Arches National Park in eastern Utah is one of the most visited national parks in the US and boasts the largest concentration of natural stone arches anywhere in the world. We’ve visited Arches twice, and it’s still on our bucket list – with its extensive and well-maintained network of hiking trails, ranging from short strolls to more challenging hikes that crisscross this magnificently sculpted landscape, it’s a true hiker’s paradise, bestowed with incredible scenic beauty and an impressive geological history to tell.

In this post, we share 3 of our favourite hikes in Arches National Park, all of which are easily doable with some previous hiking experience. Non-hikers can drive the 18-mile scenic road, which runs through the park, right past its most popular sights. Horseback riding, biking and rock climbing are other popular activities in Arches but may require permits or prior registration.

Before you head out to explore the best sights on foot, however, please be aware that although it’s tempting to just wander about on what appears to be only rock, that rock supports a delicate ecosystem and visitors are asked to stay on designated trails at all times.

Just like in Bryce National Park, erosion and weathering have conspired to shape one of the world’s most intriguing and striking landscapes. Arches National Park, however, is unique in that an underground salt bed deposited on the Colorado Plateau 300 million years ago has buckled and shifted under a heavy layer of rock and thus created a fragile, ever-changing landscape with over 2000 catalogued arches, finely sculpted pinnacles, and numerous other rock formations like Balanced Rock, a rock precariously balanced on another like the name suggests.

You’ll see tiny arches, little more than a hole in the rock, and somewhat larger arches, but it’s the park’s free-standing giant masterpieces like Landscape Arch – at 93m (306 feet) the longest arch in the park – that will take your breath away. The same as the red desert panoramas and other splendid rock formations, the incredibly scenic hiking trails, and a beautifully located campground that make for such a wonderful stay in the park.

The park is incredibly popular – its only downside, I promise – and for that reason, was trialling a temporary timed entry system to help reduce traffic in the park in peak season when we visited in 2022. I’m not sure whether they’ll continue with this system in 2023, but if they do, you’ll need to reserve a timed entry ticket before your visit if you’re entering the park between 6 am and 5 pm. Even with entry restrictions in place, many parking lots were crowded, so I imagine they’ll maintain some version of a timed entry system in the future.

Because of the huge popularity of the national park, the campground at Devils Garden also books out many months in advance. If you’re set on a specific date, try to book your spot as early as reservations open for the season.