The Best Hikes in Arches National Park For Every Level!

So, you’re planning a trip to Arches National Park! If you’re a hiker like me, you will want to make sure you have a detailed list of all the awesome hiking trails in Arches National Park in order to plan your adventure. Below is my guide for the best hikes in Arches National Park for every level of hiker!

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Oh, Utah. Sometimes it seems like you got an unfair share of natural beauty compared to some of the other states. The unimaginable rock formations, the undiluted night skies full of bright stars, the wild and vast wilderness….

The first time I explored Utah, on one of my very first cross country road trips, Utah National Parks like Arches and Zion completely blew me away.

Since then, I’ve returned back several times and I have to say – it never gets old. Utah’s beauty never subsides! And if you’re planning a trip to Arches National Park for hiking, well, be prepared to never want to leave.

The Best Hikes in Arches National Park

There are SO MANY hikes in Arches National Park. It’s actually shocking.

Located in the Moab region of eastern Utah, Arches National Park spans 76 acres of land and offers over 40 hiking trails ranging from easy to hard. You read that correctly – more than 40 trails! A bit of something for everyone, really! Arches has trails for hiking, mountain biking, off-roading, and more.

Situated in a desert biome, hikers will want to come prepared – particularly if you’ve never hiked in a desert previously. Take a look at my post on Desert Safety Tips as well as my recommendations on Desert Wear and Hiking Gear and all bases will be covered.

If you’re planning trip to Arches National Park, you will want to make sure you have a detailed list of all of the awesome hiking trails and possibilities so you know exactly which ones will work for you, your timeframe, and your adventure level.

Lucky for you, I’ve got it all in one place.

I’ve compiled a complete list of hiking trails in Arches, the adventure level and how long they are – as well as notes on which ones I personally think are the best hikes in Arches National Park. This will help EVERY hiking enthusiast plan a visit and choose the exact trails to hike while visiting.

You’re welcome!

The trails range from 0.1 miles to over 20 miles and from 4097 feet to 5482 feet above sea level. Here are each of the trails and a bit of info on each so you can decide what ones suit your hiking ability (and energy level!).

Easy Hikes In Arches National Park

If it’s easy hiking you are looking for, not to worry; there are plenty of easy trails you can choose from!

➳ La Sal Mountains Viewpoint Trail – a super-short 0.1 mile trail that is just a few steps to an incredible viewpoint. Get some great pictures of the La Sal Mountains here. This hike is great for those who may have physical difficulties OR those who are tired at the end of a long hiking day. Sunset spot, anyone?

➳ Fiery Furnace Viewpoint Trail – 0.2 mile trail. Another quick walk to a stunning viewpoint of the Fiery Furnace (a maze of narrow sandstone canyons).

➳ Balanced Rock Loop Trail – a 0.3 mile trail, that is short and sweet as well as beautiful, with wild flowers if the season is right. This hike is a good fit for all hiking levels, and is only about 15 minutes from the park entrance (meaning it’s a great choice if you’re just passing through). The beginning of the trail is paved and accessible to wheelchairs.

➳ Sand Dune Arch Trail – a 0.3 mile trail filled with sand and wild flowers. A good for all hiking levels. If you’re traveling with kids, this is a nice short trail – and the kids will love to play in the sand on this trail. This one is also nice in hot weather, as you will be rewarded with shade.

➳ Wolfe Ranch and Petroglyph Trail – 0.5 miles (approximately) and another nice short hike for all levels. Beautiful wild flowers along the trail.

➳ Skyline Arch Trail – a short 0.5 mile trail that is flat and well-defined. An easy walk and offers great views of an arch that partially caved in in 1940.

➳Tapestry Arch Trail – a 0.6 mile trail leading to a unique trio of arches set against a mountain backdrop. You won’t want to miss this one!

➳ Double Arch Trail – a 0.6 mile trail that is relatively flat. The gravel-covered trail leads directly to the base of two giant arches that are joined on one side. This is a nice quick hike and offers many beautiful views along the way. Perfect for everyone, and easily one of the best hikes in Arches National Park for the unique rocks.

➳ Delicate Arch Viewpoint Trail – a 0.7 mile trail that takes you to a viewpoint to see the Delicate Arch. The view is from far away; if you want to access Delicate Arch, please see Delicate Arch Trail’s description in the Moderate level hikes below.

➳ Tunnel Arch Trail – a 0.7 mile trail that takes you to the Tunnel Arch. Tunnel Arch is pretty darn cool – it looks as if someone just drilled a hole straight through a thick slab of rock. An easy hike in Arches and good for all skill levels.

➳ Pine Tree Arch Trail and Tunnel Arch Trail – just under 1 mile, so short and sweet. The arch forms the perfect window view out to the beautiful landscape. Good for all skill levels and a good short length for a hot day.

➳ Windows Loop and Turret Arch Trail – a 1.2 mile trail with an unbelievable view as your reward. This area showcases a large concentrated view of arches – North Window, Turret Arch, and Double Arch are just a few examples of the the views overlooking two square miles. A must-see, and in my opinion, one of the best hikes in Arches National Park, hands down..

➳ Sand Dune Arch and Broken Arch Trail – a 1.4 mile trail that takes you through jutting rocks and sand. Hike to both of these amazing arches combined, or break them up into their individual hikes.

Moderate Hikes In Arches National Park

Do you consider yourself to be a bit more adventurous? If you feel the easy hiking trails are just a little too easy, then these hikes might be a better fit for you.

➳ Lower Tower Arch Trail – a 0.6 mile trail. Wait, wait – hear me out! It’s short, yes, but has some challenging obstacles, deep sand and rocky climbs to get your adrenaline going.

➳ Cove of Caves – a 1.1 mile hike to a stunning cluster of caves and arches. This is a nice in and out hike with – you guessed it – beautiful views.

➳ Broken Arch Trail – a 1.6 mile trail featuring occasional wild flowers and sand to stop and play in. This hiking trail continues to a campground; good to know if you plan to camp in Arches National Park. If you hike the full loop, be advised that the trail includes some moderate scrambling.

➳ Park Avenue Trail – a 1.8 mile trail. This trail is considered Moderate due to a steep descent into a stunning canyon below. Tip: This hike can be taken on as a roundtrip, but if you have a shuttle driver, you can begin at one point and plan to be picked up at the other.

➳ Landscape Arch Trail to Devil’s Garden – a 1.9 mile trail containing a variety of sights! The trail starts flat, but does lead to steep slopes. After Landscape Arch, the Devil’s Garden trail becomes somewhat difficult, requiring a bit of scrambling and narrow ledges. Might be scary to those afraid of heights. This one is super-cool, so if you’re up for the moderate challenge, don’t skip it!

➳ Wall Arch and Pine Tree Arch Trail – a 2.6 miles trail that is great offers some beautiful and scenic views. The first section of this trail is slightly difficult, but after that stretch it’s considered pretty easy.

➳ Partition Arch Trail – a 2.8 mile trail that leads to Partition Arch. This is a good trail to heat up the body and get the heart pumping! And, a beautiful Arch you won’t want to miss.

➳ Navajo Arch Trail – a 2.9 mile trail near Thompson, Utah. Beautiful wild flowers along the trail and the reward is a wide, cave-like arch offering shade.

➳ Ring Arch Trail – a 3.3 mile trail that leads to an arch that, to me, looks more like a natural bridge formation. This Arches National Park hike is not very difficult, but is a bit longer and so qualifies as Moderate.

➳ Lower Courthouse Wash Trail – a 1.7 mile trail. Walk a short way south across the Courthouse Wash bridge, descend down into the Courthouse Wash, and then – if you dare – tackle a short climb to find the prehistoric rock art panel. It’s at the very base of the cliffs, facing west.

➳ Fiery Furnace and Surprise Arch Trail – a 1.7 mile guided hike, but be warned; reports say that this trail is currently closed. Please check with the ranger station for the status of this hike.

➳ Ribbon Arch Trail – a 2.0 mile trail that is moderate and a nice walk. In my opinion, Ribbon Arch is somewhat similar to what you’ll see above the Devil’s Garden. If you have to choose between the two, definitely choose Devil’s Garden

➳ Tower Arch Trail – a 2.4 mile trail with amazing scenery. This is a good one! Follow the trail across a rock wall, then through a scenic valley, and finally across sandstone rocks and sand dunes.  Very cool.

➳ Sand Dune Arch to Broken Arch Trail – 2.8 mile trail with magnificent views in every direction. This hike is a combination of two individual trails (both described earlier in this list).

➳ The Tunnel Trail – a 3.2 mile trail that follows a steep path. It’s true that I’m primarily a solo traveler, but I recommend you tackle this trail in pairs or groups if possible, as it is pretty trampled and hard to see sometimes.

➳ Delicate Arch Trail – a steep 3.4 mile trail, and yet one that is a must-do if you want to really see the Delicate Arch. If you are scared of heights, you can simply access the viewpoint mentioned in the Easy section… but, if you’ve made it this far in the article, then, I say DO IT! This is possibly the most famous arch in the entire park.

➳ Double O Arch Trail – a 4.1 mile trail. This is a fun one if you like scrambling! This hike will test your skill level as you climb over rocks and through steep areas.

➳ Dark Angel Trail – a 4.7 mile trail that is a bit intense in places, but the rewards are worth the effort. You will come to a tall sheer pinnacle standing alone, as well as get to see more petroglyphs. Not heavily trafficked; you may have the area to yourself.

➳ Eye of the Whale Trail – a 5.1 mile trail that can be hiked, but primarily seems to be used for off-roading. Beautiful formations to see, though, however you reach the Eye of the Whale.

➳ Private Arch Trail – a 5.8 mile trail that is for those seeking a bit of adventure and absolutely no crowds.

➳ Lost Spring Canyon Trail – Now we’re getting longer! A 6.5 mile long trail with breathtaking views. I don’t recall any actual arches on this route, but it’s a nice change of pace and still incredible rock formations.

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➳ Moab Canyon Pathway Trail – an 8.8 mile trail, and a rare paved route, making it great for walking, mountain biking or jogging.

➳ Courthouse Wash Trail – a 10.8 mile hike with beautiful views and you are surrounded by nature. There is a prehistoric rock art panel at the base of the cliffs. The same rock art can also be accessed by a similarly-named route in the Easy section.

➳ Courthouse Wash from Willow Springs Trail – if you’re feeling adventurous, this 11.7 mile trail surrounds you with the beauty of these two combined trails.

➳ Klondike Bluffs Trail – a whopping 13 mile trail for those liking rock climbing and obstacles. Not for the faint at heart!

(Arches National Park hiking trails labeled “Difficult” continue below.)

Difficult Hikes in Arches National Park

Calling all experienced hikers, or those wanting to really get their workout in! Here are 4 trails that will test your skill level while offering you amazing views of nature (as well as some optional off-roading).

➳ Elephant Butte – a 1.6 mile trail for those who love rock canyoneering. This is not a regular hiking trail, but this exhibits those beautiful views I mentioned above in the Window Loop Trail. You’ve gotta see this one way or another.

➳ Devil’s Garden – Forget the Landscape Arch – this 7.9 mile trail that takes you straight through the Devil’s Garden. It is rocky, can be slippery, and even a bit scary in spots! But it is oh-so worth it if you can handle it.

➳ Sovereign Singletrack Trail – an 11.3 mile trail for hiking, mountain biking or off-roading with lots of adventure for all.

➳ Metal Masher OHV Trail – a 22 mile off-roading trail. I think the name says it all.

Whew! That was a lot!

This comprehensive guide to all of the best hikes in Arches National Parks is sure to help someone out… right?!? This is about as comprehensive as one can get.

Now that you have a full list of all the fun hiking (or off-roading) you can do in Arches National Park, let’s talk park details!

The park is open 24 hours / 7 days a week and the entrance fee is $30 per vehicle, or $25 for a motorcycle. If you are on foot, horse or bicycle, then it will be $15 per person. Or, if you’re like me, the America the Beautiful Pass makes it essentially ~free~! Click Here for up-to-date park info.

And most importantly, with all of this research and preparation, now you can just enjoy and soak in all that the beautiful Arches National Park has to offer!

Please let me know below which trail is your favorite! Thanks for reading!

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