Arches National Park, located just five miles north of Moab, Utah, is a treasure trove of natural wonders including dramatic red rock landscapes and unique geological formations. Known for its breathtaking views and photogenic rock structures, Arches is one of the most famous destinations in the American Southwest and is a must-visit for outdoor enthusiasts. The park offers everything from iconic hikes and photogenic vistas to unique rock structures, drawing visitors from all over the world. This guide covers the park's best hikes, most famous arches, tips for a memorable visit, and camping options in and around Moab.

Arches National Park's dramatic landscape has been sculpted over millions of years by natural forces, resulting in some of the most striking formations including pinnacles, massive rock fins, and giant balanced rocks. Erosion and weathering have meticulously carved out the park's over 2,000 arches, creating an almost otherworldly landscape. Arches has the densest concentration of natural stone arches in the world. Each formation, from the delicate curves of Landscape Arch to the gravity-defying Balanced Rock, tells a story of time, pressure, and resilience, making Arches a living testament to nature's power and artistry.

Scenic Drive

The scenic drive through Arches National Park is a 36-mile round trip that offers some of the park's most stunning vistas and easy access to iconic formations, all from the comfort of your vehicle. Starting from the entrance, the road climbs quickly, offering panoramic views of Moab Valley and the La Sal Mountains in the distance. As you drive along, you'll pass famous formations like Park Avenue, where towering sandstone walls mimic a city skyline. Further along, Balanced Rock stands precariously, seemingly defying gravity and creating a unique photo opportunity.

The road also takes you to the Windows Section, home to North and South Windows, Turret Arch, and Double Arch, all visible from a nearby parking area. Continuing north, you'll reach Delicate Arch (though viewing it up close requires a hike), and Devil's Garden at the road’s end, where Landscape Arch—one of the longest natural arches in the world—awaits. The drive provides many pullouts and overlooks, making it easy to enjoy these formations and desert landscapes without leaving your car.

Iconic Hikes and Arches

Delicate Arch
Hiking Distance: 3 miles round trip | Difficulty: Moderate
Delicate Arch is the park’s most recognizable feature and is even depicted on Utah’s license plates. This 3-mile hike is moderately strenuous, with a final ascent that opens up to the iconic, freestanding arch. Plan to arrive early for fewer crowds and cooler temperatures, or head up for sunset, when the arch glows in golden hues.
Devil’s Garden and Landscape Arch
Hiking Distance: 1.6 miles round trip (to Landscape Arch), up to 7.8 miles (full loop) | Difficulty: Easy to strenuous
The Devil’s Garden Trail provides access to multiple arches, including Landscape Arch, one of the longest arches in the world. From here, adventurous hikers can continue along the primitive trail to see Double O Arch, Dark Angel, and more. The entire loop can be strenuous, but the initial trek to Landscape Arch is relatively easy and suitable for families.
The Windows Section
Hiking Distance: 1 mile round trip | Difficulty: Easy
This area features North and South Windows, Turret Arch, and Double Arch. These formations are all accessible via short, easy trails, making this section perfect for families or those with limited time. Double Arch, in particular, is impressive for its sheer size and proximity to other arches in the Windows Section.
Balanced Rock
Hiking Distance: Short walk from the parking lot | Difficulty: Easy
Balanced Rock is an easy stop along the park’s scenic drive, offering a unique rock formation that appears to defy gravity. This is one of the park’s most photogenic spots, especially at sunset.
Fiery Furnace
Difficulty: Advanced, permit required
For a more challenging experience, explore the Fiery Furnace, a maze-like area with narrow passageways and towering rock fins. Due to its difficulty and the complex layout, permits or a guided ranger tour are required to explore Fiery Furnace.

Camping Options Near Moab

1. Devil’s Garden Campground (Inside Arches National Park)

Type: Traditional campground
Sites: 50 (some reservable, some first-come, first-served)
Amenities: Picnic tables, fire rings, flush toilets, no showers
Located within Arches, Devil’s Garden Campground offers campers the rare chance to experience the park's natural beauty up close. Reservations are required well in advance due to limited sites and high demand, especially from March to October.

2. BLM (Bureau of Land Management) Campgrounds Along the Colorado River

Popular Sites: Goose Island, Grandstaff, and Big Bend
Distance from Arches: 5-10 miles from the park entrance
Amenities: Vault toilets, picnic tables, fire rings, no hookups
Several BLM campgrounds line the Colorado River near Moab and offer affordable and scenic camping. These sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis and provide direct access to nearby hiking and rock climbing areas.

3. Sand Flats Recreation Area

Distance from Arches: About 15 minutes from the park
Sites: Over 120 campsites spread across several loops
Amenities: Vault toilets, picnic tables, fire rings, no hookups
The Sand Flats Recreation Area is popular for its stunning desert views and access to off-roading and mountain biking trails. It’s a great choice for those who want to experience the desert landscape while being close to Moab and Arches.

4. Willow Springs Road

Distance from Arches: About 13 miles from the park entrance
Sites: Dispersed camping with open sites throughout the area
Amenities: No restrooms, potable water, or hookups; campfires permitted
Notes: Willow Springs offers free BLM camping near Moab, providing easy access to Arches National Park and beautiful red rock views. Suitable for both tents and RVs, though a high-clearance vehicle is recommended for some rough sections of the road. Operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

5. Private Campgrounds in Moab

Popular Options: Archview RV Resort, Canyonlands RV Resort, ACT Campground, KOA
Amenities: Hookups, showers, laundry, Wi-Fi
These campgrounds are ideal for those looking for more comfortable camping options. Most offer RV hookups, showers, and other amenities, and are located within a 10- to 15-minute drive of Arches.

We opted to stay on Willow Springs Road. It was crowded but the views were spectacular. The Bureau of Land Management also operates the Willow Springs Dinosaur Tracksite, where you can see actual dinosaur prints! It is just down the road from the dispersed camping area.

Tips for Maximizing Your Visit to Arches National Park

Timed Entry: From April 1 to October 31, visitors are required to have a timed entry ticket to enter the park. Ticketed entry will run from 7 am to 4 pm daily. Those without a ticket may enter the park before 7 am or after 4 pm. The park is open 24/7.
Plan for Hot Weather: Summer temperatures in Arches can exceed 100°F (38°C). Carry plenty of water, wear sun protection, and plan to take breaks in shaded areas.
Pack Snacks and Supplies: With no restaurants inside the park, it’s essential to bring food and supplies. Moab, just a few miles south of the park entrance, has grocery stores, restaurants, and camping supplies if needed.
Stay on Trails: To protect the park’s fragile ecosystem, always stay on marked trails, respect all signage, and practice the Leave No Trace principles.
Reserve Permits in Advance: For areas like the Fiery Furnace and campsites in Devil’s Garden, securing permits in advance is necessary, especially during high season.
Pets: While some National Parks allow dogs on a limited number of trails and at the overlooks, Arches is not one of them. Arches is not a dog-friendly destination. Pets are not allowed:
- on any hiking trails, or anywhere off-trail, even while in a carrier
- at any overlooks
- in the visitor center or any building

Check out my favorite national park dog-friendly hikes.

Arches National Park is a destination that truly encapsulates the rugged beauty and grandeur of the American Southwest. With its vast array of natural stone arches, towering red rock formations, and expansive desert landscapes, the park offers unforgettable experiences for hikers, photographers, and nature lovers alike. From iconic sites like Delicate Arch and the Windows Section to lesser-traveled paths in Devil's Garden, each trail and viewpoint reveals the park's unique geology and history. Whether camping nearby in Moab or simply taking a scenic drive through the park, visitors to Arches will leave with memories of one of the most stunning landscapes in the world, where the wonders of nature are on full display.

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Arches National Park - Moab, Utah