One of Utah’s Mighty 5, Arches National Park is a favorite destination for anyone looking for incredible geological formations. The park is home to over 2,000 arches. In fact it’s the largest concentration of natural sandstone arches in the world.

Besides arches you’ll find breathtaking hoodoos, fins, and balanced rocks that seem to defy gravity.

To visit Arches during the high season (April 1 through October 31 in 2023) you must have a timed entry permit for the hours of 6:00 am to 5:00 pm. These are released 3 months in advance. As these are the busiest months you’ll want to make sure to reserve your spot well in advance.

Or choose to visit during shoulder season, just before or immediately after high season. So, the month of March (although consider spring break!) and mid to late October and even into November are good options for fewer crowds.

In this post we’re sharing 15 things to do in Arches National Park.

Best Things to Do in Arches National Park

Balanced Rock

How does it stay up like that?! Nature’s true balancing act is on display at Balanced Rock making it one of the best things to do in Arches National Park.

It’s cool to see from a distance, which will definitely happen as you’re driving the main road. But it’s even more impressive close up.

The parking lot and short walk (0.3 miles) make it such an easy stop, there’s no reason not to.

One of the easy to spot landmarks at Arches National Park is Balanced Rock

The Windows and Turret Arch

You’ll get so much for so little on the Windows and Turret Arch Trail.

That is, on this short 0.7 mile hike you’ll see three awesome arches: North Window, South Window and Turret Arch.

It’s one of the best short easy hikes in Arches.

To get there just take the Windows Road which is off of the Arches Scenic Road.

A cool thing is that you can see Turret Arch through North Window Arch, which makes for a stunning photo.

The Windows and Turret Arch are on a lovely short hiking trail

Garden of Eden

Garden of Eden has one of the best panoramas in the Arches National Park.

Picture giant hoodoos and rock formations set against the LaSalle Mountains.

You can explore the garden to see incredible things like Owl Rock, Serpentine Arch, and another balanced rock.

On Windows Road head towards the Garden of Eden Viewpoint Road to get there.

Garden of Eden rock formations at Arches National Park.

Stop by the Garden of Eden and admire the rock formations

Hike Park Avenue

Park Avenue is a great hike with made-for-movie type of landscape views.

Although there are no actual arches to see, it still features jaw dropping rock formations.

The hike itself is 2 miles (3.2 km) roundtrip, so it isn’t a rigorous hike.

The one thing to know in advance is that it’s mostly downhill from Park Avenue Trailhead to the Courthouse Towers Viewpoint. So you’re walking uphill on the way back, but it’s a gentle incline.

You could also start at Courthouse Towers if that’s more convenient.

The total elevation gain is only about 300 ft (99 m) and it’s rated easy for level of difficulty.

Red rock formations at Wall Street hike in Arches National Park.

While Wall Street has no arches it features stunning rock formations

Double Arch

It’s a short walk to Double Arch from the parking lot.

At only 0.5 miles you’ll likely spend more time exploring the arches than getting to them.

To get there, head to the end of Windows Road. Park in the lot and you’re nearly there.

Did you know that Double Arch is the tallest arch in the park? At 112 feet (34 m) it is amazing to gaze up at these dramatic rock formations.

Hikers look tiny under Double Arch at Arches National Park.

Double Arch is the tallest arch at the park and it’s impressive to walk underneath

Devil’s Garden

Devil’s Garden has something for just about everyone. As for gorgeous landscape there are tons of arches, spires, and fins.

Devil’s Garden is also a great place to camp.

If you’re looking to spend the night consider the Devil’s Garden Campground. Reservations are required during the high season. But they’re on a first come first serve basis in the winter.

Not planning to be there too long? There’s also a picnic area nearby to use during the day.

Devil’s Garden is just about the best place to stargaze. It’s furthest away from Moab so light pollution is at a minimum.

Delicate Arch

Seeing Delicate Arch is definitely one of the most incredible things to do in Arches National Park.

There are three ways to view Delicate Arch.

From the Delicate Arch Viewpoint you’ll be 1 mile away.

At Upper Delicate Viewpoint it’s an even better view of the arch but you’ll walk 0.5 miles.

Or hike Delicate Arch trail.

Truly, the best way to see Delicate Arch is up close.

This out and back hike is 3.1 miles (5 km) round trip and the total elevation gain is 629 ft (192 m) so it’s rated as moderate.

The trail can be slick and sandy in places so bring footwear with good gripping power.

Delicate Arch can get really busy especially at sunset.

On the other hand, a sunrise hike is also gorgeous but generally less busy than at sunset.

You can also see some cool Ute Indian petroglyphs at the beginning of the trail.

Delicate Arch hike is one of the top things to do at Arches National Park.

One of the most popular hikes at Arches National Park is Delicate Arch Trail – go early to beat the traffic on the trail

Landscape Arch

A visit to Landscape Arch is hands-down one of the coolest sights in Arches National Park.

With an opening of 306 feet it’s the longest arch in North America. So it’s definitely bucket list worthy.

You’ll reach the Landscape Arch on the Devil’s Garden Trail.

To get there the trail is relatively easy. But the view is incredible.

To get to Landscape Arch and back it’s less than 2 miles (3.1 km) on mostly hard surfaces with little elevation change.

Hike it in the morning for sunrise and fewer people on the trail.

Sand Dune Arch

A favorite arch for kids of all ages, Sand Dune Arch is a fun place to visit.

You’ll locate Sand Dune Arch nestled between other large rock formations.

The short trail (0.4 miles) will take you along a sandy path into the shaded area between the larger rocks. There you’ll find it.

With so much shade created by the other rock formations surrounding it, it’s a great place to go if you’re in the park on a hot day.

Sand Dune Arch with hikers walking in the sand below the arch.

Sand Dune arch is a fun place to stop at Arches, you’ll want to walk barefoot in the sand

Broken Arch

Broken Arch is a great continuation of Sand Dune Arch.

It’s really cool to see up close, and the trail is a lot less busy than other more popular hikes in Arches.

Once you get there you’ll realize (spoiler alert!) it’s not really broken at all!

The trail is easy but it’s in the sun the whole way. So if it’s a really hot day, it’s best to hike early in the morning and bring a wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen, and lots of water.

The Broken Arch is merely wounded and not completely broken

Tapestry Arch

Continue on with a good thing. If you’re hitting up Sand Dune Arch and Broken Arch why not keep it going?! The whole loop will take you to all three and is so worth it, and total hike is about 3 miles (5 km) with little elevation change.

If you want to do just Tapestry Arch then head to the parking lot of Devils Garden Campground and start there. Then the hike is only about .5 mile (1 km).

Tapestry Arch is awesome all on its own. As a blind arch, from a distance it looks like a wall of rock.

But it’s actually a true arch with rock beyond it. Cool, right?

Enjoy the hike to Tapestry Arch either from the Devils Garden campground or from Sand Dune arch parking area.

Skyline Arch

Skyline Arch is aptly name, this is a beautiful arch high up.

And it’s a very short walk (0.2 miles) once you park.

The viewpoint gives a great view of the arch, and you may be thinking it would be cool to hike to the arch, but you’re not able to hike to get up close to it.

Instead, soak up the view, it’s a nice pause while driving the Arches Scenic Drive Road.

Arches Scenic Drive

There’s only one road that runs through Arches National Park and it’s a treat.

It’s functional, getting you from point to point in the park.

But it’s also a great way to see the park with tons of viewpoints where you can pull off to admire the park and snap that perfect photo.

It’s totally one of the most fun things to do in Arches National Park.

Arches Scenic Drive connects all the main atractions.

Drive the Arches Scenic Drive for a spectacular road trip through the national park

Devils Garden Trail

Devi’s Garden is just about the best trail in Arches National Park.

On this hike you’ll come across 8 arches including Landscape Arch. That’s a lot of arches to see along one trail.

You’ll also see some incredible rock formations, fins, and gorgeous views of the park.

A lot of people like to hike to Landscape Arch and then turn around for a return hike of 1.9 miles (3 km).

You can also see Pine Tree Arch and Tunnel Arch on side trails that add about 0.5 miles more.

Another spur trail takes you to Navajo Arch, Partition Arch, and Double O Arch for just over 4 miles (6.5 km) roundtrip.

If you take the Primitive Trail back to the parking lot you’ll also see Private Arch and hike a total of 5.9 miles (9.5 km) round trip. Just note: Primitive is the most difficult trail of Devil’s Garden.

Fiery Furnace

Some folks pass on Fiery Furnace because it’s actually a part of the park that does not have arches.

But that’s no reason to skip it. Instead, it’s a great place to check out. Especially at sunset when the light creates a glowing sensation on the rock – really kinda cool.

The best way for most people to see Fiery Furnace is from the viewpoint. It’s super close to the parking lot, so it’s really convenient.

If you’re looking to hike the trail, you’ll need to join a ranger-led hike or head there on your own with a backcountry permit. It’s 2 miles (3.2 km) of pretty difficult terrain.

One of the stops at Arches National Park scenic drive its the Fiery Furnace overlook

Final Thoughts on Things to Do at Arches NP

There you have it – 15 of the coolest things to do in Arches National Park. As you can see, there’s an awesome sculpture by Mother Nature around every bend. With so many hikes from easy to strenuous, and a scenic drive through the whole park, Arches is a place for everyone to enjoy.