# Arches: 2 Days of Icons and Sandstone Fins Source: https://driftkin.app/trips/arches-2-day-icons-and-fins · Fact-checked against official sources · Updated 8 Oct 2026 **Quick answer:** This is a 2-day Arches National Park itinerary. Day 1: The Windows, Double Arch and Delicate Arch at Sunset; Day 2: Devils Garden and the Drive Out. Best months: April to May and September to October. Difficulty: moderate. Budget: $$. Delicate Arch at sunset, then Devils Garden's big spans Two days covering Arches' greatest hits: The Windows and Double Arch, a sunset hike to Delicate Arch, and an early Devils Garden hike to Landscape and Double O Arch. Based in Moab with easy meals and one hotel. - National park: Arches, UT - Length: 2 days - Difficulty: Moderate - Best months: Apr–May, Sep–Oct - Budget: $$ ## Highlights - 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 ## Why visit Arches 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 entering before 8 AM or after 3 PM is recommended to avoid the worst traffic. Expect open rock, little shade, and big temperature swings, so spring and fall are the sweet spots. ## Arches 2-day itinerary, 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. #### The Windows and Double Arch (8:00 AM) 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 is described 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. - Distance: 1 mi - Elevation gain: 99 ft - Difficulty: Easy Place: The Windows Trailhead · Arches National Park, Moab, UT 84532 · https://www.nps.gov/places/the-windows-section-trailhead.htm #### Lunch at Milt's Stop & Eat (12:00 PM) 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. Place: Milt's Stop & Eat · 356 Millcreek Dr, Moab, UT 84532 · Hours: Site lists open daily, 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM · https://www.miltsstopandeat.com/ #### Moab Valley Inn A Main Street hotel on Moab's south side, close to the town's restaurant strip; the park entrance is 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. Place: Moab Valley Inn · 711 S Main St, Moab, UT 84532 · https://www.moabvalleyinn.com/ #### Delicate Arch Trail (4:30 PM) It is called 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, short Delicate Arch Viewpoint trails are also an option. - Distance: 3 mi - Elevation gain: 538 ft - Difficulty: Strenuous Place: Wolfe Ranch / Delicate Arch Trailhead · Arches National Park, Moab, UT 84532 · https://www.nps.gov/places/wolfe-ranch-trailhead.htm #### Dinner at Pasta Jay's (8:15 PM) 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. Place: Pasta Jay's Moab · 4 S Main St, Moab, UT 84532 · Hours: Confirm current hours on the restaurant site · https://www.pastajays.com/ ### 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. #### Devils Garden: Landscape Arch to Double O Arch (7:30 AM) Devils Garden is described as a large concentration of arches, spires and narrow rock fins. The first stretch to Landscape Arch is broad and easy, and 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. - Distance: 4 mi - Elevation gain: 275 ft - Difficulty: Strenuous Place: Devils Garden Trailhead · Arches National Park, Moab, UT 84532 · https://www.nps.gov/places/devils-garden-trailhead.htm #### Sand Dune Arch (10:45 AM) 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. - Distance: 0.4 mi - Elevation gain: 0 ft - Difficulty: Easy Place: Sand Dune Arch Trailhead · Arches National Park, Moab, UT 84532 · https://www.nps.gov/places/sand-dune-arch-trail.htm #### Balanced Rock (11:45 AM) 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. - Best time: Late afternoon or sunset for the glow - Time needed: 0.3 mi loop, about 15-30 minutes Place: Balanced Rock Viewpoint and Trail · Arches National Park, Moab, UT 84532 · https://www.nps.gov/places/balanced-rock-viewing-area.htm ## Where to stay in Moab ### 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. Place: Moab Springs Ranch · 1266 US Highway 191, Moab, UT 84532 · https://www.moabspringsranch.com/ ### 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. Place: Red Cliffs Lodge · Mile Post 14, UT-128, Moab, UT 84532 · https://www.redcliffslodge.com/moab ### 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. Place: Devils Garden Campground · 18 miles inside park entrance, Moab, UT 84532 · https://www.nps.gov/arch/planyourvisit/camping.htm ## Where to eat in Moab ### 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. - Reservation needed Place: Desert Bistro · 36 S 100 W, Moab, UT 84532 · Hours: Site lists open nightly 5 PM to close · https://www.desertbistro.com/ ### 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. Place: Sunset Grill · 900 N Main St, Moab, UT 84532 · Hours: Site lists Mon-Sat from 5 PM; closed Sunday · https://www.moabsunsetgrill.com/ ## Arches travel tips **Current conditions (as of 2026-09-30)** - A 2026 trip-planning alert: expect potentially long waits at the entrance station, and return later if trailhead parking is full. Timed-entry reservations may be needed to visit Arches in 2026 (noted by the park); confirm dates at nps.gov/arch before you go. - Private-vehicle entrance fee is $30 (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. - The park is very busy March through October; entering before 8 AM or after 3 PM is suggested. - 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. ## Arches trip FAQ **How many days does this Arches itinerary take?** 2 days to cover Arches National Park. Day 1: The Windows, Double Arch and Delicate Arch at Sunset; Day 2: Devils Garden and the Drive Out. **When is the best time for Arches?** The best months are April to May and September to October. **What are the highlights of this Arches itinerary?** 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. **Where should you stay for Arches?** This itinerary suggests Moab Springs Ranch, Red Cliffs Lodge and Devils Garden Campground. Check current rates and availability before you book. **Where should you eat on this Arches trip?** Places this itinerary uses or suggests include Milt's Stop & Eat, Pasta Jay's Moab, Desert Bistro and Sunset Grill. Opening hours change, so confirm before you go. ## Sources - [National Park Service: nps.gov/arch](https://www.nps.gov/arch/index.htm) - [NPS - Double Arch Viewpoint and Trail](https://www.nps.gov/places/double-arch.htm) - [NPS - The Windows Viewpoint and Trail](https://www.nps.gov/places/the-windows-section-trailhead.htm) - [Milt's Stop & Eat official site](https://www.miltsstopandeat.com/) - [Moab Valley Inn official site](https://www.moabvalleyinn.com/) - [NPS - Arches basic information](https://www.nps.gov/arch/planyourvisit/basicinfo.htm) - [NPS - Delicate Arch Trail / Wolfe Ranch trailhead](https://www.nps.gov/places/wolfe-ranch-trailhead.htm) - [Pasta Jay's official site](https://www.pastajays.com/) - [NPS - Devils Garden Trail](https://www.nps.gov/places/devils-garden-trailhead.htm) - [NPS - Landscape Arch Trail](https://www.nps.gov/places/landscape-arch-trail.htm) - [NPS - Sand Dune Arch Trail](https://www.nps.gov/places/sand-dune-arch-trail.htm) - [NPS - Balanced Rock Viewpoint and Trail](https://www.nps.gov/places/balanced-rock-viewing-area.htm) - [Moab Springs Ranch official site](https://www.moabspringsranch.com/) - [Red Cliffs Lodge Moab official site](https://www.redcliffslodge.com/moab) - [OpenStreetMap: Red Cliffs Lodge (address and location)](https://www.openstreetmap.org/search?query=Red%20Cliffs%20Lodge%20Moab) - [Desert Bistro official site](https://www.desertbistro.com/) - [Sunset Grill official site - map and directions](https://www.moabsunsetgrill.com/map-directions) Distances and drive times are typical figures without live traffic; toll amounts are estimates. Confirm opening hours, fees, permits and closures with the park or business before you go. Plan this trip in the DriftKin app: https://driftkin.app/trips/arches-2-day-icons-and-fins