How Long Does It Take To See Arches National Park?

Two days at Arches is perfect since it allows you to explore the Fiery Furnace on the ranger-led climb and do a few more of the longer excursions. If you stick to the overlooks and shorter treks, one day is all you need at Canyonlands National Park’s Island in the Sky section.

Arches National Park is one of the most beautiful places in the National Park Service. There are almost 2,000 natural arches in Utah, one of which is so renowned that it appears on practically every tourism brochure and license plate for the state. Other rock formations you’ll view include fins, monoliths, pinnacles, and gigantic balancing rocks, as well as one of the darkest night skies in the United States. Many of the park’s most popular attractions can be seen from the Scenic Drive, but for those willing to put forth a little effort, Arches will reward you with stunning and unforgettable payoffs on each of its trails.

How the Arches National Park Timed Entry System Works

As of April 3, 2022, Arches National Park applied a transient pilot timed entry ticket gadget to assist with visitors and enhance vacationer experiences.

Now to enter the park from April three thru October 3, you will want a timed entry ticket, photograph ID, and both a National Park pass by or pay the park’s entrance fee.

The ticketed entry instances will go from 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Visitors with a backcountry, camping, Fiery Furnance, or different booked things to do will now not want a timed entry ticket.

To discover out extra facts on how to buy a timed entry ticket for Arches, go to the park’s internet site for the most correct information.

Where is Arches National Park?

Arches National Park is positioned in the japanese phase of Utah shut to the Colorado border. The park lies simply north of a little Utah city referred to as Moab.

It is in shut proximity to Utah’s different National Parks: Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Capitol Reef National Park, and Canyonlands National Park.

How to Get to Arches National Park

The closest airports to Arches National Park are Salt Lake City International Airport in Salt Lake City, Utah (3h 45min) and Grand Junction Regional Airport in Grand Junction, Colorado (1h 40min).

The closest city is Moab, which is positioned 5.5 miles away from the park’s entrance. It is a exceptional base to discover Arches National Park and perhaps even the close by Canyonlands National Park.

If you are fascinated in a Utah National Park Road Trip, test out the using distances to the different Mighty 5 National Parks:

• Canyonlands National Park to Arches 30 miles, 32 minutes
• Capitol Reef National Park to Arches 141 miles, two hours 15 minutes
• Bryce Canyon National Park to Arches 271 miles, four hours
• Zion National Park to Arches 309 miles, four hours 30 minutes
• Best Things to Do in Arches National Park in One Day

A go to to Arches National Park is now not entire besides seeing these lovely features:

• Bucket List of the first-class matters to do in Arches National Park
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• Take a hike
• Drive Arches Scenic Drive
• Catch a sundown from Delicate Arch
• Stop at the Visitor Center
• Stargazing

1 Day in Arches National Park Itinerary

You can sincerely ride Arches National Park in one day, however it will be a very lengthy one. With having one full day in the park, you will be capable to see and discover the park’s most famous elements on the Scenic Drive, hit some shorter trails, and at least 1 or two of the longer trails, relying on what you are up for.

Note that this Arches itinerary works wonderful in the late spring, summer, and early fall months seeing that the days are lengthy and you can get a lot of matters done. Keep in thought that the days are shorter in the wintertime, so you would possibly prefer to think about extending your continue to be for any other day when touring in that season.

When we have adventure-packed days like this, we begin our day early, round 7:00 AM or 8:00 AM, to maximize our time in the park. Arches National Park is open 24 hours, which offers you the possibility to arrive early.

The solely draw back is that the Visitor Center may now not be open when you arrive. If you favor to buy permits, e book an activity, pick out up a map, or simply prefer to get extra information, it would possibly be appropriate to come returned later, or even higher to go there the afternoon before.

Arches National Park 1 day Itinerary

Here is a speedy breakdown of what a one day in Arches National Park itinerary appears like.

1 Day: Drive the complete Arches Scenic Drive, Hike to Landscape Arch (Devil’s Garden Trail), Skyline Arch, Sand Dune Arch, The Windows + Turret Arch, Double Arch, Balanced Rock, test out Park Avenue, and hike to Delicate Arch for sunset.

Arches National Park Itinerary

When you enter the park, right away force Arches Scenic Drive to the give up at Devils Garden Trailhead. It will be tempting to desire to quit as you pressure alongside the Scenic Drive, however we promise you will favor to shop these stops for later to assist keep away from the crowds.

We enormously propose using the complete 36 miles of the Arches Scenic Drive. To fine discover the park alongside the scenic power we propose making stops alongside the way at the a range of viewpoints and getting out to hike Arches National Park effortlessly handy trails.

How Long Does it Take to Drive through Arches National Park?

If you layout on riding thru Arches National Park, you can count on to spend three to 3.5 hours using in the park with stopping alongside the way. This time body additionally does now not consist of trekking on the trails. Please word that the time will rely notably on how many stops you make and how lengthy you spend at every stop. Without making any stops at all, riding from the backside to the pinnacle and returned will take about two hours.

To attain Landscape Arch, you will begin on the Devil’s Garden Trail, which is a 7.8-mile path main to a range of arches in the park.

You do now not have to hike the whole 7.8 miles on the Devil’s Garden Trail to see Landscape Arch. To attain the arch you will hike a spherical outing of 1.6 miles. The fantastic section about the Devil’s Garden Trail is that you can pick out to flip round at any factor alongside the way.

If you are no longer searching for a strenuous hike, we would advocate solely going to Landscape Arch alongside Devil’s Garden Trail. After Landscape Arch, the path will become extra strenuous main to Double O Arch.

Hiking the 1.6 miles spherical day out to Landscape Arch will take about an hour or so. You might also additionally choose to suppose about including the Pine Tree Arch and Tunnel Arch on your way returned for an extra 0.8 miles which are alongside spur trails from the Devil’s Garden Trail.

Skyline Arch

After trekking to Landscape Arch, you will be making your way lower back on the Arches Scenic Drive. About 0.5 miles from the Devil’s Garden parking lot is the trailhead for Skyline Arch. A speedy and effortless trail, 0.4 miles, brings you to Skyline Arch. The arch is additionally seen from the scenic drive.

Sand Dune Arch

Next up on the Arches Scenic Drive is the special Sand Dune Arch. This hidden arch is pinched between the fins of sandstone rock. The path is a short, easy, sandy 0.3 miles to the fantastic arch. It have to solely take round 30 minutes or so to go to Sand Dune Arch.

Optional add-on: If you are up for a lengthy day of trekking you can add on trekking to Broken Arch which shares the equal path as Sand Dune Arch. To see each Sand Dune Arch and Broken Arch, you will be hiking 1.7 miles spherical trip. This will take you roughly 1.5 hours.

Fiery Furnace Viewpoint

Back on the Scenic Drive, we determined to take a rapid pit give up at the Fiery Furnace Viewpoint, placed on the left-hand side, to take a look at out this captivating area of the park. Fiery Furnace is a series of small slim sandstone canyons.

To go past the viewpoint, you will want a day-use allow or be part of a ranger-led guided hike. This journey tends to e book out quickly. If you are adventurous ample to navigate via this maze, you want to format an extra day in Arches National Park.

Unfortunately, we did now not sketch adequate in enhance to get a allow to hike via the slender sandstone canyons, however it is on pinnacle of our bucket listing for our subsequent visit.

It was once nonetheless well worth a speedy look, to get an thought of this very special vicinity protected with boulders, and fins.

The Windows Section

To discover the Windows Section you will want to flip left onto Windows Road which will lead you to a massive attention of arches. Here you will discover a few outstanding arch formations in the park, which includes Double Arch, North Window Arch, South Window Arch, and Turret Arch.

North Window Arch, South Window Arch, and Turret Arch

To see all of these amazing arches, you can comply with a mile spherical outing trail. It must take about forty five minutes to an hour to hike and explore.

Double Arch

In the equal area, you can attain Double Arch. You can both stroll from the identical parking lot you are in for the Window Arches or power down the avenue to the parking region for Double Arch, however, parking can be restricted in this area. Once you discover a spot, we would suggest staying in it till you have viewed the whole thing in the vicinity you want.

Double Arch is the tallest arch in the park. Climbing up and standing under this 112 ft excessive landmark, left us speechless. When you have the proper position, you can seem to be via each arches at the equal time. We spent about 30 minutes or so taking images and scenery.

In total, we spent about 1.5 hours in the Window Section of Arches National Park.

Panorama Point

To attain this point of view you will have to make a proper from the Scenic Drive on a facet road. At this point, you will take in the view of the decrease Salt Valley from the rim.

Balanced Rock

This extremely good formation looks to defy gravity with its balancing act. The considerable boulder weighs about 3,577 lots and rests atop a sandstone pillar. You can without problems view Balanced Rock from Arches Scenic Drive. If your legs are no longer worn-out yet, you can additionally get out and stroll the brief 0.3-mile loop path round its base.

Park Avenue Viewpoint

The Park Avenue Viewpoint is the first or the ultimate perspective you will attain on the Arches Scenic Drive. The view bought its identify due to the fact the towering partitions of the canyon reminded traffic of tall town structures that line the metropolis streets.

Here, you can pick out to simply take in the view or take the two miles reasonable spherical day trip hike thru the wash to Courthouse Towers, showcasing many fascinating rock formations such as Three Gossips, Sheep Rock, the Organ, and the Tower of Babel.

Top Tip: When in this area, additionally take a look at out the La Sal Mountains Viewpoint, which will furnish you with a lovely view of the La Sal Mountains in the distance. You can additionally see Balanced Rock and the Window Section of Arches National Park.

Delicate Arch

Delicate Arch is the most famous and iconic characteristic in the park. It is additionally a well-known Utah landmark and can be considered on the state’s license plates. With its forty six toes in top and 32 toes in width, it is the biggest freestanding herbal arch in the park.

From the Park Avenue Viewpoint, you will have to go into reverse on the Arches Scenic Drive to Delicate Arch Road. You will flip proper off the Scenic Drive and left into the parking lot. There are restrooms in the parking lot.

From the parking lot, to attain Delicate Arch you will hike alongside the three mile spherical time out average trail. On common hiking, exploring, and taking pix takes about two to three hours to complete. But do preserve in thought it is an uphill climb for nearly the whole way to the arch. This may additionally assist graph your time accordingly.

• Hiking Distances and Times from the Itinerary
• Landscape Arch – 1.6 miles, 1 hour
• Skyline Arch – 0.4 miles, 30 minutes
• Sand Dune Arch – 0.3 miles, 30 minutes
• The Windows + Turret Arch – 1 mile, forty five minutes
• Double Arch – 0.5 miles, 25 minutes
• Delicate Arch – three miles, 2.5 hours
• Optional: Broken Arch – 1.7, 1 hour
• More than 1 Day in Arches National Park
• Big boulders on our way to hike Delicate Arch

More than 1 Day in Arches National Park

We can in no way get sufficient of America’s National Parks due to the fact there is continually extra to see. Here are our guidelines for what to do with greater than 1 day in Arches National Park:

1. Explore Fiery Furnace – Make plans in advance of time to acquire a allow to discover this herbal maze on your own, or register for a ranger-led guided hike. Plan a few hours for this adventure.

2. Add some hikes from the Devil’s Garden Area – There are many arches you can admire when trekking in this location of the park. Enjoy a greater difficult hike to the Double O Arch with a little rock scrambling alongside slim ridges and steep drop-offs. Or see all of Devil’s Garden, which includes eight arches, when you comply with the Primitive Trail.

3. Go Stargazing – Arches National Park is an reliable Dark Sky Park. Here, you’ll locate one of the satisfactory stargazing locations in the United States with a ideal darkish sky. An excellent spot to see them is Panorama Point. Hopefully, you will come up with a desirable desire when you see a taking pictures star.

4. Visit Canyonlands National Park – If you can’t get adequate of herbal arches and the widespread wilderness landscape, power 26 miles (30 min) to Canyonlands National Park and test out Mesa Arch. Follow the speedy and convenient trail, and get rewarded with staggering views.

What is the Best Time of Year to Go to Arches National Park?

Spring and Fall – Similar to the different Mighty 5 countrywide parks, Arches National Park can be visited in all seasons, however the most famous time of yr is spring (April-May) and fall (September-October). During these seasons sunlight hours temperatures are the most exciting for outside activities, ranging from 60-80 degrees.

Summer – We visited Arches National Park in the summer time and it used to be hot. Temperatures can attain a hundred stages all through the day. If you desire to revel in some of the longer, greater challenging hikes, we would notably advise beginning them early in the day and bringing plenty of water. Most of these hikes are unshaded and on foot round in the harsh noon solar is now not a exciting experience.

Winter – If you desire to keep away from the crowds and don’t thought trekking in less warm weather, the wintry weather is a fantastic alternative to go to Arches National Park. Expect temperatures to vary from 30 to 50 at some point of the day. December gives the most reasonable temperatures in the iciness and is additionally the snowiest month of the year. To see a dusting of snow on the purple glowing arches is a very distinct experience, we can’t wait to see it in person.

Top Tips for Visiting Arches National Park

Scenic Drive via the barren region panorama in Arches

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1. Use a non-public auto to get around

There is no shuttle provider to deliver you round this park. The use of a private vehicle is the easiest, fastest, and most handy way to get round in Arches National Park. If you don’t have a vehicle, you have to e book a personal tour with an backyard company.

2. Bring your personal meals and drinks

There is no meals or drink offered inside the park, so make certain you are organized with all the snacks and drinks you will want for your visit. The closest vicinity to purchase meals and drinks is in Moab. You will additionally locate lovable little eating places in this charming town.

If you want to fill up your water in the park, you can use both the water filling station at the Visitor Center or at the Devils Garden Trailhead.

3. Protect your self from the sun

Remember, Arches National Park is placed in the wasteland with very little shade. Protect your self from the warm solar rays with sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and solar safety clothing. Don’t let sunburn break your experience.

4. Take lengthy hikes in the morning or evening

To keep away from the crowds and experience greater peaceable hikes, it is a desirable thinking to begin your longer hikes early in the day. That additionally helps to keep away from the warm noon solar in the summer. In the afternoon, you will have masses of time to discover the viewpoints on the Scenic Drive and some shorter trails, which are now not uncovered to the sun.

What to Pack

Packing for your time out to Arches National Park will require some precise tools for a extra fun experience. Here is a rapid listing of the necessities for Arches National Park in one day.

Daypack – A daypack is vital for your hikes. Try out the cozy light-weight Deuter Speed Lite daypack. It is our preference when hitting the trails.

Water Bottle – Keep your water cool via bringing an insulated water bottle. We usually lift our Hydro Flask water bottles with us.

Comfortable Hiking Boots – One of the worst matters when heading out for a hike is no longer having relaxed footwear. For trekking in Arches, it is fantastic to use over the ankle trekking boots due to the fact they furnish you with precise guide on the extra rocky and tough terrain.

Sun Protection – Most of the trails in Arches are in the direct sun. Don’t neglect to use sunscreen, a hat, and sun shades to shield your self from the grueling solar beating down on you.

Camera & Accessories – Don’t overlook to pack a digicam to seize all the recollections you are about to make for the duration of your time out to Arches National Park. Our imperative digital camera tools is our Olympus OMD Em Mark ii, the Rollei tour tripod, a digital camera remote, and our Peak Design seize clip.

For a entire trekking tools list, please refer to our specific publish on, What You Should be Packing for a Hike: The Essentials + Extras.

Where to Stay

Staying inner the park is extraordinarily constrained due to the fact there is no lodging and solely 1 campground. Campsites are on a first-come, first-served groundwork from November to February. Between March and October reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance. The campsites fill up quickly, so make certain to e book your spot in advance.

The best and most handy choice is to continue to be in Moab, Utah on the grounds that it is placed solely a few miles backyard of the park’s entrance. Here, you will discover lots of accommodations, from fancy accommodations to low cost campgrounds.

FAQs: Arches National Park

Dana standing in one of the Double Arch windows

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1. Can you do Arches National Park in a day?

Yes, you can do Arches National Park in one day. But we would propose getting an early begin round 7:00 AM or 8:00 AM to have adequate time to discover the great components of the park.

2. Can you see Arches National Park in 1/2 a day?

If you solely have a half-day in Arches National Park, then we would suggest trekking to Landscape Arch and Delicate Arch is a must. Then admire different points from your vehicle whilst riding alongside the Scenic Drive.

3. How tons time do you want at Arches National Park?

To see Arches National Park fully, it is encouraged that you have two days in the park. This lets in you to see greater of the longer hikes and discover the Fiery Furnace.

4. Can you simply power thru Arches National Park?

Yes, you can simply power via Arches National Park. Luckily, you can see many of the arches thru the window of your car. However, we would now not endorse this way to see the park. Arches Scenic Drive is a 36-mile power via the park.

5. Is Arches National Park Open 24 Hours?

Yes, Arches National Park is open 24 hours. This capability you can begin your go to as early as you would like, and you can go away every time you desire to. Getting an early bounce on your day will assist you maximize your time in the park to see and do more. Another super gain is that you will keep away from the afternoon crowds.

Keep in thought that you are simply allowed to continue to be in a single day in Arches National Park when you have secured a campsite in the Devils Garden Campground.

6. Is Arches Worth Visiting?

View of Delicate Arch from Twisted Doughnut Arch.

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That is a definite, yes! Arches National Park is such a special U.S. countrywide park, which affords awe-inspiring trails to discover its tremendous herbal arches. It is additionally a no-brainer when you format on travelling Utah’s different superb country wide parks. Utah is domestic to 5 of the most captivating countrywide parks in the country.