9 Easy Hikes in Arches National Park
With more than 2,000 natural stone arches and over 44 hiking trails, Arches National Park is a wonderland of otherworldly landscapes—towering fins, balancing rocks, and crimson-hued sandstone sculpted by time. Whether you’re an early riser chasing a desert sunrise or heading out with little ones in tow, this guide highlights easy, rewarding hikes and where to stay in Moab as your base for desert adventures in the American Southwest. Here are our favorite low-effort, high-reward trails to explore.
Getting to the Hiking Trails
Most trailheads in Arches are easy to access, thanks to the Arches Scenic Drive, a 19-mile paved road that winds past many of the park’s most iconic formations. The drive features marked pull-offs, designated parking areas, and trail signage. Be sure to arrive early in the day during peak season, as parking lots can fill quickly, especially at popular trailheads like Delicate Arch and the Windows Section.
Easy Hikes in Arches National Park
These family-friendly hikes offer stunning views and easy access, making them perfect for travelers seeking a more relaxed pace while still soaking up the magic of the high desert. We’ve listed the hikes in order from the most leisurely to those requiring a bit more time and energy, while still comfortably accessible for most visitors.
Arches Visitor Center Nature Trail
Distance: 0.2 miles loop | Difficulty: Easy
Located just steps from the park entrance, this paved path is perfect for orientation. Learn about the area’s plants, wildlife, and geology while stretching your legs before heading deeper into the park. Chat with rangers about trail conditions, get insider tips, and pick up a park map.
Balanced Rock Loop
Distance: 0.3 miles loop | Difficulty: Easy
An Arches icon you can spot from the road, but it’s worth the short walk to see it up close. Balanced Rock stands 128 feet tall with a massive boulder precariously perched atop its narrow pedestal. The loop offers 360-degree views and an excellent intro to the park’s unique geology.
Delicate Arch Viewpoint Trail
Distance: 0.5 miles round trip | Difficulty: Easy
This short and sweet viewpoint trail offers a great alternative to the more challenging 3-mile hike to Delicate Arch, the symbol of Utah. From a distant but clear vantage point, you’ll see the park’s most famous arch, no scrambling required.
Double Arch Trail
Distance: 0.6 miles round trip | Difficulty: Easy
This flat, sandy trail leads to one of the park’s largest and most impressive arches. With twin arching spans connected at one end, Double Arch makes for an awe-inspiring stop and a fun, approachable scramble for kids and adults alike.
Courthouse Wash Panel Trail
Distance: 0.8 miles round trip | Difficulty: Easy
A hidden gem near the park’s entrance, this lightly trafficked trail leads to a panel of ancient petroglyphs etched into sandstone walls. It’s a short journey that rewards with both cultural history and desert solitude.
Wall Arch and Pine Tree Arch
Distance: 1.0 mile round trip | Difficulty: Easy
Located in the Devil’s Garden area, this peaceful trail offers two arches in one scenic walk. Pine Tree Arch is wide and inviting, while the remains of Wall Arch—once a massive span that collapsed in 2008—tell a quiet story of the park’s ever-changing landscape.
Windows Loop and Turret Arch Trail
Distance: 1.2 miles loop | Difficulty: Easy
This short loop brings you face-to-face with North and South Window Arches—nicknamed the “Spectacles”—and offers a short spur to Turret Arch, which frames the desert like a natural cathedral window. Sunrise and sunset are especially photogenic here.
Landscape Arch Trail
Distance: 1.6 miles round trip | Difficulty: Easy
One of the longest natural arches in the world, Landscape Arch stretches an impressive 306 feet in the Devil’s Garden area. The mostly flat trail winds through juniper and piñon and is one of the park’s most popular arches. Want more adventure? Continue on the same path to Double O Arch, where the trail becomes steeper and more challenging.
Park Avenue Trail
Distance: 2.0 miles round trip | Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
One of the first major attractions inside Arches National Park, the Park Avenue Trail winds along the canyon floor beneath towering monoliths resembling a row of sandstone skyscrapers. A moderate descent at the start adds a bit of challenge, but its proximity to the park entrance and stunning morning light make it a perfect place to catch a desert sunrise.
Moderate Day Hikes in Arches National Park
Looking for a bit more challenge? These trails require more time and stamina, but offer some of the park’s most iconic views.
Delicate Arch
Distance: 3.0 miles round trip | Difficulty: Moderate
No trip to Arches is complete without standing beneath Delicate Arch—arguably the most photographed arch in the world. The trail is steep and fully exposed, but the reward is unforgettable. Sunrise and sunset light up the arch in a golden glow, making it perhaps the best sunset spot in Moab.
Double O Arch
Distance: 4.1 miles round trip | Difficulty: Moderate
Tucked deeper in the Devil’s Garden area, Double O Arch is less crowded and more adventurous. The trail involves some rock scrambling, narrow ledges, and breathtaking views of fins, spires, and Landscape Arch along the way.
Fiery Furnace (Permit Required)
Distance: Varies | Difficulty: Moderate
A maze of narrow canyons and sandstone fins, Fiery Furnace offers one of the park’s most unique and adventurous hikes. Available from spring through fall, these ranger-led treks reveal hidden arches and secluded corners few visitors see. The 2.5-hour journey involves scrambling, squeezing through tight spaces, and leaping over small gaps—so come prepared. Reservations are required and can be made up to seven days in advance at Recreation.gov. Permits must be picked up the day before or on the day of your hike.
Where to Stay in Moab
After a day on the trails, retreat to ULUM Moab, where luxury and nature blend seamlessly. Set at the base of Looking Glass Arch, this Two MICHELIN Key Resort offers an elevated outdoor experience with spacious, safari-inspired Suite Tents featuring plush bedding, ensuite bathrooms, and private decks. Unwind with daily yoga, take in red rock views from hot and cold dipping pools, and savor Southwest-inspired cuisine. Whether stargazing under pristine skies or simply embracing the desert stillness, ULUM Moab is more than a stay—it’s a natural extension of your Arches adventure.
