Arches is full of otherworldly structures and massive rock formations. When we first arrived in the park, we were honestly slightly overwhelmed with all that this place had to offer. We were fortunate to have two full days in this park and feel that we got to see some of the very best. If you have never been before or are planning another getaway to this cool spot, here are our favorite hike recommendations!
THE WINDOWS & TURRET ARCH
0.7 miles round trip
Hike this well-maintained gravel trail for rewarding views of the massive North and South Windows and Turret Arch. Consider the 1 mile round trip primitive trail if you enjoy being a little more off the beaten path.
DOUBLE ARCH
0.5 miles round trip
This spectacular arch can be reached on an easy, heavy-trafficked gravel trail. This location is one of the most popular in Arches, so know that it can become very crowded at times. We actually went back twice for better opportunities to explore. Our favorite time to visit was late in the evening, just before sunset around 7:30pm. It was the perfect time to capture photos with less people around, and the arch was still illuminated beautifully. Don’t forget to try to spot the Lions Head Formation hidden in all the rocks!
SAND DUNE ARCH
0.3 miles round trip
Although it is by far the easiest trail we visited, this arch was one of our favorite spots of the trip. For best photos, we recommend shooting from the other side of the arch in the late afternoon with some cloud coverage. Don’t be fooled by the emptiness of this photo; Sand Dune was highly trafficked especially by families with children. Getting that perfect shot sometimes means waiting twenty minutes for a break in tourists and a big cloud to eliminate the shadows!
BROKEN ARCH
1.3 miles round trip
After stopping by Sand Dune, continue on to Broken Arch. We noticed that most people did not go on to see this arch, so it was nice to explore this area with less of a crowd. This trail across a wide open grassland is quite different than what you see in most of Arches. Our favorite part about this arch was noticing all the ‘broken’ pieces on the ground in front!
LANDSCAPE ARCH
1.8 mile round trip
This moderately easy hike takes you to one of the must-see arches in the park. Due to a large slab of rock that broke off and fell in 1991, this arch can only be viewed from afar. The size of this arch is unbelievable! In fact, with an opening of 306 feet, Landscape Arch is the longest natural arch in all of North America.
NAVAJO ARCH
2.9 miles round trip
Once you continue past Landscape Arch, the hike becomes much more difficult with elevation changes, exposed slopes, and some rocky footing. We really enjoyed this hike because at times it felt like we had the trail all to ourselves. Unfortunately we did not have time to keep going any further, but you can continue on this trail to see Double O Arch, for a total of 4.2 miles round trip. When we go back, we plan to hike the Devils Garden primitive trail loop, which includes both Landscape Arch and Double O Arch along the way. This 7.9 mile hike is the longest, most difficult in Arches, but is a great choice for solitude.
DELICATE ARCH
3 miles round trip, 480 feet elevation gain
Delicate Arch is the most iconic arch in the park and honestly it is unlike any other. We felt like some of the trail looked different than what we had expected and once we arrived at the top, it was absolutely breathtaking (and windy!). As the trail is completely exposed, we suggest taking a hiking backpack with at least a quart of water per person. We highly recommend going late in the afternoon or closer to sunset for the arch to be illuminated by the sun. On the way there or back, make sure to check out the petroglyphs and Wolfe Ranch close to the trailhead!
