This post is part 2 of my multi-part series sharing how I planned a 2-week road trip to Utah’s National Parks. Today, I’m sharing my itinerary and recommendations for how to spend 2 days in Arches National Park.
Fun fact: Because this road trip was a part of our honeymoon, we decided to take engagement photos here by booking a photographer through an AirBNB Experience. We loved our photos and now have keepsakes of our visit to Arches National Park!
Check out my itineraries for the other Utah National Parks on this roadtrip:
- 2 Days of Hiking in Canyonlands National Park Itinerary
- 2 Days of Hiking in Capitol Reef National Park Itinerary
- A Half Day In Bryce Canyon National Park Itinerary
- 3 Days Hiking in Zion National Park Itinerary
Planning Your Visit to Arches
Arches National Park is located in Moab, Utah. It’s known for its over 2,000 natural stone arches and red-rock landscape. The famous Delicate Arch is even on the Utah license plate. The size of this park can be tackled in 1 day if you’re limited on time, but I recommend 2 days in Arches National Park to be able to explore multiple parts of the park and take in some longer hikes.
Depending on the time of year you visit, you may need a reservation or timed entry ticket. Visit the National Park Service (NPS) website for Arches National Park to see if this is needed. If a reservation isn’t needed, get to the park early! It can reach capacity and you’ll have to wait to enter.
Additionally, the NPS website has great info on the park. Download or save a copy of the Arches National Park map in case you visit when the rangers are not at the entrance station. I like to get familiar with the map to see where the trails are around the park.
While the town of Moab is super close to the entrance of Arches, pack your meals, snacks, and plenty of water to avoid having to leave the park. There are plenty of great scenic spots to pull over and eat with a great view.
Also, we definitely take naps in our vehicle in the park. The days can be long and a short rest helps to recharge and hike some more trails!
Arches Day 1 Itinerary
Day 1 at Arches National Park will have you visit the famous Delicate Arch first, then spend some time in the Windows Section and Courthouse Towers area.
Delicate Arch Trail
3 miles, 2.5 hours
Moderate to Difficult
3
I was so excited to see the famous Delicate Arch that I wanted it to be the first trail to hit! If you have 1 day in Arches, you have to do this trail. I also recommend starting here first because the trailhead gets full. Get here early in the morning to avoid crowds at the arch.
This out-and-back trail is of moderate difficulty, with a steady climb all the way to the arch. I definitely had to take plenty of breaks, I was not used to the altitude and elevation! You’re rewarded with a grand view of Delicate Arch where you can get right next to it to see its grandiose size. Thankfully, you’re treated to a welcome descent on your way back. Stop by the Petroglyph Panel and read about Wolfe Ranch.
Upper & Lower Delicate Arch Viewpoints
Lower Viewpoint: 100 yards, 10 minutes
Upper Viewpoint: 0.5 miles, 30 minutes
Easy
E
If you do the Delicate Arch Trail, you don’t need to do these viewpoints. I did want to include these options because they’re much shorter, easier to hike, and the Lower Viewpoint is wheelchair-accessible. You’re able to get a view of Delicate Arch from both viewpoints, but you’re much further away and won’t be able to get next to it.
The Windows Trail
1 mile, 45 minutes
Easy
After the tough workout of Delicate Arch Trail, visiting The Windows Trail is a good way to recover. A small portion of this trail is paved for wheelchair access. This easy trail has you start in the parking lot and walk to see the North Window arch, South Window arch, and Turret Arch.
Double Arch Trail
0.5 mile, 20 minutes
Easy
In the same parking lot for The Windows Trail, you can access the Double Arch Trail. This is another short hike through a sandy pathway to see a double arch rock formation.
Garden of Eden Viewpoint
The Garden of Eden is a quick stop that can be made going towards or leaving the Windows Trails. It’s an area of tall sandstone columns and we actually ended up taking some of our favorite engagement photos here.
Balanced Rock
0.3 miles, 20 minutes
Easy
This is a short paved loop to see a huge boulder balancing on top of a spire. This path is wheelchair accessible and has other interesting rock formations along the way.
Petrified Dunes Viewpoint
This is another viewpoint to see a landscape of petrified dunes in Arches National Park. See what arches you can recognize from the distance.
Courthouse Towers Viewpoint
On your way out of the park, stop by and get a view of the Courthouse Towers. There are several interesting rock formations here, with my favorite being the Three Gossips. There is the Park Avenue Trail nearby (2 miles, 1.5 hours) that you can add on if you still have energy.
Arches Day 2 Itinerary
Day 2 at Arches National Park will have you visit the Devils Garden area, Klondike Bluffs (if you have a suitable vehicle), and the Fiery Furnace viewpoints. This day leaves time to see anything you didn’t get to the first day.
Landscape Arch
1.9 miles, 50 minutes
Easy
Grab a spot in the large parking lot and hike to see the massive Landscape Arch, the largest arch in North America. This might be my favorite arch in the whole park because of its sheer size and interesting history.
This trail can continue to Double O Arch Trail and Dark Angel Trail. I decided not to do this trail because it’s a more strenuous hike. I read about steep drop-offs and I’m afraid of heights! This would be a great add-on for anyone else.
Broken Arch Trail & Sand Dune Arch Trail
2 miles, 1 hour
Easy
Access this trail from the Devils Garden Campground parking lot or Sand Dune Arch parking lot. We started in the Devils Garden Campground to do a loop to view Tapestry Arch, Broken Arch, and Sand Dune Arch.
Tower Arch Trail
2.6 miles, 2.5 hours
Difficult
The trailhead to Tower Arch can only be accessed by driving on an unpaved road. While we didn’t have trouble driving on this with our all wheel drive vehicle, you should always be prepared for any potential car trouble (ex: flat tire) when driving on an unpaved road in a park with very limited cell signal. Ask the park rangers about your vehicle if you’re unsure.
The hike itself was difficult with its sandy and rocky pathways. We didn’t run into too many other hikers here which was nice. Tower Arch itself is another massive arch that you can sit under and enjoy the views.
Fiery Furnace Viewpoint
After a day of hiking, viewing the Fiery Furnace is a great sight if you can time it around sunset. The sandstone comes alive in a glow of red and there are excellent views of the park here.
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What if I only have 1 day in Arches National Park?
Visiting Arches National Park in 1 day is doable. If you’re only there for 1 day and want to know what to see, this is my shortened itinerary recommendation:
- Delicate Arch Trail
- The Windows Section
- Landscape Arch Trail
- Sand Dune Arch Trail
- Balanced Rock Trail
- Courthouse Towers
Visiting Arches National Park
This park is one of my favorite national parks I’ve been able to visit so far. I loved seeing all of the naturally formed arches and learning the history behind how they come and go. I hope this suggested itinerary helps you plan your 2 days in Arches National Park!
