One day in Arches National Park Itinerary

If you only have one day in Arches National Park you might be stressing about how to fit it all in.

Arches National Park was one of the US National Parks I’d actually heard of before our three-month road trip across the USA.

I’d seen the incredible arches in this part of Utah in photos before and knew we’d have to visit Arches National Park.

I was planning things to do in Arches National Park before we were anywhere near. In fact, it was because we wanted to visit Arches that we actually left the coastline. We’d been following the US coastline all the way down the east coast on our trip in America, then came across the south heading north around El Paso.

We ended up spending about one and a half days in Arches National Park because we did a couple of hikes in Arches National Park.

However, if you’re not too keen on doing the longer Devil’s Garden trail in Arches National Park you could easily spend 1 day in Arches National Park. Here are a few things to do in Arches National Park in one day plus a few additional things if you have more time. I hope you find it useful when putting together an Arches National Park itinerary.

Arches National Park Reservations: To enter Arches National Park from April 1 to October 31, you must have a timed entry permit. These tickets are released three months in advance (for example, permits for all of July are released on April 1) and are required between 7 am and 4 pm.

Itinerary for a day in Arches National Park

Here are the best things to do in a day in Arches National Park:

• Hike the Devils Garden Trail
• See Balanced Rock
• Visit the Windows and Turret Arches
• Visit Double Arch
• See the Fiery Furnace
• Check out the Garden of Eden viewpoint
• Walk Park Avenue
• See Sand Dune Arch
• Do the Delicate Arch Hike

What to do in one day at Arches National Park, Utah

Unless you want to explore the backcountry of Arches National Park or see the sunset and sunrise from several different points in the park, you can easily see all of the top sights in Arches National Park in one day.

This is in part thanks to how easy it is to drive around the park.

There’s basically just one road that goes from the Arches National Park entrance to the northern end and the trailhead for the Devil’s Garden Loop Trail. Making an Arches National Park day trip easy to do.

Below is everything we managed to do in one day at Arches National Park. We entered relatively early but a long way after sunset and left as the park was closing (it closed in 2017 due to construction work) around 5 pm. It might not look like much, but you’ll see a lot along the scenic drive and so that alone will take you a while especially if you want to get out and hike.

Treat this list as a good starting point for your one-day itinerary for Arches National Park.

Drive the scenic road

Driving the scenic road in Arches National Park is something everyone must do. It’s kinda hard to avoid doing it too since it’s the only road really.

But anyway…

The scenic road is 18 miles of paved road with plenty of pull-outs and car parks from which you can walk to more arches and beautiful sites. It’s definitely one of the best Moab scenic drives (and there are a lot of them!).

You can’t drive through Arches National Park in the sense that you come out the other side and head off somewhere else (you have to go back the way you came), but you can drive through it in that you don’t have to get a shuttle bus (yet) or walk everywhere.

I personally think it’s best to start and the top and work your way down. Yes, that means that you’ll be spending the whole drive out there wanting to stop, but most people will stop and then on the way back you’ll be doing it in reverse and have more luck with parking.

Hike the Devil’s Garden Trail

This was the one thing I knew I really wanted to do when we got to Arches National Park. If you’re a keen hiker then I’d highly recommend the moderate Devil’s Garden trail hike as a top thing to do in Arches National Park.

This hike is around 8 miles long and takes between 3-5 hours depending on how many times you want to take in the awesome views!

The best part about this trail is that you’ll see some arches that many people miss out on by not hiking. On this trail you’ll see: Landscape Arch, Partition Arch, Navajo Arch, Double O Arch, Private Arch, Pine Tree Arch, Tunnel Arch, and a cool rock formation known as Dark Angel.

Pine Tree Arch and Tunnel Arch can be done as there is a little loop out to them if you still want to add some more arches to your list but don’t want to do the full hike.

Sand Dune Arch and Broken Arch

Begin your journey with a visit to the Sand Dune and Broken Arch.

The Sand Dune Arch is a quick and simple walk along a sandy trail, surrounded by shade which is great if you’re visiting Arches in summer as it can get really hot! You’ll need around 30 minutes to visit this Moab arch.

You could extend this part of your visit to include the Broken Arch as well, but keep in mind that it requires a longer walk in the sun and there’s still the hike to Delicate Arch to come later in the day.

Depending on how you’re feeling at this point, saving your energy might be a good idea.

See the Fiery Furnace

This overlook isn’t all about the arches. No, it’s more about the red rock color and the scenery in the distance. It’s well worth stopping here as you drive the scenic drive in Arches National Park.

If you’re staying longer you can also arrange a ranger-led hike into the Fiery Furnace.

Hike to Delicate Arch

If you’ve seen a photo of Arches National Park before then the chances are that it was this arch.

Delicate Arch is the most famous arch in all of Arches National Park. Because of that, it gets busy and if you want that photo under the arch (which is actually pretty scary) then you’ll have to queue a little bit, probably a lot if you go in the busiest months.

Delicate Arch is very delicate looking so you can see where it gets its name. The Delicate Arch hike is another easy-moderate hike. It’s about 3 mile round trip (5 km) until you get to the arch at the end.

We did this hike after we’d done the Devil’s Garden loop and then visited the viewpoint for Delicate Arch. The Arch looked super impressive from the viewpoint so we decided to have a snack and do a second hike to go see it properly. I’m glad we did!

If you’re super keen and plan on spending the whole day in Arches National Park, then you could hike to Delicate Arch for sunrise or sunset. This way you’ll probably share the experience with much fewer people too. Just remember to take a headlamp with you!

Alternatively, if you’re pretty tired, you can head to the Delicate Arch viewpoint which is a nice easy hike in Arches National Park from where you can see the arch from a distance. It’s not as cool as seeing the arch close up, but it’s still a good second option.

Note: If it’s midday and you’re visiting in summer, I’d recommend leaving this until later due to the heat in the park. We visited in April and it wasn’t too hot at any point throughout the day.

Balanced Rock

As you continue south on the Arches scenic drive, you’ll come to Balanced Rock. You can see this quite well from the road but should you wish to get closer there’s a short and easy 0.3-mile trail that takes you around the rock for an up-close viewing experience.

Then, you’ll turn off the road and head towards the next places to visit during a day in Arches National Park Utah.

Garden of Eden

Once you’ve turned onto The Windows Road, the Garden of Eden is worth the quick stop. This spot provides a spectacular panoramic view of Arches National Park, Turret Arch, the Windows, and the backdrop of the La Sal Mountains.

Windows and Turret Arches

Carry on along The Windows Road until you reach its end. Here, park your vehicle and prepare to explore the North Window, South Window, and Turret Arch. This short 0.7-mile walk connects three magnificent arches. Allocate about 30 to 45 minutes to walk the trail, snap some photos, and do a little bit of exploring.

Check out the Double Arch.

From there, head to the parking lot for the Double Arch. This easy and brief 0.5-mile round trip hike takes you to one of the most breathtaking and largest arches in the park.

Park Avenue

Lastly, drive from Balanced Rock along Scenic Drive towards the park entrance to reach the Park Avenue Trailhead in 15 minutes. There is a short walk to a picturesque viewpoint here.

If you’re up for it, you can walk the one-mile trail through Park Avenue, which will take around 30 minutes. The trail is best done as a one-way walk if you have someone who can pick you up at the end. Otherwise, it’s a 2-mile round trip hike.

Bear in mind that this itinerary involves a good amount of walking and the day can get quite hot. Make sure to hydrate regularly, take rest breaks as needed, and most importantly, enjoy your exploration of the park!

Find your favorite arch

With over 2,000 natural stone arches finding your favorite arch is going to be quite the challenge. You can’t access all 2,000 arches but there are still many you can see from your car, or on foot.

My favorites are Partition Arch, Landscape Arch, and, of course, Delicate Arch.

Things to do if you’re staying in Arches National Park for more than one day

Camp under the stars

Arches National Park camping is extremely limited. In Arches National Park there are 51 campsite spots. It’s hard to get one but if you manage to then you’re in for a treat!

The Arches National Park campground can be reserved online between March 1 and October 1 and are first-come, first-served from November 1 to February 28.

Go into the backcountry

If you know what you’re doing and want to escape the crowds of Arches National Park then check out the backcountry. This way you’ll also get to see some of the park’s lesser-known arches and rock formations too.

You will need a permit for going into the backcountry at Arches National Park.

Try rock climbing

You can’t rock climb on the arches but there are some rock climbing routes you can try out at Arches National Park.

Go canyoneering

Arches National Park also has some great canyoneering spots. You can enjoy rappelling down the rocks and into narrow passageways in certain areas throughout the park.

When the park developed its rock climbing routes, it was easy to also put together canyoneering spots. See their rules and how to register.

Top tips for visiting Arches National Park

Get a USA National Parks Pass for just $80 and save a tonne of money if you’re planning on visiting multiple National Parks in a year, or visiting the same one more than once!

• Annual Parks Pass: If you’re planning to visit multiple National Parks within a year, an Annual Parks Pass is a worthwhile investment. It grants access to over 2,000 federal recreation sites, including all National Parks.
• Timing Your Visit: Arches National Park can be incredibly crowded in summer. Early morning (before 8 am) or late afternoon (after 3 pm) are the optimal times to avoid queues. To plan better, use the park’s webcam service to check real-time conditions.
• Arches National Park Timed Entry Reservation: From April 1 to October 31 you will need a timed reservation to get into Arches.
• Stay Hydrated: High temperatures and exposed hiking trails make hydration key. Bring at least 4L (approximately 1 gallon) of water per person per day. Refill at the Visitor Center and Devils Garden Trailhead.
• Proper Footwear: The park’s uneven and potentially slippery terrain calls for sturdy, closed-toe shoes suitable for hiking. Footwear like Converse or Nike is not advised.
• Monitor Weather Conditions: Stay alert to sudden weather changes. Lightning storms and flash floods can occur. If you notice lightning, return to your vehicle immediately, avoiding lone trees, cliff edges, and high ridges.
• Sun Protection: Due to the intense sunlight, ensure to pack and use sun protection items like a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen with high SPF.
• Plan Your Hikes: Consider your fitness level when planning hikes. Some popular routes like Delicate Arch and Devils Garden are longer and can be strenuous, especially under the heat.
• Pet Policy: Pets are permitted in specific areas: roads, parking lots, and the campground. However, they are not allowed on park trails or in the backcountry.
• Respect Wildlife: This is a protected area, and you should maintain a safe distance from wildlife at all times. Feeding animals is strictly forbidden.
• Leave No Trace: Abide by the Leave No Trace principles. Dispose of waste properly, don’t disturb natural features, respect wildlife, and be considerate of other visitors. Help preserve the park for future generations.

About Arches National Park

Arches National Park has over 2,000 documented arches (and likely a lot more that haven’t been noted) that range from silver-thin cracks to spans greater than 97 meters.

There’s pretty much no way you could see them all; especially as many of them aren’t documented on the park’s map but you can have fun trying to do as many as possible!

Things you should NEVER do at Arches National Park

There are some things you should never do during this Arches national park 1 day itinerary (or any length of time!).

• NEVER mark the arches. It’s not cool to scratch your name into the rock or put your name in a love heart. This is vandalism and there are big penalties for it.
• NEVER climb the arches. The arches aren’t there to be climbed, they’re there to appreciate with your eyes. You climbing on them leads to other people climbing on them, leads to people getting injured and these Utah arches getting damaged. Just don’t.

And one thing you should ALWAYS do? Practice Leave No Trace principles. No idea what I’m talking about?

Arches National Park map

Here is a map from the Arches National Park newsletter that shows the trails in Arches NP as well as the overlooks and main arches.  As you can see, it’s not a huge National Park and so you can easily visit most of Arches National Park in one day.

Below you’ll find an interactive Google map for Arches National Park which you can use while you’re exploring the park and to plan your itinerary. Simply click on the image to load it up into Google Maps.

Where to stay near Arches National Park

While exploring Arches National Parks, you’re likely to set up camp nearby or stay in a hotel in Moab. The parks themselves do not have any hotels therefore, Moab, Utah, with its variety of hotels, comes as a highly recommended location for your stay.

Check out my travel guide for Moab where you can learn more about this town which is an excellent base while touring these parks. Moab is a year-round tourist attraction. Even towards the end of April, we observed most accommodations were filled up. So I definitely recommend booking your stay in Moab well in advance.

While camping is an option within the parks, if you’re seeking hotel comfort, the following hotels in Moab and a luxurious glamping alternative are worth considering.

Best Hotels in Moab

• Radcliffe Moab: A 3-star hotel offering an outdoor pool, communal lounge, and restaurant. Some rooms offer city views or a terrace. Enjoy vegan and gluten-free breakfast options, plus a hot tub for relaxation.
• The Gonzo Inn: Features a seasonal outdoor pool and terrace. All rooms are air-conditioned and come with amenities like a coffee maker, fridge, and microwave. They offer a variety of breakfast options and an on-site restaurant serving American and Italian cuisines.
• Red Cliffs Lodge: Located alongside the Colorado River, this resort offers amenities such as a horse corral, a Western film museum, and even a winery. Each suite comes with a private patio showcasing creek or river views.
• Hoodoo Moab, Curio Collection by Hilton: Known for its picturesque location, comfortable rooms, and great restaurant can all be found at this luxury hotel.
• Moab Springs Ranch: A 3-star property with a garden, terrace, and an on-site restaurant. Select rooms come with a kitchenette. The hotel also offers a hot tub, BBQ facilities, and hiking opportunities.
• Under Canvas Moab: This unique tent lodging offers magnificent views, BBQ facilities, and a choice between basic tents with shared bathrooms or luxury tents with private bathrooms and lounges. Guests can rent bicycles to explore the local desert trails.

When is the Best time to visit Arches National Park

If you prefer cooler weather and fewer crowds, spring (April to May) and fall (mid-September to October) are the best times to visit Arches NP. During these months, daytime temperatures are usually comfortable, ranging from 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, and the park is less crowded than in the summer. You’ll find it easier to enjoy the trails and take photographs without too many people around.

Summer (June to early September) is the busiest season at Arches. Temperatures can climb above 100 degrees Fahrenheit during the day, which can make hiking quite challenging. However, this is also the best time to experience the park’s night sky programs, as the skies are usually clear. Keep in mind that the park can be crowded, so you might encounter long lines and full parking lots.

Winter (November to March) can be a quiet and beautiful time to visit the park. You can enjoy the park’s stunning beauty without the crowds. However, be prepared for cold temperatures, which can drop below freezing at night, and occasional snowfall. Some trails may be icy or snow-covered, so you should be cautious when hiking if that’s part of your Arches itinerary.

FAQs about how to spend one day at Arches National Park

Final thoughts on what to do in Arches National Park in one day

Doing Arches in one day is definitely possible. In fact, you could even spend a half day in Arches National Park if you’re super short on time. We did this on our second day, spending half a day in Arches and half a day in Canyonlands which is a great way to visit Arches and Canyonlands.

This one day Arches National Park itinerary covers some of the best arches in the park as well as two of the best hikes. You’ll see most of the best things to see as you drive the scenic route as well.

If you’re doing a Utah National Parks road trip, be sure to check out Zion National Park things to do, as well as these fun things to do in Bryce Canyon National Park and the best things to do in one day Canyonlands National Park. You should also check out this Utah packing list for the National Parks so that you’ve got everything you need for your trip.

Last Updated on July 28, 2023 by Hannah