Arches National Park near Moab, UT is one of the “Mighty 5” Utah National Parks and is my favorite. In fact, Arches makes it onto my top 3 national parks of all time! Today I am excited to share 9 of the best hiking trails in Arches National Park with you. Before we get to the hikes, there are a few things you should know about hiking in Arches.
Things to know about the hiking trails in Arches National Park
Dogs are not allowed
As with the majority of the national parks in the US, dogs are not permitted on any of the hiking trails. They are only permitted in the campgrounds, on roads, and in parking lots and they must be kept on a leash at all times. Dogs are not allowed in the visitor center except for in the parking area.
Please never leave your dogs in a vehicle unattended. The temperatures in Arches National Park are usually very high and it can be dangerous to leave your pets in a vehicle. Also, please always remember to pick up after your pets.
Be respectful of the park
Please always stay on the trail and don’t venture off. This is to protect the fragile environment of the park and is for your own protection as well.
Also, climbing or standing on any arches in the park is prohibited. Please also do not carve or mark any of the arches or other natural features in the park. It is both illegal and shameful to do so!
Be prepared
As mentioned above, the weather in Arches National Park is usually quite extreme. In the summer, try to avoid hiking during the heat of the day and make sure that you have plenty of water. A lot of hikes in the park have little to no shade and can be brutal during the heat of the day.
If you can visit in the winter, I highly recommend it. Not only is the weather more enjoyable, but the contrast between the red/orange arches and the white snow is gorgeous! Just make sure to check for any possible trail closures due to heavy snowfall. There are also fewer people in the park which makes the hiking trails more enjoyable.
Timed entry reservations are currently required
From April 3 through October 3, 2022, you have to have a reservation to enter the park. Click here to learn more and to reserve your park entry ticket. If you are unable to get into Arches National Park due to not getting a reservation, you can get into Canyonlands National Park nearby which does not currently have any entry restrictions.
Okay, that’s enough of a pep talk. Let’s jump right in!
Sand Dune Arch to Broken Arch Loop Trail
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 2.8 miles
Type: Loop
AllTrails Link: Sand Dune Arch to Broken Arch Loop
Sand Dune Arch is such a unique trail. You can easily do just this part of the hike which is only 0.3 miles if you’re not up for the more moderate hike. True to its name, this part of the hike is primarily sand. You can explore fun passageways and there are plenty of boulders to climb on.
The arch itself is set back in a canyon which is unique because most of the arches in the park are more exposed. You can climb underneath the arch and it makes for a great picture, but don’t forget you’ll have to slide back down when you’re done!
If you choose to continue on the loop, you will come to Broken Arch which gets its name from the crack in the center. To stay on the path, you will climb up some steep boulders underneath the archway. It is a bit of a scramble but can be done fairly easily. This is likely why the trail is rated moderate.
The trail will also take you past Tapestry Arch. We chose not to take the side trail and just enjoyed it from the main trail. The complete loop takes over an hour so be prepared and don’t start your hike too late in the evening!
Balanced Rock Loop Trail
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 0.3 miles
Type: Loop
AllTrails Link: Balanced Rock Loop Trail
Balanced Rock Loop Trail is a short and simple loop hike. You will just be hiking the short distance around Balanced Rock. The trail is partially paved but there are a few rocky areas and some steps.
This is a great option if you are looking for an easy hike in Arches National Park. It is both wheelchair and stroller accessible. And, you will have great scenic views of both Balanced Rock, and the surrounding area of the park.
Delicate Arch Trail
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 3.2 miles
Type: Out & back
AllTrails Link: Delicate Arch Trail
Delicate Arch is perhaps the most famous arch in all of Utah! Although we have not completed this particular hike, we have seen it from a distance and it is beautiful.
It is probably the most popular of all the hiking trails in Arches National Park which is why we have avoided it. There is usually a long line to take a picture at the arch so leave yourself plenty of extra time. It is also a great place to catch the sunrise in the morning.
If you want to see the most iconic arch in Utah and don’t mind a crowded trail, then add this one to your Arches National Park hiking list!
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Double Arch Trail
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 0.6 miles
Type: Out & back
AllTrails Link: Double Arch Trail
Double Arch Trail is a must! As the name promises, there are two arches that connect to make one incredible spectacle. It is an extremely easy hike and basically, anyone can complete it.
There is a lot of sand on this hike so be prepared for that. It is extremely popular so you will likely have to deal with a lot of people during this short hike. You can climb up on the boulders under the arches so explore at your own risk.
This hike is right across the road from the Windows Loop and Turret Arch Trail so we usually complete both of them at the same time.
Windows Loop and Turret Arch Trail
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 1.2 miles
Type: Loop
AllTrails Link: Windows Loop and Turret Arch Trail
North Window Arch was the first arch that we hiked in Arches National Park. As you can see above, it makes for a great photo op! You can just do the short hike to North Window Arch, or you can complete the whole loop.
The next arch you will come to on this loop hike is Turret Arch. Turret Arch is fun to climb inside if you are feeling adventurous. We enjoyed watching a sunrise from inside of Turret Arch on one of our hikes to Arches National Park.
Next up is the final arch of this loop, the South Window Arch. This arch is not easily accessible and is viewed from below on the trail. You will hike down and around both Window Arches to complete this loop trail.
The second half of the trail takes you back behind the Windows and provides excellent views of the park and the La Sal Moutain Range in the distance. The trail is marked with cairns so please stay on the trail and don’t venture off to protect the fragile environment.
Fiery Furnace & Surprise Arch Trail
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 2.1 miles
Type: Loop
AllTrails Link: Fiery Furnace & Surprise Arch Trail
The Fiery Furnace area is very popular but is only accessible by either a ranger-led hike or by obtaining a self-guided hiking permit. Please note that no one under the age of 5 is allowed on this trail.
Ranger-led hikes through Fiery Furnace are currently only available from April 3 to October 3, 2022, and cost $16 per person. You can reserve your hike up to 6 months in advance and they book out quickly. Learn more about both ranger-led and self-guided hikes through Fiery Furnace on the NPS page here.
Most hikers absolutely love this fun trail and say that it is a must during your visit. Unfortunately, it has always been closed during our visits to Arches National Park but we hope to return and hike it soon!
Park Avenue Trail
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 1.8 miles
Type: Out & back
AllTrails Link: Park Avenue Trail
The Park Avenue Trail is unique for Arches National Park because there are no arches on the hike. However, it makes up for it with incredible 360-degree views!
This is truly a gorgeous hike and is very enjoyable in the evening. It took us about an hour each time we hiked it but we stopped for pictures so it could easily be completed in less time. We chose to hike this from the top down, but you could also park at the bottom and hike up if you prefer.
I really encourage you to take the time for this hike. Although there are no arches, we really enjoyed it and the views are breathtaking!
Devils Garden Trail
Difficulty: Hard
Length: 7.9 miles
Type: Loop
AllTrails Link: Devils Garden
Devils Garden primitive trail is a difficult loop, but it is also very rewarding! You will encounter 7 arches on this hike – Tunnel Arch, Pine Tree Arch, Private Arch, Double O Arch, Partition Arch, Navajo Arch, & Landscape Arch. They are each unique and you will leave this hike feeling very rewarded!
When we did this hike, it was winter, and part of it was closed off due to snow and mud in the area. Be sure and check current trail closures before setting off.
Landscape Arch was our favorite stop in Devils Garden and can easily be accessed by itself on a short 1.9-mile hike out & back. If you don’t have time for the whole Devils Garden Loop, I recommend at least hiking out to Landscape Arch.
And that’s a wrap! I hope you enjoy the amazing hiking trails in Arches National Park as much as we have! It’s truly one of our favorite places in Utah!
Planning a road trip? Be sure and read my other blog with 19 of the most amazing National Park hikes to add to your hiking bucket list. It includes hikes from nearby Bryce Canyon National Park and Capitol Reef National Park.
And if you’re visiting Moab during your Utah road trip, check out this guide to visiting Moab, Utah.
Happy hiking!
Ps, looking for camping nearby? Check out nearby BLM 143 Dispersed Camping – one of our favorite boondocking locations! We came from Salt Lake City and it was the perfect spot to stop after a long travel day.
