Window Section, Arches National Park, Utah

The 3 Best Hikes in Arches National Park

Arches has over 2000 natural stone arches, hundreds of soaring pinnacles, massive rock fins, and giant balanced rocks. This makes Arches the number one place in the world with the densest concentration natural stone arches. The best known arches are Delicate Arch and Landscape Arch. We selected 3 must-do hikes when visiting.

 

Table of Contents

  • Delicate Arch Trail
  • Devils Garden Trail
  • Windows Loop and Turret Arch in combination with Double Arch Trail

 

Delicate Arch

Delicate Arch is the image of Arches and Utah. A hike to this wonderful place can’t be missed. Start your hike in the early morning during summer, temperatures go up quicky and there is no shade along the route. The best time of the year to hike to Delicate Arch is spring and fall. The trail is 3.2 miles (5.1 km) long and is an out-and-back trail.

From the parking lot you’ll set off and cross a bridge. After the bridge, the path will slightly. start to rise. The most part of the trail, you’ll be walking on areas of open slick rock, with spectacular panoramic views. Then you’ll be walking in loose sand before a final part of slick rock where you’ll be exposed to heights.

Delicate Arch is situated on your right. You have to hop over a piece of rock to get to the arch. This trail can be found on AllTrails.

Delicate Arch, Arches National Park, Utah

Devils Garden Trail

Devils Garden is a long trail of 7.9 miles (12.7 km). It’s a very popular area because it brings you past various arches including Landscape Arch. Landscape Arch is one of the longest natural spans in the world. The trailhead is located at the end of the parks main road. If you use the AllTrails map, walk counter-clockwise.

There are some side trips included in this trail, you can skip them if you want to shorten the length. Don’t do the side traps if you’re afraid of heights. The main trail is well maintained. Devils Garden Trail brings you along Tunnel Arch, Pine Tree Arch, Private Arch, Dark Angel Arch, Double O Arch, Partition Arch, Navajo Arch, and Landscape Arch.

Landscape Arch, Arches National Park, Utah

Windows Loop and Turret Arch in combination with Double Arch Trail

We always do this one in a combination. There are 2 separate parking lots, but you can easily walk down using the stairs. This is the best option when it’s busy. The total length of the combination is 1.8 miles (2.9 km). If you find a parking spot at the upper lot, you’re more likely to do the Window section and Turret Arch first.

There are 2 options here. You can walk the full loop like its made on AllTrails. Or you can just use the path between the Window Section and Turret Arc and go back to the parking lot.

There’s a path with stairs to the lower parking lot where you can start your out-and-back walk to Double Arch. Both trails are gravel trails.

Discover more about arches and national parks in southwest USA in this handy-to-use RoadBook.

Doubla Arch, Arches National Park, Utah

 

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