Top Things to do in Arches National Park in One Day
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You really want to see Arches National Park, but you only have one day to spend there during your road trip or vacation.
This is a common scenario for my family and me. Ideally, we would love to spending several days exploring and soaking in the beauty of these gorgeous national parks. However, that’s not always possible.
If you only have one day to visit, I have devised a plan for your family to see and experience the most of Arches National Park in one day.
The top three Arches I would make sure to see and experience during your one-day visit to Arches National Park include Delicate Arch (view from the Upper Viewpoint if the full hike is too much), Sand Dune Arch, and Double Arch.
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Top 10 Tips for Spending One Day in Arches National Park
TIP #1: Arrive as early as possible or if you are visiting between April 1 and October 31, you will need a timed entry ticket. Click HERE for more information on this. If you enter before 7am and after 4pm you do not need a timed entry ticket.
TIP #2: Make sure you have enough gas before entering the park. The drive through Arches National Park is 36 miles round trip.
TIP #3: Bring a picnic lunch and plenty of snacks especially for the kids. This insulated cooler is great for packing food and snacks.
TIP #4: Bring plenty of water with you to stay hydrated.
TIP #5: Plan whether you want to stop at the Visitor Center at the beginning or end of the day, and double check its hours to make sure you get there before it closes.
TIP #6: Pick 3-4 Arches or trails that you really want to see and/or hike to and focus on getting to those.
TIP #7: Map out ahead of time where each of these Arches and trails are located.
TIP #8: Be flexible–parking lots fill up and so if there is not a place to park, you may consider continuing to forward and come back to a certain trail or Arch later.
TIP #9: Don’t overdo it. This tip is especially important with kids. With the kids, things take a lot longer and many times there can also be meltdowns squeezed in with the day. Keep in mind that the most important thing here is the memories you make with your family.
TIP #10: Soak it all in. Arches National Park is so gorgeous and truly amazing. Enjoy your hikes with your family and the beauty of the Arches.
Recommended Things to See in Arches National Park
Arches Visitor Center
Consider saving the Visitor Center for later in the day. This strategy allows you to enter the park immediately, get ahead of the crowds, and start exploring the sights you want to see.
However, want to get a map, ask questions, talk to a Park Ranger, pick up a Junior Ranger booklet,or use the restrooms, don’t hesitate to stop at the Visitor Center first.
Just be sure to check the closing time of the Arches Visitor Center so you don’t miss out on souvenirs or National Park stamps if you collect those.
If it will be stressful to make it back to the Visitor Center before it closes, then stop right away in the morning.
Park Avenue Viewpoint
This viewpoint is the first stop after the Arches Visitor Center.
If this viewpoint is on your list, I recommend saving it for your way out of the park. This way, you can continue into the park to beat the crowds and secure some of the limited parking spots ahead.
We visited this viewpoint at sunset, and it was absolutely stunning. If you can, I highly recommend saving this spot for later in the day to catch the best lighting.
However, if you want to visit the Visitor Center, ensure you leave enough time to either see this viewpoint first and then go to the Visitor Center before it closes, or visit the Visitor Center and then drive back out to Park Avenue afterward.
The viewpoint is just over 3 miles from the Arches Visitor Center, so it’s not too far to return to it after stopping at the Visitor Center, even though it might feel like a bit of back and forth driving.
The most important thing is to do what’s best for your kids and family. If everyone is tired or melting down, you may want to stop quickly at Park Avenue and then proceed to the Visitor Center.
Balanced Rock
Balanced Rock is another popular sight, located just down the road from Park Avenue Viewpoint.
With only one day in Arches National Park, I recommend skipping it initially and returning later to make the most of your time.
You can see Balanced Rock from the road, but if you want to get a closer look, the hike is very easy, and stroller-friendly.
The hike to Balanced Rock is only 0.3 miles round trip.
The Windows Section
The Windows Section is located about 12 miles from the Visitors Center and makes an excellent first stop, especially if the kids are getting antsy to start hiking!
This area shares a parking lot with the Double Arch, allowing you to park once and visit two different sights.
The Windows Loop Trail is one mile long and offers views of Turret Arch, as well as the North and South Windows.
With kids, this hike should take about 30-45 minutes.
Double Arch
Double Arch is one of my recommended must-see arches on your one day visit to Arches National Park.
The hike from the shared Window Section parking lot to Double Arch is 0.6 miles round trip.
This hike typically takes about 15-20 minutes.
Delicate Arch
The Delicate Arch is a bucket list item for many visitors to Arches National Park, and another arch that I recommend trying to see!
The hike to Delicate Arch is more strenuous and longer than some other hikes in the park.
It is 3 miles round trip with 480-f00t ascent.
This hike can be challenging with children unless they are older or seasoned hikers.
If you have the time and ability, I highly recommend this hike.
The Arch is incredible. I couldn’t stop staring at it and didn’t want to leave.
Note: I did not do this hike with my children as they were too young for the 3-mile distance and elevation gain.
If you’re unable to do the hike but still want to see Delicate Arch, consider stopping at the Upper Viewpoint. It’s a 0.5-mile walk with some steps, offering a glimpse of this magnificent arch.
Sand Dune Arch
The Sand Dune Arch is a spot the kids will surely love, and so I recommend making it to this one too!
This is a 0.4 mile round trip hike through the sand.
Kids will enjoy playing in the sand here, and some families even bring sand toys.
Though the hike is short, taking only 15-20 minutes, you might spend extra time here as the kids enjoy frolicking in the sand.
Landscape Arch
The Landscape Arch is located in the Devils Garden area, 18 miles from the Visitor Center.
Driving between the Main Entrance and Devils Garden takes about 40-45 minutes.
Keep this in mind when you are planning your day, especially considering what works best for your kids.
Personally, my kids wouldn’t handle a 40-minute drive within the park all at once.
We would need to stop along the way to hike to at least one arch.
For some families, driving straight to Devils Garden and then working backwards to see the arches might work best.
If you plan to hike to Landscape Arch, it’s about 1.6 miles round trip. With kids, this hike will likely take close to an hour.
Time Needed to Hike to Each Arch
Park Avenue Viewpoint: 15 minutes to enjoy the views and go down the stairs towards the trail (this time estimate does not take into consideration hiking the full 1.8 miles round trip)
Balanced Rock: 15 minutes
Windows Section: 30-45 minutes
Double Arch: 15-20 minutes
Delicate Arch: 3 hours for the FULL hike, 20-30 minutes to the Upper Viewpoint
Sand Dune Arch: 30-40 minutes with sand playing
Landscape Arch: 1 hour
Total Time: about 4 hours Does not include hiking Park Avenue Trail, the full Delicate Arch Trail or any drive time.
Expert Tip
Seeing all of these attractions in one day at Arches, especially with young children, can be challenging. During our visit, we had three days, allowing us to give the kids breaks from hiking and sightseeing. I understand the realities of traveling with children, and know that things don’t always go as smoothly or efficiently as we’d like. Take your time and enjoy what you’re able to see and do!
Arches National Park in One Day Sample Itinerary
6:45am- Arrive at Arches National Park and take a quick picture in front of the park’s sign
7:00am- Drive to the Windows Section
7:20am- Arrive at Windows Section and begin your hike on the Windows Loop Trail
8:00am- Head back to your car for a drink and small break
8:10am- Begin hike to the Double Arch
8:30am- Drive to Delicate Arch Upper Viewpoint
8:45am – Begin walk to the Delicate Arch Upper Viewpoint
9:20am- Drive to Sand Dune Arch
9:40am- Hike to Sand Dune Arch and enjoy some sand play
10:30am- Drive to Devils Garden
10:45am- Spend some time in the Devils Garden area and hike to Landscape Arch
11:45am- Enjoy a picnic lunch and break
12:15pm- Drive back to Balanced Rock and make any other desired scenic stops along the way
1:00pm- Hike Balanced Rock Trail (It may be a little difficult to find a parking spot, but be patient and one should eventually open.)
1:15pm-Drive to Park Avenue Viewpoint
1:30pm- Spend some time at the Park Avenue Viewpoint and Trail
2:00pm- Head back to the Visitor Center for souvenirs
Must Know Information
This one day itinerary is very packed with driving and hiking with limited breaks. If this is too much for your children, I recommend picking just three Arches to see. Anything else you can fit in beyond that is a bonus!
This itinerary is just one example of how you can spend a day at Arches National Park. Keep in mind that plans may need to be adjusted, so it’s important to stay flexible and open-minded.
Travel times can vary depending on traffic, and the duration of hikes may differ based on your family’s pace. Be prepared for things to take a bit longer than expected.
Additional Arches National Park Blog Posts to Check Out
Arches National Park with Kids
Things to do in Moab with Kids
I hope this helps you plan your day in Arches National Park and provides you with helpful tips to make your day go smoother.
Experience the breathtaking beauty of this incredible national park and cherish the memories made with your family.
May you LOVE your adventure. KW
