Your First Time in Arches National Park

Our Local Expert Says:

A classic landmark that you should see if you can.

Description:

This trail leads to Delicate Arch, the signature landmark of Arches National Park. Three miles long with an elevation gain of 480 feet, don't be fooled by mere statistics into thinking this is an easy hike. Completely unshaded, it can knock your socks off if you attempt it on a hot, sunny day. Bring abundant water, a sun-hat, camera, and a hearty constitution if you start midday in the summer! (Actually, we recommend you go early in the morning or to catch the sunset if possible during the hot months.) Absolutely worth every step, however; definitely make sure you see this iconic landmark if you can.

Description:

Beyond Landscape Arch, the trail becomes more challenging as it climbs over sandstone slabs. The footing is rocky and there are narrow ledges with exposure to heights. Spur trails lead to Partition and Navajo Arches. Dark Angel is one-half mile (0.8 km) farther. Trail guide available at trailhead.

Description:

A loop trail around the base of a fragile, picturesque rock formation.

Our Local Expert Says:

Classically spectacular arch, it's a must-see because of its beauty, accessibility, and demonstration of nature's forces at work.

Description:

Spanning 290 feet, Landscape Arch is considered to be the longest natural arch in the world. At its skinniest point, it measures only six feet. Do you want to walk across it? Yeah, neither do we. Of course, you aren't allowed to do that anyway. You can no longer walk beneath it either, in the Park's efforts to reduce any issues from visitors doing just that and being bonked on the head by more falling rock. This old arch, considered to be at the end of its life cycle, might completely collapse at any time, so see it while you still can. This hike is great for younger kids and those pressed for time, as it only takes about 30 minutes to reach from the trailhead parking lot. This hike can also be part of the longer Primitive Loop Hike.

Our Local Expert Says:

Up close and personal with the geologic wonders that comprise Arches.

Description:

The Fiery Furnace is a labyrinth of narrow sandstone canyons and fins. Sudden drop-offs, dead ends, and twisty trails through the mazelike area are all part of the fun! There are no marked trails, and the area has suffered resource damage due to increased visitation. Hikers who want to explore the Fiery Furnace must obtain a permit at the visitor center (fee charged) and watch a minimum impact video.

All visitors are encouraged to sign up for a ranger-guided hike. The park began offering this strongly-encouraged option after many unescorted hikers got lost. Once you've begun this hike, there's no turning back.

Description:

After heading down the easy, paved trail to Landscape Arch in the Devil's Garden area, keep going on the primitive trail for an unforgettable hike that includes spur trails to nine arches. If you plan to see all the arches, expect the hike to be a little over 7 miles total. This trail traverses narrow sandstone fins that have steep drop-offs to either side; not recommended for those scared of heights! Plan to take at least half a day on this longest maintained trail in the Park. Very few people attempt this entire trail, so you'll likely have it to yourself much of the way.

Arches along the way include Tunnel Arch, Pine Tree Arch, Landscape Arch, Wall Arch (this one collapsed in 2008, making it a fascinating example of nature at work), Partition Arch, Navajo Arch, Black Arch, Double O Arch, Private Arch. You will also see the brooding Dark Angel monolith.

Description:

From Park Avenue parking area, the trail descends steeply into a spectacular canyon and continues down the wash to Courthouse Towers. If you have a shuttle driver, you can begin at one point and be picked up at the other. For round-trip hiking, retrace your steps along the trail rather than walk along the park road.

Description:

Turret Arch is a pretty Arch in the Windows area of Arches NP. The views over the area are very pretty and the Arch itself is a unique free standing arch. Follow the trail to the Windows, bearing right at the first intersection, and near the …

Description:

A pleasant hike around the Windows Arches in Arches NP. Elevation is determined by how high you want to climb but the general hike is mild. The trail leads to both north and south windows and then around the backside of the sandstone upthrust...

Description:

In addition to the short accessible trail, another (moderately strenuous) hiking trail climbs one-half mile (0.8 km) toward Delicate Arch and ends at the rim of a steep canyon that separates the viewpoint from the arch. (This is not the popular trail to Delicate Arch itself, which starts at the Wolfe Ranch parking area.)

Our Local Expert Says:

This utterly bizarre-looking Mars-scape is the intriguing location of several films

Description:

While this is a bit of a jaunt from Arches unless you're heading to Capitol Reef or Lake Powell, Goblin Valley State Park is a must-see if you are doing the classic Southern Utah Grand Circle loop. Located in Utah's Castle country, wind, water and time have carved thousands of sandstone spires into spooky and impressive shapes; hence the park's name "Goblin Valley." Photographers, families with children, and hikers will all appreciate the unique natural beauty of this state park. There are 25 campsites within the park for guests who want to spend the night. 36 miles southwest of I-70.

Description:

Natural Bridges preserves some of the finest examples of natural stone architecture in the southwest. On a tree-covered mesa next to deep sandstone canyons, three natural bridges formed when meandering streams slowly cut through the canyon walls. In honor of the Native Americans that made this area their home, the bridges are named "Kachina," "Owachomo" and "Sipapu."

Our Local Expert Says:

Eerie yet calming silence holds this timeless place in a contemplative solitude. You can almost hear the voices and laughter of those who lived here centuries before...and they were regular people just like you and me.

Description:

Hovenweep National Monument protects six prehistoric, Puebloan-era villages spread over a twenty-mile expanse of mesa tops and canyons along the Utah-Colorado border. Multi-storied towers perched on canyon rims and balanced on boulders lead visitors to marvel at the skill and motivation of their builders. Hovenweep is noted for its solitude and undeveloped, natural character.