How Many Days in Arches National Park? Full Breakdown

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Measuring 120 square miles, Arches National Park is one of the smaller parks in the United States but there are tons of awesome things to do and see there. It boasts miles of trails where you can spot over 2,000 natural arches, vibrant red sandstone fins, and other unique rock formations.

Plus, the nearby town of Moab and the other state and national parks in Southern Utah are also worth exploring. Figuring out how many days in Arches National Park to spend on a family vacation can be tough!

Lucky for you, this complete guide breaks down absolutely everything you need to know to decide how many days in Arches National Park you need to spend. It includes all the factors to consider and some sample itineraries with the best hikes for families so you won’t waste a single second of your trip!

mom and three kids on the Park Avenue trail in Arches National ParkPin

So, How Many Days in Arches National Park is Ideal?

Spending two days in Arches National Park is the perfect amount for a first visit (although I could make a strong case for three days as well).

In 2 days, you’ll have enough time to hike most, if not all, of the family-friendly trails at Arches NP like those in the Windows Section and the short and easy spur trails from Devil’s Garden Trailhead. You can slow down and stop at various viewpoints and overlooks on the scenic drive through Arches too.

Two days will allow for extra time to join a ranger-led tour through the Fiery Furnace trail (only accessible with a park ranger or a permit for an extra cost) and a wander around Moab.

three kids on the Windows Trail in Arches National ParkPin
On the Windows trail

Is One Day Enough for Arches National Park?

Although two days are ideal when deciding how many days in Arches National Park to spend, don’t be deterred if you only have one full day to spare. Considering the fairly compact size and number of short and sweet trails in Arches, it’s possible to see many of the park’s highlights in just one day.

But if your goal is to see the Mighty Five during one epic road trip, I’d allocate MORE time in Arches, and cut back on time spent in both Canyonlands AND Capitol Reef NP. In my opinion, for a family trip, there is much more to do in Arches for kids than there is in both Canyonlands and Capitol Reef.

three kids at the trailhead for balanced rock in Arches NP UtahPin
at the trailhead for Balanced Rock

One day is enough time for you to tackle two to three of the longer, family-friendly hikes like the easy hike to Landscape Arch. You’ll also have no problems fitting in a quick stop at the many beautiful viewpoints, like the La Sal Mountains Viewpoints.

Many arches, like the Skyline Arch, are visible from the main road and are only a short walk from the parking area.

view from car driving into Arches National Park on the main road, after you've passed the visitor centerPin
road inside Arches NP; there are lots of pull-offs and scenic views that are easy to hit without any effort

If you get an early start, you might be able to squeeze in a quick visit to the visitor center and a stroll around Moab too…but honestly, you’re probably going to be pretty pressed for time if you only have one day.

Personally, I feel that fitting all the highlights of Arches into one day seems pretty stressful. It’s kind of like Disney in a day. Yes, you COULD do it, but you wouldn’t be enjoying it much because you’d be feeling so much pressure to see a lot in a very short amount of time.

girl pretending to karate chop Balanced Rock in Arches National ParkPin
The Balanced Rock trail is one your family shouldn’t miss

How Many Days in Arches National Park Are Too Many Days?

More than 3 days in Arches is probably overkill for your first trip to this park.

If you have extra time (and I’m hoping you do), there are lots of other things to do in the area. Canyonlands National Park is super close to Moab and Dead Horse Point State Park is cool to visit too.

Or, take some time for an ATV or horseback riding tour in the Moab area.

Additionally, both Capitol Reef NP and Mesa Verde NP are only 2 hours from Moab. So if you don’t like packing up the car and staying in a different place each night while on a road trip, then Moab makes a GREAT hub for seeing not just Arches, but many other parks, too.

dad and three kids taking a break on the Double Arch trail at Arches NPPin
On the Double Arch trail

Other Factors for How Many Days in Arches National Park

How Long Will It Take You to Travel to Arches National Park?

Many families either make Arches their first stop or last stop on a Utah National Parks road trip. Travel time, comfort breaks, and stops at fun roadside attractions will cut into how long you can spend at Arches National Park.

Which is fine! Spontaneous stops are part of the fun of road-tripping, but they will reduce the amount of time you have to explore Arches. Using Google Maps to plot your stops will help you figure out a rough arrival time. This will help you plan a more realistic Arches itinerary and figure out exactly how many days in Arches National Park you’ll need.

If you’re traveling straight from nearby airports like Salt Lake City International Airport or Canyonlands Field Airport, factor in this time too. Arches National Park is only 15 minutes from Canyonlands Field Airport but almost a four-hour drive from Salt Lake City Airport.

three kids, two sitting on a fence at a trailhead in Arches National Park, UtahPin
If you ask my kids, they will tell you that Arches is in their top 5 for favorite US national parks…high praise for sure!

When Can You Reserve Timed Entry for Arches National Park?

As of 2023, Arches National Park requires every visitor to apply for a timed entry permit. This applies from April 1st to October 31st from the hours of 7:00 am to 4:00 pm. You will show your timeslot confirmation at the park entrance along with your National Park pass and ID.

Timed entry permits are released three months in advance. So tickets for the month of June are released on March 1.

If you leave it too late to reserve a timeslot and they’re all gone, how many days in Arches National Park you can spend might be decided for you! You’ll either have to visit much earlier or later in the day when the timed entry is not in effect. Or, if entry is available at an undesired time, you may need to adapt your plans.

view from the Windows Trail in Arches NPPin
hiking the Windows trail

How Much Time Do You Want to Spend in Moab?

No matter how many days in Arches National Park you spend, you can’t avoid Moab! Nor would you want to. It is the gateway city to both Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park. How long you want to spend in Moab will help you determine how many days in Arches National Park you need overall.

While there are lots of restaurants and cafés, Moab is a pretty small city. It’s a great place to stop for breakfast, pick up lunch, and eat dinner as well as shop for local souvenirs. Moab offers some fun family activities such as ATV rides, and horseback riding like previously mentioned. And you’ll probably find the most convenient accommodation options in Moab too.

Plus, a round trip from the entrance of Arches National Park to Moab is only 10 miles. It should only take 20 minutes to drive there and back, so you don’t have to allow a lot of travel time.

My family actually rented an Airbnb in Moab for a full week. We were able to settle in to our house in Moab, but easily hop around to Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Mesa Verde. I’d definitely recommend that approach to other families as well.

two kids playing in a pool in Moab, Utah with mountains in backgroundPin
Poolside at our Moab Airbnb. We used Moab as a home base for a full week, and were easily able to visit Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef and Mesa Verde NP.

What Time of Year Are You Visiting Arches National Park?

We’ve written a whole article about the best times to visit Arches National Park. So check that out.

Peak seasons, festivals, and fee-free days will bring more crowds. You might find yourself driving in circles waiting for a parking space to open up at the trailheads which will take you longer to see and do everything you want to.

Being an early bird (we’re talking before 7:00 am) will pay off during these times of the year.

Peak season in Arches National Park is from late March to early October. Public holidays like Labor Day, July 4th, and Memorial Day will also result in busy crowds. Moab Music Festival draws families every August, and these are the fee-free days:

  • Martin Luther King, Jr. Day: Third Monday in January
  • First day of National Park Week: Last Week of April
  • Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act: August 4th
  • National Public Lands Day: Fourth Saturday in September
  • Veterans Day: November 11th
Balanced Rock Trail Head in Arches NP UtahPin
Balanced Rock trailhead

National Park passes are not required on these days, so Arches will be much busier. Note that you will still need to reserve timed-entry if you want to visit on any of these dates which fall between April to October.

Personally, although the draw of “free” is always strong, I’d suggest avoiding these dates if possible because of crowds. I’d recommend buying an annual parks pass if you’re planning a Utah trip. The current price for that is $80. And then you’re done with park entrance fees for the year.

If you’re a member of the military, veteran, senior citizen, or have a 4th grader in your family, you may be able to get your parks pass for even less (if not $0!).

Double Arches trail Arches National ParkPin
Double Arches trail

Do You Also Want to Visit Canyonlands National Park?

One of the more overlooked national parks in Utah, Canyonlands is only a 40-minute drive to Moab which also makes it super close to Arches National Park. Consider extending your trip if you want to hit up these two national parks.

It’s totally doable to spend one day at each national park. Or, if you have more time, definitely spend two days at Arches and one in Canyonlands. Just remember to buy the park pass to save money!

family standing next to the Canyonlands NP sign in UtahPin
Canyonlands NP is just one hour from Moab, Utah

Do You Also Want To Visit Dead Horse Point State Park?

Like a little sister to Canyonlands, Dead Horse Point State Park is a much smaller park only a 30-minute drive from Moab. There are some beautiful overlooks and viewpoints over canyons and the Colorado River in this park although not a lot of trails.

While you should add on a couple of hours to visit Dead Horse Point (and an extra park fee in your budget), you won’t need to spend too long here.

road sign showing mileages to several Utah parksPin

Do You Also Want to Visit Other National Parks in Utah?

Utah’s National Parks are nicknamed the ‘Mighty Five’. As well as Arches and Canyonlands, there’s also Zion, Bryce Canyon, and the lesser-known Capitol Reef National Park.

Capitol Reef is 133 miles southwest of Arches which is a two-hour drive. Bryce Canyon is much further at 246 miles and a 4-hour and 15-minute drive. Zion is the furthest as it’s 300 miles from Arches and a 4-hour and 20-minute drive but it’s only 90 minutes from Bryce Canyon.

three kids next to the Zion National Park Kolob Canyon sign in UtahPin

And don’t forget Mesa Verde National Park. It’s located 130 miles southeast of Arches, in the neighboring state of Colorado.

How many days in Arches National Park and the other nearby parks? It really will depend on how much time you have available. You can easily spend one-two weeks in this area of the country and not be remotely bored!

family standing by the sign at Mesa Verde National Park, ColoradoPin
Not one of the Mighty Five, but Mesa Verde National Park is only 2 hours from Arches NP and is an incredible place for your family to see!

One Day Arches National Park Itinerary for Families

To ensure you have a great time in Arches with your family, this one-day itinerary includes all the best things to do there. Choose the earliest park entrance slot available to maximize your time!

Morning

  • Breakfast: Moab Garage Co. or Jailhouse Café in Moab
  • Pick up a picnic lunch from Moonflower Community Cooperative in Moab
  • Drive into Arches National Park (don’t forget to snap a family picture at the entrance sign…the easiest one is in front of the visitor center!)
  • Check out the Visitor Center for Junior Ranger info, weather updates, ranger program schedule, and the nature trail
  • Quick Stop at La Sal Mountains Viewpoint
  • Hike: Balanced Rock Round-Trip Trail (very short and easy)
  • Hike: Windows Section for younger kids OR the Delicate Arch Trail for older kids. In the Windows Section, you can hike to the North Window, South Window, Turret Arch, and Double Arch. It partly follows the Primitive Trail and it’s perfect for kids. The Delicate Arch Hike is the most popular, main trail in Arches but can be a challenging hike for younger kids as it can get steep
  • Hike: Sand Dune Arch Trail is a short hike and super easy trail, but you can continue to Broken Arch

Afternoon

  • Lunch: Eat a picnic lunch at Devil’s Garden Campground picnic areas
  • Hike: Drive to the Devil’s Garden Trailhead parking lot but don’t do the full loop in Devil’s Garden! Landscape Arch Trail is one of the best places to hike in Arches for kids. It is a moderate hike with only 40 feet of elevation gain. Visiting Landscape Arch is a great starting point, but there are also short spur trails to Pine Tree Arch and Tunnel Arch
  • Hike: Skyline Arch Trail is so short, you can see it from the main road
  • Hike: Park Avenue Trail has ultimate views of the cool rock formations at the entrance to the park (my personal favorite hike in the park)
  • Dinner: Enjoy a well-earned dinner at Moab Food Truck Park

Evening

  • If available, do not miss the ranger stargazing program
fence sitting in Arches National ParkPin

Two Day Arches National Park Itinerary for Families

When considering how many days in Arches National Park is the perfect amount of days, spending two days is ideal.

You can follow the one-day Arches itinerary on the first day, and then follow this itinerary for your second day so you and your family have the best time possible!

Morning

  • Breakfast: Moab Garage Co. or Jailhouse Café in Moab.
  • Drive into Arches National Park and check the weather conditions.
  • Hike: Book ahead for the Fiery Furnace Hike as this is a ranger-led trail through narrow slot canyons. Children aged 5+ can go on this hike which can take up to three hours.
  • Hit up any short hikes that you skipped or viewpoints you wished you stopped at yesterday.
  • Hike: Courthouse Wash Panel Trail is just outside of the park entrance near the Colorado River which is a short hike to historic rock art.

Afternoon

  • Lunch: Head back to the Moab Food Truck Park.
  • Wander along Moab’s main strip and shop for souvenirs.
  • Drive to Dead Horse Point State Park’s scenic point.
  • Dinner: Enjoy a sit-down meal at Moab Diner.
  • Hike: Join a ranger-led tour at Dead Horse Point, Arches, or Canyonlands. Rangers often host guided hikes at these three parks during the new moon for stargazing and the full moon for the light. Or, because the temperatures are cooler at that time during the summer months. Call ahead to check their schedule but you usually don’t need to book in advance.

Evening

  • If you couldn’t catch the Arches stargazing program last night, and it’s available tonight…don’t miss it!

There are also trails to the Partition Arch, Navajo Arch, Double O Arch, Tower Arch, Dark Angel Point, and more in the Devil’s Garden Section. But most of the hikes to these rock formations are too strenuous for kids. Check out our family-friendly Arches hiking guide here for your best options.

family selfie on the windows trail in Arches National ParkPin
on the Windows trail

Tips for Making the Most of Your Time in Arches National Park

  • Bring Plenty of Water and Food: There are some water-refill stations (e.g. at Devils Garden Trailhead) but they’re often out of order in the low seasons. Don’t rely on them! Bring at least two generously sized water bottles for each person in your family. Or just purchase a couple gallon jugs to stash in the car and use for refills. The same goes for food as you can’t buy lunch in the park. Stock up on essentials in Moab and make use of the picnic tables around the park (e.g. at Devils Garden Campground).
  • Take Note of Daylight Hours: Take advantage of the long days in summer to get to the park as early as possible to avoid the crowds. If you have older kids, Delicate Arch is an unforgettable sunrise hike! In the winter months, you can afford to sleep in as there are fewer people.
  • Take Note of the Weather: Daytime temperatures at Arches National Park in summer can be brutal. Many of the hikes don’t offer a lot of shade! You might want to arrive at the park in the early morning, leave during the hottest part of the day, then return late afternoon after 4:00 pm.
  • Schedule around Ranger Programs: The ranger-led programs will not let you down. They are interesting, engaging…and totally free. Our family schedules our days around these programs at nearly every national park. Up-to-date offerings will be posted at the visitor center.
little boy standing on a large boulder in Arches National ParkPin
Hudson enjoying his own form of “bouldering” on the Park Avenue trail…climb up, and jump off.

Pin this Arches NP information for later! And if you found this article helpful, leave a comment on the pin. That helps others decide whether to use this information, too!

How Many Days in Arches National Park? This guide will help you plan your family trip to this amazing US national park in Utah! #nationalparksmom #archesnationalparkPin
happy trails, heatherPin
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About Heather Thibodeau

Heather Thibodeau is the founder and mom behind nationalparksmom.com.

She and her husband Dave (AKA Tib) are on a mission to travel to as many US national parks with their three kids in tow as they possibly can, doing their best to keep the little ones out in nature and off of screens in an increasingly digital world.

Heather has earned degrees in biology & chemistry from Virginia Tech (Go Hokies), and holds master's and doctorate degrees in physical therapy from Duke University (Go Blue Devils).

Heather is also the creative force behind The Heathered Nest where she shares her love of all things DIY and home decor.

Her work has been featured in Better Homes and Gardens, House Beautiful, Good Housekeeping, This Old House, Today.com, The Washington Post, Boston Globe, and more.

4 thoughts on “How Many Days in Arches National Park? Full Breakdown”

  1. I love these pictures! Arches is the most amazing place. We went a few years ago, and I would agree with your two-days assessment. We did Dead Horse one of those days as well. We’ve been back to the area since and did a few hikes to arches that are NOT in Arches N.P. and enjoyed that as well. So, yes, I can see making the case for 3 days. Visiting from the Love Your Creativity linkup. (If you’re interested, I’d love to see this post shared with my readers at my blog linkup as well: https://lifetalesbooks.blogspot.com/p/calling-fellow-bloggers.html) And, YES, on making sure you take enough water! 🙂

    Reply
    • Agree Jennifer! Arches is AMAZING. We haven’t done Dead Horse yet b/c we thought it may be a little much for our littles (and I’m not a fan of roads on cliff sides which we heard was a big part of this park, so I’d love to hear your experience!). Thanks so much for visiting!

      Reply

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