So you’re headed to Arches National Park.  While there is more than just the parks namesake to explore here, you certainly want to see the highlights.  Add these 10 arches to your itinerary, grab some water, get a brochure map at the visitor center, and fill your vehicle’s tank up with gas.  It’s time for an adventure.
#10 Skyline Arch
In this Utah national park, there is basically just one long road that takes you to all the points of interest. Â (See the BROCHURE MAP.) Â When you’ve traveled almost the entire length of the road from the visitor center, you’ll come to Skyline Arch. Â It is easily seen from the road or you can hike the 0.4 mile easy trail for a closer view. Â The arch itself is in a high wall and did’t always used to be so large. Â In the 1940s, a large chunk fell out of the center thus expanding the arch. Â It’s worth noting that these natural elements can change so even if you’ve seen this beauty before, it may not be the same – especially if you were there before the 40s.
#9 Turret Arch
Turret Arch is centrally located in the park, about halfway down the main road. Â To access, you’ll turn right just passed Balanced Rock and head towards North & South Windows loop trail. Â Park in the designated parking area and make your way to the Windows Loop trailhead. Â Once on the trail, you’ll want to go to the right as this is the easiest way to get to the arch. After a short distance, you’ll take another right on the spur trail and then arrive at the arch. Â This rock formation is sometimes compared to a castle and rightfully so. Â It is quite majestic.
#8 Broken Arch
Back towards the end of the drive is where you can find Broken Arch. Â It’s not quite as far as Skyline Arch, but they are in the same general area. Â Look for signs for Sand Dune Arch/Broken Arch on the right side of the road. Â You’ll begin your journey on the Sand Dune Arch Trail. Â You’re actually going to pass Sand Dune Arch on your way and when the trail splits, head to the right. Â It’s a 1.2 mile (roundtrip) hike to Broken Arch. When you arrive, you might be expecting to see a broken arch, but not so fast. Â While this arch is severely cracked, it hasn’t completely fallen apart yet.
#7 Double O Arch
In the Devil’s Garden area at the end of the main drive, you’re on the trail and have passed Landscape Arch and made your way to Double O Arch.  It’s a little over 4 miles (roundtrip) to see this arch and be advised that the trail gets a little strenuous after you pass Landscape Arch.  This is one of the largest arches in the park so it’s worth the trek.  Plus, it’s double the eye candy.  One arch being over 70 feet, with the other just over 20 feet.  Please note that parking in the Devil’s Garden area can be challenging.  We suggest hiking to this arch, as well as Landscape, in the morning.
#6 Sand Dune Arch
Looking for some beach time? Â While you won’t find any ocean waves here, you can play in the sand at Sand Dune Arch. Â Located on the same trail as Broken Arch, you’ll be coming to this arch first. Â It’s a short 0.4 miles to the arch and is a great spot to take your kids. Â The park often has sand toys you can play with, adding to the fun. Â This arch sits among sandstone walls and is a joy to explore.
#5 The Windows
Remember Turret Arch???  Well, if you continue down the trail after Turret, you’ll come to the North & South Windows.  Most people would consider the entire area surrounding The Windows to be the best views in the park.  I tend to be a little biased and while I agree that it’s beautiful, the ENTIRE national park is a sight to behold!  Be aware that the trail does have some steps and elevation gain as you hike closer to the arches.
#4 Tapestry Arch
We’re going to the sand!  Take the trail to Sand Dune Arch, go past it and Broken Arch and you’ll find yourself at Tapestry Arch. In total you can see all three of these arches on one loop trail that is 2.3 miles.  But wait, there is another option.  You can also access this arch from Devil’s Garden campground in a short 0.6 miles.  Either way, just make sure you get to this trio of arches that sit high on the rocks.
#3 Landscape Arch
Looking to view a big arch?  It’s time to go to Landscape Arch at the end of the main drive.  There is a nice parking area with bathrooms at the trailhead, but the lot does fill up so we’d suggest hiking this trail early in the day.  The trail to the arch is an easy 1.8 miles (round trip) with options to see other arches.  You can view Pinetree and Tunnel Arches before arriving at Landscape.  We’ve got a trail guide with more information right HERE.  If you’re up for it, you can hike the entire loop trail for a total of 7.9 miles and more arch views.
#2 Double Arch
Back in the heart of the park, we are heading to the tallest arch, Double Arch.  Find a spot in The Windows parking lot and make your way to the Double Arch trailhead on the north end.  The hike is a short 0.6 miles, but before you even get to the arch, you will see Elephant Butte. A wonder all itself!  Make sure you don’t miss this one.  Continue on the trail and arrive at Double Arch.  You’re greeted by two giant arch spans that come together at one side.  Be advised that this arch is very popular and the area is often crowded.
#1 Delicate Arch
As you’re driving to Arches National Park to start your day, it’s hard to miss Delicate Arch as it’s on every Utah license plate. Â On the main road inside the park, you’ll drive past the turn for The Windows and look for signs for Wolfe Ranch/Delicate Arch on the right. Â There are two options for viewing this arch. Â The first is a 3 mile roundtrip, moderate-strenuous hike, that has considerable elevation gain. Â If that doesn’t sound like the trail for you, head over to Upper and Lower Arch viewpoints a little further down the road. Â Stop at the lower viewpoint for a glimpse or continue on a half mile, with a few steps, to the upper viewpoint. Â Both end in a great view of the arch. Â An additional note – this is another very busy area and the parking lot here can fill, especially around sunset.
If you’re like me, you’re looking for the most efficient way to see all these arches. Â There’s no sense in driving back and forth from one end of the park to another if you can see multiple arches on the same trail. Â Here’s our suggestions for the best use of your time. Â If you want to see everything, plan on multiple days.
From the visitor center, drive all the way down the park road to Devils Garden area and start from here.
From the trailhead, hike to Landscape Arch and then on to Double O Arch. Â You can go back the way you came or make the loop. Â There are 5 additional arches to see on this trail if you so desire. Â Tunnel Arch, Pine Tree Arch, Partition Arch, Navajo Arch, and Private Arch.
Next, drive a short distance down the road to Skyline Arch. Â View from your vehicle or take the trail. Â Your choice.
Back on the road and another short drive to Sand/Broken/Tapestry trailhead. Â This is a loop trail with access to all three arches. Â You can also begin the hike from the Devil’s Garden campground.
Follow the signs off the main road to Wolfe Ranch and Delicate Arch. Â You can access both the trailhead to the arch and the viewpoints from here.
Another road to access from the main one and you can get to The Windows trailhead. Â Loop around both North and South Windows as well as Turret. Â Then, take the trail to Double Arch. Â Don’t miss Parade of Elephants on the way.
While not an arch, we can’t leave here without recommending that you take in the view of Park Avenue. Â It’s a great place to end your day.
Consider the Wonders is a travel blog intended for entertainment purposes only. We are not RV, travel, or hiking experts and are not making recommendations. These are our opinions and you should do your own research and make your own decisions.
Consider the Wonders is not affiliated with Arches National Park or the National Park Service.
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