Top 5 Stops in Arches National Park

Arches National Park is packed with over 2,000 arches, but if you only have a limited amount of time, there are a handful that you absolutely can’t miss. These are the top 5 stops in Arches National Park—the ones that give you the best mix of easy access, iconic views, and unforgettable hikes. If you’re planning your Arches adventure, you might also love my guide to the Best Sunrise and Sunset Spots in Moab Utah to help you time each stop perfectly.

1. Delicate Arch

• Trail Length: 3 miles round trip

• Difficulty: Strenuous (steep slickrock, uneven terrain, no shade)

• Elevation Gain: About 500 ft

• Estimated Time: 2–3 hours

• Best Time: Sunset

Delicate Arch is the arch—the one on Utah’s license plates and postcards. The hike to get there isn’t easy. It’s uphill most of the way, over wide slickrock with zero shade. But when you round the final corner and see the arch perched on the edge of a cliff, it’s unforgettable.

I did this at sunset, and while the climb was sweaty and steep, the payoff was worth it. My friend told me it can be wall-to-wall people (50+ sometimes), but I lucked out with a smaller crowd. If you go, plan to arrive at least an hour before sunset so you can snag photos and then just sit back and soak in the glow.

Shortcut option: If you don’t want to tackle the full hike, check out the Delicate Arch Viewpoints (Lower and Upper) for a great angle without the climb.

2. Landscape Arch

• Trail Length: 1.9 miles round trip (from Devils Garden trailhead)

• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate (sandy sections)

• Elevation Gain: About 250 ft

• Estimated Time: 1–1.5 hours

• Best Time: Morning

Landscape Arch is the longest arch in the park at 306 feet across—and it looks impossibly thin, like it could collapse any second. Chunks have already fallen off in recent decades, so it feels like you’re witnessing a natural wonder that might not last forever.

The hike is mostly easy, though the sandy stretches slow you down. Along the way, you can make quick detours to Pine Tree Arch and Tunnel Arch if you’ve got the energy. For even more breathtaking angles inside the park, check out my post on the Top 5 Epic Views Around Moab.

3. Sand Dune Arch

• Trail Length: 0.3 miles round trip

• Difficulty: Easy (soft sand)

• Elevation Gain: Minimal

• Estimated Time: 15–20 minutes

• Best Time: Morning (fully shaded)

Sand Dune Arch feels like a secret hideout. The trail takes you into a shady slot between sandstone fins, with soft sand underfoot and an arch tucked inside. It’s especially fun for kids, but even as an adult, I loved how it felt tucked away and different from the wide-open desert. In the morning, the whole area is shaded—a big bonus if you’re visiting in summer.

4. Balanced Rock

• Trail Length: 0.3 miles (loop, optional)

• Difficulty: Easy

• Elevation Gain: Minimal

• Estimated Time: 15 minutes

• Best Time: Sunrise or golden hour

Balanced Rock is exactly what it sounds like: a massive boulder perched precariously on a narrow pedestal. It looks like it could topple any second (though geologically, it’s been holding on for millennia). The short loop trail lets you circle around it for different perspectives, but honestly, it’s impressive even if you just pull over and admire it from the car.

If you're building a longer itinerary, my Spend a Weekend in Moab: The Perfect 3-Day Itinerary pairs perfectly with these stops.

5. Double Arch

• Trail Length: 0.5 miles round trip

• Difficulty: Easy

• Elevation Gain: Minimal

• Estimated Time: 20 minutes

• Best Time: Anytime

Double Arch is one of my personal favorites. Two massive arches share the same base, curving into the sky in a dramatic 3D shape. The short, flat trail makes it easy to reach, and standing beneath both arches is awe-inspiring. It’s also a great spot for photos that really capture the scale of Arches National Park.

Final Thoughts on Top 5 Stops in Arches National Park

These five stops give you the best of Arches in a short amount of time. From the bucket-list hike to Delicate Arch, to the easy strolls at Double Arch and Sand Dune Arch, you’ll get a mix of effort and reward.

If you have just a day in Arches, make these your priorities—you’ll leave with photos and memories that capture exactly why this park is one of Utah’s most iconic. If you’re exploring more of the area, don’t miss my One Day in Arches National Park: The Perfect Itinerary for an easy route that includes these exact highlights.