Your essential Arches National Park one-week itinerary provides a balanced blend of iconic hikes, scenic drives, and unique experiences, allowing you to discover the park’s wonders without feeling rushed. This guide ensures a stress-free adventure for every traveler.
Planning a trip to a national park can feel like a big undertaking, especially when you want to see as much as possible. Arches National Park, with its stunning natural sculptures, is a must-visit. Balancing popular sights with hidden gems, this itinerary is designed to give you the full Arches experience. We’ll cover everything you need to know to make your week unforgettable, from breathtaking hikes to practical tips. Get ready to explore Utah’s most famous park with ease and confidence!
Arches National Park: Your Essential One Week Itinerary
Welcome to Arches National Park! This wonderland of sandstone towers, balanced rocks, and, of course, arches, is a photographer’s dream and an adventurer’s paradise. A week here allows you to delve deeper than a quick visit, experiencing the magic at a comfortable pace. We’ve crafted this itinerary with beginners in mind, ensuring you can see the highlights and enjoy the serene beauty without feeling overwhelmed. This plan is flexible, adaptable to your energy levels and interests, and designed for maximum enjoyment.
Why a Week in Arches?
While you can see many of Arches’ main attractions in a day or two, a full week offers several advantages:
- Deeper Exploration: See more arches, hike less crowded trails, and revisit favorites at different times of day for unique lighting.
- Flexibility: Accommodate changing weather conditions, spontaneous discoveries, and rest days when needed.
- Sunrise & Sunset: Experience the park’s most magical hours, often requiring early mornings or late evenings.
- Variety of Activities: Beyond hiking, enjoy scenic drives, stargazing, and photography.
- Reduced Stress: Avoid the rush of trying to cram everything into a short visit, especially during peak seasons.
Getting Ready for Your Arches Adventure
Before we dive into the day-by-day plan, here are a few essentials to consider. Packing smart makes a huge difference in comfort and preparedness. Think layers for changing desert temperatures, sturdy hiking shoes, plenty of water, and sun protection. If you’re traveling with family and need extra supplies for comfort and discretion, options like disposable bed pads for unexpected spills or a comfortable supply of adult disposable underwear for long journeys can be game-changers for stress-free travel. Similarly, having child diapers readily available ensures little ones are comfortable and parents can focus on the adventure.
Don’t forget a park pass! You can purchase one online in advance or at the park entrance. For Arches, a timed entry permit may be required during peak season, so check the official Arches National Park website before your visit.
Your Arches National Park One Week Itinerary: Day by Day
This itinerary provides a structured yet flexible plan. Feel free to swap days based on weather forecasts or your personal preferences!
Day 1: Arrival and Iconic Views
Morning: Arrive in Moab, Utah, the gateway town to Arches National Park. Check into your accommodation and gather any last-minute supplies. Moab offers diverse lodging options from hotels to campgrounds.
Afternoon: Head into Arches National Park. Your first stop should be the visitor center to grab maps and get current conditions. Begin your exploration with a drive along the scenic park road, stopping at viewpoints like Park Avenue and Balanced Rock. These are easily accessible and offer incredible vistas.
Late Afternoon: Hike to Balanced Rock. This easy, 0.3-mile loop trail is perfect for getting acquainted with the park’s geology and offers stunning views of the rock formation itself. It’s a great introduction to what you’ll see throughout the week.
Evening: Enjoy sunset from the Courthouse Towers viewpoint or the picnic area near Balanced Rock. Find a local Moab restaurant for dinner. Consider packing a picnic to enjoy at one of the park’s scenic picnic areas to save time and soak in more views.
Day 2: The Heart of Arches – Delicate Arch
Morning: Today is dedicated to Arches’ most famous landmark: Delicate Arch. The hike to Delicate Arch is challenging (3 miles roundtrip, moderate to strenuous) and best done in the cooler parts of the day. Aim for sunrise or early morning to beat the heat and the crowds. The trail offers incredible views as you ascend and finally round the corner to find the arch standing majestically.
Pro Tip: Bring at least 2 liters of water per person for this hike, wear sturdy shoes, and pack sun protection. The trail has little shade.
Afternoon: After your hike, drive along the scenic road towards the Salt Valley overlook. Explore the trails around the Fiery Furnace view, which offers a glimpse into this maze of sandstone fins (guided tours are available for those who wish to explore inside, but require booking well in advance).
Evening: For a different perspective, return to Delicate Arch for sunset if you didn’t go at sunrise. The golden light is spectacular. Alternatively, enjoy a relaxed evening and perhaps some stargazing. Arches is an International Dark Sky Park, making for incredible night skies.
Day 3: The Windows Section and Nature’s Giant Sculptures
Morning: Explore the Windows Section, home to some of the park’s largest arches. The main loop trail is easy and paved, leading to North Window, South Window, and Turret Arch. You can walk between these three with minimal effort. Don’t miss the short spur trail to Double Arch, another magnificent and easily accessible arch that creates an awe-inspiring spectacle.
Late Morning: Hike the 0.5-mile Primitive Trail to climb up near the base of Double Arch for a different perspective. This trail is unpaved and involves scrambling over slickrock, offering a bit more adventure.
Afternoon: Visit the nearby Petrified Forest section. While not as dramatic as the arches, walking amongst the fossilized logs and colorful desert landscape offers a unique geological insight. The 1.1-mile loop trail is relatively flat and easy.
Evening: Consider catching the sunset from a less crowded spot. The area near the Windows primitive trail offers some quiet overlooks. Tonight, you might consider a picnic dinner in the park followed by some amateur astronomy.
Day 4: Devils Garden – Arches Galore
Full Day: Dedicate today to Devils Garden, the park’s largest exposed sandstone fin. This area boasts the highest concentration of arches in the park! The main trail is relatively flat and follows fins of rock. Here, you’ll find:
- Landscape Arch: A very thin and incredibly long arch (0.8 miles roundtrip, easy paved path). It’s a must-see and one of the longest natural arches in the world.
- Primitive Trail: Beyond Landscape Arch, the trail becomes more primitive (unpaved, slickrock, some scrambling). This section leads to Double O Arch and Dark Angel Arch. The full loop is about 7.9 miles and is considered strenuous due to the terrain and potential for heat.
Options for Devils Garden:
- Easy: Hike to Landscape Arch and back (1.6 miles roundtrip).
- Moderate: Hike to Landscape Arch and then the first portion of the primitive trail to Tunnel Arch and Pine Tree Arch (about 2.6 miles roundtrip).
- Strenuous: Complete the full loop via the primitive trail, accessing Double O Arch and Dark Angel.
Important: Carry plenty of water for Devils Garden. The primitive trail requires comfortable shoes with good grip, and you should be prepared for some exposure to sun and wind.
Day 5: Scenic Drive and Short Hikes
Morning: Drive the entirety of the scenic park road, from the entrance to the end at viewpoints overlooking the La Sal Mountains. Stop at pull-offs that you may have missed earlier in the week, such as the Petrified Dunes viewpoint and the Chimney Rock trail (a short, moderate 0.7-mile loop). The Chimney Rock trail offers a great view of a prominent rock spire.
Late Morning: Explore the Klondike Bluffs trailhead area. This is a less crowded area offering impressive views and trails leading to some lesser-known arches like the Tower Arch. The hike to Tower Arch is about 1.7 miles roundtrip, moderate, and crosses sandy washes.
Afternoon: Enjoy a picnic lunch at one of the designated picnic areas, perhaps the one near the Park Avenue viewpoint. Relax and soak in the vastness of the landscape.
Evening: Consider a sunset drive back through the park. The changing light on the rock formations is always a spectacle. Tonight might be a good night for a leisurely dinner in Moab, perhaps trying a local brewery.
Day 6: A Day of Choice – Adventure or Relaxation
Today is your opportunity to revisit a favorite spot, tackle a hike you missed, or explore something new. Here are some ideas:
- Option 1: More Hiking. If you’re an avid hiker, consider a longer trail you haven’t done, or revisit a challenging one like the full Devils Garden loop if you didn’t complete it. The Slickrock Trail, famous for mountain biking, also has hiking opportunities.
- Option 2: Photography Focus. Dedicate the day to capturing the park’s beauty. Return to Delicate Arch for sunrise or sunset, or find unique angles at the Windows Section.
- Option 3: Ranger Programs. Check the park’s schedule for any ranger-led hikes or talks. These can offer fascinating insights into the park’s geology, history, and ecology.
- Option 4: Nearby Attractions. If you feel you’ve seen enough of Arches, consider a short drive to explore nearby Canyonlands National Park (Island in the Sky district is closest and offers spectacular canyon views) or Dead Horse Point State Park.
No matter what you choose, ensure you stay hydrated and are mindful of the desert sun. If your travels involve very long days or specific comfort needs, having reliable adult incontinence products can provide peace of mind and freedom to enjoy your adventures without worry. Similarly, for traveling families, ensuring children are comfortable with child pull-ups or diapers can make road trips and park explorations much smoother.
Day 7: Departure
Morning: Enjoy a final, leisurely breakfast in Moab. If time permits before your departure, take one last short walk in the park to a favorite viewpoint or one you missed, like the Fiery Furnace Viewpoint. Another option is to visit the Moab Giants Dinosaur Park just north of Moab.
Late Morning/Afternoon: Depart from Moab, carrying memories of the awe-inspiring rock formations and the red rock landscapes of Arches National Park.
Important Information for Your Visit
To ensure your trip is as smooth and enjoyable as possible, keep these essential tips in mind:
Best Time to Visit
The best times to visit Arches National Park are in the spring (April to May) and fall (September to October). During these periods, the weather is generally mild, and the crowds are more manageable than in the peak summer months. Summer can be extremely hot, with temperatures often exceeding 100°F (38°C), making daytime hiking challenging. Winter offers fewer crowds and cooler temperatures, but some trails may be icy, and facilities might have reduced hours.
Timed Entry System
During peak visitation periods (typically April 1 through October 31), Arches National Park employs a timed entry reservation system. You will need to book a timed entry permit online in advance through recreation.gov to enter the park during designated hours. Be sure to check the official park website for the most up-to-date information on permit requirements, release dates, and operating times.
What to Pack
Proper preparation is key for a comfortable desert adventure.
Clothing:
- Layers: Pack light, breathable layers for warm days and a jacket for cooler mornings and evenings.
- Sun Protection: Wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and high SPF sunscreen are essential.
- Sturdy Footwear: Hiking boots or sturdy athletic shoes with good traction are a must for rocky terrain.
- Comfortable Pants/Shorts: Quick-drying fabrics are ideal.
Gear:
- Water Bottles/Hydration Pack: Carry at least 1 gallon (4 liters) of water per person per day.
- Daypack: To carry water, snacks, first-aid kit, and extra layers.
- Snacks: High-energy snacks like trail mix, granola bars, and fruit.
- First-Aid Kit: Include blister treatment, pain relievers, and any personal medications.
- Navigation: Download offline maps or carry a physical map. Cell service can be spotty.
- Headlamp or Flashlight: Crucial if you plan on sunrise or sunset hikes.
Safety in the Desert
The desert environment can be harsh. Always be aware of the risks:
- Hydration is paramount. Dehydration can set in quickly, even on cooler days.
- Avoid hiking during the hottest part of the day (10 AM – 4 PM) in summer.
- Stay on marked trails. Venturing off-trail can damage fragile ecosystems and lead to getting lost.
- Be aware of heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Know the symptoms and how to respond.
- Wildlife: Keep a safe distance from any wildlife you encounter.
Lodging and Camping
In-Park: Arches National Park does not have lodging or campgrounds within its boundaries. All in-park visitors must have a timed entry permit. Camping is available nearby.
Moab: The town of Moab offers a wide range of accommodations, from budget-friendly motels and hotels to upscale resorts and vacation rentals. Book well in advance, especially during peak season.
Campgrounds: Several campgrounds are located just outside the park, including reservable sites like Devils Garden Campground (inside the park, reservations are essential and difficult to get) and BLM campgrounds along the Colorado River. Dispersed camping may also be an option in designated areas.
Frequently Asked Questions about Arches National Park
Q1: How do I get a timed entry permit for Arches National Park?
Timed entry permits for Arches National Park are released on Recreation.gov. They are typically released in batches: one batch on the 1st of the month for the following month, and a second batch released the day before for the next day. It’s crucial to check the official park website and Recreation.gov for the exact release schedule and to book your permit as soon as they become available, as they sell out very quickly.
Q2: What are the easiest hikes in Arches?
Some of the easiest and most rewarding hikes include the trails around the Windows Section (North Window, South Window, Turret Arch, and Double Arch), the path to Landscape Arch in Devils Garden, and the Balanced Rock loop. These are short, often paved, and lead to spectacular formations.
Q3: Is Arches National Park crowded?
Yes, Arches National Park is one of the most popular national parks in the United States and can be very crowded, especially during spring, summer, and fall. The timed entry system helps manage visitor numbers, but expect to encounter other people on popular trails and viewpoints. Arriving early in the morning or later in the afternoon can help avoid the peak crowds.
