The Best of Arches National Park in One Day
Arches is a popular stop on a Southwest road trip. If you’re short on time, this itinerary will let you see the best of Arches National Park in one day.
Morning
Stop at the visitors center to learn about the natural and human history of the park, then take the adjacent Desert Nature Trail to identify plants that make Arches home. From the visitors center, drive 11 miles to The Windows trailhead, where a number of easy trails lead to four arches carved into a fin of rock. Continue to the Delicate Arch trailhead, and hike up to the iconic arch before the day gets too hot.
Afternoon
Enjoy a picnic lunch and views from the picnic area at Devils Garden trailhead, seven miles north of the Windows. Then explore a bit of the trail: Tunnel and Pine Tree Arches are less than a mile in from the trailhead. If you still have some time, stop on the way back out of the park and take a stroll on the Park Avenue Trail.
Evening
There are no dining facilities in the park, so enjoy a refined meal at the Desert Bistro in Moab, five miles south of the park entrance.
- Flexible itineraries: Drive the entire two-week road trip, or follow strategic routes like a Route 66 road trip or a week-long tour of the national parks, or plan a shorter getaway to Las Vegas, the Grand Canyon, Zion and Bryce, Arches and Canyonlands, Santa Fe, or Taos
- Eat, sleep, stop and explore: With lists of the best hikes, views, and more, you can marvel at the sandstone spires of Monument Valley and the cliff dwellings of Mesa Verde National Park, go mountain biking in Moab, or swimming in Havasu Falls. Revel in the glitz of Las Vegas, shop the markets of Santa Fe, and dig in to delicious southwestern cuisine
- Maps and driving tools: 32 easy-to-use maps keep you oriented on and off the highway, along with site-to-site mileage, driving times, detailed directions for the entire route, and full-color photos throughout
- Local expertise: Road warrior and Arizona local Tim Hull shares his love of the Southwest (including where to find the best fiery chiles!)
- Planning your trip: Know when and where to get gas, how to avoid traffic, tips for driving in different road and weather conditions
About Moon Travel Guides: Moon was founded in 1973 to empower independent, active, and conscious travel. We prioritize local businesses, outdoor recreation, and traveling strategically and sustainably. Moon Travel Guides are written by local, expert authors with great stories to tell—and they can't wait to share their favorite places with you.
For more inspiration, follow @moonguides on social media.
Extending Your Stay in Arches National Park
One extra day in Arches will suffice for all but the most serious hikers, who may want to spend an additional 2-3 days here.
Go off-trail with a park ranger through the remote and labyrinthine Fiery Furnace section. Offered only in spring and fall, this daily, three-hour guided hike is popular and limited to 25 people, so make a reservation before your visit.
Drive the rough road to Klondike Bluffs and Tower Arch to catch a glimpse of the Marching Men.
Spark your sense of wonder and immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring landscape of Utah's five national parks. Inside Moon Zion & Bryce you'll find:
- Flexible Itineraries: Unique and adventure-packed ideas ranging from one day in each park to a week-long road trip covering all of them, designed for outdoor adventurers, road-trippers, families, and more
- The Best Hikes in Utah's National Parks: Individual trail maps, mileage and elevation gains, and backpacking options for Zion, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Arches, Capitol Reef, and Grand Staircase-Escalante
- Experience the Outdoors: Trek between the thousand-foot walls of the Narrows, hike Angels Landing to unbelievable canyon views, and marvel at hoodoos in Bryce. Soak up the serenity of winter on cross-country skis or take a week-long road trip to hit every park on your list. Contemplate ancient Indigenous rock art throughout the parks, mountain-bike through the desert in Moab, and stay late to spot constellations in the dark sky
- How to Get There: Up-to-date information on gateway towns like Moab, park entrances, park fees, and tours
- Where to Stay: Campgrounds, resorts, and more both inside and outside the parks
- Planning Tips: When to go, what to pack, safety information, and how to avoid the crowds, with full-color photos and easy-to-use maps throughout
- Expertise and Know-How: Utah-based outdoorswoman Maya Silver shares her tips for travelers who want to backpack, mountain bike, raft, rock climb, hike, and more
Find your adventure in Zion and Bryce with Moon.
Visiting more of North America's incredible national parks? Try Moon USA National Parks, Moon Yellowstone & Grand Teton, or Moon Best of Grand Canyon. Hitting the road? Try Moon Southwest Road Trip.
About Moon Travel Guides: Moon was founded in 1973 to empower independent, active, and conscious travel. We prioritize local businesses, outdoor recreation, and traveling strategically and sustainably. Moon Travel Guides are written by local, expert authors with great stories to tell—and they can't wait to share their favorite places with you.
For more inspiration, follow @moonguides on social media.
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