Explore Arches National Park: 7 Jaw-Dropping Hikes & Secret Viewpoints You’ll Love

Arches National Park Travel Guide: Trails, Tips, and Must-See Spots

Why Visit Arches National Park

Arches National Park, located near Moab, Utah, USA, is where red rock dreams meet otherworldly landscapes. It’s hard to believe a place this surreal exists on Earth. With over 2,000 natural stone arches carved by time, wind, and desert magic, every trail feels like a journey through nature’s sculpture garden. From the towering Delicate Arch to the labyrinth of Fiery Furnace and Devil’s Garden, it’s a photographer’s playground and a hiker’s wonderland.

Whether you’re a solo traveller, a family on vacation, or a seasoned adventurer, Arches National Park promises not just breathtaking views and mesmerizing hikes, but a deeper appreciation of the raw beauty of nature.
This park ranks #2 on my personal list of Utah’s Mighty Five National Parks, in order of preference: Canyonlands, Arches, Bryce, Capitol Reef, and Zion.

Arches- national-park-devil-garden — *Beautiful red rocks at Devils Garden*

How to Get There

Getting to Arches National Park is part of the adventure. The closest major airport is Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC), about a 4-hour drive from the park. From there, you can rent a car and enjoy a scenic road trip southeast through Utah’s dramatic landscapes. Alternatively, smaller regional flights are available to Grand Junction, Colorado, just under 2 hours away, or Moab’s Canyonlands Field Airport, which is only 20 minutes from the park entrance (though flight options are limited).

For international travellers, renting a car is truly essential – not just for reaching the park, but for exploring its wide, open desert roads and remote trailheads at your own pace.

We usually make Arches a part of our road trip adventure – flying into Los Angeles, then driving through Las Vegas, Nevada or St. George, Utah, before arriving in Moab, Utah.

Arches National Park Landscape arch — *Landscape arch is a 306-foot-long expanse, which makes it one of the longest natural rock arches in the world.*

Do You Need a Permit or Reservation for Arches National Park?

Park passes can be purchased online or at the park entrance (it’s $30 per private vehicle).

To enter this nature’s sculpture garden during peak seasons, you’ll need both a valid park pass and a timed entry reservation.
Timed entry tickets are required for vehicle access between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m., typically from April to July and again from late August to October.
Be sure to check the official Arches page on nps.gov for the exact dates and any updates. Tickets can be reserved in advance through Recreation.gov for a small processing fee of $2.

If you plan to visit without a reservation, you can enter the park before 7 a.m. or after 4 p.m., or during periods when timed entry is not required. Arches National Park is open 24 hours a day, so early morning or late evening visits are great options to avoid crowds and catch stunning desert light.

Arches National Park Double O arch — *The magnificent Double O arch can be found in Devils Garden.*

Top spots & hidden gem you should not miss

Delicate arch: This is definitely the park’s most iconic landmark! This free-standing arch frames the desert horizon like a natural monument and rewards you with a breathtaking view after a 4.8 km roundtrip hike.
Devils Garden: A breathtaking trail featuring towering rock fins, narrow slot passages, spires and seven of the park’s most impressive arches including Double O arch & Landscape arch. You can choose your own difficulty level when exploring this trail. An easy trail will take you to Landscape arch and side trails to Pine Tree and Tunnel arches (total 3.9 km). Experienced hikers can take the more challenging loop with half of it on the primitive trail (12.6 km).
Fiery Furnace: A maze-like labyrinth of narrow sandstone canyons and towering walls where entry requires a permit due to its complex and fragile terrain. Permits can be reserved in advance through Recreation.gov for $10 (self-guided exploration) to $16.00 (ranger-guided tour).

Best time to visit: Spring or Fall for the best conditions

Delicate Arch Arch National Park — *The iconic symbol of ***Arches National Park*** – Delicate arch.*

Where to Stay: The Best Base for Exploring Arches

The best place to stay when visiting this iconic Utah national park is the town of Moab, just a 10-minute drive from the park entrance. Moab offers a wide range of accommodations, from RV parks to budget motels, cozy cabins and upscale hotels, making it convenient for all types of travellers. Beyond that, Moab also has great local restaurants, gear shops, and a fun outdoorsy vibe. It also serves as a central base if you’re planning to explore Canyonlands National Park or Dead Horse Point State Park, or go off-roading, biking, rafting, or whatever outdoor adventure you can think of! Staying in Moab gives you both comfort and easy access to adventure.

Must-try restaurants while in Moab

We love Moab’s classic American diners! Try Moab Diner for all-day breakfast, lunch and dinner in retro surroundings, and Milt’s Stop & Eat for grass-fed beef burgers, buffalo burgers and old-fashioned milkshakes!
Rating: 10 out of 10