Hiking in Arches National Park is wonderfully approachable, with most of the park’s 22 trails falling on the easy end of the spectrum. That means first-time visitors, families, and casual walkers can reach some of the park’s most memorable scenery without committing to an all-day effort. Short walks to features like the Windows and Double Arch deliver the kind of immediate payoff that makes Arches so satisfying: monumental sandstone formations, sweeping desert views, and a landscape that feels sculpted rather than merely scenic. Even the easier trails here feel dramatic, because the terrain itself is the attraction—slickrock domes, red fins, open bowls of stone, and sudden views framed by arch after arch. For hikers looking for more challenge, Arches offers a few standout routes that elevate the experience from scenic stroll to true desert adventure. The Delicate Arch Trail is the classic must-do: a moderately strenuous climb across exposed slickrock to the park’s most iconic formation, with very little shade and a final approach that feels thrilling without being overly technical. Devils Garden is the park’s most ambitious trail system and its best hike for strong walkers, with options that range from short out-and-back visits to longer, rougher adventures featuring multiple arches, sandstone slabs, narrow ledges, and stretches of scrambling. What makes hiking here special is the combination of accessibility and drama. In one park you can choose a gentle walk or a more committing route, but either way you are moving through a stark, luminous desert where geology steals the show at every turn.
This trail features a stunning arch with a prominent crack, often mistaken for being broken. The path is flat and easy, offering a great opportunity for photography. The loop option allows hikers to explore additional scenery, including nearby arches like Tapestry Arch. The trail passes through varied landscapes, including grasslands and slick rock formations, providing a unique hiking experience.
This trail leads to one of the world's most recognizable landmarks, a majestic freestanding arch set amidst dramatic sandstone formations. The hike passes by the historic Wolfe Ranch cabin and a Ute pictograph panel, offering a glimpse into the region's rich cultural and natural history. The trail's scenic views and unique geological features make it a must-visit destination.
Meander through sheer sandstone walls to discover iconic arches and breathtaking vistas. Highlights include Landscape Arch, Tunnel Arch, and Pine Tree Arch. The trail offers a range of hiking experiences, from easy strolls to more challenging adventures.
This trail leads to a breathtaking pair of interconnected arches, offering a unique perspective from beneath the formations. The area is rich in other natural wonders, including the Parade of Elephants and Elephant Butte, making it a must-visit for any park visitor.
This trail winds through a stunning array of sandstone formations, featuring five notable arches, including Landscape Arch and the unique Double O Arch. The hike offers breathtaking views of sculpted knobs and fins, with opportunities to explore additional arches like Navajo and Partition. The trail's varied terrain includes slickrock ramps and scenic traverses, making it a highlight of the region's hiking experiences.
Navigate through a natural labyrinth of sandstone canyons, arches, and rock towers. This area offers a unique, challenging experience with no traditional maintained trails and requires route-finding skills and physical agility. Entry into the Fiery Furnace is allowed only with a ranger-guided hike or a self‑guided exploration permit (permits and ranger hikes are limited and often require reservations). There are small markers for one counter‑clockwise route, but many other possible paths exist and it can be easy to get lost; GPS units do not work well between the towering walls. The terrain is physically demanding and may require walking and climbing on uneven surfaces, squeezing through narrow places, and using hands and feet to move through tight passages.
The trail begins on pavement at the Park Avenue viewpoint and then continues steeply downhill into a dramatic canyon, offering close-up views of tall sandstone walls and canyon scenery. Beyond the paved viewpoint the route is rocky and uneven with rock steps and ledges; the Courthouse Towers are visible toward the north end. Signs are present along the trail.
This short hike leads to a picturesque arch situated high on sandstone fins, providing spectacular views. The arch is notable for its recent geological history, having doubled in size due to a rockfall in 1940. Its proximity to the Devils Garden Campground makes it a convenient stop for those exploring the area.
This trail weaves through a stunning landscape of sandstone fins and iconic arches like Landscape Arch, Double O Arch, and Partition Arch. The route includes challenging sections with steep drop-offs and uneven surfaces, offering breathtaking views and solitude for those willing to venture beyond the more popular initial sections.
This trail offers stunning views of the North and South Windows, two majestic arches carved from the same sandstone fin. The area is complemented by Turret Arch and the Parade of Elephants, providing a rich experience of unique rock formations and desert flora.
Circumnavigate a stunning 128-foot rock formation, offering diverse perspectives of this iconic landmark and the surrounding landscape. The trail is well-maintained and easily accessible, making it a must-visit attraction for all park visitors. Enjoy breathtaking views, especially at sunset, and explore nearby attractions like the Windows Section.
Navigate through a wide canyon featuring a stream with several swimming holes and numerous creek crossings. The route follows a wash, offering a refreshing hike in the summer heat. Highlights include cascading pools and broad slickrock ledges perfect for picnicking. Near the end, a significant rock art panel displays ancient pictographs and petroglyphs, showcasing the region's rich cultural history.
This trail offers breathtaking views of the Salt Valley and unique sandstone formations, including the Marching Men Pillars. It begins with a mountain biking section, transitioning into a hike to an overlook with stunning vistas. The area is less frequented, providing solitude amidst the dramatic landscape.
This trail leads to a lesser-known but impressive arch, offering a glimpse into the unique sandstone formations of the area. The arch is part of a larger network of trails that explore the Devils Garden, providing a chance to see several natural wonders in a single outing.
This trail leads to a unique window-like arch, providing breathtaking views and opportunities for photography. Located within a collection of natural rock formations, it offers a chance to explore the area's distinctive landscape.
This short, family-friendly hike leads to a stunning sandstone arch, offering breathtaking views and a glimpse into the park's unique geological formations. The trail is well-maintained and passes through beautiful desert landscapes, making it an ideal introduction to the area's flora and fauna.
This short hike leads to a picturesque arch tucked away between towering sandstone walls. The trail is characterized by deep sand and a narrow passage, offering a unique experience. It is often combined with the Broken Arch Trail for a longer adventure.
This family-friendly hike leads to a distinctive triple arch formation, featuring a central arch accompanied by two false arches of similar size and shape. The trail begins near a campground and descends slightly, offering a scenic view of the arches before reaching them. Visitors can scramble up behind the arch for a closer look, noting the hollow sound when knocking on the wall. The trail offers a chance to explore other nearby arches, such as Broken and Sand Dune Arches, through a loop that traverses desert flats and sandstone formations.
This trail leads to a beautiful arch that tunnels through a thick fin of sandstone. It's a family-friendly hike located in a very popular area, offering stunning views and opportunities to explore other nearby arches like Pine Tree Arch and Landscape Arch.
The Lost Spring canyoneering exit route near the Delicate Arch and Wolfe Ranch area is an established park canyoneering route (Lost and Found/Undercover MMI) through sandstone canyons where cairns mark routes and staff block and restore social trails. Stay on designated routes, respect cairns, and never access or exit on fragile soil crust; check the weather, carry plenty of water, and honestly assess your skills because canyoneering has inherent risks.
This short trail offers a flat and easy walk to a viewpoint where visitors can see a renowned natural arch perched atop a distant rock wall. The trail is accessible to wheelchairs and provides a quick glimpse into the park's iconic geological formations.
Wander through a scenic area filled with natural sculptures, culminating in the secluded Private Arch. The trail offers a peaceful escape from the more crowded areas, providing a unique perspective on the park's geological wonders.
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