The Ultimate Arches National Park Itinerary
If you’re heading to Moab, you’re in for an unforgettable adventure, with so much to explore between Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. Wondering how long to spend at Arches National Park? Ideally, two to three days will allow you to experience the best hikes, viewpoints, and see some of the 2,000 natural arches while truly immersing yourself in the park. But if you’re short on time, Arches can still be explored in just one day. This Arches National Park itinerary will guide you through the must-see sights, hidden gems, and where to stay to make the most of your visit. Stay at ULUM, where we’ve got the relaxing accommodations, premium cuisine, and guided adventures all wrapped up in one to perfect your Moab stay.
Let’s walk through a three-day itinerary, along with a plan for those with just one day in Arches.
Three-Day Arches National Park Itinerary
Day 1: Iconic Formations, Arches Scenic Drive, & Delicate Arch Sunset
Morning:
Enter Arches National Park and set off on the Arches Scenic Drive, the main road leading to the park’s heart. With numerous pullouts and trailheads, you can easily explore spots like Delicate Arch, the Windows Section, Balanced Rock, and Courthouse Towers. The 36-mile round trip drive, fully paved and suitable for most vehicles, can be completed in two to three hours.
Midday:
Take the short drive to Balanced Rock Viewpoint, where a massive boulder teeters on a narrow pedestal. Then, visit Skyline Arch for an easy hike, followed by a trip to The Windows Section to explore Windows Arches, Turret Arch, and the impressive Double Arch—ideal for dramatic photos and easy walks. Stop for a picnic along the drive to enjoy desert views.
Afternoon:
Start your hike to Delicate Arch to allow enough time to catch the best sunset in Moab. As the symbol of Utah, this arch is spectacular as the setting sun casts a golden glow over the red rock landscape. The moderate 3-mile hike takes two to three hours and rewards with views that make the effort worthwhile. While sunset offers a magical experience, expect to share it with other visitors eager to capture the perfect shot. For a more peaceful moment, consider heading to Delicate Arch at sunrise instead.
Evening:
Head back to ULUM Moab for an al fresco dining experience with stunning views of Looking Glass Arch. Afterward, unwind with a crystal sound bath meditation, live acoustic music, and nightly s’mores under the stars.
Day 2: Off-the-Beaten-Path Hikes & Landscape Arch
Morning:
Enter the park and drive about 45 minutes to the far end to explore Devils Garden. Here, you’ll see Landscape Arch, an awe-inspiring natural wonder and the longest natural arch in North America. The trail also leads to several other remarkable arches and formations, all waiting to be explored. As you hike through towering rock fins and arches, you’ll feel fully immersed in the timeless beauty of this Jurassic landscape.
Afternoon:
Enjoy a picnic at the Devils Garden picnic area to refuel before returning along the Arches Scenic Drive toward the park entrance. Find a scenic spot to watch the sunset within the park, or head into downtown Moab to explore its charming streets lined with shops and galleries.
Evening:
Return to ULUM Moab for another restorative evening. Soothe your muscles with a dip in the hot and cold pools after a day of adventure. Enjoy complimentary activities like painting, sunset photography, and jewelry making—just check with the front desk for the schedule during your stay.
Day 3: Fiery Furnace Hike & Sunset Finale
Morning:
Start your day with a guided hike through the Fiery Furnace, a maze of narrow slot canyons that can only be explored with a park ranger. Hikes are available from spring through fall, offering access to the park’s secluded arches and hidden corners that most visitors never see. These hikes are popular, so reservations are required. Be prepared for a physically demanding trek, with gaps to jump, narrow spaces to squeeze through, and areas requiring scrambling. You can book a ranger-guided tour up to seven days in advance at Recreation.gov and pick up your permit the day before or the day of your hike. The 2.5-hour journey is a challenging but rewarding adventure.
Afternoon:
After your hiking adventure, stop at any viewpoints you may have missed. Once you’ve checked off everything on your Arches list and feel fulfilled, stay for sunset or head out of the park for a relaxing evening—a perfect, leisurely way to wrap up your visit to this red rock wonderland.
Top Activities for One Day in Arches National Park
If you only have one day to explore, don’t worry—you can still hit the highlights. Here’s the perfect one-day Arches National Park itinerary.
- Sunrise at Delicate Arch: Start your day with a sunrise hike to Delicate Arch, the park’s most famous formation. The sun rising over this stunning arch, framed by red cliffs and desert landscapes, will be an unforgettable experience.
- Drive the Arches Scenic Drive: This journey through the heart of the park offers numerous pull-offs for panoramic views. Be sure to stop at Balanced Rock, Delicate Arch, the Windows Section, and Park Avenue Viewpoint.
- Windows Section: Explore the Windows Arches, including the Turret Arch and the massive Double Arch. This area is ideal for a quick yet rewarding exploration of some of the park’s largest formations.
- Lunch with a View: Enjoy a picnic at one of the park’s scenic viewpoints.
- Devils Garden: Spend an afternoon hiking in Devils Garden, at the very end of Arches Scenic Drive. This area includes Landscape Arch, the park’s longest natural arch. If you’re feeling adventurous, continue along the trail to explore even more of the park’s unique rock formations.
- Dinner and Sunset at ULUM Moab: After a full day of adventure, return to ULUM Moab for an elevated dining experience. End your evening watching the sunset paint the red rocks gold, and gather around the fireside for nightly gourmet s’mores.
Guided Adventures in Arches National Park
Make the most of your visit to Arches with guided adventures. Expertly led, these tours take the hassle out of planning, allowing you to discover the park’s highlights while enjoying a deeper connection with the landscape.
Guided Hiking in Arches
Immerse yourself in an 8-hour guided hike through Arches or Canyonlands. Your guide will lead the way, allowing you to focus on the scenery and fascinating geological history.
Arches Discovery Tour
For a shorter adventure, the Arches Discovery Tour combines scenic driving with light hiking. Perfect for a quick yet immersive experience, this 4-hour tour includes stops at some of the park’s most dramatic formations.
Where to Stay Near Arches National Park
Experience the best of Moab with a stay at ULUM Moab, where luxury meets the outdoors. Nestled in the desert, our resort offers the perfect mix of comfort and connection to nature. After a day exploring Arches, unwind with breathtaking views and rejuvenate in hot and cold dipping pools. As night falls, retreat to your safari-inspired Suite Tent, featuring plush king-size beds, Parachute linens, and spa-like bathrooms with rain showers and robes. ULUM Moab offers a truly immersive desert experience with unparalleled relaxation and comfort.
