Arches National Park is a world-renowned national park located near Moab, Utah, famous for protecting over 2,000 natural sandstone arches, along with countless towering pinnacles, massive fins, and giant balanced rocks.
It is a stunning "red-rock wonderland" best experienced by driving the scenic road and taking short to moderate hikes.
| Feature | Detail |
| Location | Near Moab, Utah (entrance is 5 miles north of town on US-191). |
| Entrance Fee | $30 per vehicle (valid for 7 days) or use an America the Beautiful Pass. |
| Reservations | Timed Entry Reservation is often required during peak season (April–October) between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Check the official NPS website for the current schedule and to book in advance on Recreation.gov ($2 non-refundable fee). |
| Scenic Drive | The main paved road is 18 miles long (36 miles round-trip). Driving the whole route without stops takes about 40 minutes, but plan 3–5 hours to include viewpoints and short walks. |
| Best Time to Visit | Spring (April–May) and Fall (Sept–Oct) for mild temperatures (60∘F–80∘F). Summer has extreme heat often exceeding 100∘F. |
Difficulty: Difficult/Strenuous
Distance: ∼3.2 miles round-trip
Time: 2–3 hours
Highlights: A spectacular, unsupported 52-foot tall arch. The hike is exposed (no shade) and climbs a steep slickrock slope. Sunset is the most popular time to visit.
Alternative Viewpoints: For a distant view without the strenuous hike, visit the Lower Viewpoint (100 yards, easy) or the Upper Viewpoint (∼0.5 miles, moderate climb).
This is the park's longest and most rewarding area for hikers:
Landscape Arch: ∼1.8 miles round-trip (Easy). A hard-packed trail leads to this massive, very thin arch—one of the longest natural arches in the world.
Double O Arch: ∼4.2 miles round-trip (Difficult). This hike involves some exposure and rock scrambling on the Primitive Trail past Landscape Arch.
Full Devils Garden Loop: ∼7.9 miles with spurs (Strenuous).
A cluster of large, impressive arches that are great for families.
The Windows Loop: ∼1 mile round-trip (Easy). See North Window, South Window, and Turret Arch.
Double Arch: ∼0.6 miles round-trip (Easy). A short walk to the base of the tallest arch in the park, which consists of two massive arches sharing a sandstone fin.
Balanced Rock: 0.3 mile loop (Easy). A short walk around a giant boulder perched precariously on a thin pillar.
Park Avenue: ∼1.0 mile one-way (Easy to Moderate). Hike through a canyon bottom past massive monoliths like the Three Gossips and Courthouse Towers.
Water and Sun Protection: Bring at least one gallon of water per person per day. Wear a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. There is very little shade on any of the trails.
Stay on Trails: Do not step on the biological soil crust (cryptobiotic soil), the bumpy, black crust that is vital to the desert ecosystem.
Pets: Pets are not allowed on any hiking trails, overlooks, or in the backcountry. They are only permitted in the Devils Garden Campground, along roads, and in parking lots.