Arches in Arches National Park

Delicate Arch

Naturally our list would have to begin with Delicate Arch, The most famous arch in the park, and probably the world. This Arch is featured on the Utah license plate, it’s an icon for not just Utah, but the entire desert Southwest. People flock from all corners of the Earth just to see and photograph this arch up close. Visit overlook on Arches Tour.

• Distance/Time: ~3.0 mi RT, 2–3 hrs
• Difficulty: Moderate (exposed slickrock, some steep sections)
• Best Time: Sunset (bring a headlamp for the hike out)
• Parking: Delicate Arch Trailhead lot fills early; overflow at viewpoints
  

Double Arch

Double Arch is a massive, side-by-side formation where two giant spans share the same stone base. Just a short walk from the parking lot, it’s one of the most accessible and family-friendly arches in Arches National Park. Kids love climbing on the rocks beneath, while photographers are drawn to its unique angles. Visit on Arches Tour.

• Distance/Time: ~0.5 mi RT, 15–30 mins
• Difficulty: Easy
• Best Time: Morning (soft side-light); also great late afternoon
• Parking: Shared Windows lot; frequent turnover but busy midday
  

North Window & South Window

Known as the “Spectacles,” the Windows Section is a cluster of some of the best arches to see in one stop. North and South Windows sit side by side with Turret Arch nearby, all connected by easy trails. This area is especially popular with families and first-time visitors who want maximum scenery with minimal hiking. Visit on Arches Tour.

• Distance/Time: ~1.2 mi loop, 30–60 mins
• Difficulty: Easy
• Best Time: Sunrise (beautiful front-light); sunset is great, too
• Parking: Windows lot; arrives early/late to avoid crowds
  

Turret Arch

Turret Arch is a castle-like formation with a large opening and a smaller “window” nearby. Its short, easy trail makes it one of the best arches in Arches National Park for families, and the view of Turret framed through the North Window is one of the park’s most famous photo spots.  Visit on Arches Tour.

• Distance/Time: ~0.5 mi RT from Windows lot, 15–25 mins
• Difficulty: Easy (short trail, some steps)
• Best Time: Sunrise or late afternoon (great lighting with the Windows)
• Parking: Windows Section lot
  

Landscape Arch

Spanning over 290 feet, Landscape Arch is the longest natural arch in North America and one of the best arches in Arches National Park for families and casual hikers. The trail is mostly flat and easy, making it an accessible way to witness a formation that feels impossibly thin yet breathtakingly grand.

• Distance/Time: ~1.6 mi round trip, 45–75 mins
• Difficulty: Easy (mostly packed trail)
• Best Time: Morning or late afternoon
• Parking: Devil’s Garden lot fills early
  

Double O Arch

Double O Arch is one of the most rewarding hikes in Arches National Park, featuring two stacked arches in a narrow sandstone fin. The trail requires some scrambling and exposure on slickrock ledges, but the payoff is unforgettable views and a sense of real adventure.

• Distance/Time: ~4.1 mi round trip, 2–3 hrs
• Difficulty: Moderate–Strenuous (slickrock, ledges, exposure)
• Best Time: Morning (cooler temps, fewer crowds)
• Parking: Devil’s Garden lot (often full by mid-morning)
  

Sand Dune Arch

Tucked away between tall sandstone fins, Sand Dune Arch feels like a hidden playground. Its short, sandy trail leads to a shaded alcove where kids can scramble and play, making it one of the best arches in Arches National Park for families. The cooler setting makes it a welcome stop on hot summer days.

• Distance/Time: ~0.3 mi round trip, 10–20 mins
• Difficulty: Easy (short walk on soft sand)
• Best Time: Midday (shade makes it cooler)
• Parking: Sand Dune/Broken Arch lot; usually reasonable turnover
  

Skyline Arch

Skyline Arch lives up to its name—perched high on a sandstone wall, it’s visible from the road and even from the nearby campground. A short, easy trail brings you right up to its base, making it one of the more accessible arches in Arches National Park. Visible on Arches Tour.

• Distance/Time: ~0.4–0.8 mi round trip, 15–30 mins
• Difficulty: Easy (also viewable from roadside)
• Best Time: Golden hour for dramatic lighting
• Parking: Small pullout near trailhead; additional views accessible from Devil's Garden Campground
  

Balanced Rock

Balanced Rock is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Arches National Park. A giant boulder appears precariously perched atop a narrow pedestal, rising 128 feet above the desert floor. The short loop around its base offers striking views from every angle and makes for one of the park’s easiest and most rewarding photo stops.  Visit on Arches Tour.

• Distance/Time: ~0.3 mi loop, 10–20 mins
• Difficulty: Easy, flat
• Best Time: Sunrise or sunset for glowing colors
• Parking: Dedicated pullout with steady turnover