Itinerary · 2 days · Utah
2 Days in Arches National Park: The Perfect Itinerary
Two days is enough to see the best of Arches National Park without rushing. Here is the day-by-day plan, built around the park's highlights.
Best time to go: Apr–May, Oct. Closest major airport: Grand Junction (GJT), about 1.75 hours.
Day 1: The icons
- Morning: Hike to Delicate Arch at sunset. Start early to beat the crowds.
- Afternoon: Walk the Devils Garden trail to Landscape Arch.
- Evening: See the Windows section and Double Arch.
Day 2: Go deeper
- Morning: Join a ranger-led Fiery Furnace hike (permit).
- Afternoon: Stop at Balanced Rock.
Entering before 7 a.m. or after 4 p.m. has typically not required a reservation, which is perfect for Delicate Arch at sunrise or sunset.
When to go
The best time to visit Arches National Park is April–May and October.
Questions
How many days do you need in Arches National Park?
Two full days covers the highlights: hike to delicate arch at sunset and walk the devils garden trail to landscape arch on day one, then join a ranger-led fiery furnace hike (permit) on day two. Add a third day if you want a long backcountry hike or a slow morning.
When is the best time for this Arches itinerary?
Go in Apr–May, Oct, when the park is rated at its best. April, May, October and November offer the best balance of good conditions and smaller crowds.
Can you do Arches in one day?
You can see the highlights in one very full day by doing day one below and skipping day two, but you will miss join a ranger-led fiery furnace hike (permit). Two days is the sweet spot.