Arches National Park Moab, UT

“Water and ice, extreme temperatures, and underground salt movement are responsible for the sculptured rock scenery of Arches National Park.”  With over 2,000 cataloged arches within the park it’s no wonder that so many visitors flock here each year. 

I first visited this park in August of 2020 and since have been back to visit in 2021, 2022 and 2024. So yeah, this park has a special place in my soul. Not only are the views out of this world, but the campground in the park is my favorite campground in the US – Devil’s Garden Campground. The campground is located at the end of the park near the Devil’s Garden Trailhead and has the best sunset viewing IMO of the entire park. Tent campsites are also fairly spread out and create a sense of privacy and peace. 

If you are crazy like me, and choose to visit during the summer months be prepared for the heat with plenty of fluids, sunscreen and then even more fluids! 

Hiking & the arches

Delicate Arch (Delicate Arch Parking Lot) – 3.0 miles, difficult trail, elevation gain of 480 ft, no shade!  This is arguably the most photographed arch inside the park and the most famous (Hello Utah License Plate), but can be quite challenging. Almost the entire 1.5 miles to get to the arch is uphill and there is zero shade.  The day we got to the park the Park Ranger at the Campsite said they already had to do emergency rescues for 8 people.  All of these rescues were from people who went during the peak of the day and with little water.  They recommend bringing 1 quart of water per person and always bring more than you think you will need. Hike early morning to avoid hot temperatures, or evening to get beautiful sunset pictures.

Pro tip ** I like bringing a little snack to enjoy on hikes when I have reached a milestone location (aka the Delicate Arch) where I can stop and enjoy the views and have a tasty treat – my favorite is Sweet and Hot Beef Jerky

​Double Arch (follow signs near the Windows Section)- .5 miles, easy hike. Short hike with amazing views of this massive Double Arch – you can climb up the arch and look out through it.  Truly bigger than I expected when I got inside! Header photo of this article is the Double Arch.

Devils Garden Arches: (Landscape Arch, Partition Arch, Navajo Arch, Double O Arch, Dark Angel, Private Arch, Pine Tree Arch & Tunnel Arch)

These Arches are all located on the Devils Garden Trail – so you can accomplish them all within the same hike! The entire loop comes close to 7.2 miles and has minimal shade, so be prepared with enough food and water and wear appropriate clothing depending on the time of year you are visiting. The trail starts off paved and comes to a fork (landscape arch and the devils garden full loop trail on the left, and pine tree and tunnel arch on the right). Most visitors stick to the paved section, enjoying views of the Landscape, Pine Tree, and Tunnel Arches. However, more adventurous hikers and park enthusiasts often take the primitive trail to explore all the arches the trail has to offer.

One particularly challenging section comes shortly after the Landscape Arch, where you’ll need to climb steep rocks. This is the most difficult part of the trail, but don’t worry—once you conquer this section, the rest of the hike is much easier. Stay motivated and power through! Keep an eye out for stacked rocks, or cairns, which mark the trail and help guide you. Avoid disturbing them, as they are crucial for navigation. While the trail is generally easy to follow, there are a few spots where it’s easy to lose track, so remain attentive to avoid backtracking.

Pro Tip ** If you are looking for an early start to beat the crowds consider staying at the Devils Garden Campground Located minutes from the Trailhead! Be sure to book ahead on recreation.gov