Best Arches in Arches National Park: Ranked For Your Bucket List

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Staring at the countless arches in Arches National Park can feel a little like being a kid in a candy store—so many dazzling options, but where to start? That’s why you need insight to the best arches in Arches National Park!

As a full-time RVer and adventurer who practically lives for exploring National Parks, I’ve done the heavy lifting (or hiking!) for you. 

Whether you’re tight on time or just want to make sure you hit the unmissable highlights, this in-depth guide ranks the best arches in Arches National Park.

Let’s break it down into must-see icons and hidden gems to help you prioritize your adventure.

Top 5 Arches to See in Arches National Park

Later in this guide, I am going to be going in depth to all of the arches in Arches National Park.

Well, not them all because there are over 2,000 arches in Arches National Park. Fortunately, this adventuring mermaid was on a mission to see the most notable ones. 

However, for those of you who are short on time, here is my list of the top 5 arches to see in Arches National Park. 

This is highly subjective, but these were the arches that truly took my breath away – ranked for your bucket list. 

1. Double Arch – it’s unlike anything I’ve ever seen before.
2. Landscape Arch – it is the widest and thinnest in the park.
3. Partition Arch – the views are stellar and I was the only one there.
4. Sand Dune Arch – unique canyon like walls and sand.
5. Delicate Arch – it is the most popular arch in the park.

Note on the Delicate ARch

You might notice that there is something controversial about this list…Delicate Arch is not number 1. Oh, the horror! 

Delicate Arch is the most iconic arch in the park. Although undeniably rad, its “wow” factor and reputation also means that it draws in all of the crowds. 

Personally, I thought it was a little overhyped and parking was a nightmare. If I were to do the Delicate Arch again, I would go very early in the morning to avoid the chaos. 

Don’t get me wrong, it’s beautiful. However, there were other more obscure arches that I liked better. Sue me.

Now that we are done with my controversial ranking, let’s go through all of the most notable arches in Arches National Park so that you can come up with your own arches ranking. 

Most Well-Known Arches in Arches National Park

Here are some of the most iconic (and potentially crowded) arches in Arches National Park.

1. Delicate Arch

• Accessibility: Moderate hike (3.2 miles out & back, 629 ft elevation gain).
• Features: Iconic and photogenic; it’s THE arch on Utah’s license plates.
• Popularity: Extremely popular, best seen at sunrise or sunset.
• Time to See: Allow 2-3 hours.
• Recommended For: First-time visitors, photographers, and anyone seeking the “quintessential” Arches experience. Personally not my favorite, but it’s #1 on everybody’s list for a reason.
• My Thoughts: If you don’t have time for the hike, there is a viewpoint from down below. It’s a little anti-climactic but at least you would get to see it. 

2. Landscape Arch

• Accessibility: Easy hike (1.9 miles out & back, flat trail, 252 ft elevation gain).
• Features: The longest natural arch in North America.
• Popularity: Popular but less crowded than Delicate Arch.
• Time to See: 1-1.5 hours.
• Recommended For: Families, geology enthusiasts, and those seeking an easy hike with a big payoff. You can keep going on the Devil’s Garden Trail for even more remote arches.
• My Thoughts: I checked this off when I was hiking the entire Devil’s Garden Trail. It is truly a sight to see and one of my favorites! I would recommend going in the morning because it is popular.

3. Double Arch

• Accessibility: Very easy (0.6 miles out & back, 30 ft elevation gain).
• Features: Two massive arches connected at the top. Tallest arch in the park.
• Popularity: Very popular, especially among photographers.
• Time to See: 15 to 30 minutes.
• Recommended For: Families with young kids, casual adventurers, and those looking for a short walk with incredible views. 
• My Thoughts: I don’t care how crowded this arch is – it’s amazing. The structure is unreal and it doesn’t even look like Earth. I could see it from my car, but I recommend heading up the short trail. 

4. The Windows (North and South)

• Accessibility: Easy (1-mile out & back, 99 ft elevation gain).
• Features: A pair of arches with expansive views.
• Popularity: Busy, especially in the morning.
• Time to See: 30 minutes to 1 hour.
• Recommended For: Beginner hikers, sunrise chasers, and visitors wanting a variety of easy-access arches.
• My Thoughts: This entire area is a must-see. There are so many iconic arches all in one place. You can stick to the North and the South Arches. Or, you can head to the Turret Arch on the same trail. I found some primitive trail options from the South Window, but be careful! When they say that it is hard to navigate, they mean it! 

5. Turret Arch

• Accessibility: Easy (1-mile out & back, part of The Windows trail).
• Features: A castle-like structure with a large arch and a smaller window-like opening.
• Popularity: Moderate; less busy than The Windows but still popular due to proximity.
• Time to See: 30 minutes to 1 hour.
• Recommended For: Photographers (especially at sunrise), families, and anyone exploring The Windows area.
• My Thoughts: This looked similar to the Double Arch. This is definitely worth a visit if you are on the Windows Trail already. The Double Arch is on the trail right across from the parking lot. 

6. Sand Dune Arch

• Accessibility: Very easy (0.4 miles round trip, involves tight spaces and walking through sand).
• Features: Nestled among towering sandstone fins, shaded and sandy.
• Popularity: Moderate.
• Time to See: 15-30 minutes.
• My Thoughts: I loved this one because it felt like some hidden sandy oasis. I can see why it is popular with families because it is a blast to play in. It’s like a giant sand box with an arch!

Hidden Gem Arches in Arches National Park

If you are looking to get off the beaten path, don’t fear! Arches National Park has some more hidden gem arches if that’s more your jam.

I’d like to say that although these arches aren’t as popular, that doesn’t mean they don’t have their own unique charm.

7. Double O Arch

• Accessibility: Strenuous hike (4.2 miles out & back on the Devil’s Garden loop, 682 ft elevation gain).
• Features: Two arches stacked vertically.
• Popularity: Less crowded, but challenging to reach.
• Time to See: 2-4 hours.
• Recommended For: Experienced hikers, adventurers seeking solitude, and those who love a challenge.
• My Thoughts: Don’t confuse this with the Double Arch. One of my favorites! I only saw one other hiker here and he took a picture of me! It’s epic! The hike involved heights and limited trail markers. 

8. Partition Arch

• Accessibility: Moderate (2.9 out & back, part of the Devil’s Garden loop, 456 ft elevation gain).
• Features: A window-like arch with a scenic view.
• Popularity: Moderate to little crowds.
• Time to See: 2-3 hours.
• Recommended For: View seekers, photographers, and hikers looking for a unique perspective.
• My Thoughts: This arch doesn’t get the hype it deserves. It’s on a spur of the Devil’s Garden trail and you can look through the arch to see the entire park!

9. Navajo Arch

• Accessibility: Moderate hike (3 miles out & back along the Devil’s Garden trail, 482 ft elevation gain).
• Features: A shaded, tunnel-like arch with a peaceful vibe.
• Popularity: Quieter than most.
• Time to See: 1.5-2 hours.
• Recommended For: Those seeking tranquility, shade in the heat, and a different style of arch.
• My Thoughts: I really liked this one because you could walk underneath of it. It is on the same trail spur as the Partition Arch. 

10. Private Arch

• Accessibility: Moderate (5.5 miles out & back on the Devil’s Garden trail, 826 ft elevation gain). The spur to Private Arch is easy, but to get to the spur is challenging.
• Features: A secluded, serene arch.
• Popularity: Very low.
• Time to See: 2-3 hours.
• Recommended For: Solo hikers, introverts, and anyone looking for a peaceful escape.
• My Thoughts: This was the most isolated arch I visited in Arches National Park. I took the wrong path, got lost, and then took a snack break. Didn’t see a single soul the entire time. It feels like you’re in the park in the middle of nowhere.

11. Pine Tree Arch

• Accessibility: Easy (1 mile out & back with the Tunnel Arch, 196 ft elevation gain, near the Devil’s Garden Trailhead).
• Features: A large arch framed by dramatic sandstone walls.
• Popularity: Moderate.
• Time to See: 30-45 minutes.
• Recommended For: Families, beginner hikers, and visitors with limited time.
• My Thoughts: I hit this and Tunnel Arch after my Devil’s Garden Hike. They are beautiful, but a little underwhelming after going through all of Devil’s Garden arches. I was here mid-day and it was pretty crowded all things considered. 

12. Tunnel Arch

• Accessibility: Easy (1 mile out & back with the Pine Tree Arch, 196 ft elevation gain, near the Devil’s Garden Trailhead).
• Features: A hole-like arch carved into a sandstone wall.
• Popularity: Moderate.
• Time to See: 30 minutes.
• Recommended For: Casual adventurers, families, and fans of unique formations.
• My Thoughts: Nothing too wild but nice to see. I think it would be a good option for beginner hikers or those with limited mobility.

13. Skyline Arch

• Accessibility: Very easy (0.4 miles out & back, 28 ft elevation gain).
• Features: A high arch perched dramatically on a cliff.
• Popularity: Moderate.
• Time to See: 15-30 minutes.
• Recommended For: Travelers looking for a quick stop, those with limited mobility, and anyone wanting a unique photo op.
• My Thoughts: It does not have a designated parking lot, but there is a pull off. So, it would be easy to miss. However, it is a nice and quick stop if you have time! 

14. Tower Arch

• Accessibility: Strenuous (2.6 miles out & back, 290 ft elevation gain)
• Features: A massive, striking arch set against a remote, rugged landscape. The solitude and dramatic sandstone cliffs make it feel like a hidden treasure.
• Popularity: Low; its remote location keeps crowds to a minimum.
• Time to See: 2-3 hours
• Recommended For: Experienced hikers, off-the-beaten-path adventurers, and those looking to escape the crowds for a peaceful and rewarding experience.
• My Thoughts: Many claim that this is the best hike in the entire park for those craving a more adventurous challenge. I am just salty because it is the only one I didn’t get a good picture off…

All of Notable Arches Ranked

Now that we have gone through all of the notable arches, let’s get a fully ranked list.

Again, all of them are beautiful so this was very hard and might vary depending on your style.

Therefore, this list isn’t really about which one is the best, but more about which ones I would prioritize when visiting Arches National Park.

1. Double Arch
2. Landscape Arch
3. Partition Arch
4. Sand Dune Arch
5. Delicate Arch
6. Turret Arch
7. Double O Arch
8. North & South Window
9. Tower Arch
10. Private Arch
11. Navajo Arch
12. Pine Tree Arch
13. Skyline Arch
14. Tunnel Arch

Which Arches to See If You Only Have One Day

If your time in Arches National Park is limited to a single day, don’t worry—you can still experience some of the park’s most iconic and breathtaking sights.

This is a pretty jammed-packed itinerary, so plan for a day of rest afterwards.

Morning: Delicate Arch

Start your day early with a hike to Delicate Arch.

As I mentioned, I would only do Delicate Arch in the morning to beat the crowds, find a parking spot, and enjoy cooler temperatures.

Allow 2-3 hours for the hike and plenty of time to soak in the views.

If other arches appeal to you more or you want to avoid the tourists, you can skip it.

Late Morning: The Windows and Turret Arch

After Delicate Arch, head to The Windows section. The easy trail here allows you to see North and South Windows, as well as Turret Arch.

This area offers stunning views and is perfect for a mid-morning photo op. Spend 1-1.5 hours exploring this area.

Afternoon: Double Arch

Just across the parking lot from The Windows is Double Arch, an easy 0.5-mile round-trip hike.

The massive size and unique structure make this a quick yet memorable stop. Spend about 30 minutes here.

Late Afternoon: Landscape Arch

Next, make your way to the Devil’s Garden trailhead to see Landscape Arch. The 1.6-mile round-trip hike is relatively flat and leads to the park’s longest arch.

If you have extra energy, you can continue to nearby Pine Tree or Tunnel Arch, but prioritize Landscape Arch if you’re short on time. Plan for 1.5-2 hours in this area.

If you have extra time and you are feeling adventurous, I would keep going on the Devil’s Garden trail to Double O, maybe hitting Partition or Navajo on the way.

Evening: Balanced Rock and Skyline Arch

If you have time, you could quickly stop by the pull-off for Skyline Arch. If the sun is already setting by this point, skip it.

As the sun sets, drive to Balanced Rock for a quick stop to admire this gravity-defying formation.

These stops offer a perfect way to end your day with golden hour lighting.

As you take the road to exit the park, you can watch the lights fade over the petrified dunes and enjoy the scenery.

One-Day Highlights Summary:

1. Delicate Arch
2. The Windows & Turret Arch
3. Double Arch
4. Landscape Arch
5. Skyline Arch
6. Balanced Rock

Audio Tours of Arches National Park

When I crossed this off of my bucket list, I actually did a self-guided audio tour first and then used that to plan which hikes I wanted to prioritize.

I would highly recommend this! I learned so much and I think it is a great option if you only have one day in the park.

Best Hike in Arches National Park if You Can Only Pick One

After hiking extensively through Arches National Park, I can narrow the “best” hike down to two epic bucket list hikes. 

I choose these two because they don’t require permits and they give you the most arches within that area. 

The Windows Area

If you only had one place to go in Arches National Park, I would recommend the Windows Trail and Viewpoints. 

Here, you get access to several iconic arches in the Park. Plus, the trails are relatively easy and accessible. 

Therefore, I would recommend this to adventurers who don’t want to tackle challenging hikes and want to see the more popular arches in the area. 

Arches Found in The Windows Area

• North Window
• South Window
• Turret Arch
• Double Arch

Devil’s Garden

If you feel up to it, I had an absolute blast on the full Devil’s Garden trail system! 

Here, you truly become “one with the arches” and you get to experience true isolation with this magnificent National Park. 

The arches here are less crowded (if there even is anyone there) and there are some true hidden gems just waiting to be uncovered. 

I must warn you…this is an adventure. I wouldn’t say it is hard in the physical sense, but it is challenging to navigate and there is some scrambling (and maybe even some swimming!) involved. 

The good thing about this trail system is that you can turn back at any time and you don’t have to do the full loop like I did. 

When I did the Devil’s Garden trail, I hiked over 8 miles including all of the spur trails. I fell in water, got lost, and had one hell of a time! 

Arches Found in Devil’s Garden:

• Landscape Arch
• Partition Arch
• Navajo Arch
• Double O Arch
• Private Arch
• Tunnel Arch
• Pine Tree Arch

Other Amazing Sights in Arches National Park

1. Balanced Rock

This gravity-defying rock formation is a quick roadside stop, perfect for a photo op.

2. Garden of Eden

A cluster of unusual rock formations that feel like stepping into a sculpture garden.

3. Park Avenue

A towering canyon reminiscent of a city skyline. The easy hike here is breathtaking at sunrise if you have time. 

4. Petrified Dunes

Undulating rock formations created by ancient sand dunes, offering a surreal and otherworldly view.

5. Dark Angel

Dark Angel is a towering sandstone monolith located near the end of the Devil’s Garden loop, offering a striking and secluded contrast to the park’s iconic arches.

Spoiler Alert: I actually got lost for the first time on a hike while trying to find this rock structure.

6. Fiery Furnace

A maze of narrow canyons and fins that requires a permit or guided tour to explore. It’s a must for adventurers looking for a unique challenge.

There are also several arches that you can find within the Fiery Furnace, including the “Walk Through Arch”, “Crawl Through Arch”, “Skull Arch”, and more. 

Conclusion to the Best Arches to See in Arches National Park

Whether you’re chasing iconic landmarks like Delicate Arch or seeking out the serenity of Private Arch, the best arches in Arches National Park have something for everyone.

Pair your arch exploration with other geological wonders like Balanced Rock and the Fiery Furnace to round out your adventure.

As a full-time RVer who thrives on exploring these hidden treasures, I can promise one thing: every view here is bucket-list worthy.

Which arches and sights are calling your name? Share your adventure in the comments or tag me—I’d love to celebrate your journey!