If you’re visiting Moab, Utah, going for a hike in Arches National Park has to be on your to-do list. The majority of the trails in Arches are easy-slightly moderate, which makes this a great family-friendly national park, but there are also a couple of more difficult trails if you want a challenge. This article shares 10 of the best hikes in Arches National Park, ranked from easiest to hardest.
Arches is not only my closest national park, it’s also easily one of my favorite parks to hike in. The trails that I included in this hiking guide include a mix of well-known (and very popular) trails, as well as lesser-known trails that will help you avoid crowds in this busy national park. The terrain in Arches National Park offers prime desert hiking with epic arches, scenic vistas, and even views of the La Sal mountains in the distance. Keep reading to learn more about the best trails in Arches!
Table of Contents: Best Hikes in Arches National Park
- Arches National Park Timed-Entry Reservation System
- Recreating Responsibly in Arches National Park
- The Best Hikes in Arches
2025 Arches National Park Timed-Entry Reservation System
Arches National Park requires a timed entry ticket to visit the park between April 1-July 6 and August 28-October 31, 2025. This means that in order to go through the main entrance gate between the hours of 7am-4pm MST, you will need a reservation. Your ticket gives you a 1-hour window to enter the park. Once you’ve entered the park during your 1-hour window you’re free to leave and reenter the park anytime.
A timed entry ticket is not required if you enter before 7am or after 4pm. You also don’t need a ticket if you have campground reservations at the Devils Garden Campground, a Fiery Furnace permit, are on a commercial tour, or have a special use permit.
Timed entry tickets cost $2 and are released on a rolling basis in monthly blocks, 6 months in advance at 8am MST/MDT. A limited number of tickets are also available the night before at 7pm MST. You can get your tickets on rec.gov HERE.
You can avoid the timed entry system by planning a trip to Arches during the late fall, winter, or early spring, which also happen to be the best times of year to visit Moab. If you’re going to visit Arches during the summer you need to prepare to hike at sunrise and then take things easy during the heat of the day. Some of the shorter hikes in this guide to the best hikes in Arches National Park are suitable for quick summer hikes.
Arches National Park requires an entrance fee regardless of the time of year. It’s $30/vehicle or you can use an America the Beautiful pass.
Recreating Responsibly in Arches National Park
Arches National Park sees more than one million visitors each year. With so many people visiting the park, and for the most part, going to the same places, it’s important that everyone does what they can to minimize their impact on the environment.
The 7 Leave No Trace principles can help guide you towards making more responsible choices when hiking in Arches. The 7 principles include:
- Plan ahead & prepare. Hiking in the desert comes with unique considerations, so make sure you research hikes ahead of time and pack appropriately. Always carry the 10 essentials, including plenty of water!
- Travel & camp on durable surfaces. Stay on developed trails or other durable surfaces, like slickrock and washes. Climbing or walking on top of arches is prohibited in Arches National Park.
- Dispose of waste properly. Pack out all waste and trash, including food scraps, and human waste (this is required by law in Grand County!).
- Leave what you find. Don’t carve into, take, or stack rocks, or other natural or cultural objects.
- Minimize campfire impacts. Check for fire bans and practice campfire safety. This means creating your campfire in an existing fire ring; making sure the fire is attended and doesn’t get out of control; and making sure the fire is out completely (stir the ashes until they are cool to the touch).
- Respect wildlife. Never feed wildlife. Make sure to maintain a safe distance from wildlife.
- Be considerate of others. Wear headphones instead of playing music over a bluetooth speaker. Remember uphill hikers have the right of way.
The member-driven Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics teaches people how to enjoy the outdoors responsibly. This copyrighted information has been reprinted with permission from the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics: www.LNT.org.
Other Important Tips For Hiking in Arches National Park:
- Don’t bust the crust! A lot of the land in Arches National Park is covered in biological soil crust, otherwise known as cryptobiotic soil. This crust plays a vital role in keeping the environment healthy and preventing erosion. It takes decades for cryptobiotic soil to grow to the point where it’s thick and chunky and it can easily be damaged by a single footstep. Stay on trail or on slickrock to avoid disrupting the crust.
- Make sure you stay hydrated! It’s recommended to carry 1L of water per person per hour of hiking, but you may need more during warmer months (or less during the winter). When it’s warm out also consider carrying electrolytes to replenish sodium lost from sweating.
- Arches National Park prohibits using artificial light to illuminate rock formations or landscapes for photography at night. This is to help preserve the park’s dark skies for other visitors.
- Watch out for invasive species! Arches National Park has an invasive cheatgrass problem, so do your best to clean your hiking shoes before and after hitting the trail to avoid transporting seeds.
Are There Any Dog-Friendly Trails in Arches National Park?
No. Dogs are NOT allowed on any trails in Arches National Park. However, you can find plenty of dog-friendly hikes around Moab outside of the park!
10 Best Hikes in Arches National Park Ranked From Easiest to Most Difficult
1. Skyline Arch
Skyline Arch is probably the easiest hike in Arches National Park, which makes it perfect for the whole family. Located near Devils Garden, the Skyline Arch trail can be hiked anytime of year, but it’s particularly beautiful right after some fresh snow! The trail out to the arch is well-maintained with very minimal elevation gain, so it makes a great pit stop before or after a longer hike.
Insider Tip: If you know where to look while driving on I-70, you can see Skyline Arch in the distance!
Trail Stats for Skyline Arch
Trailhead Location: Google maps
Bathrooms?: There are no bathrooms at the trailhead.
Trailhead Parking Difficulty: Easy-moderate. The parking lot isn’t large, but since it’s such a short hike people come and go fairly regularly.
Distance: 0.4 miles out-and-back
Elevation Gain: 35 ft.
Difficulty: Very easy (1-1.5/10).
Estimated Hike Time: <30 minutes
Best Time of Year to Hike: Year-round (it’s such a short hike it makes for a good, quick stop during the summer).
Skyline Arch Trail Map
2. Sand Dune Arch and Broken Arch Trail
If you’re looking for a short and easy hike in Arches that’s fit for the whole family, check out the Sand Dune Arch and Broken Arch trail. The trail to Sand Dune Arch is just a short walk from the parking lot tucked away between sandstone fins to the right of the trail. Get the best views by climbing up the slickrock on the backside of the arch.
The rest of the trail out to Broken Arch is well-defined and relatively flat, so it’s easy to follow, however be prepared to encounter sand. This is a great low-effort, high-reward hike that can be done anytime of the year.
Trail Stats For Sand Dune Arch and Broken Arch Trail
Trailhead Location: Google maps
Bathrooms?: There are pit toilets at the trailhead.
Trailhead Parking Difficulty: Easy-moderate. There are a decent number of parking spots and since it’s a short hike, people tend to come and go regularly.
Distance: ~1.5 miles out-and-back
Elevation Gain: 165 ft.
Difficulty: Easy (1.5-2.5/10).
Estimated Hike Time: <30 minutes
Best Time of Year to Hike: Year-round.
Sand Dune Arch and Broken Arch Trail Map
3. The Windows & Turret Arch
One of the best easy hikes in Arches National Park is the trail to the Windows and Turret Arch. The trail to is extremely well-maintained, short, and provides views of multiple arches, which makes this a popular hike at both sunrise and sunset. The best view of the Windows is from behind the arches on the “primitive” trail. Climb through the North Window and down a rocky trail that loops around to the South Window.
After hiking the Windows head over to Turret Arch, which provides more picturesque views of Arches National Park. You can also head across the parking lot to check out Double Arch, which is one of the coolest arches in Arches National Park.
Trail Stats for The Windows & Turret Arch
Trailhead Location: Google maps
Bathrooms?: There are pit toilets at the trailhead.
Trailhead Parking Difficulty: Easy-moderate. There’s a large parking lot with 92 total spaces, and people tend to regularly come and go since the hike is so short.
Distance: ~1.2 mile loop
Elevation Gain: 150 ft.
Difficulty: Easy (1.5-2.5/10)
Estimated Hike Time: <1 hour
Best Time of Year to Hike: Year-round.
Windows & Turret Arch Trail Map
4. Landscape Arch
Landscape Arch is the longest arch in the world, clocking in at 290 ft. long. The trail out to Landscape Arch is fairly easy and also provides access to Pine Tree Arch and Tunnel Arch, which add ~0.5 miles to the hike. There is a little bit of a climb to get up to Landscape Arch, but the trail is very well-maintained and the grade is gradual.
If you decide to hike the entire Devils Garden Loop (described below) you’ll pass Landscape Arch along the way, but I also wanted to add it as its own recommendation in case you’re looking for an easier hike. It’s one of the most unique arches in the park and worth seeing even if you don’t hike the full loop.
Trail Stats for Landscape Arch
Trailhead Location: Google maps
Bathrooms?: There are pit toilets at the trailhead.
Trailhead Parking Difficulty: Easy-moderate. The parking lot has 160 spaces, so it’s very large. Most people don’t hike the entire loop, so cars come and go regularly.
Distance: 2 miles out-and-back
Elevation Gain: 250 ft.
Difficulty: Easy (2-3/10)
Estimated Hike Time: <1 hour
Best Time of Year to Hike: Year-round.
Landscape Arch Trail Map
5. Park Avenue Trail
The Park Avenue Trail differs from many hikes in Arches because there are no arches along the trail. Instead you’ll hike past towering sandstone walls as you make your way down into a wash. From there you’ll hike through the wash across rocky and sandy terrain until you reach the parking area for the Courthouse Towers. It’s a fairly easy hike that truly immerses you into the desert environment of Arches.
Trail Stats for Park Avenue Trail
Trailhead Location: Google maps
Bathrooms?: There are no bathrooms at the trailhead.
Trailhead Parking Difficulty: Moderate. There aren’t many parking spaces at the trailhead, but a lot of people just walk out to the lookout, so cars come and go regularly.
Distance: 1.8 miles out-and-back
Elevation Gain: ~300 ft.
Difficulty: Easy (2.5-3.5/10)
Estimated Hike Time: <1 hour
Best Time of Year to Hike: Year-round
Park Avenue Trail Map
6. Ring Arch
If you’re looking to get off-the-beaten-path and see an arch that many visitors to Arches don’t know about, then hike to Ring Arch. The trail to Ring Arch begins near Courthouse Wash and takes you into the backcountry to a small arch hidden in the sandstone walls.
The majority of the trail to Ring Arch cuts across the desert. This is a popular area for climbers and canyoneers, so there are plenty of established trails to stick to. It can be easy to get turned around, so make sure to carry a map. As you approach Ring Arch you’ll hike across some slickrock before making your way to the bottom of a sandstone bench. You can see Ring Arch from there, or you can scramble up onto the bench for a better view of the arch.
Trail Stats for Ring Arch
Trailhead Location: Google maps
Bathrooms?: There are no bathrooms at the trailhead.
Trailhead Parking Difficulty: Moderate-difficult. The trail begins at a pull-off on the side of the main road through Arches National Park. There’s room for a few cars, but space is somewhat limited.
Distance: 2.9 miles out-and-back
Elevation Gain: 170 ft.
Difficulty: Easy-moderate (3-4/10)
Estimated Hike Time: 60-90 minutes
Best Time of Year to Hike: Fall, winter, and spring.
Ring Arch Trail Map
7. Tower Arch
Tower Arch is a lesser-visited arch in Arches National Park that can be accessed a couple of different ways. You can either hike out to the arch, or use a high-clearance, 4WD vehicle in order to navigate the sandy and rocky road to the 4×4 trailhead. Be aware, the road may be impassable after rain or snow.
If you drive to the 4×4 trailhead it’s only a 1/4 mile hike to the arch from the parking area. Some light scrambling is required to get back to the arch, so wear shoes with good traction. There’s roughly 100 ft. of elevation gain overall. In addition to seeing Tower Arch, you’ll also find another smaller arch in the sandstone wall to the right.
If you don’t have a 4×4 vehicle, you can access Tower Arch via a hiking trail that is roughly 2.5 miles out-and-back with over 600 ft. of elevation gain. This trail is very sandy and can be challenging to navigate, so carry a map. Getting to the trailhead still requires driving on a dirt road, but it does not require a high-clearance, 4WD vehicle.
Trail Stats for Tower Arch
Trailhead Location: Google maps
Bathrooms?: There are no bathrooms at the trailhead.
Trailhead Parking Difficulty: Moderate-difficult. The road may be impassable when wet.
Distance: 2.5 miles out-and-back
Elevation Gain: 625 ft.
Difficulty: Moderate (4-5/10)
Estimated Hike Time: 60-90 minutes
Best Time of Year to Hike: Fall, winter, and spring.
Tower Arch Trail Map
8. Delicate Arch
Delicate Arch is easily one of the most iconic hikes in Southern Utah and it definitely lives up to the hype. While the hike to Delicate Arch is scenic any time of day, it’s often considered one of the best sunrise and sunset spots in Moab.
The trail to Delicate Arch takes you across different types of desert terrain, including sand and slickrock. There’s one particularly steep section of slickrock that will get your calves burning, but other than that, the trail isn’t too difficult. There are cairns and signs marking the route along the way.
The star of the hike is, of course, Delicate Arch. No matter how many times I hike this trail I’m always blown away by just how truly massive this arch is. While there’s often a line to take photos at the arch, I think it’s worth the wait to memorialize your trip to Moab and Arches National Park.
Trail Stats For Delicate Arch
Trailhead Location: Google maps
Bathrooms?: There are pit toilets at the trailhead.
Trailhead Parking Difficulty: Difficult. Even though there are currently 157 total parking spaces, this is by far the most popular hike in Arches National Park, so they fill up quickly. Be sure to arrive early (ideally at sunrise) for the best likelihood of finding a parking spot.
Distance: 3.2 miles (out-and-back)
Elevation Gain: 630 ft.
Difficulty: Moderate (5-6/10)
Estimated Hike Time: 1 ½-2 hours (Longer if you want to spend time and enjoy a snack at the arch!)
Best Time of Year to Hike: Fall, winter, and spring.
Delicate Arch Trail Map
9. Fiery Furnace
Hiking in the Fiery Furnace is an epic choose-your-own-adventure experience. The hike takes you deep into the rocky pinnacles of the Fiery Furnace, which is a unique geologic feature in Arches National Park. Technically, there isn’t an “official” trail in the Fiery Furnace, however there is a marked route that most hikers follow. You’re free to explore the area at your leisure as long as you stay on the slickrock and other durable surfaces. There’s a lot to potentially explore and it’s also easy to get lost, so having a map is essential when hiking in the Fiery Furnace.
You are required to obtain a permit in advance if you want to hike the Fiery Furnace. The permit system is in place to limit the number of hikers per day and protect the environment. You will be required to watch a short video on recreating responsibly in the Fiery Furnace when you pick up your permit at the Visitors Center.
Trail Stats for the Fiery Furnace
Trailhead Location: Google maps
Bathrooms?: Yes, there are pit toilets at the trailhead.
Trailhead Parking Difficulty: Easy. Since the hike is permitted you shouldn’t have any issues finding a parking spot.
Distance: 2-3+ miles
Elevation Gain: ~500 ft.
Difficulty: Moderate (6-7/10) due to the route-finding and possible scrambling required.
Estimated Hike Time: 2-2 ½ hours
Best Time of Year to Hike: Fall, winter, and spring.
Fiery Furnace Trail Map
10. Devils Garden Loop
The Devils Garden Loop is my favorite hike in Arches National Park and not to be missed if you’re looking for a challenging hike. Be aware, most of the trail along the Devils Garden Loop is considered “primitive” and there is some easy scrambling required to complete the full loop. It’s important to wear shoes with good traction and be prepared for a difficult hike. If you complete the full loop, you’ll pass 6 unique arches, along with other unique rock formations, including sandstone fins and a huge sandstone tower called the Black Angel.
The beginning of the Devils Garden Loop follows the same trail that takes you to Landscape Arch. After you pass Landscape Arch there’s a fork to begin the primitive loop portion of the trail. I recommend hiking the Devils Garden Loop counterclockwise. You get the sandy portion of the trail out of the way early and you end the hike with some of the best arches in Arches (Partition Arch and Navajo Arch, in case you’re wondering!).
Trail Stats for Devils Garden Loop
Trailhead Location: Google maps
Bathrooms?: There are pit toilets at the trailhead.
Trailhead Parking Difficulty: Easy-moderate. The parking lot has 160 spaces, so it’s very large. Most people don’t hike the entire loop, so cars come and go regularly.
Distance: 8 miles
Elevation Gain: 1050 ft.
Difficulty: Difficult (7.5-8.5/10)
Estimated Hike Time: 3 ½-4 ½ hours (You definitely want to factor in time to take photos on this hike!)
Devils Garden Loop Trail Map
Map of the Best Hikes in Arches National Park
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