Planning Your Time

There’s no food service in the park, so pack snacks, lunch, and plenty of water and electrolytes before you head into Arches. Also plan ahead to get tickets to the daily ranger-led Fiery Furnace walks, held spring through fall. It’s a highlight for those who are adventurous and in good shape (see Ranger Programs Overview, below, for details). The one-day itinerary below is based on what to do on a day that you can't visit Fiery Furnace. If you do take a Fiery Furnace walk, you should also have time to drive the park road and perhaps walk on the Park Avenue Trail. If you have a third day, take a rafting trip on the nearby Colorado River.

Arches in One Day

Start as early as sunrise for cool temperatures and some of the best natural light, and head out on the 3-mile round-trip hike on the Delicate Arch Trail. The route is strenuous but extremely rewarding. Next head to Devils Garden, another great spot for morning photography, where you’ll also find the easy, primarily flat trail to Landscape Arch, the second of the park's two must-see arches. If you're a fairly experienced hiker, continue on to Double O, but note that this portion of the trail is moderately difficult. Along the way, picnic in the shade of a juniper or in a rock alcove. By the time you return you'll be ready to see the rest of the park by car, with some short strolls on easy paths.

In the mid- to late afternoon, drive to Balanced Rock for photos, then on to the Windows. Depending on what time the sun is due to set, go into town for dinner before or after you drive out to Delicate Arch or along the park road to watch the sun set the rocks aglow.