Top 3 Places to see in Arches National Park
While I’d always recommend making a day or more out of your visit to Arches National Park, the fact is that there are plenty of other things to do and see in the Moab area, from making your way to its sister park, Canyonlands, to the endless list of other outdoor activities. If you’re cramming a lot into your trip to the region, you may want to fit in just the best of Arches. If you only had half a day in the park, here are the places I’d say you should visit. You’ll certainly want to make a return trip after you get a taste, but these spots should satiate your appetite for your first go around. Don’t forget that Arches is testing a timed entry system this year, so make sure you are prepared. I wrote about everything you need to know for that here.
Let’s get down to it then! All 3 places on my list require hiking, so make sure you are prepared for any potential weather, and always carry plenty of water. I include links to get you to the trailhead. It’s generally pretty hard to get lost on these popular trails due to the well worn path and signage, but I definitely recommend reviewing the map at the trailhead for reference.
#1 - Delicate Arch (Google Maps)
The snowy La Sal mountains seen through Delicate Arch
Did you really have to wonder if this would be on the list? This is one of the most iconic arches on our planet for a reason. Yes, it will probably be crowded, and yes, it will totally be worth it. From the parking lot it’s about 1.5 miles to the arch. Because much of the trail is on bare rock, there are a few places where one could get off track, but if you pay attention you’ll notice arrows pointing you in the right direction. Most of the time you won’t have to think about that though, as there’s enough of a stream of people on the trail to follow. Just make sure those you are following know where they’re going! Any dislike you may have for crowds out in nature will definitely be gone with the view you’re rewarded with at the end, if it hadn’t already faded on the fun hike to get you there. I’d avoid doing this one in the middle of the day during the summer, as there’s not really any shade, and if you go for sunset, which is a great time to go, bring a light to make sure you can find your way back. For more information I recommend checking out the Delicate Arch page on the park website.
#2 Sand Dune Arch (Google Maps)
Sand Dune Arch
Admittedly, I don’t think this would normally take priority over some other sites remaining in the park, but remember, we’re talking about a half day itinerary. If you aren’t rushing yourself at the other two sites I mention, you won’t have much time if you’re really shooting for half a day, so this short little hike is a perfect one to fit in, at only about 1/3rd of a mile to the arch and back to your car. Just a hundred yards from the parking lot you take a side trail through a beautiful narrow canyon to find the arch hidden among the sandstone fins. Now, if you do have a little bit more time, you might as well extend this one to see broken arch, just follow the signs once you are back to the trail fork.
#3 Windows Area (Google Maps)
North & South Window (Windows section)
Another one of the busiest areas of the park, once again for good reason. A central parking lot to several major arches gives you good bang for your buck here. With only about 3/4ths of a mile loop hike you’ll see the towering Turret Arch, along with North and South Windows, which look like eyes if viewed at the right angle. From the same lot, you can hustle on over to Double Arch, and get one of several Arches National Park views filmed in the opening scenes of “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.” That one is about 1/4th of a mile from the parking lot. For more information I recommend checking out the Windows Section page on the park website.
If you have any questions on any of these hikes let me know in the comments. For a half day itinerary, these spots are a great places to introduce you to Arches National Park. Undoubtedly, you’ll want to come back to explore the places you missed, but with this list you should be off to a great start!
