Your Ultimate 2-Day Guide to Exploring Arches National Park
Arches National Park was the 4th stop on our Utah Mighty 5 adventure. After wrapping up an amazing day in Capitol Reef, we hit the road to Moab, which became our base for exploring both Arches and Canyonlands National Park. We arrived in the evening with just enough time to grab dinner at a local brewery, check into our hotel, Marriott Fairfield Inn & Suites and call it an early night in preparation for the full days ahead.
On our first day in Arches, we kicked off the morning by exploring Double Arch, the Windows Trail, and Sand Dune Arch. Each of these short trails offered stunning formations that were easy to access, and the desert landscape was especially beautiful with the early morning light.
Double Arch is an impressive pair of massive arches that are connected at one end, creating a unique, cathedral-like opening. It’s a short and easy hike from the parking lot, and standing under the towering arches was truly awe-inspiring.
Windows Trail is another must-see spot, featuring two large arches, North and South Windows, as well as Turret Arch nearby. This trail offers fantastic photo ops, especially in the morning when the light hits the arches just right.
Sand Dune Arch was a pleasant surprise. Hidden between two massive rock fins, this arch is nestled in cool sand, making it a peaceful, shaded spot to explore—even when the desert heat starts to rise.
Sand Dune Arch - Arches National Park
Since we visited in early September, the desert heat was intense by midday, so we planned our hikes around the cooler hours. We hiked early in the mornings before sunrise and returned to our hotel pool during the heat of the day. After a relaxing afternoon, we would head back out for sunset hikes once the temperatures cooled off.
That evening, we ventured to Park Avenue and Broken Arch for a sunset hike. Park Avenue is a striking, easy walk through towering sandstone walls that resemble a city skyline. It’s one of the most picturesque spots in Arches, with the towering formations illuminated by the golden light of sunset. Broken Arch, another short but scenic hike, is located just off the Devil’s Garden Campground. Though "broken" in name, the arch is still intact and offers an impressive view of the surrounding desert landscape.
Day 2: Sunrise at Delicate Arch
Our second day in Arches started even earlier—around 4 a.m.—to catch the iconic Delicate Arch at sunrise. The hike is about 3.2 miles round trip, and getting there before the sun rose allowed us to avoid the crowds and experience this breathtaking arch in peaceful solitude. Hiking under the stars with headlamps, we reached Delicate Arch just as the sun began to crest over the horizon. It’s a truly magical experience to watch the sky turn shades of pink and orange while standing beneath one of the most famous natural landmarks in the world.
The effort of waking up early paid off because by the time we hiked back, the trail was already packed with people heading up. Pro tip: If you want to avoid crowds, sunrise is the way to go!
After our hike, we headed back into town for brunch and relaxed by the pool in the afternoon. That evening, we ventured to Shafer Canyon Overlook, a quick 0.3-mile hike with jaw-dropping views of the canyon below. Later, we explored both Navajo Arch and Partition Arch (about 2.9 miles round trip), both of which are located in the Devil’s Garden area. Navajo Arch is a unique arch with a cave-like formation, and Partition Arch offers stunning views of the desert landscape through its wide, open frame.
What We Didn’t Get To (But Plan to Do Next Time)
While we covered a lot in two days, we still have a few hikes on our list for our next trip. Devil’s Garden Trail is at the top of that list—it’s the longest maintained trail in Arches and takes you past several notable formations, including Landscape Arch (1.9 miles round trip), which is one of the longest natural arches in the world, and Pine Tree Arch (2.7 miles round trip), which offers a peaceful escape from the more crowded areas of the park.
NEW to Arches National Park in 2025 - Timed Entry
From April 1 through July 6 and August 28 through October 31, 2025, get more information on what is required here on the NPS website.
Next Stop: Canyonlands National Park
After a magical two days in Arches, we set our sights on Canyonlands National Park, starting with a sunrise hike at Mesa Arch.
Where to Stay Near Arches National Park - Moab, UT
Marriott Fairfield Inn & Suites - $$$ - This is where we stayed while we were in Arches National Park and it was amazing! The pool was also our favorite with lots of seating, multiple pools and hot tubs which we enjoyed every day we were in Moab. This hotel is very close to the Arches National Park entrance, if not the closest hotel option, so its a perfect short drive for your early mornings heading into the park. It shares the pool area with the SpringHill Suites by Marriott, you can’t go wrong with either of these hotel options.
Element Moab - $$$ - If you are looking for a hotel option that offers small kitchens so you can do your own cooking.
Hoodoo Moab - $$$-$$$$ - For a more luxurious stay in Moab, and walking distance to downtown this is a great place to stay when visiting Arches National Park
VRBO Vacation Rentals in Moab, UT - $$-$$$$ - There are some amazing vacation rentals in Moab, anything from condos, to houses. These are great options for bigger groups who all want to stay together.
Things to do in Arches National Park
Check out our Ultimate Guide to Utah’s Mighty 5 National Parks to see everywhere we explored on our road trip.
