Arches National Park, Utah 

Arches National Park, Utah 

According to babyinger, Arches National Park is located in the southeastern state of Utah in Western America. In this park you feel like an extra in a cowboy movie. The park is known for, the name says it all, red rocky arches that were formed thousands of years ago through a natural process. If you like adventure, you should definitely visit this unique park, because you will be amazed! You can do this by car or camper. See our Vegas Lights & National Parks self drive tour, The Mighty five Camper tour or Rocky Mountain Trail self drive tour.

6 points of interest in Arches National Park

In Arches National Park you can make your visit as challenging as you want! You can backpack, cycle, hike and even ‘canyone’ (a form of mountaineering especially for canyons) to visit the highlights of the park. If you are not so adventurous, you can also drive through the park by car. Below you can read more about the park’s most popular attractions, including Landscape Arch, Park Avenue and Courthouse Towers, Windows Section, Delicate Arch, Fiery Furnace and Devils Garden.

1.Landscape Arch

A visit to Landscape’s Arch should not be missed during your visit to Arches National Park. With a span of more than 90 meters, this arch is the largest in the entire park; and maybe even the world. Fortunately, the arch can be reached via a relatively easy walk through Devils Garden. This walk is more than four kilometers long. Unlike other hikes, this hike is fairly flat. What’s extra nice about this walk is that you already encounter two ‘appetizer arches’ at the start: Tunnel Arch and Pine Tree Arch. Along the way you will encounter many impressive sandstone formations; to end at Landscape Arch. Unfortunately it is not possible to walk under it. If you really like a challenge, you can continue to Double-O Arch. Keep an eye on:

2. Park Avenue and Courthouse Towers

Park Avenue is near the Visitor Center at the park entrance. This open space owes its name to the street of the same name in New York City. The high rocks, Courthouse Towers, seen at the end of the plain, are reminiscent of the skyscrapers. You can reach them through a strenuous walk down Park Avenue. The hike is rated as tough due to the steep up and down paths and the heat. If you prefer to stay in the car, that is also possible. You can then continue to the special viewpoint. Be sure to also stop at the viewpoint of the La Sal Mountains. You can then see the snowy peaks of the mountains and see the Courthouse Towers to the east.

3. Windows Section

Windows Section is also called the beating heart of the park. You’ll soon find out why: there are plenty of small and larger arches here. At the same time, this is a beautiful vantage point where you have a view over a large landscape typical of Arches National Park. You can reach the arches in Windows Section by an easy walk. Keep in mind that there is little shade, so bring plenty of water! You will find North Window and South Window here, among others; two arcs next to each other that are also called ‘spectacles’, because they look a lot like glasses. You will also find the massive Double Arch here, where, as the name says, two enormous arches are close to each other.

4. Delicate Arch

Delicate Arch is the tourist attraction of Arches National Park. This 15-meter high arch is not only the symbol of the park, but also of the entire state of Utah. To get to the arch, you have to take a strenuous walk of about two and a half hours. There is a huge difference in height and there is no shade along the way. So take plenty of water with you! Because Delicate Arch is so well known, this is also a busy trail. If you prefer to avoid these crowds, you can also view the arch differently. If you drive to one of the viewpoints by car, you will have a view of the arch in the distance after a short walk. Please note that parking spaces can be full!

5. Fiery Furnace

If you’re looking for a challenge, a walk through Fiery Furnace is a good idea! Fiery Furnace is a rocky sandstone maze with narrow paths. Unlike the rest of the park, it can be a bit cooler here in terms of temperature. Because tourists could get lost in this area, it is strongly recommended to visit this landscape with a ranger. To join a tour you pay about $20. Buy your tickets well in advance, because it is a popular walk! Also make sure you wear well-fitting shoes and have enough water with you. You have to climb over stones and squeeze yourself through narrow passages. This walk asks a lot of you, but it’s worth it! It is possible to explore this area on your own, but you will need a permit.

6. Devil’s Garden

Devil’s Garden is a popular spot at the very end of the park. There is something for everyone here: you can go canyoning and backpacking, but also camp and sleep under the stars. Here is the only camping field of Arches National Park, where you can stay for $25 per night. Many different walks of different levels depart from Devil’s Garden. From here you can hike to Landscape Arch, but if you are looking for some remote places, Primitive Trail is for you. The name says it all, this path is off-trail, so suitable for an experienced hiker. This route contains many steep descents and narrow passages, but at the end you are definitely an experience richer! If you are afraid of heights, it is better to skip this route.

Frequently Asked Questions about Arches National Park

When is the best time to visit Arches National Park?

Arches National Park is best visited in spring or autumn. This has to do with the extreme temperatures of over 30 °C in the summer. In winter it is a lot less crowded in the park, so if you want to avoid the crowds, you can go. Keep in mind that some parts of the park may be closed due to slipperiness.

How long does it take you to see Arches National Park?

If you come by car, it is wise to allow a few hours for your visit. But if you have more time, you can also take one or more walks through the park, which makes the experience much more beautiful. You can also spend the night in Arches National Park at the camping field near Devils Garden. Booking well in advance is recommended!

Can you drive through Arches National Park?

Yes, of course! You can drive to most attractions or viewpoints in the park.

When is Arches National Park open?

Like most national parks, the park is accessible 365 days a year.

What not to miss in Arches National Park?

A visit to Delicate Arch is a must, as it is the symbol of the park and the state of Utah. But if you find this too challenging or too busy, a visit to Landscape Arch is also enough!

Arches National Park, Utah 

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