More than 2,000 natural sandstone arches in one park. The landscape looks like it was assembled for maximum visual impact — fins of red rock, balanced boulders, and arches in every size from narrow slots to Landscape Arch's improbable 290-foot span.

Arches sits at 4,000 to 5,600 feet elevation outside Moab, Utah. In summer the temperatures in the canyon regularly exceed 100°F. This is a park that rewards early mornings and punishes midday ambition.

Getting there with an RV

The entrance is on Highway 191 just north of Moab. The park road climbs steeply from the entrance station — a series of switchbacks that most RVs handle without issue but which can be slow going for larger rigs on hot days. The road is paved throughout and wide enough for all sizes.

Timed entry is required from April through October between 6am and 5pm. Reserve on Recreation.gov before you arrive. This is not optional — the entrance will turn you away without a reservation during restricted hours.

The hikes

Delicate Arch — The one everyone comes for Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous Distance: 3 miles round trip

Utah's most famous geological feature. The trail climbs 480 feet across open slickrock with no shade — in summer this hike is genuinely dangerous in the middle of the day. Go at sunrise or in the last two hours before sunset when the arch glows red-gold in the low light.

The final approach rounds a slickrock bowl and the arch appears suddenly — larger than you expect, standing alone on the rim of a canyon with the La Sal Mountains behind it. The moment is worth every step.

Landscape Arch — Longest natural arch in North America Difficulty: Easy Distance: 1.6 miles round trip

A flat trail through Devils Garden to an arch spanning 290 feet — so thin in the middle that sections have collapsed in recent decades and rangers expect more to follow. You're looking at something actively changing on a geological timescale. The arch is extraordinary and the hike requires almost no effort.

Continue past Landscape Arch on the Devils Garden primitive loop for a more strenuous route through additional arches and fins. The full loop is 7.8 miles and requires some route-finding on slickrock — worth it for experienced hikers.

Double Arch — Best for families Difficulty: Easy Distance: 0.5 miles round trip

Two massive arches sharing a common base, reached by a flat sandy trail in about 15 minutes. One of the most photogenic formations in the park. The Windows Section where Double Arch sits also contains North Window and South Window — easily combined into a 1-mile loop with dramatic views through multiple arches.

Balanced Rock Difficulty: Easy Distance: 0.3 miles round trip

A 3,577-ton boulder balanced on a narrow pedestal of eroded rock. The short loop trail around the base gives good views from multiple angles. One of the most recognizable formations in the park and accessible for all ages and fitness levels.

Park Avenue Difficulty: Easy Distance: 2 miles one way with shuttle

A trail through a canyon flanked by tall sandstone fins that resemble a city skyline — hence the name. One of the first things you see entering the park. The trail is mostly flat and accessible. Arrange a shuttle pickup at the far end or walk back the same way.

Fiery Furnace Difficulty: Strenuous, ranger-guided only

A labyrinth of narrow sandstone fins with no marked trails. You cannot enter without either a ranger-guided tour or an advanced permit — and the permit requires watching an orientation video. The guided tours sell out weeks in advance. Book on Recreation.gov the moment your trip dates are set.

The experience of navigating the maze of fins and passages with a ranger who knows every route is genuinely unlike anything else in the park. Worth the effort to secure a spot.

The drives

Arches Scenic Drive The main park road runs 18 miles from the entrance to Devils Garden trailhead with pullouts and spur roads to all major formations. Most viewpoints require only a short walk from the parking area. The entire drive takes 2–3 hours with stops.

The Windows Section spur — 2.5 miles off the main road to the Windows, Double Arch, and Turret Arch. A separate spur leads to Panorama Point with wide views across the park.

Moab

Moab is the gateway town and one of the best base-camp towns in the Southwest. It sits on the Colorado River between Arches and Canyonlands and has developed a legitimate food and outdoor culture alongside the tourism.

Moab Brewery — the best beer in town with a menu that goes beyond typical brewpub food. The patio fills up fast on summer evenings.

Moab Diner — breakfast institution. The huevos rancheros are the move.

Desert Bistro — the best dinner in Moab, housed in a historic building with a menu that punches well above what you'd expect in a small desert town. Reservations recommended.

Whole Enchilada trail system — if you or anyone in your group mountain bikes, Moab has some of the best trail riding in the world. Slickrock Trail is the famous one but the full Whole Enchilada descent is on every serious mountain biker's list.

Colorado River — jet boat tours, whitewater rafting on Cataract Canyon, and flatwater paddling all operate from Moab. Half-day and full-day options available from multiple outfitters.

Practical notes

Heat is the primary danger. In June, July, and August the canyon temperatures regularly hit 105°F or higher. The NPS recommends carrying one liter of water per hour of hiking. There is almost no shade on the Delicate Arch trail. Start before 8am or after 5pm for any significant hike in summer.

The timed entry reservation is mandatory. Do not show up without one during peak season. The system is strict and rangers will turn vehicles away at the entrance.

Cell service is spotty outside Moab. Download offline maps before entering the park.

Where to stay

See the Southwest Road Trip guide for Devils Garden Campground and Moab area options.

The Ultimate Southwest RV Road Trip →

Gear for Arches

• Solar kit — Moab area has excellent dispersed camping options. Best Solar Kits for Full-Time RV Living →
• RV tires — desert heat is hard on rubber. Check yours before you go. Top 10 RV Tires for 2026 →
• Wireless internet — Starlink covers the Moab area well. Best Wireless Internet Setups for RVs →
• Water pressure regulator — always. Best RV Water Pressure Regulators →

Part of the Southwest RV Road Trip

Arches is stop four on the ultimate Southwest loop.

The Ultimate Southwest RV Road Trip →

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