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9 Most Famous Arches in Arches National Park

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.

9 Best Arches in Arches National ParkPin

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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).

Delicate Arch in Arches National ParkPin

Delicate Arch Arches National Park (+ 9 Best Arches in Arches National Park) // localadventurer.com

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.

Double Arch Arches National ParkPin

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.

North Window Arches National ParkPin
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4. South Window

Just around the corner from the north window is the South Window. This one is elevated on the rocks.

South Window Arches National Park Moab Utah // localadventurer.com

5. Turret Arch

This is another one you can see on Windows Trail that you can easily walk through.

Turret Arch Arches National ParkPin

6. Landscape Arch

This narrow arch spans the sky along the Devils Garden Trail (highly recommend the hike!).

Landscape Arch Arches National Park Utah (+9 Most Beautiful Arches in Arches National Park) // localadventurer.com

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.

Double O Arch (+9 Best Arches in Arches National Park) // localadventurer.com

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!

Navajo Arch Arches National Park Utah (+9 Must See Arches in Arches National Park) // localadventurer.com
Navajo Arch Arches National Park Utah (+9 Must See Arches in Arches National Park) // localadventurer.com

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.

Private Arch Devils Garden Trail Arches National Park Utah // localadventurer.com

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.

Balanced Rock Arches National Park Moab Utah // localadventurer.com

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.

Dark Angel Arches National Park // localadventurer.com

3. Park Avenue

Does it look like a row of skyscrapers?

Arches Park Avenue (9 Arches You Must See in Arches National Park + More) // localadventurer.com

4. Three Gossips, Sheep Rock, and Courthouse Towers

You can get a view of all three from the La Sal Mountains Viewpoint.

Three Gossips, Sheep Rock, and Courthouse Towers from La Sal Mountains VIewpoint, Arches National Park, Moab Utah // localadventurer.com

5. Wall Arch

This arch collapsed in 2008, but you can still see the remnants of it.

Wall Arch Arches National Park - collapsed in 2008 // localadventurer.com

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:

  1. It requires a certain type of rock. Arches NP has Entrada Sandstone, which has spherical grains that form porous rock.
  2. Thick layers of salt deep beneath the surface creates long domes as they bulge upwards and cause cracks in the domes
  3. The perfect amount of rain for erosion. Just a bit more or less rain each year would prevent the arches from forming.
  4. 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.
Private Arch Arches National Park (+ 9 Most Beautiful Arches in Arches National Park) // localadventurer.com

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

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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.

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