Looking to explore Arches National Park, but not sure where to start? Check out our checklist of the best hikes in Arches National Park in the park. From easy, short walks to longer treks with incredible views, there’s something here for everyone. Keep reading to find the perfect hike for you.
The Fiery Furnace
The Fiery Furnace is a narrow and steep-walled gorge located in the heart of Arches National Park. The hike through the furnace is strenuous, with scrambling required in some areas. However, the views from the top are well worth the effort. The furnace can be accessed from two different trailheads – Devils Garden or Windows Trailhead. From either trailhead, hikers will need to use a map to navigate their way through the maze of sandstone fins that make up the furnace. Hiking boots and plenty of water are also essential for this hike.
North and South Rim Trails
There are two main trails in Arches National Park: the North Rim Trail and the South Rim Trail. The North Rim Trail is a 9.4-mile loop that offers stunning views of the park’s geological features, including the Delicate Arch. The trail is considered more difficult than the South Rim Trail, with some steep sections and narrow paths. Hikers should be prepared for extreme temperatures and sun exposure. The South Rim Trail is an 11.2-mile loop that passes by several iconic arches, including Landscape Arch and Double O Arch. It is less strenuous than the North Rim Trail and can be completed by hikers of all levels of experience. However, due to its length, it can be a bit more challenging to complete in one day than the North Rim Trail.
The Windows Section
The Windows Section of the Arches National Park is a great hike for beginner hikers. The trailhead is located at the Devils Garden Campground, and it is a moderate 3-mile round-trip hike. The hike starts out by crossing a paved road and then entering a canyon. You will then start to see some of the famous arches, including the North Window, South Window, and Double Arch. There are also some other smaller arches along the way. The hike ends by returning back through the canyon.
The Devil’s Garden Trail
The Devil’s Garden Trail is one of the most popular trails in Arches National Park. It winds its way through a landscape of sandstone fins and towers and offers climbers a chance to explore some of the park’s most iconic features. The trail begins just south of the Devils Garden Campground and passes through a landscape of giant sandstone fins. People can explore a series of arches, including the Landscape Arch and the North and South Windows. The trail then winds its way up a rocky slope to the top of the Devils Garden. From here, hikers can explore a series of towering sandstone fins, including the Double O Arch and the Dark Angel. The Devil’s Garden Trail is a strenuous trail and is not recommended for inexperienced climbers. The trail is 8.5 miles long and includes a climb of nearly 1,000 feet. Climbers should be prepared for a strenuous hike and should bring plenty of water and snacks.
The Park Avenue Trail
The Park Avenue Trail at Arches National Park is a great hike for visitors looking to explore a bit of the park’s more than 2,000 natural stone arches. The moderate trail is just over two miles long and takes hikers on a scenic route from Park Avenue, up a small canyon, and to the Delicate Arch Viewpoint. The Park Avenue Trail begins just south of the park’s visitor center and follows the paved road for the first third of a mile. After crossing a footbridge, the trail turns to the left and begins to climb up a small canyon. The canyon walls are steep, but the trail is well-maintained and easy to follow.
Overall, The top hikes in Arches National Park listed above offer a great way to get a feel for the park and its features. They are relatively easy and provide great views of the park’s natural wonders.
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