Top 9 Incredible Things to See at Arches National Park

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Located in eastern Utah near the town of Moab, Arches National Park was established as a National Monument in 1929 and redesignated as a National Park in 1971. Spanning over 76,000 acres, it contains the world’s highest concentration of natural sandstone arches, more than 2,000 in total. Its most iconic feature, Delicate Arch, stands 52 feet (16 m) tall and is famously depicted on Utah’s license plates, symbolizing the state’s rugged natural beauty.

Shaped by millions of years of erosion, the park’s landscape feels almost otherworldly. Visitors are greeted by dramatic red rock formations, including spires, monoliths, and massive buttes that glow in warm desert light. Many of the top things to see at Arches are conveniently located along the park’s 18-mile (29 km) scenic drive, making it easy to explore the highlights, even in just one or two days. Keep reading to discover the must-see landmarks and scenic stops that make Arches a must-visit destination.

How to Visit Arches National Park

Arches National Park is located in southeastern Utah and is one of the more accessible national parks in the USA. The closest town, Moab, is just 5 miles (8 km) from the park entrance, offering a wide range of lodging, dining, and tour options. Moab is also the perfect base for visiting nearby Canyonlands National Park, located only 30 minutes away, making it easy to explore both parks over a long weekend.

Many travelers include Arches as part of a broader Southwest road trip through neighboring states like Colorado, Arizona, Nevada, and California. For those flying in, the closest major airport is Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC), about 238 miles (383 km) away or roughly a 4-hour drive. Alternatively, Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT) in Colorado is just under 2 hours away; however, it is limited to regional flights.

Best Time to Visit Arches National Park

The best time to explore Arches National Park is during the spring (March–May) and fall (September–October), when daytime temperatures typically range from 60°F to 80°F (15°C to 27°C). These seasons offer ideal hiking conditions, clearer skies, and full trail access. Spring often brings colorful wildflowers, while fall features crisp mornings and lighter crowds than the summer months.

Summer (June–August) is the peak travel season, but it also brings extreme heat, and daytime temperatures frequently top 100°F (38°C). Hiking during midday can be dangerous due to heat exposure, so it’s best to explore early in the morning or around sunset. Popular things to see at Arches, like Delicate Arch and The Windows, tend to draw large crowds during this time, and parking lots can fill up by mid-morning.

Late fall (October) offers cooler weather and thinner crowds, with morning temperatures dipping into the 40s°F (5–10°C). It’s a great time for photography and peaceful hiking. Winter (November–February) is the quietest season in the park. While snowfall is rare, it occasionally dusts the red rock formations, offering a dramatic contrast. However, some trails may become icy or temporarily closed, and nighttime temperatures can fall below 0°F (-17°C).

Things to See at Arches National Park

1. Delicate Arch

You’ve likely seen photos of Delicate Arch before. This freestanding arch has become the symbol of Utah and tops every list of things to see at Arches National Park. It’s the most iconic formation in the park and my personal favorite. There are two ways to see it: a short trail to a distant viewpoint or a more rewarding hike that takes you right up to the arch itself.

If you do only one hike in the park, make it this one. The trail to Delicate Arch is a moderately challenging 3-mile (5 km) round trip and takes about 2 to 2.5 hours to complete. The first part of the trail is well-marked, and you’ll pass a side path to a panel of Ute petroglyphs dating back to the 1600s, definitely worth a quick detour.

The main hike climbs steadily up a slickrock hill with no shade, so bring water and avoid midday heat in warmer months. Delicate Arch is especially magical at sunrise, when the arch glows against the soft morning light and crowds are minimal. It’s one of the most unforgettable things to see at Arches, don’t skip it.

2. Scenic Drive

The Arches Scenic Drive spans 18 miles (29 km) from the park entrance to the Devils Garden trailhead, providing access to many of the most iconic things to see at Arches National Park. With numerous viewpoints and trailheads just off the main road or a short walk away, it’s possible to experience many of the park’s highlights in a single day.

If you only spend about 10 minutes at each major stop, the full loop can be done in roughly 4.5 hours. However, to fully appreciate the scenery, plan on spending extra time at key spots. Parking at popular trailheads like Delicate Arch and Devils Garden often fills up early, especially during peak season (spring and summer). Starting your day at these high-demand locations can help you beat both the crowds and the midday heat.

Short on time? If you have just a couple of hours, head straight to The Windows Section and the Delicate Arch Viewpoint. Both are among the most visually striking and easily accessible things to see at Arches, offering stunning views without the need for long hikes.

3. Sand Dune Arch

Sand Dune Arch is one of the easier and more unique things to see at Arches National Park. Framed by smooth rock walls and orange-colored sand, this arch is one of the park’s quieter and more secluded spots. The short walk to the arch is just 0.3 miles (0.5 km) from the parking area, making it a quick and family-friendly stop.

Along the way, you’ll pass through a small slot canyon that adds a fun touch to the otherwise easy stroll. The deep sand underfoot slows your pace a bit. Sand Dune Arch is a great spot for photography, especially in the early morning or late afternoon when the light bounces off the canyon walls.

4. The Windows Section

The Windows Section of Arches National Park is home to one of the largest concentrations of natural arches in the park, making it a must-visit on this list of things to see at Arches. Top formations here include the North Window, South Window, Turret Arch, and the impressive Double Arch, which features two massive arches that share the same stone base. These arches are easily accessible via well-maintained, relatively flat trails, making the area suitable for families and visitors of all fitness levels.

Nearby, the Garden of Eden and Parade of Elephants showcase rock formations that resemble a group of elephants. These spots can be explored on the same trails as the arches or from short connecting paths. The combined loop trail through the Windows Section is about 1 to 1.5 miles (1.6 to 2.4 km) and typically takes 45 minutes to complete at a leisurely pace. Along the way, you’ll find several great vantage points perfect for photography.

Because the Windows Section is highly popular, it can become crowded, especially midday during the high season. To enjoy the area with fewer people, aim to visit early in the morning or late afternoon, when the soft light enhances the red rock colors and the temperature is cooler. Parking near the trailhead fills quickly, so arriving early also helps secure a spot.

5. Park Avenue & Courthouse Towers

Park Avenue and Courthouse Towers are among the first major attractions you’ll encounter after passing the Arches Visitor Center. The towering rock formations in this area resemble a city skyline, which inspired the name “Park Avenue.” These giant monoliths are visible from the scenic drive, but the experience is best enjoyed by parking nearby and walking among the towering rock walls.

The trailhead near the viewpoint leads you down a canyon-like path. The hike through Park Avenue to Courthouse Towers is approximately 2 miles (3.2 km) round trip and is mostly flat, making it accessible for most visitors. Along the trail, you’ll be surrounded by towering sandstone cliffs, providing dramatic photo opportunities and a sense of scale that’s hard to capture from the road alone.

6. Petrified Dunes

The Petrified Dunes are a fascinating geological feature located just off the main road between Courthouse Towers and the Windows Section. These ancient dunes were formed around 200 million years ago when strong winds deposited large amounts of fine sand, creating a shifting desert landscape.

Over millions of years, the dunes were buried under layers of sediment and gradually compressed and cemented by quartz and calcite, transforming them into the hard Navajo sandstone seen today. Subsequent erosion stripped away the softer layers, revealing the stunning, wave-like petrified dunes.

Visitors can view the Petrified Dunes directly from the roadside, making them an easy and quick stop while exploring the many things to see at Arches.

7. Balanced Rock

Balanced Rock is one of the most recognizable sights at Arches National Park. This impressive formation features a massive boulder balanced atop a narrow sandstone pedestal. While it appears to be delicately perched, the rock is firmly attached, a result of thousands of years of erosion sculpting the softer layers below.

Balanced Rock is easily visible from the main park road, making it a convenient stop. For a closer view, a short 0.3-mile (0.5 km) loop trail circles the formation, offering different angles and excellent photo opportunities. The trail is flat and family-friendly, perfect for visitors of all ages.

8. Landscape Arch

Landscape Arch is the longest natural arch in Arches National Park and one of the longest in the world, spanning an impressive 306 feet (93 m). Despite its massive size, the arch’s center is remarkably slender, only about 11 feet (3.5 m) wide, giving it a delicate appearance. In the 1990s, several large rock slabs fell from the arch, and as natural erosion progresses, there is a likelihood that the arch may not remain intact indefinitely.

The hike to Landscape Arch starts at the Devils Garden trailhead and covers approximately 1.6 miles (2.5 km) round trip. The trail is mostly flat, making it an accessible and family-friendly option. It’s one of the must-see things to see at Arches National Park and is an awe-inspiring natural wonder.

9. Devils Garden

Devils Garden is a beautiful area in the northern section of Arches National Park, located about a 45-minute drive from the visitor center. This scenic spot offers camping, picnic areas, and some of the best hiking in the park, making it a favorite for both day visitors and overnight campers. It’s also known as a prime location for stargazing due to the park’s low light pollution.

The Devils Garden Trail is a popular hiking loop of approximately 7.2 miles (11.5 km) that passes by seven of the park’s remarkable arches, including Tunnel Arch, Double O Arch, and Landscape Arch. The trail offers a mix of easy and moderate terrain.

Things to Know Before You Go to Arches

Camping

Devils Garden Campground is the only place to camp inside Arches National Park. The campground has 51 sites, all set in a scenic desert landscape surrounded by rock formations. While there are no electric hookups or showers, the campground does offer flush toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings.

Devils Garden Campground is open year-round and offers convenient access to some of the best things to see at Arches. From March through September, all campsites require reservations, which fill up quickly during this busy season. Reservations open six months in advance, so booking early is highly recommended if you plan to visit in spring or summer.

From November through February, campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, providing more flexibility for last-minute travelers. Staying at Devils Garden Campground puts you just steps away from popular hikes like the Devils Garden Loop and Landscape Arch, allowing for early starts to beat the crowds.

Lodging & Dining

Arches National Park has no restaurants or lodges, so it’s important to plan ahead. Be sure to pack meals and snacks for the day, especially if you plan to explore several of the park’s attractions. The park has multiple picnic areas, with Devils Garden being one of the most scenic and convenient spots to stop for lunch.

If you prefer a sit-down meal, you’ll need to exit the park and head to nearby Moab, which has a wide selection of restaurants, cafes, and grocery stores. Keep in mind that during peak season, re-entry into the park may be limited due to the timed-entry reservation system.

Park Hours & Entrance Fees

Arches National Park is open year-round, 24 hours a day, making it easy to plan your visit around your schedule. However, timed reservations are now required. To avoid traffic and long lines at the entrance, especially during peak season, it’s best to enter the park before 8 a.m. or after 3 p.m.

The entrance fee is $30 per vehicle or $15 per person for bicyclists and pedestrians. If you’re planning to visit multiple national parks within the year, consider purchasing the America the Beautiful pass. This annual pass costs $80 and grants access to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites, including all U.S. national parks, making it a worthwhile investment for frequent travelers.

What to Bring

• Sunscreen
• Lots of water
• Lunch/ Snacks
• Camera
• Comfortable shoes

Where to Eat in Moab

Gloria’s Corner Cafe

Gloria’s Corner Cafe is a solid lunch option in Moab, especially if you’re looking for vegetarian or vegan-friendly meals, something that can be harder to find in the area. Their veggie burger is a personal favorite, and the spacious patio makes it a pleasant place to take a break from the desert heat. The menu is large and varied, so it’s a great choice for mixed dietary preferences.

Jailhouse Cafe

Jailhouse Cafe is the perfect choice for breakfast in Moab. Located on the site of the town’s former jail, the cafe blends local history with hearty breakfast classics. The Eggs Benedict is a standout, and the patio seating is a great place to enjoy your meal on a nice morning. It’s a popular spot, especially on weekends, so be prepared for a bit of a wait, but it’s well worth it.

Where to Stay in Moab

La Quinta by Wyndham Moab
La Quinta by Wyndham Moab is a reliable mid-range hotel with spacious, clean rooms equipped with a microwave and refrigerator, perfect for longer stays or road trippers. This property features an outdoor pool, fitness center, and laundry facilities, which come in handy if you’ve been camping in Arches National Park. The included breakfast buffet is a nice perk for those planning an early start.

Best Western Plus Canyonlands Inn
Best Western Plus Canyonlands Inn is a step above your standard Best Western, offering comfortable rooms and modern amenities. Guests can enjoy the outdoor pool, hot tub, and fitness center, making it a relaxing base after a day of hiking. While its name references Canyonlands, it’s closer to Arches National Park and is located in downtown Moab, within walking distance to shops and restaurants.

Hotel Moab Downtown
Hotel Moab Downtown is a no-frills option, but its central location makes it a convenient and budget-friendly place to stay in Moab. It’s within walking distance to some of the town’s best restaurants and coffee shops, which is ideal if you want to explore without needing to drive. While the amenities are simple, the rooms are clean and comfortable.

Have you been to Arches? What are your favorite things to see at Arches National Park? If you’ve enjoyed this post, please leave a comment or share using the social media buttons below. Interested in seeing more of beautiful Utah? Continue to my post, “Monument Valley Scenic Drive: The Ultimate Guide“.