Arches National Park Itinerary
Arches is compact enough to see its highlights in a single long day, but heat, light, and reservations still shape when you should do what.
Quick Answer
With one day, hike Delicate Arch at sunset, walk the Windows section, and add a shorter trail like Park Avenue in the morning. With two days, add the Devils Garden trail to Landscape Arch and, if you can get a permit, the Fiery Furnace ranger-led hike.
One Day: The Core Loop
Start early at Park Avenue for cool morning light, drive to the Windows section for Double Arch and North/South Window, then save Delicate Arch for late afternoon — the 3-mile round-trip hike is best in the golden light before sunset.
- Park Avenue in the morning
- Windows section midday
- Delicate Arch at sunset
Two Days: Devils Garden And Fiery Furnace
Devils Garden holds Landscape Arch, the longest natural arch in North America, along a moderate trail that can extend into a longer primitive loop for stronger hikers. The Fiery Furnace requires either a ranger-led tour or a permit for self-guided scrambling through its narrow sandstone fins — both must be booked in advance.
Entry Requirements
As of 2026, Arches does not require a timed-entry reservation to enter the park, though a valid entrance pass is still required. Devils Garden Campground and both Fiery Furnace access options still require separate advance reservations, and entry policies can change year to year, so check current NPS guidance before your trip.
When To Go
March through May and September through November bring the mildest hiking temperatures. Summer regularly tops 100°F, and hiking to Delicate Arch or through Devils Garden at midday in July or August is genuinely dangerous without heavy water and shade planning.
Plan And Track This Park
Add Arches to your checklist, then plan around current park entry requirements before you go.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need a reservation to enter Arches National Park?
As of 2026, no timed-entry reservation is required, though this has changed in past years and can change again — check current NPS guidance before your trip. A valid entrance pass is always required.
How long does it take to hike Delicate Arch?
The round trip is about 3 miles and typically takes 2-3 hours. It is exposed with no shade, so avoid the hottest midday hours in summer.
How many days do you need for Arches National Park?
One day covers the core loop of Park Avenue, the Windows, and Delicate Arch. Two days adds Devils Garden and, if booked in advance, the Fiery Furnace.
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