Arches National Park Utah Day Trip

Covering 76,679 acres, Arches National Park in eastern Utah is located alongside the Colorado River. The park is home to more than 2000 natural sandstone arches, making it the world’s highest density of natural arches and, in addition to the arches, turning it into a wonderland of red rocks.

Today Arches National Park is one of Utah’s most popular tourist destinations. Visitors enjoy various activities while exploring the park and its unique geological formations. Hiking, stargazing, photography, and sightseeing are just a few available things in Arches National Park.

Scenic Drive Arches National Park

The Arches Scenic Drive is a 19-mile-long road from Highway 191 to the Devil’s Garden trailhead towards the park’s back. This road passes through some of the most scenic areas in the park. Covering distance takes about thirty minutes, but set aside about 2.5 to 3 hours for this drive. There are several viewpoints that you will want to stop and take in the stunning scenic surroundings.

Guided Tours Around the Park

Some companies offer guided tours around Arches National Park. These four-wheel driving tours save you the hassle of driving around in your vehicle. Terms come with experienced guides who share insightful information about the park. These tours cover all the primary locations and lookout points within the park and are worth it if time is limited and you want to cover the main points of interest in a short period.

Canyoneering in Arches National Park

Consider canyoneering if you’re up for something more adventurous at the Arches National Park. Many sandstone walls are cross-hatched with narrow passages that make them perfect for canyoneering. Necessary permits are required for canyoneering inside the park. They can be obtained online or at the visitor center, along with following all regulations for this adventure sport. The Fiery Furnace and Lost Spring Canyon are popular spots.

Sunset Photography at Delicate Arch

The prime attraction of the national park is the Delicate Arch, which attracts people worldwide. The trail is a busy one, so expect crowds in the area. The 3-mile long round-trip hike covers sandy trails and Slickrock. You need to watch out for a few steep drops, but the view from there is unmatchable! The late afternoons and evenings are great for sunset photography, but if you want to avoid the heat and the crowds, head out for an early morning hike.

Hiking in Arches National Park

One of the best ways to explore the park is by hiking. Devil’s Garden Trail is the best hike in Arches National Park. The walk showcases eight of the best arches in the park, including the Landscape Arch, the Tunnel Arch, and the Pine Tree Arch. Certain parts of the trail offer a challenging hike, but the views of the arches make up for the effort you put in during your walk.

Stargazing Through the Night

The vast open expanses of the Arches National Park offer great stargazing opportunities. Try to time your visit to a new moon night so you can spot the stars and the Milky Way. Head further north to get a better view of the clear night sky. A few spots noted for stargazing within the park are Panorama Point, Balanced Rock Picnic Area, the Windows Section, and the Garden of Eden Viewpoint. Rangers lead stargazing programs in the spring and fall; sign up for these programs at the visitor center and enjoy stargazing through a telescope with guided talks by the park rangers.

Getting There

Arches National Park is located five miles north of Moab, Utah. Most visitors stay at least one night in the town of Moab. Canyonlands National Park is an easy day trip from Moab that can be made in about 45 minutes. There are plenty of hotels and dining options in town and numerous outdoor recreational in the surrounding area. Arches NP visitor center is open every day except December 25.

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