When we visited Arches, we wanted to not only get in some good hikes but also see all the best arches in the park. How can you not see the best arches in Arches National Park?
Because arches are so fragile, you never know when it will be the last time you see it or how much the landscape around it will change. That’s what makes it so unique.
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Last Updated: February 1, 2022
9 Most Famous Arches in Arches National Park
With over 2,000 documented arches in the park, you may think you’ll be seeing arches everywhere, but most of the 76,519-acre park is filled with many other rock formations. Luckily, there are plenty of other interesting rock formations to see in between listed at the bottom.
If you plan on visiting between April 3 and October 3, 2022, you will need to obtain a Timed Entry Ticket. There is no additional fee to get these tickets but there is a $2 service fee. If you have camping, backcountry, Fiery Furnace, or special use permits, they qualify as your ticket. You also don’t need one if you are doing a tour with an approved company. Also, don’t forget to pick up an Annual National Park Pass before visiting.
9 Best Arches in Arches National Park
The most famous arch in the park and quite possibly the world. This is on the Utah license plate, and people come from all over the world just to see and photograph this arch.
Pro Tip: Best times to photograph the Delicate Arch are sunrise (least crowded) and sunset (most crowded).
2. Double Arch
This double arch isn’t one on top of the other one where it’s two on top of each other, this double arch is made of two giant arches next to each other. At the right angle, you can see through both of them.
3. North Window
This arch gives you a clear view through to the other side. Most people take photos of Turret Arch framed by the North Window. We didn’t go during the optimal time of day for that shot (sunrise), so we took this instead. This one is usually crowded, so you may have to wait a while to get a photo standing in the window.
4. South Window
Just around the corner from the north window is the South Window. This one is elevated on the rocks.
5. Turret Arch
This is another one you can see on Windows Trail that you can easily walk through.
6. Landscape Arch
This narrow arch spans the sky along the Devils Garden Trail (highly recommend the hike!).
7. Double O Arch
Not to be confused with Double Arch. What’s better than one arch? Two… in O shapes… stacked on each other.
8. Navajo Arch
This arch is wide and almost feels like you’re walking into a cave. We also loved that the rock formations on the way to the arch were really unique!
9. Private Arch
Private Arch is a hidden gem tucked away in the Devils Garden area of Arches National Park, Utah. It’s a smaller arch compared to some of the park’s more famous landmarks, but its secluded location and unique formation make it a worthwhile destination to get away from the crowds.
Other Awesome Rock Formations Worth Seeing
1. Balanced Rock
This is an iconic formation at the park that’s easily accessed from the main road.
2. Dark Angel
We didn’t take the detour hike all the way up to the 150-ft monolith. You can actually see it (to the left in photo) from the main Devils Garden Trail. From what we heard from most people coming back, it wasn’t worth the detour. Same view, just closer up.
4. Three Gossips, Sheep Rock, and Courthouse Towers
You can get a view of all three from the La Sal Mountains Viewpoint.
5. Wall Arch
This arch collapsed in 2008, but you can still see the remnants of it.
Map of the Best Arches in Arches National Park
How Many Arches are in Arches National Park?
There are over 2000 arches in Arches National Park that have been documented. Some are tiny and others are bigger than 300 ft (97 m)
How Do Arches Form?
For arches to even form, there needs to be a set of unique circumstances:
- It requires a certain type of rock. Arches NP has Entrada Sandstone, which has spherical grains that form porous rock.
- Thick layers of salt deep beneath the surface creates long domes as they bulge upwards and cause cracks in the domes
- The perfect amount of rain for erosion. Just a bit more or less rain each year would prevent the arches from forming.
- Lastly, the area can’t have too many earthquakes or the arches would collapse.
How to Plan Your Trip for Photography
Labeled with which spots are better for photos during sunrise (R) and sunset (S).
- Windows Area: Double Arch (R), North Window (S), South Window(S), and Turret Arch (R)
- Delicate Arch is its own hike. Light is best during sunset, but way less crowded during dawn.
- Devils Garden Trail: Landscape (R), Double O (R), Navajo, and Private.
Best Places to Stay
What's Nearby
- Canyonlands National Park (26.2 mi / 30 min, map)
- Capitol Reef National Park (133 mi / 2 hr 5 min, map)
- Mesa Verde National Park (150 mi / 2 hr 50 min, map)
- Grand Staircase-Escalante National Park (191 mi / 3 hr 22 min, map)
Have you been to Arches before? Can you think of any other notable rock formations or famous arches in Arches National Park that we missed?
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“Discovery consists not of seeking new lands but in seeing with new eyes” – M. Proust
Esther + Jacob
Esther and Jacob are the founders of Local Adventurer, which is one of the top 5 travel blogs in the US. They believe that adventure can be found both near and far and hope to inspire others to explore locally. They explore a new city in depth every year and currently base themselves in Las Vegas.
