The Best Hikes in Arches for Every Experience Level
If you only do one hike: Delicate Arch (3.0 miles round-trip, moderate). If you've got time: add Devils Garden to reach Landscape Arch (1.6 additional miles, easy) and The Windows Loop for an effortless walk (1.0 mile, easy). Together, these three hikes cover the park's three main areas in a well-planned day.
Arches National Park packs more than 2,000 natural arches into a relatively small area of Utah. The result is a park with short trails, nonstop views, and frequent crowds. Choosing the right hike and start time makes all the difference.
Planning Your Hike in Arches
Timed entry reservation. From May through September, you need a reservation to enter between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. Buy it in advance at recreation.gov. Outside those hours, or during the rest of the year, you can pay the entrance fee at the gate: $30 per vehicle or $15 per person entering on foot or by bicycle.
Hiking permits. You don't need a specific permit for almost all day hikes. There are two exceptions to remember: Fiery Furnace, which requires a paid permit for either a ranger-guided or limited self-guided visit, and off-trail backcountry camping, which requires a wilderness permit. On the park's marked trails, you simply show up, hike, and head back out.
Water and heat. This is the critical issue, and the NPS is blunt about it: heat kills more hikers in Arches than any other danger. In summer, temperatures regularly climb above 100°F. Carry at least 0.5 liters of water for every hour of exertion, and double that amount in extreme heat. There are no drinking-water sources on the trails, so fill up before you leave. Start before 8 a.m. or after 4 p.m. to avoid the hottest part of the day and packed parking lots.
Dogs. Dogs are allowed in the park, but they're prohibited on every hiking trail without exception. They can only go on paved roads, unpaved roads open to vehicles, and in campgrounds, and they must stay on a leash. Make arrangements if you're traveling with a pet.
Terrain and footwear. Utah sandstone offers excellent grip when dry, but it gets slippery over sand or wet surfaces. Trail shoes with aggressive soles make a real difference on Delicate Arch and the slickrock slabs in Devils Garden. Sneakers work at The Windows Section, but they show their limits as soon as you venture farther.
Wildlife. Scorpions and rattlesnakes are present. The rule is simple: never reach into a crevice without looking first, and shake out shoes left outside overnight. You won't have to worry about an aggressive encounter if you stay on the trails and give wildlife plenty of space.
The Best Hikes, Area by Area
Delicate Arch: The Iconic Trail
Delicate Arch Trail · 3.0 miles · about 480 feet of elevation gain · 1.5 to 2.5 hours · Moderate · Round-trip. Start: Wolfe Ranch parking area (Delicate Arch Trailhead), 12 miles from the Visitor Center.
This is the Arches hike. It's not the easiest or the longest, but it's the one that makes the detour worthwhile. The trail climbs across exposed sandstone slabs, follows a ledge around a cliff, then opens onto the arch suspended above a natural amphitheater. Your first view of the arch from the edge of the bowl is a moment all its own, no matter the season.
Practical tip: start before 8 a.m. for sunrise, or go in the late afternoon for the warm, low-angle light. The Wolfe Ranch parking area fills early during the busy season. In midsummer, the exposed slabs soak up heat through the middle of the day, making the hike uncomfortable and potentially dangerous.
Devils Garden: Several Options, One Parking Lot
Landscape Arch Trail · 1.6 miles · nearly flat · 45 minutes · Easy · Round-trip. Start: Devils Garden Trailhead, 18 miles from the Visitor Center, at the end of the main road.
Landscape Arch has one of the longest spans of any natural arch in the world, stretching 289 feet across. A nearly flat trail leads there, making it a good choice for families or an easy warm-up. In 1991, part of a slab collapsed and reduced the arch's thickness. The route remains safe, but stay well back from the edge.
Devils Garden Trail (full route) · 4.8 miles round-trip to Double O Arch · about 330 feet of elevation gain · 3 to 4 hours · Moderate to difficult · Round-trip. Same starting point.
Past Landscape Arch, the trail continues to Navajo Arch, Partition Arch, and then Double O Arch, with some slickrock sections and cairns marking the off-trail stretches. The Primitive Trail variation loops past Dark Angel, an isolated monolith, and brings the outing to about 8.0 miles. Save it for a full day and make sure you're in good hiking shape.
The Windows Section and Balanced Rock: Maximum Payoff, Minimal Effort
Windows Loop · 1.0 mile · flat · 30 to 45 minutes · Easy · Loop. Start: Windows Section Trailhead, 11 miles from the Visitor Center.
Three major arches, North Window, South Window, and Turret Arch, line this loop on a wide, well-marked trail, with the La Sal Mountains in the background. It's perfect for kids, late afternoons, or anyone who wants big scenery without much effort. The parking lot is large but fills quickly during the busy season.
Double Arch Trail · 0.5 mile · flat · 20 minutes · Easy · Round-trip. Start: Double Arch Trailhead, in the same area.
Two arches share a common base and create an unusual viewing angle. Allow 20 minutes round-trip. This is the park's quickest hike for the amount of scenery it delivers.
Balanced Rock Trail · 0.3 mile · flat · 20 minutes · Easy · Loop. Start: Balanced Rock parking area, 9 miles from the entrance.
A rock balanced on a narrow pedestal, instantly photogenic and easy to reach. The loop is very short and starts from a parking area along the main road.
Courthouse Towers and Park Avenue: Your First Look at the Landscape
Park Avenue Trail · 2.0 miles round-trip (or 1.0 mile one way with a second car or a ride) · little elevation gain · 1 hour · Easy to moderate · Round-trip or one way. Start: Park Avenue Trailhead, just past the park entrance.
This is the first trail you'll pass after entering the park. The canyon between the sandstone towers really does resemble a New York avenue viewed from below. There's no technical difficulty, and you'll be immersed in the geology within minutes.
Fiery Furnace: A Maze for Curious, Prepared Hikers
Fiery Furnace · about 2.0 miles · variable elevation gain · 2 to 3 hours · Moderate to difficult · Guided or self-guided (permit required). Start: Fiery Furnace Trailhead, 16 miles from the Visitor Center.
There is no marked trail here. You navigate by sight through a network of narrow passages between sandstone fins. You squeeze through gaps, climb, and sometimes change direction on the spot. The NPS requires a permit, available online or at the Visitor Center in limited numbers, and strongly recommends a ranger-guided tour for a first visit. Several hikers get lost here every year. If you're not comfortable navigating off-trail, take the guided tour. It will give you the landmarks you need to return on your own next time.
Easy Hikes for Families
Arches is one of the most family-friendly parks in the Southwest for families with young children. Three trails stand out in particular.
Sand Dune Arch (0.4 mile round-trip, flat, 15 minutes): an arch tucked into a red-sand alcove. Kids can play in the sand, sheltered from the wind and away from exposed areas. Short, fun, and safe.
The Windows Section (1.0-mile loop, see details above): a wide trail, spectacular arches, and no technical sections.
Double Arch (0.5 mile round-trip, see details above): 20 minutes to a memorable view, accessible for kids as young as 4 or 5.
Our Arches with kids guide covers the practical details that matter most, including water, shade, and recommended times. Our guide to things to do in Arches lists non-hiking activities to round out your visit.
More Challenging Hikes for the Views
If you've got the stamina and a full day, two outings stand out.
Delicate Arch is still a must for experienced hikers. Its moderate rating doesn't make it easy in extreme heat. The route is completely exposed to the sun across the sandstone slabs, which makes it physically demanding.
The full Devils Garden Trail with the Primitive Trail (about 8.0 miles, difficult) is the park's most demanding hike that doesn't require a special permit. It strings together several major arches, slickrock, and an off-trail section marked with cairns. Bring food, plenty of water, and start before 9 a.m. in summer. The end of the route at Double O Arch opens onto views of Fin Canyon and the surrounding formations that make the effort worthwhile.
Access, Trailheads, and Parking
All the trailheads lie along Scenic Drive, which runs from the Visitor Center to Devils Garden, 18 miles one way, with the same route back. The trailheads are clearly marked on the map handed out at the park entrance.
Approximate distances from the Visitor Center:
- Park Avenue Trailhead: 0.9 mile
- Balanced Rock: 9 miles
- Windows Section Trailhead: 11 miles
- Double Arch Trailhead: 11.5 miles
- Delicate Arch Trailhead (Wolfe Ranch): 12 miles
- Sand Dune Arch and Broken Arch: 15 miles
- Fiery Furnace Trailhead: 16 miles
- Devils Garden Trailhead: 18 miles
Parking. The lots at Delicate Arch, Devils Garden, and The Windows Section fill by 9 or 10 a.m. during the busy season. There is no official shuttle between trailheads. If the lot is full, wait for a spot or come back later. Parking along the shoulder outside designated areas is prohibited and can result in a fine.
The options for getting to Arches from Moab (5 miles south) and car-free alternatives in the park are covered in dedicated guides.
When to Hike in Arches
Spring (April to May) and fall (mid-September through October) offer the best conditions: daytime temperatures from 59 to 81°F, dry trails, and great light for photography. They're also the busiest seasons.
Summer (June through August) is doable, but only early in the morning or in the evening. With temperatures regularly climbing above 100°F, a midday hike becomes both grueling and a real health risk.
Winter brings the fewest crowds. Ice and snow can make slickrock slabs slippery, so check NPS alerts before you head out. Delicate Arch in the snow is worth seeing.
Our guide to the seasons in Arches breaks down conditions month by month and helps you choose a window based on your tolerance for crowds and heat.
Which Hike Fits Your Trip?
| Your situation | Recommended trail |
|---|---|
| First visit, 2 hours available | Delicate Arch Trail |
| Family with young children | Sand Dune Arch + Windows Loop |
| Maximum scenery, minimal effort | Windows Loop + Double Arch |
| Full day, good fitness | Full Devils Garden Trail + Primitive Trail |
| Curious about guided off-trail hiking | Fiery Furnace (ranger-guided tour) |
| Photos in low-angle light | Delicate Arch in the late afternoon |
| Several days in the park | A gradual combination of the five areas |
To build a one- to three-day itinerary combining hikes and viewpoints, our Itinerary and trip-length guide offers sample days based on the length of your stay. The complete Arches guide covers the entire park.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best hike in Arches?
Delicate Arch (3.0 miles round-trip, moderate) is the most iconic hike. It leads to Utah's most photographed arch on a sandstone-slab trail with 480 feet of elevation gain. For a full day, the Devils Garden Trail to Double O Arch offers the greatest variety of formations.
Is hiking in Arches difficult?
Difficulty varies by trail. The Windows Loop (1.0 mile, flat) works for everyone. Delicate Arch is moderate with 480 feet of elevation gain. The full Devils Garden Trail with the Primitive Trail, about 8.0 miles, requires good fitness and a full day.
Is it safe to hike in Arches?
Marked hikes are safe if you follow two basic rules: bring enough water, since heat is by far the park's biggest danger, and avoid midday outings in summer. In Fiery Furnace, stay with the ranger-led route if you're not used to navigating off-trail.
Do you need a permit for a day hike in Arches?
No, except for Fiery Furnace, which requires a specific permit available through recreation.gov or at the Visitor Center. No day hike permit is required on the other marked trails. You still have to pay the park entrance fee, which is $30 per vehicle.
Are there easy family-friendly hikes in Arches?
Yes. Sand Dune Arch (0.4 mile, flat), Windows Loop (1.0-mile loop with no elevation gain), and Double Arch (0.5 mile) are the three most accessible trails for young children. Our family page explains what to expect when visiting the park with kids.
Can you hike with a dog in Arches?
No. Dogs are prohibited on all hiking trails in Arches National Park. They're allowed only on paved roads, unpaved roads open to vehicles, and at Devils Garden Campground, and they must be on a short leash.
What's the best time of year to hike in Arches?
Spring (April to May) and fall (mid-September through October) are the best windows, with moderate heat and clear trails. Our When to Go page covers conditions month by month to help you narrow down your choice.
Are there loop hikes in Arches?
Yes. Windows Loop (1.0 mile), Balanced Rock Trail (0.3 mile), and the Primitive Loop in Devils Garden (about 8.0 miles) are the main loops. Delicate Arch and most of the other trails are out-and-back.
How do you get to the trailheads in Arches?
All the trailheads are accessible by car via Scenic Drive. There is no shuttle service between trailheads inside the park. Our Access and transportation page and Getting around page cover the options from Moab.
Which trails are best for wildlife or views?
Wildlife, including mule deer, black-tailed jackrabbits, and rock squirrels, is easiest to spot at dawn and dusk, especially around Devils Garden and Wolfe Ranch. For the broadest views of the landscape and the La Sal Mountains, the end of Devils Garden at Double O Arch and the Delicate Arch viewpoint are the best observation spots. Our Wildlife page lists the species found here and the best conditions for seeing them. Arches is a desert park, so it doesn't have any notable waterfalls.