5 of the Best Trails for Hiking: Arches National Park

For the most part, hiking in Arches National Park is easy and doable for the entire family. There are dozens of amazing arches to see just a few minutes’ walk from your car. There are a few arches that take a bit longer to get to, but they are worth the trek. The remote position of landforms such as Delicate Arch and Tower Arch adds to their mystique and beauty.

If you’re an avid hiker and want to take on the more challenging hikes, make sure to check out Devil’s Garden (#2 on the list). It is hands-down the most difficult hike in the park – in the best ways. Go all out and send it!!

Delicate Arch

Not only is Delicate Arch ICONIC (see it on most Utah license plates), but it truly is a gorgeous sight. The rock formation itself, combined with being set on the edge of a panoramic viewpoint, will leave you in awe. A feeling of peace manages to fill the space and Delicate Arch sits serenely in balance with the world around it.

The hike to Delicate Arch is challenging but doable for all ages. You’ll trek up 1.6 miles of rounded stone and won’t be able to spot the arch until you turn the last corner. It feels as if it were tucked into a secret space, where it waits for admirers to come and rest. Don’t forget the additional walk back, which is easier as it is mostly downhill. Elevation gain: 630ft (192m)

Distance: 3.2 miles, out & back (5.2km)

Difficulty Rating: Moderate

Estimated Time to Complete: 1.5hrs (plus additional time for rest/photos)

Fiery Furnace

This trail is named for the gorgeous glow that emits at sunset. Being a trail located between canyon walls, it resembles a furnace when the sun hits just right. Not only is this a beautiful hike, but it is well known for having unique terrain. You’ll get to scramble around over uneven surfaces and maneuver between rock walls and under arches. While it can be a blast to explore, you do need to plan ahead of time to complete this hike.

You must have a permit to hike this trail (or be with a ranger). This is because there are no established trails. While there are a few small arrows that will generally guide you in the right direction, you really should have a trail map downloaded on your phone or printed out. If you’re not careful, you could get lost. However, the limited number of permits available means that it definitely won’t be crowded. If you enjoy scrambling/climbing and exploring hidden gems, this is a must-hike for you. Elevation gain: 492ft (150m) with a guide

Distance: 2 miles, loop (3.2km) with a guide

Difficulty Rating: Moderate

Estimated Time to Complete: 1hr – but many people report taking over 5 hours after getting lost.

Devil’s Garden

When we say that this trail is rated Difficult, we mean it. Hiking Arches National Park, we went in expecting a challenging route but it exceeded our expectations. If you have any hesitation about being able to scramble up steep rock faces, please wear sticky shoes (this means something with high traction that will not slip easily) and bring trekking poles. Without the proper footwear, we ended up having to turn back 2 miles up the primitive trail. We did not come prepared and were not able to complete the entire hike on the first try.

Personally, we agree that rock scrambles and challenges like this make the hike a TON of fun. Who doesn’t love an adrenaline rush or a slight physical challenge? That’s what hiking is for. Plus, you’ll get to see at least 4 additional arches along this trail. Elevation gain: 1,085ft (330m)

Distance: 8 miles, loop (12.8km)

Difficulty Rating: Difficult

Estimated Time to Complete: 3.5hrs (plus additional time for rest/photos)

Landscape Arch

Landscape Arch has a very interesting history. In September of 1991, visitors hiking Arches National Park heard cracking sounds coming from the rock near them and witnessed a rock fall from Landscape Arch. If you visit the area now you can still see the rubble remaining below the arch. Arches are beautiful in their impermanence, and rock formations are in a constant state of change. Because these types of changes are natural, the park service has no reason to move the rocks or manipulate the situation. Go and visit these beautiful sights before they disappear before your eyes.

This hike is easy and especially appealing for those interested in history and rock formations. It’s a short walk from the parking lot and you’ll get some beautiful panoramic views of the park on the way. The hike to Landscape Arch can be extended to include the Devil’s Garden trail, so bring the right gear if you plan on doing both (read above). Elevation gain: 252ft (77m)

Distance: 1.9 miles, out & back (3km)

Difficulty Rating: Easy

Estimated Time to Complete: 50 minutes (plus additional time for rest/photos)

Double Arch

This is the easiest hike on our list, but extremely worth it considering the experience. You can see the double-arch formation from the parking lot, but it is a lovely place to watch the sunrise. Climb up into the cave below the arch and relax as the sun peeks out from behind windows arches and their neighbors. Alternatively, you can use the shaded space below to have a snack at midday. Easy, simple, and beautiful altogether. Elevation gain: 95ft (29m)

Distance: 0.6 miles, out & back (1km)

Difficulty Rating: Easy

Estimated Time to Complete: 15 minutes (plus additional time for rest/photos)

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