Arches National Park is a captivating red-rock wonderland located in the heart of Utah. With an exceptional landscape dotted with contrasting colors, unusual landforms, and picturesque natural arches, you’ll find plenty of fun things to do in Arches National Park in a day.
If you’re embarking on a Utah national parks road trip but running short on time, this 1 day in Arches National Park itinerary will help you make the most of your visit. This guide will take you on an unforgettable journey through some of the park’s must-see attractions.
So strap on your hiking shoes, pack your camera, and get ready for one day at Arches National Park, filled with adventure and natural beauty.
And PSSSST! I’ve been to Arches several times over the years so you’re in great hands.
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Things To Do in Arches National Park in One Day
Let’s dive into the national park’s breathtaking landscapes and plethora of natural arches that will leave you in awe.
Don’t forget your America the Beautiful Pass
Arches National Park Visitor Center
Start your day at the Arches National Park Visitor Center, where you can get valuable information about the park’s trails, weather conditions, and important updates.
You’ll find knowledgeable park rangers who can suggest the best routes to make the most of your day.
The visitor center also has a bookstore, where you can buy maps or travel guides about the area.
Other amenities include a water bottle filling station, toilets, picnic tables, and trash bins.
Insider Tip: You’ll find the Arches National Park Sign along Highway 191, about five miles north of Moab.
Courthouse Towers
The first stop on your Arches National Park 1-day itinerary is a collection of towering sandstone columns that resemble the grandeur of a courthouse.
You can get to this scenic vista by hiking or taking the Arches Scenic Drive.
You can access the Park Avenue Trailhead to Courthouse Towers, about a six-minute drive from the visitor center.
The 1.8-mile out-and-back trail is considered generally easy to complete and awards you with a scenic viewpoint, the Park Avenue Overview, roughly halfway through the hike.
If you opt to take the scenic drive, you’ll get to see amazing views of the La Sal Mountains.
Exploring Arches National Park from the comfort of your own car is a good way to avoid crowded group tours, and gives you the freedom to stop for as long as you wish.
Insider Tip: Take the Arches National Park self-guided driving audio tour to make sure that you don’t miss out on the park’s best attractions.
Ring Arch
From the Courthouse Towers, you’ll hike to the first natural arch on this itinerary.
Ring Arch is one of the least visited attractions in the park, so you can expect solitude during your hike.
But don’t let the scarcity of hikers fool you, Ring Arch is one of the most fascinating attractions you’ll find in Arches National Park!
The stunning geological formation is characterized by a massive stone ring carved by the forces of erosion. This old pothole-type natural arch is approximately 64 feet wide and 39 feet high.
The trail to Ring Arch is generally flat and easy to trek through; it takes about two to three hours round trip.
You can stop by other viewpoints along the Scenic Drive within a mile of Courthouse Towers.
These include the Sheep Rock to your left, standing at 320 feet and the Tower of Babel to your right, which is 435 feet tall.
Read Next: Best Sunrise and Sunrise Spots in Arches National Park
Petrified Sand Dunes
The Petrified Sand Dunes are an area of the park that showcases nature’s artistic flair with distinction. These red sandstone dunes have solidified over time, creating a mesmerizing landscape.
Over the years, layers of sediments and quartz have compressed into Navajo sandstone, and thanks to erosion, you can appreciate the captivating dune-scape.
Take in the panoramic views, snap some photos, and appreciate the natural wonders surrounding you.
On the other side of the Scenic Drive, opposite the Petrified Sand Dunes, you’ll find The Great Wall, another formation worth adding to your Arches itinerary.
The Phallus Pillar
Less than a mile from the Petrified Sand Dunes, you’ll find the towering Phallus Pillar.
While the name might raise an eyebrow, the Phallus Pillar is an impressive sandstone formation that’s worth a mention when visiting Arches National Park.
Standing tall at about 100 feet, this unique rock formation will undoubtedly capture your attention with its unique hoodoo-like structure.
The Phallus Pillar is undoubtedly one of the most wondrous landmarks of all of Utah’s national parks.
I think my favorite part about this area is just walking around and taking in all the beauty!
Rock Pinnacles
About a three-minute walk from the Phallus Pillar, you’ll stumble upon a majestic series of spires rising from the earth to form a stunning natural spectacle.
Take a moment to soak in the sheer magnitude of these structures and appreciate the remarkable forces of nature that created them.
The Rock Pinnacles are a part of the Great Wall; they sit at the north end of the formation.
Insider Tip: At the base of the Great Wall, you can catch views of the Phallus Pillar and The Poodle, another sandstone spire standing at about 160 feet tall.
Balanced Rock
Standing at a staggering 128 feet tall, the Balanced Rock is one of the most iconic landmarks in Arches National Park. This massive sandstone boulder precariously sits on a slender pedestal, defying gravity and captivating visitors.
Although the formation of the structure appears to be a balancing act, it’s actually not.
The slick rock boulder is attached to the slowly eroding pedestal, and while it defies gravity now, that won’t always be the case.
Fun Fact: One day, the 3,600-ton rock will come tumbling down due to erosion.
Double Arch
The awe-inspiring Double Arch is one of the park’s most famous landmarks. Standing at 112 feet tall, it is the tallest and second-longest (144 feet) arch in the park.
This impressive formation features two colossal arches that intertwine with each other at the foundation.
The Double Arch is located in the Windows Section of Arches National Park, one of the world’s most concentrated areas of natural arches.
You’ll find plenty of other scenic arches in this area, including the North Window Arch and Turret Arch along the Windows Trail.
At the end of the Double Arch Trail, you’ll come across the picturesque Cove of Caves, the Cove Arch, and Elephant Butte a little further down the way.
Insider Tip: Other scenic spots you’ll find in this area include the Garden of Eden and Pothole Arch, sitting on opposite sides of Windows Road.
Wolfe Ranch
Wolfe Ranch is one of the most historical places in all of Arches National Park.
Here, you’ll discover remnants of an early 20th-century homestead and gain insight into the lives of the early settlers.
Wolfe Ranch sits right next to the Delicate Arch Trailhead, so you cannot miss it.
Explore the cabin and imagine what life was like in this rugged and beautiful landscape before taking a short 0.2-mile hike to the historic Ute Indian Petroglyphs.
These rock markings feature ancient drawings of sheep and horsemen.
Delicate Arch
No day trip to Arches National Park would be complete without experiencing the mesmerizing Delicate Arch.
This is by far my favorite place in Arches and I know you’ll love it!
In a park with over 2,000 arches, this natural wonder particularly stands out as the most photographed and has thus become an icon of Utah and a symbol of the state’s wild beauty.
You’ll need to embark on a moderate 1.6-mile hike from the trailhead to reach the arch.
And as you emerge from the trail, be prepared to be awe-struck by a majestic arch standing boldly at 46 feet tall against the backdrop of the expansive desert.
Delicate Arch is a popular spot in the park, so you may find it overrun with tourists.
Luckily the park has two optional viewing spots — Lower Delicate Arch Viewpoint and Upper Delicate Arch Viewpoint.
Where you can see Delicate Arch from a mile and half a mile away, respectively.
Insider Tip: Delicate Arch is an amazing Arches National Park sunrise and sunset spot!
Fiery Furnace
From one iconic landmark to another, the Fiery Furnace is one of the most intriguing viewpoints in Arches National Park.
If you’re an adventurous soul, the Fiery Furnace offers a unique and challenging experience.
This labyrinth of narrow sandstone canyons, fins, and oddly-shaped rocks will test your navigation skills and reward you with hidden arches and mesmerizing rock formations.
Due to its delicate ecosystem, it’s recommended that you explore the Fiery Furnace via a ranger-led guided tour, so plan ahead and secure your spot. These tours cost about $16 per person.
Tip: You can also explore the Fiery Furnace via a self-guided tour, but you must have an individual exploration permit, which you can purchase online at Recreation.gov.
Landscape Arch
Spanning over a whopping 290 feet, Landscape Arch is the world’s largest natural arch, beating out another famous Utah landmark, Kolob Arch in Zion National Park, by a mere three feet.
The Landscape Arch is located in the Devil’s Garden region on the northern end of the park.
This area boasts plenty of scenic spots, including natural sandstone arches like Tunnel Arch and Navajo Arch.
You’ll also find the Devil’s Garden Campground and picnic area to rest, use the bathrooms, and reset for more exploration.
Now back to the Landscape Arch, this delicate formation spans an impressive distance, showcasing nature’s delicate craftsmanship.
Insider Tip: Take a 20-minute hike from Devil’s Garden Trailhead to get up close and personal with this extraordinary wonder.
Double O Arch
Further along the Devil’s Garden Trail, you’ll find the Double O Arch.
This captivating formation consists of two arches stacked upon each other, creating a unique and mesmerizing sight.
The larger arch spans about 71 feet, while the smaller arch only has a 21-foot span.
Getting to the Double O Arch can be a bit strenuous.
It will take you about two to three hours to complete the four-mile round drip, and you’ll gain an elevation of 275 feet.
While it’s not as famous as the Double Arch, this natural marvel is worth visiting.
Insider Tip: Other notable landmarks you can explore in the Devil’s Garden region include the Dark Angel, a 150-foot pillar standing in solitude, Black Cave Arch, and the fascinating Top Story Window.
Tower Arch
Situated on the northwest end of Arches National Park, Tower Arch is an ideal spot to take in the park’s beautiful red landscape without the crowds.
To get to this secluded 92-foot arch, you’ll have to climb up a steep rock wall, cut across a valley, and then meander through sandstone fins and sand dunes.
The Tower Arch Trail is considered one of the moderate to strenuous hikes in Arches National Park.
It’s about 2.6 miles round trip and takes about two to three hours to complete.
As you hike through the sandy terrain and rugged landscape, your reward — an arch standing tall and surrounded by serene beauty.
Insider Tip: Take a moment to bask in the tranquility of the area and take your travel camera out to make sure you capture the memory forever.
Anniversary Arch
Last but certainly not least, Anniversary Arch is the last stop on your Arches National Park one-day itinerary.
This hidden gem offers a peaceful and secluded environment where you can reflect on the wonders you’ve witnessed throughout the day.
Anniversary Arch also boasts two openings, the larger one spans about 16 feet, while the smaller one spans about seven feet.
Although it’s not the most grandiose natural arch in the park, Anniversary Arch and its surrounding scenery will leave you with a lasting impression.
Alternative: Make time to check out Sand Dune Arch instead!
Where To Eat in Arches National Park
There are no restaurants or dining options within the park, so naturally, you’ll have to get your food and sustenance in Moab. Here are a few options to consider:
- Moab Diner – This old-school eatery sitting in the heart of town serves an all-day breakfast you’ll love.
- Zax Restaurant – This all-American restaurant serves an all-you-can-eat pizza, soup, or salad specials and eclectic vibes.
- Arches Thai – If you love Asian cuisine, this relaxed Thai eatery serves pho, curries, other classic dishes in a cozy setting with a fireplace.
Where To Stay in Arches National Park
There are also no lodging options available in the park, and since you’ll be spending a day or two days in Moab, you’ll need a comfortable place to stay. Here are a few options to consider:
- Under Canvas Moab – Enjoy a unique glamping experience in the middle of the desert! You’ll spend your days at the park and your nights star gazing from a luxurious private glamping tent.
- Expedition Lodge – Looking for a laid-back lodge that has all the modern amenities but won’t break the bank? This 2-star hotel offers a pool, a game room, and views of the city.
- Red Stone Inn – If you’re looking for a place to just lay your head at night, after all, you’ll only be in Moab for a day; consider this rustic inn that offers cozy rooms, hot tubs, and Wi-Fi.
Arches National Park Itinerary For One Day | Wrapped Up
Arches National Park is a treasure trove of natural wonders that can be explored even in a single day. From the famous Delicate Arch to the lesser-known hidden gems, this park will leave you spellbound with its majestic landscapes and incredible rock formations.
