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
If you’re picturing the Colorado River winding through towering red rock canyons, calm stretches of water, and just enough splash to keep things fun. [...]
Inflatable Kayaks Half Day | Moab, UT – Colorado River
Take control of your own river adventure with our Inflatable Kayaks Half Day trip in Moab, Utah! Paddle a stable, self-bailing inflatable kayak (also [...]
Stand Up Paddleboard Half Day | Moab, UT
Experience the beauty of Moab from a fresh perspective on the water with our Stand Up Paddleboard Half Day adventure! Glide across the iconic [...]
Fisher Towers Full-Day Rafting | Colorado River, Moab
Take your time on the Colorado River with a full-day rafting trip through the stunning Fisher Towers section. This extended journey goes beyond the [...]
Westwater Canyon Full-Day Whitewater Rafting Near Moab, UT
If you’re looking for the most exciting rafting near Moab, Westwater Canyon delivers. This iconic stretch of the Colorado River combines towering canyon scenery [...]
Whitewater Canoe Half Day | Moab, UT
Get ready for a hands-on river adventure with our Whitewater Canoe Half Day trip in Moab, Utah! Paddle your own inflatable canoe down a [...]
Fisher Towers Overnight Rafting | Colorado River Camping Near Moab
Slow down and experience the Colorado River the way few people do by spending a full day on the water and a night under [...]
Westwater Canyon Overnight Whitewater Rafting | Moab, UT
Take on one of the most legendary whitewater stretches in the Southwest with a 24-hour rafting and camping experience through Westwater Canyon. This overnight [...]
3 Day Utah River Rafting Trips – Westwater Canyon | Moab, UT
Escape into one of the most iconic river canyons in the Southwest on our 3 Day Westwater Canyon Rafting Trip. This unforgettable multi-day adventure [...]
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
Looking for the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure? Fisher Towers rafting offers a scenic, calm stretch of the Colorado River highlighting the absolute best of the Moab desert.
Featuring gentle Class I–II rapids, this section of the river is the ultimate gateway to outdoor adventure—making it ideal for families, first-time rafters, and anyone craving a relaxing float.
Why Choose a Fisher Towers River Trip?
- Iconic Red Rock Scenery: As you drift along, you’ll be surrounded by towering sandstone formations and dramatic canyon walls—some of the most photographed landscapes in Utah.
- Family-Friendly Outdoor Adventure: The perfect mix of peaceful flatwater and splashy, low-risk rapids ensures fun for all ages and skill levels.
- The Classic American West: This is Colorado River rafting exactly how you imagined it, combining tranquil waters with unforgettable Southwestern views.
Westwater Canyon Rafting
If you’re craving high-octane excitement, Westwater Canyon rafting delivers some of the best whitewater rafting in Utah and the greater Southwest. Engineered for adventure seekers, this action-packed stretch of the Colorado River features intense Class III–IV rapids promising a true, heart-pounding adrenaline rush.
But a Westwater Canyon rafting trip isn’t just about surviving the waves. Beyond the wild rapids, this section is legendary for its rugged, remote beauty:
- Ancient Black Quartzite Canyons: Drift between dramatic, sheer canyon walls showcasing some of the oldest exposed rock on the Colorado river.
- A Truly Wild Experience: Disconnect from the crowds with quiet stretches of water and a profound sense of wilderness isolation.
- The Perfect Moab Add-On: Conveniently located near the Colorado border, it’s an absolute must-do day trip for thrill-seekers visiting Arches National Park and Moab.
Arches National Park Activities
Family-Friendly Rafting
Ideal for beginners and multi-generational travelers, family-friendly rafting near Moab prioritizes safety, calm waters, and breathtaking canyon views. Featuring gentle, low-risk rapids interspersed with peaceful flatwater, these scenic excursions offer the perfect way to introduce kids or first-time adventurers to the water while exploring the perimeter of Arches National Park.
High Adrenaline Whitewater
For thrill-seekers looking to ramp up the excitement, Moab’s legendary river corridors deliver an action-packed outdoor challenge. Expect powerful, fast-moving currents and world-class rapids that are tailor-made for experienced adventurers wanting an intense, unforgettable Utah rafting experience.
Utah Scenery
Boasting everything from soaring stone monoliths to winding red rock canyons, the awe-inspiring Utah scenery surrounding Moab ranks among the most dramatic landscapes in the United States. Whether you choose to explore the region by hiking, e-biking from Moab, scenic driving, or floating down the Colorado River, the area’s majestic geological wonders remain firmly front and center throughout your journey.
Best of Moab
Elevate your vacation by pairing your national park hikes with the best of Moab, including high-adventure off-roading, river rafting, and world-class stargazing under the region’s famously pristine, certified dark skies. This vibrant desert town serves as the ultimate basecamp for an unforgettable Southwestern road trip, which you can easily map out using this comprehensive Utah Mighty 5 guide.
Hike to Delicate Arch
No trip to the region is complete without witnessing Utah’s most famous geological landmark in person. While the trail is moderately challenging and climbs across wide-open slickrock, the rewarding, panoramic views at the end of the official Delicate Arch trail deliver one of the most iconic and photographed vistas in the country.
Explore the Windows Section
Offering the absolute highest concentration of red rock scenery for the least amount of physical effort, the Arches National Park’s Windows Section is packed with short, easy trails. A quick, family-friendly loop hike allows you to stand directly beneath multiple massive sandstone structures on a single outing, including the North Window, South Window, and the majestic Turret Arch.
Drive the Arches Scenic Road
Cruising the 18-mile paved Arches Scenic Road is the premier option for first-time visitors or travelers on a tight vacation schedule. This stunning highway winds deep into the heart of the park’s rugged interior, seamlessly connecting you to top panoramic viewpoints, roadside pullouts, and major trailheads without requiring miles of walking.
Visit Balanced Rock & Double Arch
For massive visual impact with minimal walking, make sure to stop by Balanced Rock and Double Arch. Balanced Rock offers a quick, accessible loop right off the main pavement, while the short path to the awe-inspiring Double Arch allows you to walk directly underneath a colossal, towering amphitheater of interconnected stone spans.
Arches National Park Whitewater Rafting And Other Activities
Colorado Scenic Float-Half Day
This wonderful Colorado River float trip is a gently flowing section that is inviting to all ages. You’ll encounter a few small rapids as [...]
Browns Canyon 1/2 Day
Get ready to experience the best of Colorado on our Brown’s Canyon half-day trip. This family-friendly adventure rushes you down the Arkansas River and [...]
Inflatable Kayaks Half Day
Looking to take charge of the river? On AVA’s Upper Colorado Inflatable Kayak ½ Day trip you can do just that! Whether you want [...]
Fisher Towers Half-Day Rafting Trip | Colorado River, Moab
If you’re picturing the Colorado River winding through towering red rock canyons, calm stretches of water, and just enough splash to keep things fun. [...]
Cliffside Zipline Half Day
Experience one of the most unique zipline adventures near Denver on our Cliffside Zipline Course in Idaho Springs. Your adventure begins in historic downtown [...]
Gold Rush Clear Creek Rafting Adventure
Splash down the Clear Creek mining valley on our 1/3 day Gold Rush trip. Just a short half-hour trip from Denver, this family-friendly rafting [...]
Stand Up Paddleboard Half Day
Try the newest, most fun activity on the river – Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP)! On this half-day trip, you’ll SUP 5 miles down the [...]
Colorado Via Ferrata – Granite
Adventure awaits as you conquer the cliffside on this unique mountaintop climbing experience. Feel a rush of adrenaline as you traverse across and above [...]
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.
