Arches National Park is an icon of Utah, heck they even have Delicate Arch on their license plates. The last time I visited Arches my dad and I spent the day hiking Devil’s Garden. This time we tackled the Windows District and made the trek out the Delicate Arch. The last time we visited it was also significantly cooler, this time was the peak of summer. Keep reading below for my honest recap of both areas of the park and some dope photos.
The Windows District
There is no shortage of arches in this section of Arches National Park and they are all extremely accessible. It includes the North and South Windows, Turret Arch, and Double Arch. All the hikes here are short and it makes for the perfect place to spend a few hours.
The Windows and Turret Arch
The first 1-mile hike we did was to North Window, South Window and Turret Arch and then along the “primitive trail” behind the windows. The first section of this hike is a VERY accessible, paved path and an easy hike. We explored and scrambled up into South Window and Turret Arch. Overall super easy and cool views. The hike behind the Windows gives you cool views looking out into the rest of Arches National Park toward Double Arch. The primitive trail is sandy, but pretty well marked and does involve some little scrambles up the rocks.
Double Arch
Aside from Landscape Arch and Delicate Arch I would say Double Arch is the most iconic spot in Arches National Park. I mean it was featured in an Indiana Jones movie. This 0.5 mile hike is, again, a very accessible, wide, sandy trail. This arch was formed a little differently from other arches in the park, making it a unique attraction. The arches were formed from water erosion from above verses erosion from the sides.
Once we get to the base of Double Arch we climbed up underneath the arches and enjoyed the views for about 20 minutes. Then we headed off to hike out the Delicate Arch from a completely different trailhead.
Delicate Arch – Arches National Park
The hike to Delicate Arch is one that is on the list for nearly everyone who goes to Arches National Park. My Dad, Aunt, Friend and I were no different. However, this 3 mile hike is no joke. The entire hike is completely exposed and while it only climbs 480 feet according to the national park service, it is not an easy hike by any means. Everyone in our group had 3 liters of water to start the hike and we all ended the hike with no water left. We passed a lot of people seeking any little bits of shade that were available to cool down. That being said we were very happy we completed this hike!
The hike starts out easy enough as you pass the historic buildings from Wolfe Ranch. In addition there are some petroglyphs you can take a short detour to view as well!
Then starts the 500 foot climb up rock. The trail then meanders through the rock formations with views over the edge to a canyon. Delicate Arch then appears basically out of no-where as you round a corner. We spent about 45 minutes at the arch enjoying the views, resting and of course taking photos. Then we headed back down to the car to eat some food. There is no water source at the trailhead so come prepared and have extra water in your car.
After this hike my dad and aunt were toasted, however my friend and I did a short hike in Devils Garden to see landscape arch and a few others that are only about a mile or so in on that trailhead. A big plus was the water source at the Devils Garden Trailhead.
Before you go – Arches National Park
Arches National Park can reach capacity early in the day, especially on weekends during the summer. The avoid this I recommend heading to the park early in the morning (before 8AM) or going to the park during the week. I am a huge fan of weekday travel to the national parks in Utah as it cuts the crowds significantly. We did not have any issues finding parking in the Windows District or at the Delicate Arch Trailhead.
If you have an eye for the night sky, Arches National Park along with Dead Horse Point State Park and Canyonlands National Park are international dark sky parks. So bring your telescope and enjoy views of the milky way.
For more information and things to do at Arches National Park check out the NPS website.
Check out the rest of my adventures around Utah and the Might 5 National Parks on the “Utah” page of the blog!
Toasted! 😂 wait a minute! Great article, it was a wonderful hike and hope to do it again some day.
Lol I mean…. you guys did take a nap in the car 😉