating features of this unique and captivating landscape.
19. Skull Arch
Skull Arch is a lesser known but intriguing sandstone formation tucked away in another remote corner of the park. Resembling the shape of a skull when viewed from certain angles, this natural wonder offers a unique and captivating sight off the beaten path. While not as famous as some of the park’s other arches, Skull Arch adds to the diversity and charm of the geological wonders found within Arches National Park.
20. Tower Arch
Tower Arch is a stunning hidden gem tucked away in a remote area of the park. Its impressive size and intricate features make it a captivating sight for exploring the backcountry trails. Tower Arch offers a chance to witness the remarkable forces of erosion and appreciate the natural beauty of Arches National Park away from the crowds.
21. Partition Arch
Partition Arch is a fascinating formation characterized by its unique partitioned structure. This lesser-known arch offers a serene and secluded spot for exploration in the park’s stunning desert landscape. Hiking to Partition Arch provides an opportunity to appreciate the intricate geological features and natural beauty that make Arches National Park a truly remarkable destination.