Things to Do in Arches National Park
The best things to do in Arches National Park include hiking to the iconic Delicate Arch, exploring the Windows Section, and driving the 18-mile scenic road. For those seeking more adventure, nearby activities like whitewater rafting on the Colorado River offer a thrilling way to experience the red rock landscape. Whether you are visiting for a sunrise hike or a full-day river trip, Arches blends natural wonder with outdoor excitement.
Why Visit Arches National Park
Arches isn’t just a park, it’s a landscape that feels almost otherworldly. Massive red rock formations rise from the desert floor, shaped by millions of years of erosion, wind, and shifting underground salt beds.
What makes Arches truly special is its accessibility. You can explore iconic landmarks via short walks, scenic drives, or longer hikes, making it ideal for families, photographers, and adventure seekers alike. Plus, its proximity to Moab means easy access to rafting, off-roading, and guided outdoor experiences. Visit the Arches National Park official site.
Top Things to Do in Arches National Park
To make the most of your trip, prioritize these essential Arches National Park activities:
- Hike to Delicate Arch: The park’s most famous landmark is best visited at sunset for stunning photography.
- Explore the Windows Section: Home to North Window, South Window, and Turret Arch, this area offers massive scale with minimal hiking.
- Walk through Double Arch: Located near the Windows, this unique formation features two massive arches sharing a single pillar.
- Drive the Scenic Road: The 18-mile paved road provides access to most major viewpoints and trailheads.
- Visit Landscape Arch: Located in the Devil’s Garden, this is one of the longest natural stone arches in the world.
Experience Fiery Furnace: A labyrinth of narrow sandstone canyons requiring a permit or a ranger-led tour.
View Moab Trips
Our Trending Trips
Near Arches National Park
While Arches itself is known for hiking and sightseeing, some of the most exciting adventures happen just outside the park along the Colorado River.
Moab is one of the top rafting destinations in the country, offering everything from calm scenic floats to intense whitewater rapids. Pairing your visit to Arches with a rafting trip is one of the best ways to experience the region from a completely different perspective.
These trips are especially popular for travelers looking to turn a national park visit into a full-day or multi-day adventure. With options ranging from family-friendly floats to high-adrenaline canyon runs, there’s something for every type of explorer.
Fisher Towers Half-Day Rafting Trip | Colorado River, Moab
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Stand Up Paddleboard Half Day | Moab, UT
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Fisher Towers Full-Day Rafting | Colorado River, Moab
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Westwater Canyon Full-Day Whitewater Rafting Near Moab, UT
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Arches National Park Rafting
Colorado River
The Colorado River spans seven states and flows through the Grand Canyon on its journey from the Continental Divide to the Gulf of California. This mighty river is a vital water source for 36 million people, and one which AVA is privileged to offer access to from our Moab outpost, conveniently located only 10 minutes from Arches National Park.
Fisher Towers Rafting
Fisher Towers rafting offers a scenic, calm stretch of the Colorado River perfect for soaking in the beauty of the Moab desert. This section features gentle Class I–II rapids, making it ideal for families, first-time rafters, and anyone looking for a relaxing float.
As you drift along the river, you’ll be surrounded by towering red rock formations and dramatic canyon walls, some of the most photographed scenery in Utah. It’s often described as “the Colorado River the way you imagined it,” combining peaceful water with unforgettable views.
Westwater Canyon Rafting
For those craving more excitement, Westwater Canyon delivers one of the best whitewater experiences in the Southwest. Known for its thrilling Class III–IV rapids, this stretch of river offers a true adrenaline rush set against stunning canyon scenery.
Beyond the rapids, Westwater is equally famous for its remote beauty: sheer canyon walls, quiet stretches of water, and a sense of isolation that makes the experience feel truly wild. It’s a must-do for adventure seekers visiting Arches and Moab.
Arches National Park Activities
Family-Friendly Rafting
Perfect for beginners and families, these trips focus on calm water, safety, and scenic views. With minimal rapids and plenty of time to relax, they’re a great way to introduce kids or first-time adventurers to rafting.
High Adrenaline Whitewater
If you’re looking for action, Moab’s whitewater delivers. Expect powerful rapids, fast-moving water, and plenty of excitement. These trips are best suited for thrill-seekers and those wanting a more intense outdoor experience.
Utah Scenery
From towering arches to winding canyons, the landscapes around Arches are some of the most dramatic in the country. Whether you’re hiking, driving, or rafting, the scenery is always front and center.
Best of Moab
Combine your Arches visit with the best of Moab: rafting, off-roading, hiking, and stargazing. The region is known for its dark skies, making it an incredible place to experience the stars after a day of adventure. Here’s a Utah’s “Mighty 5” guide.
Hike to Delicate Arch
No trip to Arches is complete without seeing its most famous landmark. The hike to Delicate Arch is moderately challenging but rewards you with one of the most iconic views in the U.S.
Explore the Windows Section
This area offers some of the best bang-for-your-buck scenery with short, easy trails. You can see multiple arches, including North and South Window and Turret Arch, on a quick loop hike.
Drive the Arches Scenic Road
The park’s main scenic drive stretches about 18 miles and connects many of its top viewpoints and trailheads, making it perfect for first-time visitors or those short on time.
Visit Balanced Rock & Double Arch
These easily accessible formations are some of the most impressive in the park. Balanced Rock is a quick stop, while Double Arch offers a short walk to a massive, awe-inspiring structure.
Arches National Park Whitewater Rafting And Other Activities
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Other Rafting And Outdoor Adventures Near Arches National Park
Moab
Set against a backdrop of towering red rock formations, winding desert canyons, and the legendary Colorado River, Moab is one of the most iconic adventure destinations in the American Southwest. Just a short drive from both Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park, Moab offers a unique blend of rugged wilderness and accessible outdoor experiences.
Whether you’re visiting for a quick getaway or building a full desert itinerary, Moab delivers big scenery, warm weather, and unforgettable time on the water.
Moab Rafting on the Colorado River
Welcome to AVA’s newest outpost in Moab, your basecamp for rafting the Colorado River in Utah. Whether you’re picturing calm red rock canyons or adrenaline-pumping rapids, Moab delivers both.
We focus on two distinct, high-demand rafting experiences:
- Fisher Towers → scenic, mellow, family-friendly float
- Westwater Canyon → powerful Class III–IV whitewater adventure
Canyonlands National Park
Canyonlands National Park is a breathtaking showcase of rugged desert landscapes carved by the Colorado and Green rivers, featuring dramatic canyons, towering mesas, and unforgettable viewpoints that invite exploration and adventure.
From adrenaline-pumping river trips to scenic drives, hiking trails, and cultural exploration, things to do in Canyonlands National Park span all levels of outdoor enthusiasm.
Whether you’re gazing over the vast canyon expanses from Island in the Sky or launching a raft for a day on the river, Canyonlands offers a uniquely Utah experience that’s both wild and awe-inspiring.
Moab
825 Kane Creek Blvd, Moab, UT 84532
Set against a backdrop of towering red rock formations, winding desert canyons, and the legendary Colorado River, Moab is one of the most iconic adventure destinations in the American Southwest. Just a short drive from both Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park, Moab offers a unique blend of rugged wilderness and accessible outdoor experiences.
Whether you’re visiting for a quick getaway or building a full desert itinerary, Moab delivers big scenery, warm weather, and unforgettable time on the water.
Canyonlands National Park
Canyonlands National Park, UT
Canyonlands National Park is a breathtaking showcase of rugged desert landscapes carved by the Colorado and Green rivers, featuring dramatic canyons, towering mesas, and unforgettable viewpoints that invite exploration and adventure.
From adrenaline-pumping river trips to scenic drives, hiking trails, and cultural exploration, things to do in Canyonlands National Park span all levels of outdoor enthusiasm.
Whether you’re gazing over the vast canyon expanses from Island in the Sky or launching a raft for a day on the river, Canyonlands offers a uniquely Utah experience that’s both wild and awe-inspiring.
Moab Rafting on the Colorado River
825 Kane Creek Blvd
Moab, UT 84532
Welcome to AVA’s newest outpost in Moab, your basecamp for rafting the Colorado River in Utah. Whether you’re picturing calm red rock canyons or adrenaline-pumping rapids, Moab delivers both.
We focus on two distinct, high-demand rafting experiences:
- Fisher Towers → scenic, mellow, family-friendly float
- Westwater Canyon → powerful Class III–IV whitewater adventure
FAQs
The best things to do in Arches National Park include hiking to Delicate Arch, exploring the Windows Section, driving the scenic park road, and visiting iconic formations like Balanced Rock and Double Arch. Many visitors also combine their trip with nearby Moab adventures like Colorado River rafting for a full outdoor experience.
Most visitors spend anywhere from a half-day to two full days in Arches. A half-day allows time for the scenic drive and a few short stops, while a full day gives you the chance to complete a longer hike like Delicate Arch and explore multiple viewpoints throughout the park.
Yes. Many travelers pair Arches National Park with rafting on the Colorado River in Utah, which runs just outside Moab. It’s a popular way to balance hiking and sightseeing in the park with either a relaxing float or an adrenaline-filled whitewater adventure nearby.
The best time to visit Arches is typically spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) when temperatures are milder. Summer can be extremely hot, while winter offers fewer crowds but colder hiking conditions. Check out the Arches weather and conditions.
Yes, Arches and Canyonlands are very family-friendly. Many trails are short and easy, such as the Windows Section and Balanced Rock area in Arches. Families also enjoy scenic drives with frequent stops, making it accessible for all ages and fitness levels.
No, Arches National Park will not require timed-entry reservations in 2026. Visitors can enter the park at any time during operating hours, though it is still recommended to arrive early to avoid mid-day parking congestion at popular trailheads.
The best family-friendly hikes in Arches are the Windows Loop, Double Arch, and Sand Dune Arch. These trails are relatively flat, short (under 1 mile), and lead directly to massive, impressive rock formations kids will love.
Yes, Arches National Park is absolutely worth visiting for its unique concentration of over 2,000 natural stone arches. It offers some of the most iconic desert scenery in the American Southwest and is highly accessible for all types of travelers.
You should bring at least one gallon of water per person, high-SPF sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and sturdy hiking shoes. Because there is very little shade in the park, sun protection and hydration are critical for a safe visit.
