Discover Parks & Wildlife contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. If you make a purchase using one of the Amazon links (or other affiliate links), we may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. See our disclosure policy for more information.
Best Things to Do in Arches National Park: Top 12 Must-Sees
Looking for the best things to do in Arches National Park? Well, you’re in the right place because this iconic slice of Utah knows how to put on a show… and not the boring kind your uncle records with his old-school camcorder on vacation.
This park is all about showing off with over 2,000 natural sandstone arches, jaw-dropping views, and landscapes that honestly look like Mars decided to pop in and say hi. And whether you’re a fan of epic hikes, bizarre rock formations, or just want to feel tiny in the face of nature’s handiwork, Arches has you covered.
It’s the perfect spot to stretch your legs (or at least pretend you’re outdoorsy) while soaking in some of the most surreal views you’ll probably see in your life.
Trust me, you’ll leave debating which arch deserves the “most photogenic” award. So take a moment to appreciate the fact that you’re in one of the coolest spots on Earth. And no, I’m not exaggerating.
Short On Time? Here’s The Scoop
Your Quick Guide To Top Things To Do In Arches National Park
#1 Activity Not To Miss: Hike to Delicate Arch
Best Sunset Spot: Delicate Arch or Balanced Rock
Tired Of Hiking: Drive the Scenic Route to Epic Viewpoints
Nearby Activity Not To Miss: Dead Horse Point State Park
Best Things To Do In Arches National Park
Get ready to explore the best things to do at Arches National Park, from must-see landmarks to unforgettable adventures.
1. Hike to Delicate Arch
Here’s the thing about Delicate Arch – there’s a reason it’s the star of Utah’s license plates. It’s the crown jewel of any Arches National Park bucket list, and if you don’t hike to see it, did you even really visit?
The 3-mile round-trip trail might make your calves burn just a little (okay, a lot), but the reward? A 52-foot arch standing like a natural masterpiece framed by epic Utah desert views.
Pro tip: Skip the sunset crowds and aim for sunrise. Sure, it’s early, but the soft golden light and fewer people mean you’ll actually get to enjoy the moment… and maybe even score a photo without 76 strangers in the background.
2. Explore the Windows Section
If arches could form a posse, the Windows Section would be their crew. This area offers a bang-for-your-buck experience with a cluster of rock stars to explore.
You’ve got North and South Windows (yes, they’re just as close as they sound), the towering Turret Arch, and the fan-favorite Double Arch.
The walks here are super short and easy, so you can leave your hiking boots in the car. Consider coming here mid-morning when the sun hits the arches just right – casting those photo-worthy shadows you didn’t know you needed in your life.
Or come in the evening for a better chance to spot wildlife.
3. Climb to Double Arch
We just mentioned Double Arch is part of the Windows Section, so it’s the perfect time to discuss it in more detail. So here’s the thing about Double Arch – it’s close enough to the parking lot that you won’t feel like you need a medal for reaching it, but it’s spectacular enough to make you feel like you earned one anyway.
This short, easy stroll takes you to one of the park’s absolute superstars. Two massive rock formations intertwine in a way that makes you wonder if geology was just showing off.
If you want to spend some quality time here, go early in the morning or later in the afternoon when the crowds are smaller, and the light makes every photo worthy of being your phone background.
4. See Landscape Arch
Say hello to Landscape Arch, the diva of arches. Measuring a jaw-dropping 306 feet, it looks like it could collapse at any given moment (don’t worry, it probably won’t… probably). You’ll find this precarious masterpiece in the Devil’s Garden area.
The 2-mile round-trip hike to get there is as gentle as they come, which means you’re free to spend your energy debating how something this delicate has stood for millennia.
Here’s a hint, though: don’t bother getting too close. Access under the arch was closed after a giant chunk fell off in the ’90s… and no one wants to star in “Tourist Squished by Nature’s Engineering.”
5. Visit Balanced Rock
There’s precarious, and then there’s Balanced Rock – a 128-foot tall rock formation showcasing nature’s best balancing act. It’s a literal roadside attraction, and by roadside, I mean you can park your car, take a 2-minute walk, and – bam – there it is.
Balanced Rock looks like it’s seconds away from tumbling over, but don’t worry. It’s been standing there, flaunting its gravity-defying posture like it’s auditioning for America’s Got Talent for millennia now.
While you’re here, you might find yourself marveling at how this rock hasn’t fallen… and then secretly wondering what it would take to give it a little nudge (don’t… just don’t).
6. Tour Arches National Park Scenic Drive
Think of driving through Arches National Park on the scenic route as the perfect lazy person’s guide to exploring nature at its finest – no hiking boots required, no worries.
This 36-mile round-trip drive lets you check off several key attractions without breaking a sweat. And there are plenty of pull-offs where you can park, snap a picture, and pretend you hiked there (your friends on social media will never know).
Whether you’re gawking at towering red rocks or outsmarting a prairie dog who’s eyeing your sandwich, it’s a great way to soak in the park’s vibe with air conditioning at the ready.
Pro tip: Save this drive for peak heat in the afternoon when you aren’t up for doing any hikes.
7. Walk Through Sand Dune Arch
If you’ve got kids (or you are a big kid), Sand Dune Arch is going to be your jam. Picture a mini slot canyon with deep, soft sand that practically screams for you to take your shoes off.
The short walk to this hidden arch will have you zigzagging between towering rock walls like you’re in some kind of low-stakes desert obstacle course. But once you are there, you can kick back, enjoy the shade, and argue over whether or not the sand is softer than the beach you went to last summer.
Spoiler alert – it’s probably not, but see if you disagree on your visit.
8. See Fiery Furnace (With a Permit or Ranger Tour)
Welcome to the park’s ultimate maze – a labyrinth of sandstone fins that feels like you’ve stepped into another world or maybe an M.C. Escher painting brought to life.
The Fiery Furnace is hands down one of the best things to see in Arches National Park, but it’s definitely not for the faint of heart (or anyone who still needs Google Maps to find their way out of a grocery store).
Without a permit or a ranger-led tour, you can’t wander the twists and turns of this natural wonder. And honestly, you’d probably end up convinced you’ve joined the plot of a survival movie if you tried.
If it’s your first time visiting, make sure to do the ranger tour, as it is extremely easy to get turned around and lost in this area of the park. Don’t go for the permit unless you feel confident you can explore safely. And book early, as these tickets are highly coveted.
9. Catch the Sunset (Popular Spots Are Balanced Rock & Delicate Arch)
I know, I know – sunsets are so overrated (except for when they’re not). And the sun’s rays do something magical as it sets over Arches National Park, casting an otherworldly glow on the red rocks and making them look like they’ve been lit up by a million tiny fireflies.
It’s truly a sight to behold, which is why you’ll find crowds gathering at popular spots like Balanced Rock and Delicate Arch around golden hour. But hey, if you don’t mind sharing the view with others (and maybe even making a few friends), it’s worth it.
Plus, it’s the perfect excuse to bring out your inner influencer voice and say things like, “Nature is my aesthetic.” No judgment here.
10. Take In Some Arches National Park Stargazing
If you haven’t seen Arches’ dark skies yet, honestly, what’s stopping you? Once night falls, the park bids farewell to light pollution and says hello to a stargazing experience that’ll make you understand why ancient people thought the heavens were full of gods.
Lie back (preferably on a blanket because the desert ground can be uninviting) and spot constellations, shooting stars, and maybe even a hint of the Milky Way.
Pro tip? Bring a thermos of something warm because while the desert is stunning at night, it’s also rude enough to throw a temperature drop at you.
Want to one-up yourself? Try astrophotography and spend the rest of the year bragging about your celestial skills.
11. Check Out Eye of the Whale Arch
Eye of the Whale Arch is like a secret between you, the rocks, and anyone else who knows about it (but let’s pretend it’s just you). It’s tucked away in the Herdina Park area, and while it requires a bit more effort to reach, that only makes it cooler.
The arch itself is reminiscent of – you guessed it – an eye on some kind of giant stone whale. I bet you wouldn’t guess that it actually used to be called Bridge of Time. Yep, until some creative person pointed out its far more fitting new name.
And if someone asks if there are any actual whales around here? Just wink mysteriously and change the subject.
12. Hike to Elephant Butte
You want views? Elephant Butte delivers. At 5,653 feet, it’s the highest point in the park, which automatically grants you bragging rights among your hiking pals.
The trail isn’t exactly a casual stroll – it’s a “bring decent shoes and water because you’re earning this” kind of trek (and there is no official NPS-marked trail).
Once you make it to the top, though, the reward is unreal. Sweep your gaze across panoramic views of the entire park, plus some neighboring formations that are also trying to compete for your attention but don’t quite manage the same wow factor.
Oh, and don’t forget to take it all in before pulling out your camera – panoramic beauty deserves a moment of appreciation before being reduced to pixels.
Please keep in mind that this “hike” requires rock scrambling and route-finding – so it is not for beginners or those who get lost easily.
Best Tour To Arches National Park
This guided tour from Moab is your shortcut to Arches National Park’s greatest hits – like the mixtape of rock formations you didn’t know you needed.
Starting in downtown Moab, things kick off with a quick drive to the park entrance (because who has time to waste?). First up is the Park Avenue Trail, where you’ll take a stroll among monoliths so massive they’ll make you feel like an ant in a canyon-themed blockbuster.
From there, you’ll cruise by rock stars like Courthouse Towers and the Petrified Dunes, and if that’s not enough, you’ll get out for some light hiking at Balanced Rock, the Lower Delicate Arch Viewpoint, and the ultimate crowd-pleaser, the Windows Section.
Double Arch and epic views of the La Sal Mountains cap off this scenic extravaganza before the tour conveniently drops you back in Moab. Efficient? Absolutely. Boring? Not a chance.
Bonus: Best Things To Do Near Arches National Park
Okay, so you’ve checked off all the fun things to do in Arches National Park… hiking, gawking at arches, and trying to convince yourself you’re not lost in the Devil’s Garden.
But don’t stop there! The surrounding area is packed with other awesome spots waiting to be explored.
13. Explore Canyonlands National Park (Island in the Sky District)
If you’re already in the area, it would be rude not to check out another incredible national park. The Island in the Sky District of Canyonlands is only about 30-40 minutes from Arches and offers a completely different experience.
While Arches showcases its famous rock formations, Canyonlands boasts canyons (shocking, I know). You can go for hikes, take scenic drives, or even float down the Colorado River on a rafting trip if you’re feeling adventurous.
14. Drive or Bike the Scenic Potash Road
Sure, you could do the classic scenic drive through Arches (and you should), but consider this a tip from locals. Potash Road takes you along the Colorado River and offers views of stunning red rock formations that’ll make your jaw drop.
It’s also a popular spot for mountain biking if you’re into that kind of thing. Just be sure to stop every now and then to snap some photos… you don’t want all those Instagram likes going to waste.
15. Visit Dead Horse Point State Park
Don’t let the morbid name throw you off – Dead Horse Point State Park is like a smaller, less crowded version of the Grand Canyon. It’s only about half an hour away from Arches and offers unreal views of winding canyons and the Colorado River.
And if that’s not enough, it also has some pretty spooky legends surrounding its name to tell around your campfire later on. Just maybe don’t try to make dead horse jokes while you’re there.
