Ultimate Guide to an Epic One Day in Arches National Park Itinerary

Arches National Park is one of the most popular parks in the United States. It’s easy to see why! With over 2,000 dramatic red rock arches and spectacular canyons, it’s a stunningly beautiful place.

But there’s more to Arches than just its natural beauty. There are also plenty of things to do, from hiking and biking to exploring the park’s many archaeological sites.

If you’re planning one day in Arches National Park, this guide will give you all the information you need. We’ll tell you about some of the best hikes and attractions in the park, as well as where to stay and eat.

Whether you’re looking for an action-packed day or a more relaxed getaway, Arches has something for everyone. If you have more than one day in Arches National Park, we have a few more suggestions, too.

Let The Parks Expert help you plan an amazing Arches National Park itinerary!

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How to Get to Arches National Park

You may be asking yourself, “Where is Arches National Park?”

Arches National Park is located in eastern Utah. The closest town to the park is Moab, which is a popular base for exploring Arches and other nearby parks, such as Canyonlands National Park and Dead Horse Point State Park.

Thankfully, getting to Arches is easy! It’s just a short drive from Moab. There’s even a tiny airport there (Canyonlands Regional) that’s serviced with daily flights on Delta and United from Salt Lake City and Denver, respectively.

If you’re coming from further away, you can fly to Grand Junction Regional Airport or Salt Lake City International Airport and then rent a car. Having a personal vehicle is the best way to explore Arches National Park in one day.

Here are some distances and driving times from other attractions and cities near Arches National Park, including other national parks in Utah.

Moab: 5 miles, 10 minutes (varies depending on where in Moab you are coming from)

Canyonlands National Park: 30 miles, 32 minutes

Grand Junction: 113 miles, 1.75 hours

Capitol Reef National Park: 141 miles, 2.25 hours

Salt Lake City: 234 miles, 3.75 hours

Bryce Canyon National Park: 271 miles, 4 hours

Zion National Park: 309 miles, 4.5 hours

Denver: 355 miles, 5.5 hours

Las Vegas: 457 miles, 6.5 hours

If you’re planning a road trip, don’t forget to read our Utah National Parks itinerary!

Things to Know Before You Visit Arches National Park

Park Hours

Arches National Park is open 24 hours a day. In fact, it’s one of the best national parks for stargazing!

The Arches National Park Visitor Center, however, is not open 24/7. If you’re hoping for a national parks passport stamp or a junior ranger activity book, be sure to plan ahead and visit when the center is open. It’s located at the entrance to the park, so you can’t miss it.

For the most up-to-date hours, check the official website. Hours change seasonally.

Reservation System

In an important 2022 update, Arches National Park now requires timed entry tickets. This is enforced between 6 a.m. and 5 p.m. Outside these hours, anyone can enter the park.

While the tickets are free, there is a $2 processing fee charged by Recreation.gov. You can book as early as three months in advance. A limited number of tickets are released at 6 p.m. each night as well, valid for the following day only.

If you have reservations within the park, such as for camping in Devils Garden or the ranger-guided Fiery Furnace tour, you will not need a timed entry ticket. Tribal members are also excluded and do not need reservations.

The pilot timed entry system is in effect from April 3 to October 3, 2022. Learn more and secure your reservation here.

Parking

As the new timed entry system suggests, parking and congestion have been issues at Arches National Park for some time. It’s not uncommon to stumble across a full parking lot.

Plan to start your Arches National Park itinerary as early as you can to be able to find a parking spot. The National Park Service recommends starting before 8 a.m., but in our opinion, that is too late. Starting early also helps you avoid the heat and stay away from crowds.

Once you’re at the park, be flexible throughout the day in case parking lots are full as you explore. It’s important to pack your patience! Rearrange your day to allow for crowding issues. They are extremely common in this small but popular national park.

If there’s something in particular you want to see during your day trip to Arches, plan to see it first to avoid crowds and ensure you can find a place to park.

Parking for RVs is even more challenging, so bring a smaller vehicle if you can. If you’re unable to, start as early as possible or extend your visit to later in the day. The park is usually pretty quiet around dinner time.

Entrance Fee

There is a fee to enter Arches National Park. These tickets are valid for 7 days. Prices are $30 per vehicle, $25 per motorcycle, and $15 per pedestrian (on foot or by bicycle).

In order to save money, I would recommend purchasing a national parks pass. These cost $80 and are valid for a full calendar year (from the date of purchase) at all public lands in the United States. After you visit 3 national parks, it’ll have paid for itself. It also makes a great gift for national park enthusiasts! Learn more about park entry fees.

Pets

Generally, pets are allowed anywhere cars can go in Arches National Park. Many other national parks in the United States follow this guideline as well.

What does that mean? Basically, you can bring your leashed furry friend to park roads, parking areas, picnic areas, and campgrounds. Pets are not allowed on trails or inside any buildings.

Pets include emotional support animals and service animals in training. Service animals specifically trained to aid their owner with a disability can accompany their owner throughout the park.

Check Current Conditions

Conditions can change at any time, and the official website is always the most up-to-date. This includes any closures, restrictions, or critical updates that anyone planning at least one day in Arches National Park should be aware of.

Can You Drive to the Arches in Arches National Park?

You can! Though, you may not get as close as you’d like.

The Scenic Drive through Arches National Park is 18 miles each way and sprinkled with viewpoints and pullouts. From there, you’re treated to overlooks that include many of the park’s arches.

If you have less than one day in Arches or you don’t want to hike, plan 3-3.5 hours to drive this route and stop at viewpoints for as many arches as you’d like.

If you have mobility limitations, the following areas are wheelchair accessible: Balanced Rock Viewpoint, Wolfe Ranch Cabin, Park Avenue Viewpoint, and Lower Delicate Arch Viewpoint.

Cell Phone Reception

The closer you are to Moab, the more reliable your cell reception will be. However, as you venture further into the park, service may wane depending on your provider.

When I visited, I was unable to tell our friends when we would arrive at their house that night due to a lack of service. Someone in my travel party, however, could FaceTime her parents from Delicate Arch. You never know!

Bring in Your Food (Then Pack it Out!)

There are no food services, restaurants, or kiosks in Arches National Park. Plan ahead by packing a lunch or grabbing something to go at one of the many restaurants in Moab.

In the past, Arches National Park has closed to entry when the parking lots fill. Therefore, we wouldn’t risk exiting the park to get food if you’re hoping to get back in. We don’t know if this has changed with the new timed entry system or not.

The end of this guide features some of our favorite places to eat in Moab along with picnic area locations in the park.

When visiting our national parks and public lands, please practice Leave No Trace principles. Plan ahead, choose durable surfaces for camping or hiking, dispose of all waste properly, leave everything you find, minimize campfire impacts, respect wildlife, and be considerate of other park visitors.

When to Visit Arches National Park

The hottest months of the year are July and August. Still, it can be pretty hot from May to September. Temperatures often exceed 100ºF. Late summer is also monsoon season which means heavy rains and the potential for flash floods.

The most pleasant times to visit weather-wise are April, May, and mid-September through October. These also happen to be some of the most popular times to visit Arches, so you should expect crowds.

Remember that visiting in the summer leads to additional daylight hours. Visiting in winter means shorter days and less time to explore.

Personally, we love visiting Arches National Park in winter. You may encounter snow and freezing temperatures, but it’s nice to feel as though you have the park to yourself.

Be aware that snow, even small amounts of it, can lead to closed roads and trails.

Weather

Weather can be unpredictable in Arches National Park with temperatures fluctuating as much as 40 degrees in one day!

While hiking and exploring in the desert, remember to stay hydrated. We recommend drinking one gallon of water per person per day.

Before your visit, we recommend checking the weather forecast in Moab.

How to Spend One Day in Arches National Park

Once you’re in the park, there are plenty of things to do.

Of course, you’ll want to see some of the iconic arches. Delicate Arch is one of the most popular (and photographed) landmarks in the park. But there are also plenty of other great hikes in Arches, like Devils Garden and Park Avenue.

Don’t forget to explore the many canyons and petroglyphs! Arches National Park has some of the best archaeological sites in the country. This Arches National Park one day itinerary will cover all of the above and more.

This one day in Arches National Park itinerary is designed for first-time visitors who are hoping to see as much as possible in one day. For that reason, some of the best things to do in Arches may be missed because they take a bit longer. You can read more about them in our suggestions for those who have more time, featured after this article.

It’s also easy to play around with the order of this Arches National Park itinerary. For example, you could start your day at the Windows for sunrise or end at Delicate Arch for sunset. It’s easy to adapt so that you can make the most of your experience.

Personally, I’ve organized it so your day begins at Delicate Arch before the crowds arrive. Then, we head to Devils Garden Trailhead at the end of the 18-mile Scenic Drive. From there, you’ll work your way back to Moab throughout the day.

I’ve been to the park three times, and this is exactly how I would spend one day in Arches National Park.

Arches National Park Itinerary At a Glance

Here is a brief overview of how to spend one day in Arches National Park. All hiking distances are roundtrip unless stated otherwise.

• Delicate Arch hike (allow 2.5-3 hours; 3 miles)
• Devils Garden Trail (time and mileage vary depending on how far you want to hike)
• Landscape Arch (allow 1 hour; 1.8 miles hiking)
• Optional: Pine Tree Arch and Tunnel Arche (30 minutes, 0.8 miles)
• Optional: Sand Dune Arch (allow 30 minutes; 0.4 miles)
• Optional: Broken Arch (allow 1 hour; 1.2 miles or 1.7 miles to include Sand Dune Arch)
• Optional: Skyline Arch (allow under 30 minutes; 0.4 miles)
• Garden of Eden Viewpoint (allow ~5 minutes)
• Turret Arch and the Windows (allow 1-1.5 hours; 1 mile)
• Double Arch (allow 20 minutes; 0.6 miles)
• Park Avenue Viewpoint, La Sal Mountains Viewpoint (allow ~5 minutes each)
• Balanced Rock (allow 15 minutes; optional 0.3-mile walk)

Start with a Sunrise/Early Morning Hike to Delicate Arch

No Arches National Park itinerary is complete without a hike to Delicate Arch. It’s one of the most well-recognized landmarks in Arches National Park and in Utah.

The lighting is ideal for photography at Delicate Arch around sunset. Any photographers with one day at Arches National Park may want to rearrange this itinerary.

That said, it’s also one of the busiest times on this trail. That’s why we prefer to hike it in the morning.

The Delicate Arch trailhead is located at Wolfe Ranch, about 20 minutes from the visitor center. Drive up Scenic Drive and then turn on Delicate Arch Road.

As you drive here in the morning, you’ll be tempted to stop at the overlooks and arches you pass. Don’t worry, we’ll backtrack later!

The round-trip hike is only three miles, but it can be challenging in sections. There are some steep drop-offs with exposure and slippery rock surfaces. We recommend allowing two and a half to three hours for the hike.

There is a Delicate Arch viewpoint you can drive to if you’d rather skip the hike. However, we feel it isn’t worth it. The arch looks so small from that area despite being the largest freestanding arch in the park.

If you have the ability to hike 3 miles, this is one of the best things you can do in Arches National Park.

Remember to start early! There’s no shade on this trail, and you begin by climbing a steep, exposed slickrock surface.

Every time we’ve visited Arches, we’ve arrived here before 8 a.m. and always found a parking spot. In February and May, we had Delicate Arch to ourselves for 15-20 minutes. In October, we didn’t beat the crowds. In the high season, lines for photos can be 15-20 minutes long.

Read more about hiking to Delicate Arch in our detailed trail guide.

Next, Drive to the Devils Garden Trailhead

After your hike to Delicate Arch, it’s time to drive to the end of the 18-mile Scenic Drive. This road takes you past some of the most iconic sights in Arches National Park.

Find a parking spot at Devils Garden. Here, you have a few different options for hikes. That’s what makes this area so special – you can pick and choose your own adventure!

First, let’s talk about what Devils Garden is. It’s a section of fins and arches formed by erosion over millions of years. The fins are thin walls of rock that are slowly being worn away. They eventually form into arches, as you see throughout the park.

Devils Garden is one of the most popular areas in Arches National Park for a reason. It’s easy to access and has some of the most impressive arches in the park. That said, it can also be quite crowded during peak season. Hiking here can also be difficult and require wayfinding skills.

Hiking to Landscape Arch and Beyond

There are two main hikes at Devil’s Garden: a short option and a long option.

The short trail is 1.8 miles and takes you to see Landscape Arch, one of the largest spans of rock in the world. At 306 feet long, it’s the most visually stunning arch in the park after Delicate Arch.

You can also see Pine Tree Arch and Tunnel Arch if you’re up for 0.8 more miles of hiking. If you only want to see one, we like Pine Tree Arch the best (sorry, Tunnel Arch, it’s not personal). Pine Tree Arch also offers some shade.

The long option is a primitive 7.9-mile trail that includes Landscape Arch as well as Double O Arch, Navajo Arch, Partition Arch, and more. With only one day in Arches National Park, you probably won’t have time to hike this entire trail. At least not without sacrificing some of the other amazing things to see.

The long trail can be quite challenging, especially in the heat of summer. We recommend starting early in the day if you’re planning on doing this hike. There is very little shade on the trail, so it’s important to stay hydrated and take breaks as needed.

Both trails start at the Devils Garden Trailhead. If you’re doing the short trail, simply follow the signs for Landscape Arch.

You can learn more in our guide to the best hikes in Arches National Park.

After hiking here, take a lunch break. There are picnic tables around the area, or you can find a shaded rock to sit under and enjoy a quick meal.

Optional: Sand Dune Arch and Broken Arch

If you’d like to hike a bit more, there are a few more trails that start near the Devils Garden area. Doing everything here will take about 90 minutes and add on at least 2 miles of hiking.

The highlight of Sand Dunes Arch is that this hike is in the shade. The arch itself is also located in an alcove, so it’s a great way to cool off in the middle of the day.

If you only want to do this portion, it’s 0.4 miles of walking and should only take about 30 minutes or less. Kids also love this one because it’s basically a giant, natural sandbox.

Of the two, we find Broken Arch to be more impressive. However, the arches you’ll visit soon in the Windows area are more impressive than Broken Arch, so it’s up to you and how much hiking you’re prepared for.

Broken Arch is not actually broken, but it is cracked with a dent at the top. We think it kind of looks like a heart, or two squirrels kissing. To hike to Broken Arch, it’s 1.2 miles.

Optional: Skyline Arch

This is another popular stop at Arches National Park, but we’d personally skip it. Still, it is quick if it piques your interest.

The viewpoint for Skyline Arch is about a 5-minute walk from the parking area, totaling 0.4 miles. You’ll only need to plan 10-20 minutes here.

It’s a pretty unique arch that’s entirely supported by the surrounding rock. It’s fun to imagine what it’ll look like one day after more erosion.

Then, Drive to the Turret Arch and Windows Section

Once you’ve finished your hike at Devils Garden, it’s time to continue on the Scenic Drive before detouring on The Windows Road.

There are a few different stops you can make along the way, but one of our favorites is the Garden of Eden Viewpoint.

This is one of the best places to get views of the iconic red sandstone fins that Arches National Park is known for. It’s especially beautiful in the early morning or evening when the light hits the rocks just right.

It’s worth making a stop here on your Arches day trip. But the real highlight of the area is Turret Arch, North Window, South Window, and Double Arch.

Though hiking through this area isn’t long in mileage, the views are astounding and you’ll want to take many photos. You’ll only hike about a mile through the Windows and to Turret Arch, but I would allow 1-1.5 hours here.

The North Window Arch is also a great place for sunrise if you’re an early riser (expect crowds, though).

Don’t Forget Double Arch

This is one of our favorites! It’s so striking when you see it in person. It’s also the tallest arch in the park.

This is also accessible from the Windows/Turret Arch parking area. We recommend about 20 minutes here as the hike is only 0.6 miles.

Do you recognize this one from an Indiana Jones flick?

Take in Scenic Vistas

As you drive the remainder of Scenic Drive, there are a few more viewpoints we recommend stopping at.

First is the La Sal Mountains viewpoint. This is an iconic landscape often photographed at Arches National Park.

Next are the Park Avenue and Courthouse Towers viewpoints. There is also a hike through this area, but we found the viewpoints to be spectacular on their own.

If you’re up for more hiking, this trail is 1.8 miles long, so plan to take about 1 hour. You can start at either end and return on the same trail. If someone doesn’t mind skipping the hike, you can also shuttle.

Marvel at Balanced Rock

Finally, we’ll take in the incredible and unbelievable Balanced Rock. You can either hike here or stay in the parking area for a great view.

This easy trail is fully paved, so even if you’re tired, we recommend the short jaunt. It’s only 0.3 miles and will allow you to take in Balanced Rock from every angle.

You’ll only need about 15 minutes here before returning to Moab for the night.

Suggestions for Anyone with More Than One Day in Arches National Park

If you have more than one day in Arches, or you’re interested in some other things to do in the park, here are some of our suggestions.

Full Devils Garden Trail

The Devil’s Garden Trail is one of the most popular things to do at Arches National Park. It leads to some of the most stunning and remote arches in the park.

While the 7.9-mile hike is difficult, the reward is remarkable. In total, you’ll see eight arches on this trail.

The farther you hike, the more difficult this trail becomes. Seeing Double O Arch (pictured above), the grand finale on this trail, involves a few sections of rock scrambling.

Fiery Furnace

This is one of the most unique experiences you can have at Arches National Park. The Fiery Furnace is a maze of fins, slots, and narrow passages.

You’ll need to obtain a permit from the visitor center, but it’s well worth it. The Fiery Furnace is an expansive and otherworldly landscape that feels like you’re on another planet.

If you’re not prepared to go on your own, join a ranger-led experience. You can reserve those here. We recommend booking as early as possible as these do fill up fast.

Tower Arch

If you have a 4×4 vehicle, you can drive the 8-mile unpaved route to Tower Arch. This is a fantastic way to avoid crowds in Arches National Park.

Do not drive this road if there is a potential for flash flooding. The road will quickly wash out during rain storms.

This difficult hike is 2.6 miles and takes 2-3 hours.

What to Bring for One Day at Arches National Park

If you’re planning one day in Arches National Park, there are a few things you’ll need to bring.

• Hiking boots: Shoes that are good for hiking and have ankle support.
• Sunscreen: The UV rays in national parks can be intense, even on cloudy days.
• Bug spray: There are a lot of bugs in the park, especially near water sources.
• Yaktrax: Helpful for snowy conditions.
• Rain gear: The weather can change quickly, no matter the time of year or location. Bring a raincoat and/or umbrella just in case!
• Layers: Temperatures can fluctuate a lot, so it’s best to dress in layers.
• Snacks: There are limited food options inside the park, so bring your own snacks!
• Camera: You’ll want to capture the beauty of your national park in photos!
• Water bottle: Stay hydrated while hiking around the park!
• Hat: You’ll need protection from the sun and bugs.
• Binoculars: Bring binoculars if you want to view wildlife in the park.
• First-aid kit: You never know if you might get a cut or scrape while hiking.
• Flashlight: This is helpful for late-night hikes and stargazing!
• Map: Bring a physical map for navigating the park.

Where to Eat Near Arches National Park

No matter what you do, you’re going to work up an appetite. Fortunately, there are plenty of great places to eat near Arches National Park.

Some of the most popular eateries in Moab include Jailhouse Cafe, Antica Forma, Sabaku Sushi, Moab Brewery, and Trailhead Public House.

If you’re looking for something quick and easy, Moab is home to a fabulous food truck park. This will have options for everyone in your travel party.

We also love Sweet Cravings, the perfect place to stop and pick up a sandwich for later before heading into the park.

Picnic areas in the park are located at:

• Arches Visitor Center
• Across the road from Balanced Rock
• Panorama Point
• Delicate Arch Viewpoint
• Devils Garden

Where to Stay Near Arches National Park

Finally, you’ll need to find somewhere to stay. We recommend staying in Moab the night before spending one day in Arches National Park. That way you can make the most of the 24 hours (or less) that you have.

Camping

Arches National Park is home to one campground, Devils Garden. There are 51 sites located there, 18 miles from the park entrance. Reservations are accepted up to 6 months in advance for stays from March 1 to October 31. The campground is open year-round and first-come, first-served from November 1 to February 28/29. There is drinking water, flushing toilets, and picnic tables available (no hookups).

Backcountry camping is another great way to see Arches National Park. The terrain is primitive with very few marked trails beyond those accessible from parking areas.

There are three designated camping areas in the Courthouse Wash and one off the primitive trail in Devil’s Garden.

Furthermore, there are very limited water sources and you should plan on carrying all of your water with you for your trip. Permits are required and cost $7 per person. For more about backpacking in Arches National Park, visit this webpage.

While there is only one campground in Arches National Park, there are many options nearby. This website keeps an updated list. You can also try glamping in Monticello or at Under Canvas in Moab!

Hotels, Inns, Motels, and Hostels

If you’re not into camping, there are also several hotels and motels in Moab. Book a room at the links below.

River Canyon Lodge | Hotel Moab Downtown | Comfort Suites | Lazy Lizard Hostel | Bown Motel

Pin Our One Day in Arches National Park Itinerary

Arches National Park is one of our favorite places on earth. We hope this Arches National Park one day itinerary has inspired you to visit.

Remember, even if you only have one day, it’s possible to see a lot of what this park has to offer.

Do you have any tips for visitors? Let us know in the comments below! Happy travels!