How to see Arches National Park in One Day
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Why You Should Visit Arches National Park
Arches National Park is a breathtaking destination that belongs on your travel bucket list. Located in Moab, Utah, this park is famous for its stunning rock formations, natural arches, and sweeping desert landscapes, all set against the backdrop of majestic mountains. Whether you're an avid hiker, a landscape photographer, or simply someone who loves the outdoors, this park offers an unforgettable experience.
If you're a camping enthusiast, there are plenty of off-road camping spots where you can sleep under some of the darkest skies in the United States. However, seeing Arches National Park in just one day can be challenging—but don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with this ultimate one-day itinerary.
What You Need to Know Before You Go to Arches National Park
Lacey in Arches National Park
Location & Entry Requirements
Arches National Park is located just outside Moab, Utah. If you're visiting between April and October, you’ll need to make a reservation for timed entry. These tickets open six months in advance and sell out quickly. A National Park Pass does not exempt you from the reservation requirement. The entrance fee is based on your vehicle type unless you have an annual pass.
Services & Amenities
There are limited services within the park, especially in the off-season. I highly recommend packing snacks, water, and necessary supplies before heading out. Always dispose of trash in designated bins to keep the park clean. There are restrooms located at many points along the way, and they are fairly clean which was a huge relief for me.
Safety
Arches National Park is generally safe, but during peak season, crowds can make navigating trails more difficult. Additionally, people will likely be less considerate, which makes the more precarious trails more dangerous. Take care during recent snows not to slip on any ice either.
What To Wear
Good hiking shoes are highly recommended because you will be doing a lot of walking. Some people also used hiking poles. In the winter, it will be cold, so I recommended a heavy jacket (like I’m wearing above), gloves, and a hat. If you brave the summer season, you’re going to sweat, and a lot. The sun will be brutal so wear a wide-brimmed hat.
Tips for Travelers with Anxiety in Arches National Park
Double Arch from below
Go in the low season/off season. Arches National Park requires a reservation except for November through March because it gets so crowded. You would not be able to see the whole park in one day, except for in December or January, IMO. A friend of mine went in early March and they stopped allowing entrance at 9 AM. She barely got in in time to see everything, and it was insanely crowded.
Pack your own food/snack/water. And you definitely need a lot of water with how dry it is. There are spots to refill your water, but it is better to ensure you have more than enough with you or in your car.
Altitude changes. Arches National Park is on the Colorado Plateau, with its highest elevation point above 5,000 feet. If you’re not from Utah or the mountain west area, you might experience some breathlessness. Drink extra water and take breaks as needed.
How to get to Arches National Park
Nearest Airports
Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) – 4-hour drive
Denver International Airport (DEN) – 6-hour drive
Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT) – 2-hour drive
Canyonlands Field Airport (CNY) – 30-minute drive
Getting Around the Park
A car is essential for getting to and exploring Arches National Park. Many of the must-see viewpoints and hiking trails are only accessible by vehicle, unless you feel like walking several miles into the park.
When to Plan Your Arches National Park Trip
Snow at Arches National Park
I highly, highly recommend visiting Arches National Park in winter (November–March) for a less crowded and more scenic experience. Not only will you have fewer tourists to contend with, but you might also witness the stunning contrast of snow on red rock formations, making for spectacular photography opportunities. The best months are going to be December and January.
Where to Stay around Arches National Park
Moab is the closest city to Arches National Park and offers a variety of accommodations, including:
Luxury Hotels: Hoodoo Moab, A Curio Collection by Hilton
Mid-Range: Hyatt Place Moab (where we stayed—great location!)
Budget-Friendly: Moab Springs Ranch, Adventure Inn Moab
Airbnb: Perfect for groups or extended stays
Camping: You can camp inside Arches National Park or at one of the many sites near Moab
How to see Arches National Park in One Day
I’m going to give you the breakdown that’s going to maximize your photo opportunities and allow you to see all the highlights of Arches National Park in one day. Arriving early is also important to this, within 30 minutes of the park opening! With the gorgeous morning light, you’ll capture unforgettable, framable photos.
Delicate Arch
Delicate Arch
By far the most famous and popular arch, Delicate Arch is a wonder to behold, especially close to sunrise. The trail is about three miles round trip, so plan accordingly to capture those photos! Around it, there are precarious slopes, which when crowded can present a challenge. It’s far better to not be fighting crowds for space and accidentally slipping, especially with how many people will be fighting for photos with the arch.
There are several amazing viewpoints for it just a short distance away. My favorite was coming up from below so I could capture the whole bowl (not quite the right word but we’re going with it). You’ll see other viewpoint recommendations on the brochure the park ranger hands you upon entry to the park. If you want to check it out beforehand, you can find that here.
Fiery Furnace
Fiery Furnace
By far one of my favorite views in the park, the Fiery Furnace overlook provides a breathtaking panorama. This is on your way to the Devil’s Garden area and makes the perfect pull off point to take in the view. To hike among the pillars, you have to attend a safety demonstration and/or go with a guide. Book this in advance, especially as they do not always offer it in the off seasons. Had I known, I would have planned a little differently!
Devil’s Garden
The Devil’s Garden section is at the end of the main road in the park. There are so many arches in this section, and most of them are viewable with a short hike.
Sand Dune Arch
But between Fiery Furnace and Devil’s Garden stop at Sand Dune Arch. It’s right off the road and fairly easy to get to. And if you take the other fork in the road, you can get to Broken Arch and Tapestry Arch. That area was honestly one of my favorites, especially in December because you had an amazing view of the snow-capped mountains too.
Next, stop at Skyline Arch, which is one high up in the rocks, before continuing on to the Devil’s Garden trailhead. This is where the longer trail begins, but you can see a few arches not too far along it. We went to the Tunnel Arch and the Pine Tree Arch, both of which are amazing, before turning around and heading back toward the entrance to the park.
Pine Tree Arch
At the entrance to the camping area, there is a longer trail (nearly 5 miles) which we ended up skipping because I was getting hungry. If you plan better than we did, you can absolutely incorporate them into your one day in Arches National Park. The arches at the end of this trail are: Dark Angel, Double O Arch, and Private Arch. You can also take a side trip off this main trail for: Navajo Arch, Partition Arch, and Landscape Arch. You’ll likely have these spots relatively clear since it does take effort to reach them!
Windows Section
The Windows Section
Your final stop on your Arches National Park in one day trip is in the Windows Section. There are so many arches within a short distance. We actually saw an elopement happening too! This will be a bit busier, especially later in the day, since it’s so close to the entrance and most people’s first stop.
At the entrance to the area is Balanced Rock, which is essentially a giant rock very precariously balanced on top of another. Past that, you’ll find the Pothole Arch, the Garden of Eden. Once you get to the parking lot, you’ll be able to hike the trail and find the Turret Arch, North and South Windows, Parade of Elephants, and the Double Arch. Honestly, the views all around are amazing here and it’s the perfect place to end your day in the park.
Other Places in Arches National Park
Rock Formations in Arches National Park
There are off-road trails and other routes that are possible to navigate with a high clearance 4x4 vehicle, though certain times of the year they are impassible. If you chose to make these treks, ensure you are going in the right direction and have spoken with the park rangers to ensure you can safely go down them!
Additionally, may pull off points alongside the road offer incredible photography opportunities. Especially if you have the sense of humor of a 12 year old boy like me and think some of the rock formations have an, ahem, interesting shape.
Final Thoughts on visiting Arches National Park
Have I convinced you yet?
Arches National Park is a must-visit destination, whether you have one day or a full week. From its iconic Delicate Arch to the lesser-known gems of Devil’s Garden, the park offers incredible landscapes, adventure, and unforgettable experiences.
Moab, Utah, is also the perfect base to explore Canyonlands National Park, Dead Horse Point State Park, and even dinosaur footprints!