Top Things to do in Arches National Park
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The 10 Best Things to do Good for Big Groups in Arches National Park, Arches National Park
One of the smallest parks, Arches is dominated by strange and beautiful sandstone arches which are illuminated at sunset.
1. Delicate Arch
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,859 reviews
A world-famous natural sandstone arch.
Reviewed By 355margotm
We hiked to Delicate Arch in November, starting early-ish in the morning of a sunny (but cool) day. The walk has a bit of everything - colonial history (a historic shack), pre-history (petroglyphs), slick-rock, clambering, ledges and - when you get around the final corner, the amazing Delicate Arch! It stands off to the side of a natural amphitheatre, and we couldn't imagine how it came to be formed. Amazing and beautiful.
2. Double Arch
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 631 reviews
Arch which requires a 4.2-mile hike through challenging terrain.
Reviewed By BruinDan - Fullerton, United States
This short (0.5 mi/0.8 km) out-and-back trail features one of the most impressive formations in Arches National Park, the famous “Double Arch.” To reach the trailhead, take the Windows Road off the main Arches Scenic Drive (the turnoff is near Balanced Rock) to the end of the road, which takes you directly into the parking area for the Windows Loop Trail. You can either park there or continue a little further to the parking area right in front of the Double Arch trailhead. A flat, sandy trail leads to the base of this stunning twin arch formation. NOTE that because the trail is so easy and the view so excellent, the trail (and the parking area) can become quite crowed. There are vault toilets up the stairs from the trailhead adjacent to the parking lot for the Windows Loop Trail. Also NOTE that early morning is considered the best time to photograph the Double Arch. It’s one of the highlights in Arches National Park and should not be missed.
3. Arches National Park Scenic Drive
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 211 reviews
Reviewed By TravelingSoccerLoon - Saint Paul, United States
Not long after entering the park as you climb up the road through several switchbacks, you will experience spectacular sights throughout the drive. My favorite section was driving from Park Avenue through The Courtland Towers area. Balanced Rock is beautiful especially at sunset and is about a 30 min drive from the entrance. It takes about 40-45 min to drive to the end of the scenic drive at Devil's Garden Trailhead. As beautiful the sights are along the road, the highlights of Arches National Park involved getting out and doing some hiking including to Delicate Arch, Landscape Arch and beyond to Double O Arch, Broken Arch and the Windows area.
4. Landscape Arch
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 556 reviews
Arch formation called "incredible" by many visitors.
Reviewed By ekelleman88 - Hammond, United States
This is my 2nd favorite site in Arches after Delicate Arch. It is so cool to see this long, narrow arch that is longer than a football field. And it's an easy hike that is not far from the Devils Garden trailhead.
5. Skyline Arch
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 139 reviews
Arch often visited at sunset because of the beautiful views.
Reviewed By CATTSAR - Provincetown, United States
I liked this arch in spite of not being able to get right up to it. The hike out is short, perhaps 10 minutes or so. From the base you look up and the arch is such that it looks as though it was cut out of a large block of rock. Another impressive feature is the smooth surface of the arch appearing almost two dimensional. All the arches are made that much more stunning when viewed against a sapphire blue sky.
6. Devils Garden Trailhead
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 424 reviews
A 2.2-mile trail leading to Double O arch.
Reviewed By BruinDan - Fullerton, United States
Devils Garden Trailhead is one of the most popular destinations for visitors to Arches National Park. That’s because this trailhead is the starting point for trails that lead to quite a few arches, including Landscape Arch, Pine Tree Arch, Tunnel Arch, Partition Arch, Navajo Arch, Wall Arch, Private Arch, Dark Angel Arch, and Double O Arch. To reach the trailhead from the park entrance or visitor center, take the main scenic drive road and drive 18 mi/29 km north; the road ends at Devils Garden. Parking for the trailhead is just past the campground. There are vault toilets available between the parking lot and trailhead. The parking area is large, but due to its popularity it can fill up quickly. My wife and I arrived here around 8:30 am on a Tuesday in early October, and the parking lot was already approximately 70 percent full. As you begin your hike from the trailhead, you’ll go through a short slot canyon. The trail curves a couple of times, you’ll go up a slight incline and then emerge into an area where the landscape is dotted with interesting formations that are so prevalent in Arches National Park. Before long, you’ll reach a junction with a spur trail that will take you to Pine Tree Arch and Tunnel Arch. The majority of the hikers on the well-groomed trail go on to the remarkable Landscape Arch (a 2.0 mi/3.2 km out-and-back hike); from there the trail becomes more primitive, and the more hardy and ambitious continue on to some of the other arches, most notably Double O Arch. And that’s probably the best element about the Devils Garden Trailhead -- there are hikes here for virtually every skill and fitness level.
7. Windows
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 513 reviews
Section of Arches National Park that is home to juniper forest, collections of eroded sandstone formations and famous arches.
Reviewed By TravelingSoccerLoon - Saint Paul, United States
Arrived in the early morning 30 minutes after sunrise to avoid the crowds that build here throughout the day given the easy accessibility with a short easy walk from the parking lot. Sun was still low in the sky making for cool views of North Window. What really made the experience was walking the primitive trail from just beyond South Window which loops around the back side of the arches providing outstanding views of both North And South Window especially in the early morning light and explaining why The Spectacles are a good nickname. The primitive trail was a bit difficult to find but once on it, I could easily follow the rock cairns. I was the only one walking the trail on an early Monday morning in late August. Made the whole experience pretty special.
8. Arches Visitor Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 211 reviews
Reviewed By jrdc2017 - Washington DC, United States
The visitor center had an big parking lot and was easily accessible. There were park rangers to answer questions, maps, and water to fill your bottles which is a huge benefit. Also, souvenirs and those types of things if you want them. There was phone service as well, which you don't find once you go into the park
9. Courthouse Towers
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 67 reviews
Reviewed By MayfieldParrish - Denver, United States
I did not really understand the Courthouse name but I did find the formations incredible. This is one of the only areas that you do not need to do much walking to get great pictures. They have a small parking lot and some restrooms as well. The massive formations make you feel like an ant!
10. Pine Tree Arch
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 40 reviews
Reviewed By Spuddler - Charlottetown, Canada
Short side trip on the way to landscape arch. Worth the effort as you can get up close to Pine Tree Aarc for some great views.
