Last Updated on September 3, 2025
Chances are you’ve seen pictures of Utah’s famous Delicate Arch – but when you finally see it in person, you realize just how massive it really is! Our family of five spent just over a day in Arches National Park during an unforgettable 8-day road trip through all five of Utah’s national parks. With basically one day to explore, we set out to hit some of Arches best hikes and highlights – and it turned out to be one of the most fun days of our trip.
Located just outside Moab, Utah, Arches National Park is a geological marvel. It features over 2,000 natural stone arches, towering spires, and stunning rock formations. Many of the top sights are right off the park’s 18-mile main road, so you can see a lot in a short amount of time.
If you only have 24 hours, it’s worth planning your stops carefully. Here’s how we recommend spending one day in Arches National Park:
(This post may contain affiliate links in which I receive a small commission if you use them at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support.)
Delicate Arch: A Must-Do on Any Arches National Park Hikes List (2.5–3 hours)
Almost everyone who visits Arches National Park makes a stop at Delicate Arch – and for good reason. This iconic formation is so striking it’s been featured on Utah license plates for the past 30 years. The trailhead is easy to find and located just 20 minutes from the park’s visitor center.
Plan on spending 2.5 to 3 hours visiting Delicate Arch, including the 3-mile round-trip hike and an hour to take in the incredible views.
Delicate Arch is stunning any time of day, but it’s especially breathtaking at sunrise and sunset. Sunrise has fewer crowds, but you’ll be hiking up in the dark. We went at sunset and it was still crowded, but the experience was worth it.
If you’re thinking about going at sunset, check out our tips here: Delicate Arch Sunset Hike: 10 Important Things to Know
The Windows Section: One of Arches Best Hikes for Families (1 hour)
Take a short detour off the main park road and you’ll find the Windows Loop Trail, an easy 1-mile round-trip path that showcases the North and South Windows and Turret Arch. They’re stunning to look at, and our kids especially loved scrambling up the backside of the Windows arches.
If you’ve got a little extra time, add in the nearby Double Arch trail. It’s only a half-mile round-trip and brings you to two massive arches that are connected. This impressive formation is the tallest arch in the park (112 ft.) and the second longest (144 ft.)
Balanced Rock: A Quick Stop for Your One Day in Arches (15–30 minutes)
Balanced Rock is exactly what it sounds like – a giant boulder perched on top of a skinny pedestal. It’s one of the easiest stops in the park with a flat 0.3-mile loop trail. Perfect for a quick walk, snack break, or even a picnic in the shaded spots nearby.
Short on time? You can also just admire it from your car as you drive by.
Landscape Arch: A Classic Pick for Arches National Park Hikes (1–1.5 hours)
Landscape Arch is the longest arch in North America, stretching 306 feet across. You’ll find it at the end of the main park road on the Devils Garden Trail. The hike is about two miles round trip and mostly flat, making it one of the easier Arches National Park hikes.
It’s definitely worth seeing, but if you’re short on time, you might choose Delicate Arch or the Windows Section first. We thought Landscape Arch was impressive but not quite as jaw-dropping as the others.
Tips for Making the Most of Your One Day in Arches
We highly recommend visiting Arches National Park in the fall – find out why here: 6 Reasons Why Fall is the Absolute Best Time to Visit Utah.
If you’re planning just one day in Arches, preparation is key – especially for the desert conditions. Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your visit:
- Start early to beat the crowds and the heat, especially in summer.
- Bring plenty of water. It gets hot – really hot – in the summer, and there’s not much shade.
- Dress smart. In summer, you’ll need sun protection (sunscreen, hat, etc.) In spring and fall, pack layers – temperatures can swing wildly. (We visited in October and saw both sunny 70-degree weather and snow two days later!)
- Wear good shoes. You’ll be walking on slick rock and sandy trails.
- Pack food. There are no restaurants or gas stations in the park.
- Purchase an entry pass in advance or arrive early to secure a timed entry slot, especially during peak summer months when the park often reaches capacity.
If you’ve got more than one day in the Moab area, spend a day exploring nearby Canyonlands National Park, Dead Horse Point State Park or even do the Corona Arch hike – Moab is packed with adventure.
Why Arches Was Worth It for Us
We absolutely loved our day in Arches National Park – it’s incredible how much natural beauty you can experience in such a short time. With its stunning landscapes, easy access, and short drive times between major sights, Arches is a low-effort, high-reward destination. It’s the perfect place to kick off (or wrap up) a Utah road trip. If you only have one day in Arches National Park, you’re still going to walk away with some incredible memories – and probably way too many photos.
Have you been to Arches? Do you agree with our list? Leave us a comment below. We’d love to hear from you!
Like it? Pin it!
Leave a Reply