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National park: Arches, UT

Arches: 2 Days of Icons and Sandstone Fins

Delicate Arch at sunset, then Devils Garden's big spans

Delicate Arch, a freestanding sandstone arch
Photo: NPS Photo
Length
2 days
Difficulty
Moderate
Best months
Apr–May, Sep–Oct
Budget
$$

Two days covering Arches' greatest hits: The Windows and Double Arch, a sunset hike to Delicate Arch, and an early Devils Garden hike to Landscape and Double O Arch. Based in Moab with easy meals and one hotel.

  • Walk through The Windows and stand under Double Arch
  • Hike to Delicate Arch for sunset
  • Devils Garden to Landscape Arch and Double O Arch
  • Balanced Rock roadside stop
  • Moab base with easy dinners

The story

Arches is a compact high-desert park of sandstone arches, fins and spires just north of Moab, and its headline sights fit into two well-planned days. Day one is for the icons: an early walk through The Windows and beneath Double Arch, an easy Moab burger lunch, then the slickrock climb to Delicate Arch for sunset. Day two heads to the far north end of the park for Devils Garden, where the trail links Landscape Arch, the longest in North America, to the big spans at Double O Arch, with a sandy detour to Sand Dune Arch and a last look at Balanced Rock on the way out.

The plan keeps you in the same Moab hotel both nights and front-loads the mornings, because NPS recommends entering before 8 AM or after 3 PM to avoid the worst traffic. Expect open rock, little shade, and big temperature swings, so spring and fall are the sweet spots.

Day by day

Day 1

The Windows, Double Arch and Delicate Arch at Sunset

Beat the crowds at the Windows section, rest midday, then hike Delicate Arch for evening light.

Must do
Hike8:00 AM · 1 h 30 min

The Windows and Double Arch

Start at the Windows section, where a gentle climb with stone steps reaches North Window, South Window and Turret Arch. Then take the connector across the parking loop to Double Arch, which NPS describes as the tallest arch in the park, and stand under its two joined spans. Arriving early beats the crowds and the parking squeeze; in peak season, check whether a timed-entry reservation is needed for your arrival window.

Rock steps lead to an orange stone arch towering over a tiny person standing beneath it
Photo: NPS/Veronica Verdin
Distance
1 mi
Elevation gain
99 ft
Route
Out and back
Difficulty
Easy
Dogs allowed
No
Trailhead
The Windows parking area, 12 miles from the park entrance
Distance note
Windows trail: 1.0 mi round trip, 99 ft elevation change; add Double Arch 0.6 mi round trip, 30 ft (both NPS, round-trip basis). Total about 1.6 mi.
The Windows Trailhead
Arches National Park, Moab, UT 84532
Season: Typically open year-round; check current conditions.
Open in Google Maps (new tab) Website for The Windows Trailhead (new tab)
Sources (3)
Eat12:00 PM · 1 h

Lunch at Milt's Stop & Eat

A family-run Moab drive-in that has been serving burgers since 1954, according to its own site. It lists hormone-free, grass-fed beef burgers with eat-in or takeout service, so it works well as a quick, unfussy lunch after a morning in the park.

Meal
Lunch
Cuisine
Burgers
Reservation needed
No
Milt's Stop & Eat
356 Millcreek Dr, Moab, UT 84532
Hours: Site lists open daily, 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Open in Google Maps (new tab) Website for Milt's Stop & Eat (new tab) 435-259-7424
Sources (1)
Stay

Moab Valley Inn

A Main Street hotel on Moab's south side, close to the town's restaurant strip; NPS puts the park entrance about 5 miles north of Moab on US 191. The inn lists a pool, fitness room, guest laundry and complimentary breakfast, which helps with the pre-8 AM entry this itinerary uses. Rates are not published on the page, so check current prices when booking.

Type
Hotel
Location
Outside the park
Booking
Book / details
Reservation notes
Check current rates; the site advertises a website-only discounted rate.
Moab Valley Inn
711 S Main St, Moab, UT 84532
Open in Google Maps (new tab) Website for Moab Valley Inn (new tab) 435-259-4419
Sources (2)
Must do
Hike4:30 PM · 3 h

Delicate Arch Trail

NPS calls it the most famous arch in the park, and the hike earns it. The route crosses open slickrock past historic Wolfe Ranch, climbs steadily following cairns, then follows a narrow ledge for about 200 yards before the arch appears all at once. Aim to reach the top before sunset, carry at least 2 quarts (2 L) of water per person, and pack a headlamp for the descent. For a gentler look, NPS also lists short Delicate Arch Viewpoint trails.

Visitors read the Delicate Arch Trailhead information panel before starting the hike
Photo: NPS/Veronica Verdin
Distance
3 mi
Elevation gain
538 ft
Route
Out and back
Difficulty
Strenuous
Dogs allowed
No
Trailhead
Wolfe Ranch trailhead
Distance note
3 mi round trip, 538 ft elevation change (NPS). Start time assumes early fall; shift it to reach the arch about 30-45 minutes before local sunset in other months.
Wolfe Ranch / Delicate Arch Trailhead
Arches National Park, Moab, UT 84532
Open in Google Maps (new tab) Website for Wolfe Ranch / Delicate Arch Trailhead (new tab)
Sources (2)
Eat8:15 PM · 1 h 15 min

Dinner at Pasta Jay's

Moab's Italian restaurant on Main Street, open since 1992 per its site. It is a practical late dinner after a sunset hike, and the Moab page lists service running into the evening.

Meal
Dinner
Cuisine
Italian
Reservation needed
No
Pasta Jay's Moab
4 S Main St, Moab, UT 84532
Hours: Confirm current hours on the restaurant site
Open in Google Maps (new tab) Website for Pasta Jay's Moab (new tab) 435-259-2900
Sources (1)
Day 2

Devils Garden and the Drive Out

An early start on the north end's arch-rich trail, with a sandy side trip and Balanced Rock on the way back to Moab.

Must do
Hike7:30 AM · 3 h

Devils Garden: Landscape Arch to Double O Arch

NPS describes Devils Garden as a large concentration of arches, spires and narrow rock fins. The first stretch to Landscape Arch is broad and easy, and NPS says its 306-foot opening is the longest arch in North America. Past it, the trail climbs sandstone slabs with narrow ledges to Double O Arch. Start early, carry 2 quarts (2 L) of water per person, and skip it if the rock is wet or icy.

Hikers reading a trailhead sign near a fence, sandstone walls in the background
Photo: NPS/Veronica Verdin
Distance
4 mi
Elevation gain
275 ft
Route
Out and back
Difficulty
Strenuous
Dogs allowed
No
Trailhead
Devils Garden Trailhead, 18 miles from the park entrance
Distance note
4.0 mi round trip to Double O Arch, 275 ft elevation change, 2-3 hours (NPS). Landscape Arch alone is 1.8 mi round trip, 40 ft.
Devils Garden Trailhead
Arches National Park, Moab, UT 84532
Season: Toilets open year-round; drinking water typically spring through fall.
Open in Google Maps (new tab) Website for Devils Garden Trailhead (new tab)
Sources (3)
Hike10:45 AM · 30 min

Sand Dune Arch

A short trail through deep sand leads to a hidden arch tucked between tall sandstone fins, a quieter contrast to the big Devils Garden hike. It is close to the Devils Garden road, so it barely adds driving. Do not climb on or jump off the arch.

Snow on red sandstone with an arch backdropped by more sandstone walls (winter view)
Photo: NPS/Kayla Vogt
Distance
0.4 mi
Elevation gain
0 ft
Route
Out and back
Difficulty
Easy
Dogs allowed
No
Trailhead
Sand Dune Arch parking area
Distance note
0.4 mi round trip, 0 ft elevation change (NPS).
Sand Dune Arch Trailhead
Arches National Park, Moab, UT 84532
Open in Google Maps (new tab) Website for Sand Dune Arch Trailhead (new tab)
Sources (2)
Viewpoint11:45 AM · 30 min

Balanced Rock

Balanced Rock sits right beside the park road, 9.2 miles from the visitor center. A 0.3-mile partly paved loop circles its base for close-up views, with the La Sal Mountains beyond. Climbing on it is prohibited. It makes an easy roadside stop on the drive out.

Sandstone boulder atop its pedestal glowing orange at sunset with snowy peaks behind
Photo: NPS/Chris Wonderly
Time
0.3 mi loop, about 15-30 minutes (NPS)
Best time
Late afternoon or sunset for the glow
Reservation needed
No
Balanced Rock Viewpoint and Trail
Arches National Park, Moab, UT 84532
Open in Google Maps (new tab) Website for Balanced Rock Viewpoint and Trail (new tab)
Sources (2)

Where to stay

Stay

Moab Springs Ranch

An independent resort in a shaded, historic ranch setting on US 191, with stand-alone bungalows (kitchenettes) and one- to three-bedroom townhouses, a heated pool and hot tub. Its Horsethief Coffee cafe sits in the Ranch House. The site says the park, downtown Moab and the Colorado River are all within five minutes.

Type
Rental
Location
Outside the park
Reservation notes
Rates not shown on the home page; check current rates.
Moab Springs Ranch
1266 US Highway 191, Moab, UT 84532
Open in Google Maps (new tab) Website for Moab Springs Ranch (new tab) 435-259-7891
Sources (1)
Stay

Red Cliffs Lodge

A riverside lodge on Scenic Highway 128 on the Colorado River, listing suites and cabins, an on-site restaurant (Ember) and activities like horseback riding and rafting. It sits farther up the canyon than in-town options, so budget extra driving time. The site describes a 2026 refresh and Marriott Tribute Portfolio membership.

Type
Lodge
Location
Outside the park
Booking
Book / details
Reservation notes
Rates not shown on the site page; check current rates. Coordinates are a geocoded approximation of the Mile Post 14 address.
Red Cliffs Lodge
Mile Post 14, UT-128, Moab, UT 84532
Open in Google Maps (new tab) Website for Red Cliffs Lodge (new tab) 435-259-2002
Sources (1)
Stay

Devils Garden Campground

The only campground inside the park, set among slickrock outcroppings 18 miles from the entrance and also 18 miles from the entrance. Facilities include drinking water, picnic tables, grills and toilets. Standard sites are reservable on Recreation.gov up to six months ahead for stays March 1 to October 31, and usually fill months in advance.

Tall stone formations with cars and trailers beneath them
Photo: NPS / Chris Wonderly
Type
Campground
Location
Inside the park
Price per night
From $25 (as of 2026-09-30)
Reservation notes
Standard individual site nightly fee per NPS; reservations via Recreation.gov.
Devils Garden Campground
18 miles inside park entrance, Moab, UT 84532
Season: Reservable roughly March through October; first-come, first-served in winter; check current dates.
Open in Google Maps (new tab) Website for Devils Garden Campground (new tab)
Sources (1)

Where to eat

Eat

Dinner at Desert Bistro

A reservation-friendly Moab dinner spot serving internationally inspired cuisine with a southwestern flair, per its site. It opens nightly at 5 PM, so it suits a rest day or an evening without a sunset hike.

Meal
Dinner
Cuisine
Southwestern / international
Reservation needed
Yes
Desert Bistro
36 S 100 W, Moab, UT 84532
Hours: Site lists open nightly 5 PM to close
Open in Google Maps (new tab) Website for Desert Bistro (new tab) 435-259-0756
Sources (1)
Eat

Dinner at Sunset Grill

A Moab restaurant billed as having a view of the city, with steaks headlining its menu; open Monday to Saturday from 5 PM and closed Sundays per its site. Parties of six or more can reserve; smaller groups can walk in.

Meal
Dinner
Cuisine
Steakhouse
Reservation needed
No
Sunset Grill
900 N Main St, Moab, UT 84532
Hours: Site lists Mon-Sat from 5 PM; closed Sunday
Open in Google Maps (new tab) Website for Sunset Grill (new tab) 435-259-7146
Sources (1)

Map of places

  1. The Windows Trailhead (opens Google Maps in a new tab) Day 1
  2. Milt's Stop & Eat (opens Google Maps in a new tab) Day 1
  3. Moab Valley Inn (opens Google Maps in a new tab) Day 1
  4. Wolfe Ranch / Delicate Arch Trailhead (opens Google Maps in a new tab) Day 1
  5. Pasta Jay's Moab (opens Google Maps in a new tab) Day 1
  6. Devils Garden Trailhead (opens Google Maps in a new tab) Day 2
  7. Sand Dune Arch Trailhead (opens Google Maps in a new tab) Day 2
  8. Balanced Rock Viewpoint and Trail (opens Google Maps in a new tab) Day 2
  9. Moab Springs Ranch (opens Google Maps in a new tab) Option
  10. Red Cliffs Lodge (opens Google Maps in a new tab) Option
  11. Devils Garden Campground (opens Google Maps in a new tab) Option
  12. Desert Bistro (opens Google Maps in a new tab) Option
  13. Sunset Grill (opens Google Maps in a new tab) Option

Good to know

Current conditions (as of 2026-09-30)

  • NPS lists a 2026 trip-planning alert: expect potentially long waits at the entrance station, and return later if trailhead parking is full. NPS also notes timed-entry reservations may be needed to visit Arches in 2026; confirm dates at nps.gov/arch before you go.
  • Private-vehicle entrance fee is $30 (NPS, as of 2026-09-30); Devils Garden Campground standard sites are $25 per night.
  • Arches Visitor Center hours are listed as 8 AM to 4 PM from Nov 1-28, 2026, with shorter winter hours after.

Evergreen tips

  • Best seasons are spring (April-May) and fall (mid-September-October); summer highs often exceed 100 F (NPS).
  • NPS says the park is very busy March through October and suggests entering before 8 AM or after 3 PM.
  • Carry water: 2 quarts (2 L) per person on Delicate Arch and Double O Arch, 3 quarts (3 L) for the full Devils Garden loop. There is no water at the Delicate Arch trailhead.
  • Bring a headlamp for sunset hikes; avoid Devils Garden rock scrambling when wet or icy.
  • Fiery Furnace requires a ranger-guided ticket or self-guided permit reserved in advance on Recreation.gov.
  • Dogs are not allowed on the trails in this itinerary.

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Sources

Hours, fees, prices and closures change. Confirm details with the park or business before you go.