Thinking of visiting Arches National Park? What if you only have one day? One day in Arches National Park is better than not visiting at all. Am I right? We were short on time but had a plan to make the most of our day.
One important thing to note is the timed entry reservation system. For the 2023 season, anyone entering by vehicle or motorcycle between April 1st to October 31st must have a timed entry permit. This applies if you plan to enter the park between 7 am-4 pm. Find more information on tickets here.
Now onto the highlights…
Delicate Arch
Delicate Arch is the most well-known arch in Arches National Park. Although Delicate Arch arguably has the best sunset, the Arches National Park sunrise at Delicate Arch is still a worthwhile trek.
There are a couple of reasons why I choose sunrise at Delicate Arch.
First, you are able to start the 3.2-mile round-trip hike before the heat sets in. The heat can be brutal and there is no shade on the hike.
Second, parking…parking…parking. The parking lot at the trailhead is often full during busier times. Being one of the first hikers of the day definitely has an advantage. We began before sunrise and when we returned to our vehicle, the lot was completely full.
Before you reach Delicate Arch, there is a small opening that will give you your first view of Delicate Arch.
If you are not up for the hike to Delicate Arch, there is a viewpoint where you can glimpse it off in the distance.
Devils Garden
Next, we made our way to the Devils Garden Trail. This is also a very popular area, so parking can be difficult to find.
One of the highlights of the Devils Garden trail is the Landscape Arch. Landscape Arch is the longest arch in North America. It’s opening is a whopping 306 feet.
Other arches can be seen along the trail and you definitely want to plan a couple hours here.
Near Devils Garden is the Skyline Arch. This is a quick and easy trail.
Sand Dune Arch
So hear me out. This is not exactly an impressive arch, but it is a fun little hike, especially with children. It is less than a half mile out and back hike. Be warned it is a sandy hike!
The trail begins by entering between sandstone walls. Soon you will be deep in the sand. I took my shoes off while in the shade.
After trudging through the sand and hiking between the tall sandstone walls, you are finally upon the Sand Dune Arch. It’s not exactly impressive, but the fun is in the journey!
Here we are after completing the short hike!
The Windows Section
The Windows section is a not to be missed area. In my opinion, Double Arch is one of the most impressive arches in the park and is a quick hike from the parking lot. The people standing in and around the arch definitely show how massive the art is.
There are several other notable arches in the windows section. These include the North Window and Turret Arch.
Before leaving the park, we viewed Balanced Rock which looks like it could fall over any minute.
Where To Eat In Arches National Park?
Since there are no services in Arches National Park. However, there are several picnic spots where you can enjoy lunch in the great outdoors.
Nearby in Moab, we enjoyed dinner at Moab Brewery.
Where to Stay Near Arches National Park?
Moab, Utah is 6 miles away from the visitor center, so it is where you will most likely want to stay.
Springhill Suites is one of the closest hotels to Arches at 2.5 miles away. This hotel has excellent reviews.
We stayed at the Sleep Inn and Suites in the heart of Moab.
If glamming interests you, Under Canvas Moab is highly rated.
Devils Garden campground is the only option in the park. Reservations are needed March – October, while November – February is first come.
Where Are The Nearest Airports?
Salt Lake City to Arches National Park is 236 miles. This is the airport we chose.
Las Vegas to Arches National Park is 465 miles. However, that may be an option depending on if you are planning on visiting more Southern Utah national parks.
Have a great trip!