If you’re wondering about activities in Arches National Park, you’ll find that the most popular activities involve various methods of exploring the fantastic shapes and the intricate landscape that has formed here over the past 300 million years.
Here are some of Park Junkie’s favorite activities in Arches.
Of course, easiest way to access the park’s best scenery is to grab some water, toss it in the old backpack and hit the trail. The park maintains a few nice trails that will provide access to some of the most scenic landscape that eastern Utah has to offer.
Trail leads to the massive North Window, South Window, and Turret Arch. For slightly longer hike, take the primitive trail around the Windows by starting at South Window viewpoint.
Hike leads over open slickrock with little shade and involves hiking on a narrow rock ledge. Follow cairns to base of park’s most famous arch with spectacular photo opps.
Devil’s Garden Primitive Trail
7.2 mile loop
Park’s longest maintained trail. Light scrambling and vague trail at times. Fantastic trail, with trail guide available at trailhead.
Double O Arch
4.5 miles
Trail continues beyond Landscape Arch, (listed in Easy Hikes). Leads over steeper slick rock terrain. Trail guide available. the trail is more challenging as it climbs over sandstone slabs. Continue to the north on the Primitive Trail. (listed one row above)
Permit required, or reservation for ranger-led hike hike. Area is a labyrinth of narrow sandstone canyons that will require route-finding skills and agility.
Tower Arch
3.4 miles
Remote area of park. Steep trail leads through sandstone fins and sand dunes to massive arch in red rock labyrinth. Check Salt Valley road conditions prior to trip.
Backpacking in Arches
This park is relatively small by western standards, but its unique collection of long narrow red rock fins divide the landscape in a way which makes it appear an endless wilderness to the backcountry hiker. Spending a night under the stars in this world of rock is simply unforgettable.
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The wilderness of Arches is rugged, although it may appear small and simple on a map. Backcountry camping in the park will require off-trail travel and will provide a variety of physical challenges. There is essentially no water available, and the lack of established routes will necessitate a traveler’s ability to read and understand a map.
In 2017, the park established new regulations regarding backcountry travel in Arches. Backcountry camping zones have been established and campers are required to maintain camps in these areas. Permits are required. See the NPS site for more information on these areas.
If a simple hike in the park doesn’t quite meet your standard for adventure and you have the skills and abilities to negotiate canyon terrain with ropes and rappelling techniques, there are several routes that may stir your interest in Arches.
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While this park is not home to the traditional slot canyons that exist in nearby destinations such as Canyonlands, the Grand Staircase or Zion, there are nevertheless a number of opportunities here that an experienced canyoneer will find appealing.
The large red rock spires of this park simply cannot stand there alone without visitors… well they could, but why would a climber let that happen. There are numerous routes in the park, and if you’re into desert climbing, you’ll certainly find a few routes here that will satisfy your appetite for adventure.
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The climbing options in Arches include a mixture of easy one-pitch climbs, hard crack climbing and long multi-pitch towers. The routes are found mostly on the Entrada sandstone layer, which tends to fracture in a vertical manner, so there are an endless array of splitters.
Unlike many other climbing areas, most of the routes found in Arches are a short distance from the roadway, which means less approach time, and more rock time… and an easy retreat to the camp for a few beers at the end of a long day.
Cyclists are present on the scenic drive in Arches. There is nothing quite like pounding out some miles on the desert drive during the morning glow of sunrise on the red rocks of Arches. You’ll never forget beginning a day with a thrilling ride through the fascinating terrain of this park.
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The park’s main artery provides a wonderful ride, but the sheer amount of traffic can make it a bit less appealing, and the lack of visibility at sunrise and sunset can present a dangerous situation as well. But ride if you must.
The Klondike Bluffs section of the park is suitable for mountain biking on the dirt roads, but there is really no reason to do this unless you just really want to get out there and don’t have a 4×4. Any mountain biker worth their weight in salt will be aware of the world class mountain biking opportunities available in Moab.
The park has a few primitive roads that provide access to some out-of-the-way scenery and a few arches that most visitors don’t even know exist. Those with their own 4×4 can easily find their way to the Eye of the Whale arch and Tower Arch.
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The trail driving here can be tricky, as the terrain is rocky and extremely sandy. This can present a challenge to someone who has never left the pavement, so it may be wise for novice dirt drivers to hire a guide or a take a tour with one of the local off road experts in nearby Moab.
Several options exist for ranger-led programs in Arches. From short nature talks and easy walks to physically demanding hikes through the Fiery Furnace, these guided adventures provide a way to learn about the park from the experts themselves. Stargazing events and evening programs add to the experience and are an excellent way to end your day in the park.
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YOU CAN DIE. Activities pursued within National Park boundaries hold inherent dangers. You are solely responsible for your safety in the outdoors. Park Junkie accepts no responsibility for actions that result in inconveniences, injury or death.
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