Arches National Park Attractions

You want natural arches? You're in luck, because Arches has over 2000 of them! Hike to them, under them, even over some of them, and marvel at nature's ingenious structures that boggle the mind and provide hours of gorgeous scenery. Hiking and photography are the two most common things for visitors to do. The park has spectacular trails ranging from easy, picturesque strolls to challenging scrambles. Two of Arches' most famous landmarks, Delicate Arch and Double Arch, are easily accessible, reached in less than a mile from their trailheads. Make sure to also check out the ranger-led hikes and programs, available between March and October.

Love to climb? Arches is a rock climber's mecca. Although climbing is not allowed on several of the monuments and features (most of the ones named on USGS maps, or call the park and ask), it is allowed on other formations. And of course, strapping on a backpack and hitting the trail is another popular thing to do. Remember to bring your own water, and plenty of it. Stop at the visitor center before you go to get the skinny on all the trail and permit details throughout Arches National Park.

For those who prefer their adventure to be nonbipedally-powered, the 48-mile paved park road is just the thing. Several landmarks are accessible from the road, some of which include Balanced Rock, Delicate Arch Viewpoint, La Sal Mountains viewpoint, and Petrified Dunes Viewpoint. Make sure your camera has extra batteries and memory card and is ready for action, because it'll get a workout. Sunrise and sunset provide the best lighting opportunities to dramatically highlight your subjects. But also keep an eye on the weather; the area's many midsummer storms can lend color that pops and eerie authenticity to the sandstone formations arcing through the sky.

Exploring the local terrain on a fat tire is also a popular way to see the sights. Although it's not allowed within the park boundaries, mountain biking in nearby Moab and surrounding areas is probably one of the biggest draws for active visitors. The Slickrock bike trail is the most famous for cyclists who want to take their wheels into the wilds. If you're a beginner, head to the Monitor/Merrimac loop and the Gemini Bridges trails.

Unusually for national parks, Arches is practically in Moab's back yard. Nightlife, restaurants, brewpubs, theaters, festivals, shopping and and other things to do are all available. A single day can hold a beautiful hike then a delicious sit-down dinner followed by the latest flick at the theater.

Delicate Arch Trail

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Arches National Park

Mostly slickrock trail to world-famous icon Delicate Arch...
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Landscape Arch

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Arches National Park

Easy, some elevation gain. Possibly the world's longest natural arch. 2 miles roundtrip...
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Junior Ranger

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Kids can learn to become stewards of the land in this innovative program...
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Dark Angel

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Hwy 191

4.15 mile hike to sandstone pillar shaped like a brooding angel...
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Skyline Arch

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Arches National Park

Easy .4 mile trail to impressive arch...
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Fiery Furnace

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Arches National Park

Exciting labyrinth of sandstone. Permit required. Best for over 5 years of age...
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Lake Powell

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Highway 276

Sun. Sand. Red slickrock cliffs. Boats. Fun!...
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Double O Arch

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Arches National Park

4.2 mile hike. Many small elevation changes, rocky, heights...
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Turret Arch

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Arches National Park

A short hike to a lovely arch with great views...
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Double Arch

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Arches National Park

.8 mile hike - easy, sandy, flat. Must-see arch...
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The Windows

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Arches National Park

Mile long hike past three massive arches...
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Delicate Arch Viewpoint

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Arches National Park

Quick .5 mile walk to viewpoint of famous icon...
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Devils Garden Primitive Loop Hike

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Arches National Park

5-mile strenuous loop through and around Devils Garden area. Features 8 arches...
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Sand Dune Arch

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Arches National Park

Short, shady hike to a unique arch is popular with kids...
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Broken Arch

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Arches National Park

Easy 1.3 mile hike through grassy meadow...
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Balanced Rock

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Arches National Park

A good hike for kids; impressive rock formation...
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Windows area primitive loop hike

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Arches National Park

A pleasant hike around and through the Windows area...
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Sand Dune Arch

Arches National Park

A short hike to a unique Arch sandwiched between narrow walls...
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Goblin Valley State Park

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Goblin Valley State Park

Hike through goblin-like sculptures of rock called hoodoos...
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Chaco Canyon

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Chaco Culture National Historical Park

The ruins of the center of a thriving Ancestral Puebloan culture a thousand years ago...
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