When you think of Utah, its iconic red rocks and arches are probably some of the first things that come to mind. Few places embody this scenery better than Arches National Park. You can see a lot simply driving around the park or on a road trip through Utah, but there is really no better way to take in the sights than by hiking. Keep reading for the best hikes in Arches National Park, as well as all the details you need to know!
Sand Dune Arch
Starting Location: Sand Dune Arch parking lot, near the end of the park road
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 0.3 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 108 feet
Type of Trail: Out and back
Out of all the easy hikes in Arches National Park, this is one of my favorites! After a short walk through deep sand and towering fins of rock, you’ll arrive at a hidden arch tucked away in a slot canyon. This is the perfect hike on a hot day because it is so well shaded.
Tower Arch
Starting Location: About 8 miles down the Salt Valley Road – note that this road is unpaved, so check road conditions and make sure your car can handle it before attempting to get to the trailhead
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 2.4 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 600 feet
Type of Trail: Out and back
Tower Arch is located in the much less visited Klondike Bluffs area of the park. Because it’s off the beaten path, this trail will get you away from the crowds found on most other hikes in Arches National Park. After a moderate hike with some scrambling and sandy inclines, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of Tower Arch, the Marching Men, and the valley below.
Delicate Arch
Starting Location: Wolfe Ranch parking lot
Difficulty: Moderate/Difficult
Distance: 3.2 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 629 feet
Type of Trail: Out and back
Delicate Arch is one of the most popular hikes in Arches National Park for good reason. This icon is the largest free-standing arch in the park and is recognizable as the monument from Utah’s license plates. The trail will take you along open slickrock with high inclines, with a short hike along a narrow rock ledge before reaching the end. At the end you’ll find amazing views and photo opportunities, as well as good places to sit and relax before heading back down.
Devils Garden
Starting Location: End of the park road
Difficulty: Difficult
Distance: 7.9 miles round trip if all destinations and side trails are hiked
Elevation Gain: 1,085 feet
Type of Trail: Loop
If you’re looking for in a challenging hike that will take you to some of the most incredible sights in Arches National Park, the entire Devils Garden loop is your best bet. The trail passes by a variety of different types of scenery, as well as several notable arches/sights, including Tunnel Arch, Pine Tree Arch, Private Arch, Dark Angel, Double O Arch, Partition Arch, Navajo Arch, and Landscape Arch.
Certain sections require light scrambling and others have steep slopes, so this is not an ideal trail for those who are uneasy around heights. You can, of course, only go to some of the destinations or skip the side trails, making the hike easier and shorter.
Have you been to Arches before? If so, what are your favorite hikes in Arches National Park?
