Two of the Best Hikes in Arches National Park Utah

Arches National Park is one of Utah’s ‘Mighty 5’ National Parks and is filled with over 2,000 arches and other incredible red rock formations.

There are also 47 different hiking trails, so it can seem a bit overwhelming when planning your first visit. If you only have time for a few hikes, here are two of the best hikes in Arches National Park!

Best Hikes in Arches National Park

Table of Contents

• Arches National Park visitor information:
• 1. Delicate Arch Hike
• 2. Fiery Furnace Hike
• A Few More of the Best Hikes in Arches National Park
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Arches National Park visitor information:

• Fees: The park entrance fee is $30 per vehicle and is good for 7 days. If you have a 4th grader be sure to take advantage of the Free 4th Grade National Parks Pass.
• Hours: The park is open 24 hrs a day year-round. The visitor center is open daily from 8 am – 5 pm during the regular season, but the hours may vary during the off-season. Check the NPS website for more information.
• Notes: The park sees an average of 1.5 million visitors per year. During the peak season from April 3-October 3 you’ll need to make a timed entry reservation.

1. Delicate Arch Hike

The Delicate Arch hike is arguably the best hike in Arches National Park.

Not only is this arch featured on the Utah state license plate, but it is one of the most recognized geological formations in the world.

The trail to the arch is 3 miles round trip. It is a steady climb of 480 feet, so not too difficult but it is a little steeper in some areas.

If you’re visiting in the warmer months, you’re going to want to do the hike first thing in the morning.

Much of the trail is across exposed red rock with no shade. It can be quite dangerous in the summer heat, so be sure to pack plenty of water.

This trail is especially fun for kids, they’ll love being able to run around and climb on the rocks along the way.

There are a few spots with steep drop-offs, so keep an eye on younger ones.

Towards the end of the trail, you’ll come around the bend and catch the first glimpse of the arch.

No matter how many pictures you have seen of Delicate Arch, it will still take your breath away to see it in person.

You will most likely have to wait in line to get your photo under the arch, but witnessing it in person is surreal.

The surrounding red rock scenery is magnificent as well.

*Related Post: Be sure to check out our guide to Three Perfect Days in Southern Utah!

2. Fiery Furnace Hike

The Fiery Furnace is a lesser-known hike with fewer crowds. It is a natural labyrinth of sorts, made up of mazes of towering sandstone walls.

If you would like to hike the Fiery Furnace, you will need to either make a reservation for a ranger-guided hike or purchase a self-guided hiking permit.

A guided ranger hike is highly recommended, especially if you have never hiked this area before. It is very easy to get lost in the maze of rocks and there is no cell service.

The ranger-led hikes are $16 per person and can be reserved 6 months in advance. The tickets go quickly, so it’s best to make the reservations far in advance.

Self-guided permits are $10 per person. Reservations are made online then the tickets can be picked up at the visitor center.

Hiking the Fiery Furnace is a different experience than hiking other trails within the park. Here you won’t find designated trails, instead, you’ll be free to explore the narrow canyons on your own.

There are small arrows to help guide you into the main canyon, but there are so many possible trails and small canyons branching off that it is easy to get lost.

GPS and cell phones do not work well here so you’ll need to be very diligent at remembering landmarks and retracing your steps.

While it is manageable on your own if you just pay attention to the trail and your surroundings, it would be less stressful to leave the navigating up to an experienced guide.

The trail is not too difficult, but there is some climbing and scrambling involved so I wouldn’t recommend this hike for really young kids.

It really is such an incredible area and one of the best hikes in Arches National Park!

And while you’re near Moab, be sure to check out our guide How to Spend One Weekend in Moab!

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A Few More of the Best Hikes in Arches National Park

I hope this guide has helped you discover two of the best hikes in Arches National Park. If you have time to explore more, here are a few more recommended hikes:

• Double Arch: This trail is perfect for kids. It is a short 1/2 mile round trip trail and leads to not one, but two arches. It’s a BOGO free!
• Sand Dune Arch: This easy 0.3-mile round trip hike leads from the parking lot through a short slot canyon before coming to a small secluded arch surrounded by soft sand. If you have time, you can also visit the Broken Arch located about a mile northeast.
• Landscape Arch: This arch is actually the largest arch on the planet! The 1.9-mile trail is easy and well-maintained. It is located in the Devil’s Garden area which is home to the Private Arch, Partition Arch, Navajo Arch, Wall Arch, Double O Arch, and the Dark Angel pinnacle as well.
• Balanced Rock: You can easily spot this mysterious formation that seems to defy gravity. It is located 9 miles from the visitor center and can be viewed from the road. There is a short 0.3-mile trail off the road if you want to walk to the base.

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