How to explore Arches national park in one day
Delicate Arch-Summer
Arches national park was one of the coolest places i have ever been…it literally felt like we were on a different planet! arches was one of our first stops on our southwest vacation, and i am so glad we started here!
We arrived in Salt Lake City and then drove about three hours to Moab, Utah. The journey from Salt Lake City to Moab left me in awe, as I admired the striking red rocks set against the brilliant blue skies. Upon reaching Moab, I was even more captivated by the stunning scenery. We stayed at a hotel directly across from Arches National Park, allowing us to get up early for hiking. Although we were tired from our flight, we headed out to enjoy dinner in downtown Moab before settling in for our sunrise hike.
we found a really great spot called sunset grill. the restaurant is the oldest in moab and has really good food and unreal views! after dinner we headed back to our hotel to get some rest before the hike to delicate arch in the morning.
We woke up early the next day and enjoyed a complimentary breakfast before setting off to Arches. Our first destination was the Delicate Arch hike, which is renowned as one of the most famous and photographed arches worldwide. This freestanding arch has been shaped over millions of years by weathering and erosion. I found the hike to be relatively easy, although there is a steep section where you should stay close to the rock face. It is absolutely worth it, as the sheer size of the arch will take your breath away once you navigate around that area. I highly recommend starting this hike early, as it tends to get really crowded due to its popularity in the park. We were fortunate to capture plenty of pictures and take our time admiring the arch since we arrived so early. It became increasingly busy as we made our way out.
Tips before entering the park:
get up early to beat the crowds-head to delicate arch first because it is the most popular site in the park
bring layers because it can be chilly in the mornings depending on the time of year you go
wear hiking shoes/socks-the sand can be slippery and hiking socks to avoid blisters (I found this out the hard way Ha!)
bring your national park passport for stamps
bring water & Electrolytes (especially in the summer because it gets to hot)! and snacks
a detailed map of the park (you can get a free one at the visitors center)
a gPS or hiking app-*there is usually no cell reception in the parks
Bring hats, sunglasses & sunscreen
Delicate Arch-summer
After visiting Delicate Arch, we made our way to the windows section of arches. Double Arch Trail and Windows Loop, which are conveniently located near each other. The Double Arch is an easy 0.6-mile hike, suitable for visitors of all ages and fitness levels. Approaching the Double Arch feels awe-inspiring, making you feel very small as you approach it. Right next to it, the Windows area allows for a quick view of both remarkable landmarks. I particularly enjoyed gazing through the Double Arch at the stunning surrounding desert. This formation is one of the few in the world where two arches share a leg, adding to its uniqueness. The Windows section is equally breathtaking, featuring three distinct windows: North Window, South Window, and Turret Arch. Since the Windows area is popular for sunset photography, I recommend arriving earlier in the day to avoid the crowds.
Double Arch-Summer
After exploring the windows area of the park, we made our way to our final destination: Sand Dune Arch. This moderate 0.3-mile hike was quite easy to navigate. The experience is truly unique, as you walk between two towering sandstone fins. The sandy path beneath your feet gives a beach-like vibe, while the stunning red rock formations surround you. This location is perfect for families, as it offers a naturally cooler environment due to the shade, making it a cool spot for children to play.
Sand Dune Arch-Summer
Other hikes to explore in arches national park:
Devils garden-7.9 mile hike (hard) with beautiful scenery of the landscape arch
park avenue trail- 1.8 easy hike through a wall of red rock that resembles a city skyline
fiery furnace and surprise arch-2.1 mile hike (hard) technical trail that goes through narrow spaces, loose sand, and narrow ledges
Our trip to Arches National Park was filled with excitement and adventure. Among my favorite moments was seeing Delicate arch early morning before crowds. I hope my tips for visiting Arches help you in your planning!
for those curious about our Arches national park trip or our full southwest National Parks trip, check out our custom curated travel Itinerary templates in pdf format in our store section of our website (sign up for our email list, and receive a free pdf yosemite itinerary template download). additionally you can collaborate with me to create a personalized itinerary exclusively tailored to your vacation.
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Happy Travels!
Mandy
