Arches National Park in One Day: The Best Itinerary for Your Visit

If you only have one day to explore Arches National Park, you can still see many of the park’s most iconic arches and viewpoints with the right plan.

Arches is very doable in a single day as long as you know what to prioritize, when to arrive, and how to structure your stops.

This one-day itinerary gives you a clear route through the park, estimated times at each stop, helpful planning tips, and what to do if parking lots are full.

Whether you’re on a road trip, spending a day in Moab, or trying to fit Arches into a tight schedule, this guide will help you make the most of your visit.

Planning a longer trip? These may help:

• Things to Do in Moab with Kids – restaurants, lodging, and family-friendly adventures beyond the park.
• Arches National Park with Kids – best hikes by age, bathroom locations, stroller-friendly options, and planning tips.

Before You Go: What to Know About Visiting Arches in One Day

Timed Entry Requirements

Arches requires a timed-entry reservation from April through October, except for early July through the end of August. If you’re visiting in a month that requires reservations, book your time slot as early as possible.

Arrive Early for the Best Experience

To get ahead of crowds and secure parking, aim to enter the park before 7 a.m. If you have a timed-entry slot later in the morning, arrive at the beginning of your window.

Fill Up Your Gas Tank in Moab

There are no gas stations inside the park. The full drive through Arches is about 36 miles round trip.

Bring Plenty of Water and Snacks

There is no food or water available on the trails. Plan to pack everything you’ll need for the day. An insulated cooler can help keep drinks and snacks cool.

Parking Strategy

Lots fill quickly at Double Arch, the Windows Section, and Delicate Arch Viewpoints. If a lot is full, keep moving and circle back later. Parking turnover is high, and this strategy saves time.

Top Stops to Prioritize in One Day

If you only have a day, these are the stops that offer the most iconic views and memorable experiences:

• Windows Section
• Double Arch
• Delicate Arch (Upper Viewpoint or full hike if time allows)
• Sand Dune Arch
• Landscape Arch (Devils Garden area)
• Balanced Rock
• Park Avenue Viewpoint

This itinerary includes all of them in a logical, time-saving order.

Estimated Time Needed at Each Stop

These time estimates help you plan your day and adjust as needed.

• Park Avenue Viewpoint: 15 minutes
• Balanced Rock: 15 minutes
• Windows Section: 30–45 minutes
• Double Arch: 15–20 minutes
• Delicate Arch Full Hike: about 3 hours
• Delicate Arch Upper Viewpoint: 20–30 minutes
• Sand Dune Arch: 30–40 minutes
• Landscape Arch (Devils Garden): about 1 hour

These estimates do not include drive time or waiting for parking.

Arches National Park in One Day: Sample Itinerary

6:30 a.m. – Arrive at the Entrance Sign

Grab a quick photo if you want one without crowds.

7:00 a.m. – Drive to the Windows Section

Start with this area to enjoy cooler temperatures and better parking availability.

7:20 a.m. – Hike the Windows Loop Trail

See North Window, South Window, and Turret Arch. Take time to enjoy the views, climb a bit, and get oriented.

8:00 a.m. – Take a Short Break

Have water and a snack at the car.

8:10 a.m. – Walk to Double Arch

This is a quick walk from the same parking lot. Spend time exploring and taking photos.

8:30 a.m. – Drive to Delicate Arch Upper Viewpoint

If you’re saving the full Delicate Arch hike for another trip, the upper viewpoint gives you a simple and time-efficient way to see the arch.

8:45 a.m. – Walk to the Upper Viewpoint

Enjoy a quiet look at the arch from across the canyon.

9:20 a.m. – Drive to Sand Dune Arch

A short walk brings you to a shaded, sandy area that feels different from the rest of the park.

9:40 a.m. – Explore Sand Dune Arch

Plan for about 30 minutes here. It can be a fun spot to stretch your legs during the morning.

10:30 a.m. – Drive to Devils Garden

This is the farthest point in the park, and the drive takes about 40–45 minutes.

10:45 a.m. – Hike to Landscape Arch

This trail is longer but still manageable in one visit. The size of the arch is stunning in person.

11:45 a.m. – Picnic Lunch

Relax and refuel. This is a good midday break.

12:15 p.m. – Drive Back Toward Balanced Rock

Make scenic stops along the way if parking is available.

1:00 p.m. – Walk the Balanced Rock Trail

A short and easy walk.

1:15 p.m. – Drive to Park Avenue Viewpoint

This is a great stop later in the day as the light starts to shift.

1:30 p.m. – Explore Park Avenue Viewpoint

Take a few minutes to enjoy the dramatic canyon walls.

2:00 p.m. – Return to the Visitor Center

Pick up souvenirs, use the bathrooms, and chat with a ranger if you have questions.

Important Notes for a One Day Visit

This is a full day.

If it feels too busy for your group, choose 3–4 main stops and enjoy them at a relaxed pace.

Travel times vary.

Traffic can slow certain parts of the park, especially in peak seasons.

Parking is unpredictable.

Be flexible. You can always come back to a missed stop later.

Heat matters.

Plan to do longer walks earlier in the day and save shorter stops for later.

If You Have Extra Time

• Return to favorite stops for sunset photos
• Walk a portion of the Park Avenue Trail
• Stop at more scenic pullouts
• Spend extra time exploring Devils Garden

If You Need to Cut Something

• Skip Landscape Arch if the day is running long
• Skip the Windows Section return if parking is full
• Choose either Delicate Arch Full Hike or the Upper Viewpoint, not both

More Arches Resources

If you’re visiting as a family or want to know which hikes are best for different ages, head to my Arches National Park with Kids: Ultimate Guide for:

• Bathroom locations
• Age-based hiking recommendations
• Family-friendly packing tips
• Where to stay in Moab

Final Thoughts on Spending One Day in Arches

Arches National Park is a place you can enjoy in just one day, especially with a smart plan and realistic expectations.

With its unforgettable rock formations and short trails, you’ll end the day feeling like you experienced the best of the park.

Just remember that you do not have to fit in every single stop listed here.

Depending on the ages of your kids, this itinerary can feel like a lot.

Use it as a guidepost, not a checklist.

Pick the stops that feel doable, skip anything that doesn’t work for your family, and give yourself permission to slow down if you need to.

A great day in Arches is the one that works for your family.

And if you want help organizing your itinerary, grab my free Travel Itinerary Planner to make planning even easier.

May you LOVE your adventure. KW