The 16 best arches in Arches National Park (+ unique rock formations)

Picking the best arches in Arches National Park can be hard since there are so many arches in Arches National Park, over 2,000 in fact! And that’s just the arches, that don’t include the sandstone fins, the slick rocks, slot canyons, and other unique rock features like the Balanced Rock or Elephant Butte.

If you’re visiting Arches National Park and looking for the best arches to see in Arches National Park then you’ll want to check out my pick of the best below.

From the most famous arch in Arches National Park (Delicate Arch) to Private Arch, Landscape Arch, and some more hidden arches in Arches National Park, I’ve put my experience of spending several days just exploring this park, into this blog post for you.

After hiking in Arches National Park, I’ve visited some of the most popular arches, as well as some that are lesser known.

For your visit to see these arches ranging from sliver-thin cracks to those almost 100 m long, you’ll want to pick out which of these you prioritize during your trip. Especially if you’ve only got one day in Arches!

• Note from 2023 you’ll need a time permit for visiting Arches National Park: From April 1-October 31, 2023, visitors will need to obtain a timed entry reservation to visit Arches National Park between the hours of 7 am – 4 pm.

Map of the best arches in Arches National Park UT

Best arches in Arches National Park

1. Double O Arch

The Double O Arch is a unique arch in Arches National Park.

Found along the Devil’s Garden Loop Trail, this arch is one of my favorites as it’s so different from the others.

Here, you’ll find 2 ‘O’ shaped arches cleverly stacked on top of each other. It’s like nature’s version of a double-decker!

To get here, hike the primitive trail from the Devil’s Garden trailhead and navigate over some rocks with easy scrambling.

2. Broken Arch

Broken Arch is another super cool arch to see in Arches National Park and, despite its name, the arch is not broken.

This towering arch is an easy 1-mile hike from either the Park Road or the Devils Garden Campground (the best camping in Arches National Park) and the trail takes you right through the arch’s opening.

3. Landscape Arch

Landscape Arch holds the title for the longest rock arch in North America with an astonishing opening span of 306 feet (93.3 meters).

This super long and unbelievably thin arch is counted among the top attractions in Arches National Park.

Although you can’t get too close since there are fears it’s going to collapse, there’s a dedicated viewing area where you’ll get a great view without putting yourself in danger.

It’s an easy hike in Arches National Park to get here since it’s near the start of the Devil’s Garden Loop Trail.

4. Partition Arch

Partition Arch is another great arch in Arches National Park.

Just past Landscape Arch on the Devils Garden Trail (one of the best hikes in Arches National Park), this arch creates a beautiful “window” to the park’s desert landscapes and geological formations.

Whether it’s the panoramic view or the unique framing of the park’s vistas, this arch gives a unique perspective that makes it a crowd favorite.

5. Skyline Arch Arches National Park

Skyline Arch close to the Devils Garden Campground has an interesting history to go with its impressive look.

In 1940, a huge boulder fell out of this arch, which remarkably doubled its width! A pile of rocks, remnants of this rockfall, can still be seen at the end of the trail.

6. Navajo Arch

The Navajo Arch is unique from the other arches in the park; it’s a wide and low arch that gives the impression of walking into a cave.

Just past Landscape Arch the trail to Navajo Arch takes you past some interesting rock formations and areas to scramble over.

7. Private Arch

Private Arch Arches National Park is a super cool arch that can be accessed via a relatively easy trail from the Devil’s Garden trailhead.

though it may not be the grandest of all arches, its peaceful setting makes it a personal favorite for many visitors. You can enjoy your “private” time exploring this arch, absorbing its calm and tranquil surroundings.

8. Pine Tree Arch

Pine Tree Arch is a tall arch easily accessible from the Devils Garden Trailhead that has a tree right in the center of the open archway.

The view through the arch frames the beautiful surrounding landscape in a unique way, offering a great photo from your adventure in Arches National Park.

9. Delicate Arch

The most famous arch in the whole of the park. How it’s still standing, I don’t know!

Delicate Arch is the superstar of Arches National Park, the most famous arch in Utah, and perhaps the most famous arch worldwide, even featuring on Utah’s license plate!

It’s a jaw-dropping sight with its freestanding structure reaching up to 60 feet and it’s visible from various viewpoints.

The best way to see Delicate Arch is to take the moderate 3 miles hike to this arch where you can get pictures up close with it. If you don’t want to do the 3 mile round trip hike you can also go to the upper and lower Delicate Arch viewpoint.

Tip: This is the best sunrise in Arches National Park spot as well as one of the spots for the best sunset in Arches National Park.

10. Double Arch

Unlike the stacked formation of Double O Arch, Double Arch Arches National Park consists of two huge arches side by side.

With a height of 112 feet, this is the tallest arch in the park and also among the longest.

It’s just a short walk from the Windows Parking Area, and you can even walk underneath it!

If you’re not up for a hike, you can appreciate its magnificence from the parking lot. But I do recommend going up close to it!

11. Tapestry Arch

Also known as the “blind arch,” Tapestry Arch is situated near the Devils Garden Campground.

Its unique feature is a rock wall blocking the view through its opening, which is why it’s called a ‘blind’ arch.

12 + 13. The Windows – North and South

These arches at Arches National Park are easy to combine into one hike.

North Window

One half of The Windows duo, the North Window is easy to get to and gives you a great view right through to the other side; just like a window!

While it’s usually busy with other park guests, a little patience can reward you with a great photo opportunity standing in the window itself.

The best time to visit is at sunrise when the golden light frames the arch really nicely.

South Window

The South Window, the other half of The Windows arches, is as cool as the northern one.

The South Window stands slightly taller than the North Window, reaching up to 65 feet, and offers a beautiful view of the surrounding landscape.

The Windows Loop Trail wraps around from north to south, and I recommend taking the primitive trail to get there for some fun hiking.

14. Turret Arch

Not the largest but certainly one of the best arches still, Turret Arch is easily accessible via the Windows Loop Trail.

This Moab arch has a giant pillar at the end of the arch giving it a unique look. You can get amazing views of this arch from various angles.

One of the best views, perhaps, is from the bottom of the North Window.

15. Tunnel Arch

Tunnel Arch, lives up to its name as it looks like a tunnel drilled through the sandstone.

Unlike some of the other arches, Tunnel Arch isn’t as large and obvious, but still super cool and one of the best arches in Utah.

You can get a good view of it from a short spur trail that branches off on the way to Landscape Arch from the Devils Garden Trailhead.

16. Sand Dune Arch

Hidden among narrow rock fins, Sand Dune Arch requires an easy hike to get to it that can be done by families of all ages.

Despite being shorter compared to other arches it has a bonus in that it provides shade on a hot sunny day! This Utah rock arch also has some benches perfect for a picnic not too far away from it.

Best unique rock formations in Arches National Park

Sheep Rock

As you approach the end of Park Avenue, be on the lookout for Sheep Rock. This interesting rock formation, resembling a sheep, is fun to spot, if you can!

Three Gossips

As the name suggests, Three Gossips depicts three towering rock figures looking like they’re having a chat.

It’s a fun, unique rock formation that adds a dash of character to the park.

Courthouse Towers

Courthouse Towers is the collective name for a group of tall stone columns located within Arches National Park.

These formations, reach high into the sky and echo the majesty of ancient courthouse structures. Within this area, you can spot several other formations like the Organ and the Tower of Babel.

Wall Arch

Though it collapsed in 2008, Wall Arch, remains an important part of the park’s history.

Once one of the park’s largest arches, the remnants of Wall Arch are a reminder of the ever-changing nature of this unique landscape as the rocks are eroded and changed by nature.

Balanced Rock

Balanced Rock is another of the park’s most famous sights.

This iconic rock, precariously balanced atop a pedestal, is easily visible from the main road. I think it’s one of the best sights in Arches National Park!

Dark Angel Spire

At the furthest point on the Devil’s Garden trail, Dark Angel is a 150-ft rock formation that’s visible from various points in the park.

It’s worth a visit for those looking to explore all corners of the park and especially if you’re doing the Devil’s Garden hike.

FAQS on the best arches in Arches National Park Utah

Final thoughts on this list of arches in Arches National Park

Visiting Arches National Park is a geological wonderland and if you’re into geology or just love being out in nature, you’ll love your trip to Arches National Park; one of the best Utah national parks.

From the world-renowned famous arches in Arches National Park like Delicate Arch, to the towering formations of Courthouse Towers, you’ll want to remember the names of arches in arches national park to check off this list of arches on your what-to-see list.

Every arch and formation tells a story of time and erosion, shaping what we see today.

If you’re staying in Moab nearby, don’t forget to check out some of the arches outside of the park, and be sure to visit Mesa Arch in Canyonlands National Park too. Plus, these Moab scenic drives will take you to some even lesser-known arches in Moab. And, make sure you’re well prepared with this Arches National Park packing list.

Last Updated on July 28, 2023 by Hannah