Top 5 Unmissable Arches To See When Visiting Arches National Park In One Day

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When you visit Arches National Park in one day, these 5 arches are the ones that you can’t miss to see. They are located in different areas of the park, but I will guide you to which arch to visit first and which one the last. 

Just keep in mind, your one day in Arches National Park will be long and you need good energy to do this. Of course it will involve hiking to the arch. Most of them are easy, but finding a parking spot to the arches trailheads is not that easy. Especially when you visit Arches National Park during high season. Also, you need to bring a picnic lunch with you because there is no eating place in the park, like the ones in the Grand Canyon, for instance.

Although I recommend spending two days in Arches, it doesn’t mean one day in Arches National Park will be less spectacular. Your one day in Arches will not be “been there done that” kind of a holiday. Trust me.

So, here are the unmissable arches to see when visiting Arches National Park in one day.

Arches National Park in one day: the 5 unmissable arches to see

No argument here, and it doesn’t matter where you stay in Moab, you must arrive at the park before 8 in the morning. If you can arrive around 7 it’s even better.

When you get to the park’s entrance, there is a big possibility that the park rangers are not on duty yet. Don’t worry! Just keep driving into the park, and please follow the park’s speed limit.

Here are the arches you must see on your one day visit to Arches National Park, from the first stop to the last stop.

#1 Delicate Arch

Round-trip distance: 3 miles (4.8 km)

Durations: 2-3 hours

Elevation: 480 feet (146 m)

Category: difficult

Distance from entrance: 13.2 miles (21.2 km)

Drive time: 30-35 minutes 

Without a doubt, Delicate Arch is on the top of many visitors’ to-do list. It’s a symbol of the state of Utah (look at Utah’s license plate and state welcome sign) and one of the most famous geologic features in the world. Or, like our then 7 year old son said the first time we went there, “It’s a masterpiece!” (And that’s after whining all the way to the top because we made him come with us while his friends were still sleeping when we left the condo before 6 a.m.)

You might have heard that sunset is the best time to see the Delicate Arch, but I say, do it in the morning. That way you don’t have to compete with lots of people to get the best spot while waiting for the sunset. Then, hike in the dark on the way back to the parking lot. Besides, you are in Arches only for one day. You can keep it for your next visit.

To see the Delicate Arch up close, you must hike. The trail is 3 miles (4.8 km) round trip and you will climb 480 feet (146m). You will steadily go uphill on an open slickrock with no shade at all. Trail is visible on the first half mile, and after that follow the rock cairns. Or, people ahead of you (there will be a lot of them.) 

Just before you get to the Delicate Arch, the trail traverses a narrow rock ledge for about 200 yards (183 m). My niece is afraid of heights, but she managed to walk here. Then go slowly towards the arch, wait for your turn to take a picture underneath it. Enjoy the view before you go back to the bottom.

Although there are people who say this is an easy to moderate trail, I will go with the park that puts this trail under a difficult category. I hike a lot. I didn’t only hike when I was in Arches. If you’ve been to Enchanted Rock in Fredericksburg Texas, it’s like double the hike to the top of the Enchanted Rock. When you visit with your children, most of them will not have a problem. Children are strong. As for myself, I can confirm that three years later and older it’s getting harder to get there. Haha..

Pay attention to weather conditions as well. If you are planning a visit in the summer like we did, it’s better to hike to the Delicate Arch early in the morning. If you want to see the sunset, the temperature will mostly be in the upper 90s. Just imagine walking under the sun for about 2-3 hours. Basically, you are the one who knows your health condition and your body capability. Don’t underestimate the trail and overestimate your body. Take at least 2 quarts (2L) of water per person. Go slow. It’s not a race.

Another reason you must come early is because parking fills up fast. If parking at the Wolfe Ranch is full, there’s additional parking at the Delicate Arch Viewpoint parking lot. It’s just that you will have to add another 2 miles (3.2 km) round trip of hike to your trip.

#2 Landscape Arch

Round-trip distance: 1.9 miles (3.1 km)

Durations: 50 minutes

Category: easy

Distance from entrance: 1.9 miles (3.1 km)

Drive time: 50 minutes

Landscape Arch is the longest stone pans in North America. It stretches 306 feet (93.3 m), more than a football field in length. 

You will start from the Devils Garden trailhead. The trail is relatively flat, and you will walk on hard-pack surfaces. No elevation gain, just a bit up and down around the middle of the trail. There will be a little shade once you get to the Landscape Overlook. Well, I said it was overlooked because if you keep following the trail, it will take you to Double O Arch. It’s difficult and you can save it for the next trip.

Devils Garden is located at the very end of the park road and one of the popular areas in the park. Not just because it offers breathtaking views, but it’s also because visitors can camp and backpacking in this area. So, parking fills up quickly, especially during high season. That’s why you must go here immediately after the Delicate Arch.     

#3 Sand Dune Arch

Round-trip distance: 0.3 miles (0.5 km)

Durations: 20 minutes

Category: easy

Actually you can stop here first before you get to the Landscape Arch. But Devil’s Garden where the Landscape Arch is located is a busy area. The possibility of not getting a parking spot is big if you arrive late. So, stop here after Landscape Arch instead.

Sand Dune Arch is small, and you will do a short hike to get there. You will walk among fins of rock with shaded spots all the way. It’s perfect for families. Our son just dropped his body to the ground when we got there. And the sand was not like the one in White Sands National Park where it didn’t stick to our body. This one sticks well, just like the one in Antelope Canyon.

But just because the arch is small, doesn’t mean you can climb and jump off it. Let’s protect the arch so everyone can enjoy this geological formation. You will find more rocks surrounding the area where you can climb.

#4 Double Arch

Round-trip distance: 0.5 mile (0.8 km)

Durations: 20 minutes

Category: easy

Distance from entrance: 12 miles (19.3 km)

Drive time: 25-30 minutes

Double Arch is located in The Windows Section of the park, not too far from the Windows & Turret Arch. In fact, they share the same parking lot. It is also one of the popular spots in the park. A lot of visitors come here first, so it’s better to visit this area last.

If Landscape Arch is the longest stone span in North America, then Double Arch has the tallest opening in the park. The southern span of Double Arch soars 112 feet (34 m) above the ground level. It is also the third longest, or widest, arch in the park at 144 feet (44 m) across.

You can view the arch from the parking lot, but I suggest you walk to the bottom of the arch. It’s an easy, relatively flat walk on a hard packed surface with some slopes and a sandy surface at the end of the trail.

Here at the Double Arch, people like to take a rest while enjoying the formation. Some people take endless pictures, trying to make the best ones, while others climb as high as they can. Lots of big rocks under the arch.

One thing to know. At the beginning of the trail, there’s a Parade of Elephants rock formations. While walking to the arches, look to your left, and find the rock elephants. It’s pretty cool!   

#5 The Windows & Turret Arch

Round-trip distance: 1 mile (1.6 km)

Durations: 45 minutes

Category: easy

Distance from entrance: 12 miles (19.3 km)

Drive time: 25-30 minutes

In the opposite direction of Double Arch are The Windows and Turret Arch. One of the most scenic locations in the park. It is also a cool spot to watch the sunset and stargazing. Since these are your last  arches to see in the park, you can wait for the sunset if you want to.

From the parking lot you will walk on a flat, hard packed surface for about 100 yards (91 m.) Then the trail turns to stone steps, uneven surfaces, and a bit of elevation gain. It’s an easy hike, but watch your step because it’s easy to trip yourself here. 

You will be awed by the large opening of the windows the moment you see it from the trail until you get underneath it. We were lucky to see a rainbow from the north window when we were there. 

At this place, to take pictures without others in your frame is hard. People like to sit underneath the arch just to immerse themselves with this beauty. If you are good with photo editing, you will be fine. If not, good luck.

OTHER STOPS BESIDES THE ARCHES

Of course you will be able to make other stops or drive-thru when visiting Arches National Park in one day. Here they are:

1. Balanced Rock

One of the most iconic features in the park that you can visit on your way to the Windows from Devils Garden. Or, on your way out, after you visit The Windows. 

Balanced Rock is also one of the best places to see the sunset, as well as stargazing and night photography.

You can always see it from the road, but people like to walk around the rock’s base to see it upclose. The walk is only 0.3 mile (0.5 km) round trip and easy. Parking spots are limited. 

Distance from entrance: 9.2 miles (14.8 km), about 15-20 minutes drive time.

2. Wolfe Ranch and Petroglyph Panel

On your way back to the car from Delicate Arch, turn towards Petroglyph Panel and Wolfe Ranch. A quick explore to the ranch built by John Wesley Wolfe in the early 1900s and to view early evidence of earlier human habitation at a petroglyph panel.

3. Drive-thru Garden of Eden

You can do this after you leave The Windows. Its location is right before The Windows. Depending on your time, maybe you can make a quick stop and explore a bit.

4. Look for Pothole Arch

Because of the speed limit, you will be able to enjoy the scenery along the way. Look for the Pothole Arch between Garden of Eden and the Balanced Rock.

5. Courthouse Towers Viewpoint

Make a quick stop and open your window. Then take pictures of the Sheep Rock and the Three Gossips on one side, and The Organ, Tower of Babel, and Courthouse Tower on the other side. You can always take pictures from inside your car on the way to the Delicate Arch.

Tips for Visiting Arches in One Day

1. Start as early as you can. Avoid entering the park between 9am – 2 pm, especially during high season.

2. Bring lunch.

3. Make sure you have plenty of water and snacks.

4. Ensure you have a full tank of gas as there’s no filling station inside the park.

5. Always stay on designated trails. 

6. Apply and reapply sunscreen especially when visiting in the summer.

7. Wear hiking boots or sturdy tennis shoes. Leave your sandals or flip flops at home.

8. Wear appropriate outdoor clothes.

9. Have your camera and cell phone in full charge.

10. Know your limit.

Visiting Arches National Park with a Dog?

As most National Parks, Arches are also not a best place for you and your dogs. You have limited places to go, and it’s better to find a kennel in Moab if you want to hike to arches.

Pets are not allowed on any hiking trails, or anywhere off-trails, even while in a carrier. Also at any overlooks and in the visitor center or any buildings.

The only places you can take your leashed pets are along established roads or in parking areas and in established campgrounds and picnic areas.

Service animals that have been individually trained to perform specific task(s) for the benefit of an individual with a disability are allowed in the park. Therapy, companion, or comfort animals are not service animals under the Americans with Disabilities Act. So, they are not allowed on trails, arches, overlooks, visitor centers, and other non-motorized areas.

I hope you find this guide useful in making an itinerary for your visit to Arches National Park in one day. Enjoy your visit to the Arches!

A few of our must-have hiking essentials

Hiking Shoes. We like Merrell, and I especially like my Merrell Women’s Moab 2 Waterproof. It’s lightweight and give me a comfortable toe room. Not that I have wide toes, but I like shoes that wide enough for hiking.

Hiking Socks. Smartwool is our number one choice. It keeps our feet comfy and dry even after a long hike in the summer.

Sunscreen. Sun protection is really important when hiking, especially for me who doesn’t like wearing a hat. I’ve been using Neutrogena for years. Not just for hiking but also for daily use.

Sunblock Lotion. Even under a long sleeve I still apply sunblock lotion to protect my skin. The higher the SPF, that’s what I get for our summer vacation, and also for daily use in the summertime. I found Banana Boat good for my family.

Water Bottle. My son likes his Nalgene. Not just for hiking with us, but also when he goes with his Boy Scout troop for their monthly camping.