Arches National Park: Why It Belongs on Your Bucket List

Arches NP is More Than Sightseeing. It’s a Hands-On, Hearts-Full Adventure

Moab isn’t called the adventure capital of the West for nothing. Just minutes from downtown, Arches National Park offers endless ways to move, explore, and discover, no matter your comfort level.

Activities You’ll Love:

• Van/Bus Tours of Arches: Perfect for families or those wanting an effortless overview. Expert guides share the secrets behind every formation from Balanced Rock to the massive Landscape Arch.
• Hiking & Exploring: From family-friendly walks to Sandune Arch to longer treks like Delicate Arch, there’s a trail for every level.
• Air Tours Over Arches: For a perspective that takes your breath away, soar above the spires, towers, and fins with a birds-eye view of Castle Valley, Devils Garden, and the Colorado River.
  

Hiking in Arches: Trails That Wow Every Type of Explorer

Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or walking with little ones, Arches offers trails that are as rewarding as they are accessible. The variety here is one reason so many guests say this tour was the “highlight of their entire trip.”

Standouts on the Trails:

• Delicate Arch Trail: A 3-mile round-trip with some elevation gain and rock scrambling—but the payoff is massive. Utah’s state icon stands alone on a natural stone pedestal. Best tackled with a morning start.
• Park Avenue: A favorite for first-time visitors, this trail leads you through a canyon of skyscraper-high walls. It’s like walking through nature’s version of a city street.
• Double Arch: One of the park’s easiest hikes. A flat gravel path leads to twin arches sharing a massive sandstone wall. You may recognize it from Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.
  

You’ll Discover Hidden Wonders That Most Visitors Miss

Yes, Delicate Arch is famous and for good reason. But there’s so much more to this high desert landscape than the postcard views. That’s why we always recommend exploring Arches NP with a guide. They’ll show you the stories behind the scenery and take you to places most travelers never find.

What You Might Miss Without a Guide

• Arches hidden in side canyons with zero signs
• Wildlife sightings you’d never notice alone (think bighorn sheep, peregrine falcons, or desert cottontails)
• Geological secrets—like why arches even form and how long they last
• Unexpected spots for stargazing or sunset that don’t show up on Google Maps
  

Best Self-Guided Hikes Near Moab (No Permit Required):

You don’t need to be hardcore. You just need a sense of wonder, plenty of water, some snacks, and a good trail map.

• Delicate Arch (3 miles RT | Moderate): Utah’s most iconic hike. A steady climb brings you face-to-face with this freestanding arch, especially beautiful at sunrise or sunset. Double Arch & Windows Section (1–2 miles RT | Easy): Easily accessible, family-friendly, and visually stunning. Great for photos and short walks.
• Landscape Arch (1.6 miles RT | Easy): See one of the world’s most extended natural spans. This one is short, flat, and perfect for all skill levels.
• Corona Arch (3 miles RT | Moderate): Outside of Arches but just as impressive—with fewer crowds. Includes a short ladder climb and sweeping canyon views.
• Grandstaff Trail (4 miles RT | Moderate): A lush, shady canyon hike with a stream crossing and the dramatic Morning Glory Arch at the end.

Pro Tip:  Want help deciding where to go based on weather, trail difficulty, or group dynamics? You can stop by the Moab Adventure Center, just off Main Street. Our local staff can help you map out your day and offer tips most visitors miss.

It’s a Year-Round Destination, You Just Need the Right Plan

When people hear “desert,” they picture unrelenting heat. However, Arches National Park is a high-desert environment, characterized by four distinct seasons and a surprisingly wide range of conditions.



That’s great news—because it means you can visit year-round. Whether you’re escaping the city in spring, road-tripping in the fall, or flying in for winter solitude, Arches always delivers.

What to Expect by Season:

• Spring (March–May): Wildflowers, 60–80°F temps, and great hiking weather.
• Summer (June–August): Sunrise tours and twilight hikes help beat the heat—plus epic stargazing thanks to long evenings.
• Fall (September–October): Fewer crowds, golden light, and crisp mornings. Possibly the best all-around time to visit.
• Winter (November–February): Red rocks dusted with snow, silence on the trails, and views that feel like your own private show.

Want to make it even easier? Our tours are timed to take advantage of the best light, lowest crowds, and most comfortable parts of the day,  and we adjust seasonally.