Arches National Park
Located just north of Moab in southern Utah, Arches National Park is home to more than 2,000 natural stone arches, along with towering sandstone fins, balanced rocks, and dramatic desert landscapes. Shaped by millions of years of erosion, the park features some of the most iconic formations in the American Southwest, including Delicate Arch, Landscape Arch, and Double Arch. Scenic drives, short walks, and challenging hikes provide visitors with endless opportunities to explore the park's unique geology, photograph stunning red rock scenery, and experience unforgettable sunrises, sunsets, and night skies. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned adventurer, Arches offers one of Utah's most remarkable desert experiences.
My Favorite Hikes for Photography
If you're carrying a camera, a few trails stand out above the rest. Delicate Arch is spectacular at sunrise and sunset, The Windows area offers incredible evening light, Park Avenue shines during golden hour when long shadows stretch across the canyon floor, and Devils Garden provides endless opportunities for dramatic compositions. After a storm, when clouds move in or sunlight breaks through the weather, Arches National Park becomes one of the most photogenic landscapes anywhere in the Southwest.
Delicate Arch Trail
Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
Distance: 3 miles round trip
The Delicate Arch Trail is the most famous hike in Arches National Park and leads to the iconic freestanding arch featured on Utah license plates and in countless photographs. The trail climbs steadily across exposed slickrock and open desert terrain before reaching a natural sandstone bowl where Delicate Arch stands dramatically against the sky. Although the hike is only three miles round trip, the lack of shade, elevation gain, and summer heat can make it feel more challenging than expected. The reward is one of the most spectacular viewpoints in the American Southwest, especially during sunrise and sunset when the arch glows deep orange and red.
Devils Garden Primitive Loop
Difficulty: Strenuous
Distance: 7.2–8 miles round trip
For hikers seeking the ultimate Arches adventure, the Devils Garden Primitive Loop offers an unforgettable journey through some of the park's most rugged and scenic terrain. The route passes several incredible arches, including Landscape Arch, Double O Arch, Navajo Arch, and Partition Arch, while traversing narrow sandstone fins, slickrock ridges, and remote sections of desert wilderness. Portions of the trail require scrambling and careful route-finding, making it best suited for experienced hikers. The variety of landscapes and formations makes this one of the most rewarding hikes in the park.
Landscape Arch Trail
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 1.9 miles round trip
The Landscape Arch Trail follows a relatively flat path through Devils Garden to one of the most impressive natural arches in the world. Landscape Arch spans more than 300 feet and appears impossibly thin for its size. Along the way, hikers pass through a landscape filled with sandstone fins, desert vegetation, and additional viewpoints. Because the trail is easy and accessible, it is one of the most popular hikes in the park and provides a huge reward for minimal effort.
Double O Arch Trail
Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
Distance: 4.2 miles round trip
Continuing beyond Landscape Arch, the trail to Double O Arch becomes more adventurous as it crosses sandstone fins and exposed slickrock terrain. The destination features two arches stacked within the same formation, creating one of the park's most unique geological features. The hike offers fewer crowds and a greater sense of exploration than some of the park's shorter trails, making it a favorite among experienced hikers.
Double Arch Trail
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 0.5 miles round trip
Double Arch is one of the easiest and most visually impressive hikes in Arches National Park. A short walk across flat terrain leads directly beneath two enormous connected arches that tower overhead. The sheer size of the formation is difficult to appreciate until standing beneath it. The area is particularly photogenic at sunrise and sunset when warm light illuminates the sandstone walls.
The Windows Trail
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 1 mile round trip
The Windows Trail takes visitors into one of the park's most iconic and accessible sections. The trail loops among North Window, South Window, and Turret Arch, providing close-up views of massive openings carved into towering sandstone fins. The area feels almost like a natural outdoor cathedral, with enormous rock walls surrounding the trail. Sunset is especially beautiful here as the arches frame colorful desert skies and distant mountain views.
Sand Dune Arch Trail
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 0.4 miles round trip
Tucked away between towering sandstone fins, Sand Dune Arch offers a completely different experience from many of the park's more exposed hikes. The trail winds through soft sand and shaded passages before reaching a hidden arch nestled within a cool sandstone alcove. The combination of shade, sand, and enclosed rock formations makes this one of the most enjoyable short hikes during warmer months.
Broken Arch Trail
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Distance: 2 miles round trip
Broken Arch sits in a quieter section of the park and offers a pleasant hike through open desert, sandstone outcrops, and scattered juniper trees. Unlike many arches that are viewed from a distance, visitors can walk directly beneath Broken Arch and appreciate its size and shape up close. The trail feels more secluded than many of the park's signature destinations and often provides a peaceful hiking experience.
Tower Arch Trail
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 3.4 miles round trip
Tower Arch is one of the park's hidden gems and receives far fewer visitors than Delicate Arch or The Windows. The hike travels through sandy washes, rocky terrain, and sections of slickrock before arriving at a massive arch tucked away in a remote corner of the park. The sense of solitude, combined with the impressive size of the formation, makes this trail well worth the effort.
Park Avenue Trail
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Distance: 2 miles one way
Park Avenue offers one of the most dramatic introductions to Arches National Park. The trail descends into a broad canyon lined with towering sandstone walls, monoliths, and spires that resemble a city skyline. Walking between these massive formations provides a completely different perspective than the park's arch-focused hikes. Morning and evening light create incredible shadows and textures along the canyon walls, making it a favorite among photographers.
Skyline Arch Trail
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 0.4 miles round trip
The Skyline Arch Trail is a short and easy walk leading to a large arch perched high above the desert floor. Despite its brief distance, the hike offers excellent views and a chance to appreciate the powerful forces of erosion that shaped the landscape. It is a perfect stop for visitors looking for a rewarding experience without a lengthy hike.
Fiery Furnace
Difficulty: Strenuous
Distance: Varies
Fiery Furnace is unlike any other hike in Arches National Park. Rather than following a traditional trail, visitors navigate a maze of narrow sandstone corridors, hidden passageways, towering fins, and natural chambers. The twisting landscape creates a sense of exploration and adventure around every corner. Route-finding can be challenging, and permits or ranger-led tours are generally required, but those who venture into the Fiery Furnace are rewarded with one of the most unique and unforgettable experiences in the park.