Arches National Park
Location: Utah
Permit Required: Yes (timed entry)
I recommend spending two full days in Arches because it gives you enough time to see the iconic spots and explore a few hidden gems—without feeling rushed or overwhelmed by the desert heat.
What to know before you arrive:
During peak season, you need to purchase a timed entry permit. These passes are only good for one day and sell out months in advance, so be sure to check the recreation website prior to your visit. You have a one hour window to enter the park with your time entry pass and you will also need to pay the park entrance fee or show your America the Beautiful National Park pass.
If you’re anything like me and like to plan spontaneous trips and forget about the timed entry passes, you can enter the park before 7am or after 4pm without one.
Day 1: Iconic Arches + Sunset Views
Stop 1: The Windows Section (easy, scenic loop)
Walk the short trails to North Window, South Window, and Turret Arch.
Stop 2: Double Arch
Just across the parking lot.
Super short trail, and the arch is massive!
Stop 3: Delicate Arch Hike (3 miles RT)
This is the iconic one on the Utah license plate.
Moderate hike, but a must-see.
Bring water, sun protection, and good shoes — there’s little shade.
Evening: Stay for Sunset at Delicate Arch
I hiked this at 7am in early May and it was insanely busy. I don’t think there is ever a time where this arch isn’t busy due to how popular it is. If I go back, I’d suffer through the crowds later in the day to hopefully catch an unreal sunset!
If you’re up for it, you could always bring a headlamp for the walk down after dark
Day 2: Hidden Arches + Scenic Drives
Morning: Devils Garden Trail (choose your own adventure)
Start early and hike to Landscape Arch (3.1km/1.9 miles RT – easy).
Add Pine Tree & Tunnel Arch (add 0.8km/0.5 miles)
If you’re up for the challenge, continue on the primitive trail to Double O Arch (6.6km/4.1 miles) - moderate
Add Navajo & Partition Arches (1.3km/0.8 miles)
Dark Angel via Primitive Trail (10.6km/6.6miles)
More info here
Midday: Scenic Drive + Viewpoints
Hit Fiery Furnace Viewpoint (no hiking required)
If you want to hike Fiery Furnace, you need a separate permit
Stop at Salt Valley Overlook and Panorama Point for wide desert views
Afternoon: Sand Dune Arch or Skyline Arch (easy, quick stops)
Great if your legs are tired but you still want to see something beautiful
Sand Dune Arch is a short walk, shady, and really unique
Evening: Optional Sunset at Balanced Rock
Short walk, epic views
Much less crowded than Delicate Arch at sunset
You can try and reserve campsites at Devils Garden Campground, but I had no such luck, and it was a little expensive for my van life budget! I used the app iOverlander to find primitive camping in the area - it is limited. I also spent a few nights at Ken’s Campground, which was about 20 minutes from Arches, but I did have to book this one in advance.
Note: Ken’s Campground is closed from July 7, 2025 to August 26, 2025.