DeeTour the icons of Arches National Park with this packed one day itinerary. Stopping at the all the parks most sought after attractions.
Arches National Park is a bucket list destination for most road trippers and travelers looking to see some unique Utah nature. From towering spires to expansive arches, there really is no other place like Arches.
Therefore, you’ll want to make sure you plan your day right to see all that Arches has to offer.
For a complete list on what to do during your visit to Arches National Park check out our post, The Best Way to Experience Arches National Park to explore the parks hidden gems and scenic vistas.
ONE DAY ITINERARY TO ARCHES NATIONAL PARK
STOP 1. CHECK OUT THE VISITOR CENTER
Start your exploration of Arches at the Visitor Center. Load up on info, pick up a park map, and get exploring. Check out the park film to learn about the history and geology of Arches National Park. Stop at the restroom and get the latest scoop from the park ranger.
Here you can also find water filling stations, gift shop, museum exhibit, and permits for backcountry camping. Don’t forget to pick up a souvenir at the park store. Hours and services vary by season so it’s best to check for current conditions before planning a trip.
Don’t forget to secure a park reservation, check out our guide How to Visit Arches National Park for details on the reservation system, park entrance fees, pet policy, & more.
STOP 2. PARK AVENUE VIEWPOINT & TRAIL
Get your first glimpse of the wonder that is Arches National Park at Park Avenue. This viewpoint is just a few miles after the visitor center and features a paved sidewalk overlooking a canyon with towering rock walls and massive spires.
For those looking for the ultimate exploration, take the 1.8 mile round trip trail into the canyon and experience these giant rock walls from below. The trail is rated moderate and takes around 1 hour to complete.
STOP 3. LA SAL MOUNTAINS & PETRIFIED DUNES OVERLOOK
Next up on our one day itinerary to Arches National Park is stopping at a couple of overlooks along the main park road. These are some of the best places to stop and marvel at the forces of nature.
Give yourself a good 10 minutes at each overlook to really take in all the details of the amazing landscape around you.
STOP 4. BALANCED ROCK TRAIL
Balanced Rock is an iconic feature of Arches National Park and is a must do on any trip. The rock sits 128 feet tall and can be seen several miles in the distance once you enter the park. The short 0.3 mile trail up to the rock is easy offers amazing views of The Windows and the La Sal Mountains in the distance.
STOP 5. THE WINDOWS & DOUBLE ARCH TRAIL
Making our way more into the park we’ll come up to perhaps the most popular section of the park, The Windows and Double Arch. These are two trails you won’t want to miss on your trip to Arches National Park.
The Windows features two massive side by side arches and can be accessed via a 1.2 mile loop trail. Also along this trail you’ll be able to see Turret Arch, a free standing sandstone fin.
Double Arch is the tallest and second longest arch in the park and features an easy 0.6 mile walk right up to the arch. This is probably one of the coolest arches in the entire park in my opinion.
Other sights in this area are Garden of Eden, Elephant Butte, and Parade of Elephants.
STOP 6. DELICATE ARCH TRAIL OR VIEWPOINT
Delicate Arch is by far the most popular arch to visit in Arches National Park. Standing 46 feet tall and 32 feet wide, Delicate Arch is the largest free standing arch in the entire park and it’s the one featured on Utah’s license plate.
There are 3 ways to see Delicate Arch, first and most popular is the 3 mile trail that takes you right up to the arch. The trail is strenuous, exposed, and features petroglyphs surrounding the historic Wolfe Ranch.
For those looking for an easier route, the Lower & Upper Viewpoints are shorter and less strenuous walks, however Delicate Arch is much further in the distance.
For more details about Delicate Arch, check out our post, How to Visit Delicate Arch in Arches National Park.
STOP 7. FIERY FURNACE VIEWPOINT
Admire the red maze that is Arches Fiery Furnace at the Fiery Furnace Viewpoint. Named for its wood fire furnace glow at sunset, Fiery Furnace is a hidden gem in Arches National Park. For a quick view of the Fiery Furnace stop at the viewpoint along the main park road.
For those explorers desiring a closer look at the Fiery Furnace, ranger guided or self guided permits are able to explore this area up close. Permits are $10 per person and can be obtained online up to 7 days in advance.
STOP 8. SAND DUNE ARCH
Next up is to Sand Dune Arch. This is a stop you won’t want to skip on your visit to Arches National Park. Tucked in between giant sandstone fins, sand dune arch will leave you amazed at how nature creates such unique rock formations.
The trail to sand dune arch is a short and easy 0.4 mile and can be combined with Broken Arch to make a moderate 2.3 mile out and back hike.
STOP 9. DEVILS GARDEN TO LANDSCAPE ARCH
The last stop on our packed one day itinerary to Arches is another famous icon of the park, Landscape Arch. This massive arch is the largest in the world at 306 feet wide and only 6 feet in diameter. It’s located in the back of the park in the Devils Garden and can be accessed via the 1.8 mile Devils Garden trail.
Also on this trail is Tunnel Arch and Pine Tree Arch.
Let us know in the comments your favorite stops in Arches National Park!
