Arches is one of Utah’s “Mighty Five” national parks, along with Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, and Canyonlands. This is one of the most popular national parks in the U.S., so I’ve created the ultimate Arches National Park 1-day itinerary.

Tips for Visiting Popular National Parks

Pro Tip: Arches National Park requires a time entry reservation from April – October, so plan ahead and book your time slot as far in advance as possible because the early entry times go FAST.

Here’s the ultimate Arches National Park 1-day itinerary!

When To Go

Arches National Park is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year. But in the winter, some facilities are closed or operate on reduced hours.

June to August is the peak travel season, so be prepared for limited parking and crowds. You can avoid some of the other visitors by going on weekdays and arriving early in the morning. Daytime temperatures can get up to 110 degrees, so plan on hiking in the mornings and evenings. Book your accommodation and time entry as far in advance as possible, and rangers lead free guided evening walks in the summer

The rainy season is in late summer when frequent afternoon thunderstorms can bring heavy rain, flash flooding, or lightning. So you’ll need to monitor the weather continuously and don’t start a hike if storm warnings are in effect.

September and October are cooler months, with daytime temperatures in the mid-80s and 70s and lows in the 50s and 40s at night. There will be fewer tourists than in the summer, but you should still be prepared for crowds, especially on the weekends.

Winter is the off-season when you can have the park practically to yourself. November to March has daytime temperatures in the 30s – 50s, so it will be cold, but you won’t have to compete for parking or spots at the famous viewpoints. No ranger programs are offered in winter, though, and some roads and trails may close because of snow or ice.

April and May are beautiful months to visit Arches because the wildflowers will be blooming. Daytime temperatures will be in the low 80s and 70s, and rangers offer free, daily guided 1-mile walks along easy trails. Spring is only slightly less popular than the summer months, so there will be crowds and lines to get into the park.

1-Day Itinerary

If you’re only visiting Arches National Park for a day, arrive as early as possible. Start with the Delicate Arch hike (3-mile round trip, moderate, walking along rock ledges, plan on this taking at least three hours).

Next, stop at the Salt Valley and Fiery Furnace Viewpoints. Then hike out and back to Sand Dune Arch. If the Delicate Arch hike is too strenuous for you, walk to the Upper Delicate Arch Viewpoint (200 feet, easy, 15 minutes round trip), then visit the Salt Valley and Fiery Furnace Viewpoints, then hike out and back to Sand Dune Arch and Broken Arch (1.5 miles round trip, easy-moderate, about an hour).

Have lunch near the Devils Garden Campground, then hike behind the Amphitheatre to see Skyline Arch. Most people view Skyline Arch from the main road, but the view is better from the amphitheater side, and you can usually have the arch to yourself.

Spend the next three(ish) hours hiking as much of the Devils Garden Trail as possible. I recommend getting at least as far as Navajo Arch, Partition Arch, and Landscape Arch. Pace yourself, and don’t hike further out than you can walk back.

Next, drive back down the main park road and stop at Panorama Point and Garden of Eden. Then explore Double Arch and hike the North Window/South Window/Turret Arch loop.

On your way out of the park, end your day by seeing Balanced Rock, the Petrified Dunes Viewpoint, Courthouse Towers Viewpoint, and La Sal Mountains Viewpoint.

If You Have A Second Day

I highly recommend spending a second day in Arches National Park if possible. This will allow your first day to go at a more leisurely pace. If you have a second day, hike the Devils Garden Trail on your second morning instead of your first day.

Then in the afternoon, do a guided 4×4 tour of the backcountry. More than 1.5 million people visit Arches National Park every year, but only about 15,000 venture into the backcountry. So a 4×4 ride is a way to escape the crowds and explore a part of the park that few people ever visit.

Know Before You Go

The park roads are narrow and winding, so watch for bicyclists and pedestrians, and only stop at designated pull-offs and viewpoints.

Stay on designated trails to preserve fragile biological soil crusts, protect plant and animal habitats, and reduce your risk of getting lost.

You can ride bikes on park roads, but not on trails or in the backcountry.

I highly recommend having a walking stick on trails. Most of the park’s trails are sandstone, which crumbles easily and is more difficult to climb down than up.

There is no food in the park, so pack your lunch and have snacks with you.

The sun is intense, and shade is rare. So always have sun protection, sunglasses, and more water than you think you’ll need. In the summer months, avoid hiking in the middle of the day.

There is limited cell service inside the park, so download or screenshot maps and trail guides before you arrive.

You cannot climb on any of the arches.

Pets are only allowed on public roadways, in campgrounds, and in parking lots, and they must be on a leash no more than six feet long.

This park is at a high altitude (between 4000 and 5600 feet), so it’s easy to get “winded.” Take lots of breaks, sit down when you can, and always have plenty of water, sun protection, and snacks.

There is no gas inside the park, so ensure you have a full tank before getting to the park entrance.

Using artificial light sources to illuminate the landscape for photography at night is not allowed.

Where To Stay

Arches has many accommodation options in the nearby town of Moab. So I’ve rounded up the best hotels, Airbnbs, and glamping near Arches National Park.

For camping, I highly recommend staying at the Devils Garden Campground inside the park. This campground requires reservations from March to October, and these sites book up FAST, so reserve yours as early as possible. Between November and February, campsites are first-come, first-served.

If you’re bringing an RV or motorhome, opt for the Sun Outdoors Arches Gateway park or the Sun Outdoors Canyonlands Gateway park.

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This Arches National Park 1-day itinerary is not a sponsored post, and, as always, the thoughts and opinions expressed in this Arches National Park 1-day itinerary are entirely my own. Some of these links are affiliate links, and, at no cost to you, I may earn a small commission from this Arches National Park 1-day itinerary.