Arches National Park Hikes, Fiery Furnace and Itinerary
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Top Hikes | Tours | 1 Day in Arches National Park | Fiery Furnace | Arches Sunset
Our trip to Arches National Park was truly unmatched—it felt like stepping into another world. Just outside Moab, Utah, this incredible place boasts over 2,000 natural stone arches and breathtaking formations. From the iconic Delicate Arch to the hidden wonders of the Fiery Furnace, every turn revealed something extraordinary. Read more about the stunning Arches National Park sunset, the top Arches National Park hikes, and everything you need to know about exploring the Fiery Furnace.
Timed Vehicle Reservations and Weather Planning
Arches National Park uses a timed vehicle system to manage entry during its busiest seasons. Tickets are released on a first-come, first-served basis through Recreation.gov, starting three months in advance and in monthly blocks. For instance, if you’re planning to visit in May, reservations open on February 1 at 8 am MST. A limited number of tickets are also made available one day before entry at 7 pm—but don’t count on those; they sell out fast!
During 2025, the timed entry requirement applies daily from 7 am to 4 pm during two peak periods: April 1 through July 6 and August 28 through October 31. Outside these dates, you can enjoy the park without reservations, but it’s always a good idea to check Recreation.gov for the latest updates. Policies do change from year to year based on new visitor trends.
Near Broken Arch enjoying an Arches National Park sunset
From May to October, temperatures at Arches National Park can vary widely. May and October usually bring mild, comfortable days in the 70s and 80s (F), while the summer months of June through August can hit the high 90s or even triple digits. Evenings offer some relief with cooler temperatures, but the heat during the day can be intense. Water isn’t readily available throughout the park, so be sure to pack all the food and water you’ll need—and then some. You can never be too prepared in this environment. A good rule of thumb is to bring at least a gallon of water per family member, even more if you’re planning to stay over half the day or tackle multiple hikes. Pair that with sun protection, and you’ll be ready to make the most of your time in this incredible park. Read our safety tips for more information on visiting national parks, especially with children.
Last year, they required vehicle reservations during our visit in July, and we didn’t plan ahead. Arches was at the end of a month-long road trip through Colorado that ended in Utah, so we totally dropped the ball on planning for Utah. My heart sank when we realized Arches had a vehicle reservation system, but once we arrived, we realized it was absolutely nothing to worry about. We were still able to do the top Arches National Park hikes, and more! Read on for why…
Nothing Tops an Arches National Park Sunset
Near Sand Dune Arch and a beautiful Arches National Park sunset
Our first night in Moab, we decided to make the most of it and visit Arches after dinner since the reservation system ended at 4 pm. Still not really knowing what to expect at this point, we arrived and were completely shocked at how empty the park was in mid-July around 5 pm. The later it got in the evening, the fewer and fewer people we saw.
Upper Delicate Arch Viewpoint
This first night was like any first day on vacation—driving around, taking in the scenery. We drove straight to Delicate Arch Viewpoint. Upper Delicate Arch Viewpoint is a steep, half-mile hike to view the arch across a canyon. There are some steep cliffs at the top of the overlook trail, so keep kids close by on this hike! Our older kids easily did this trail alone, while our 5 year old needed some additional assistance. We did not do this, but you can hike directly to Delicate Arch as well. The hike to Delicate Arch begins at Wolfe Ranch.
Sand Dune Arch
We then drove further into the park about an hour before the sun set, and at this point, the weather was absolutely perfect. Our car was one of just a few in the parking lot. We stopped to see Sand Dune Arch, but first got pulled off to the sides by small slot canyons with dunes that the kids played on. We have never seen them light up the way they did when they got to explore this area. Afterward, we made our way toward Sand Dune Arch, which is a canyon filled with incredible areas to climb and explore. Of course, we followed the rules and never climbed on the arches. This hike is extremely kid friendly, being only 0.4 miles and flat. We could have stayed here all night, as it felt like a dream having this area to ourselves. It was a moment we will never forget.
Broken Arch
As the sun slipped further down in the sky, we wanted to get one last arch in before darkness. We continued along the path to Broken Arch, which is 2.3 miles round trip and mostly flat. At the time of day we went, this felt like nothing, but during the day, this would be a challenge, so bring plenty of water. This was yet another "hiker's fairytale" moment, with the sun having officially set and not a soul in sight. As the arch came into view, I couldn't believe how lucky I was to be in a place like this. The kids explored and climbed for a while, and it was a challenge to pull everyone away and call it a night. I didn’t think there was a way to top this night.
Fiery Furnace Permit and Self-Guided Tour
Fiery Furnace Overlook
A few days prior, we were lucky enough to secure seven permits, in two groups, for the Fiery Furnace. This area is a natural labyrinth of narrow passages weaving through towering sandstone walls. Standing at the viewpoint near sunset, you can see the low-angle light illuminate the rocks, giving them a fiery glow—hence the name. There are only two ways to hike this section of the park: by joining a ranger-led tour or navigating it self-guided with a permit.
Fiery Furnace Permit required
Hiking the Fiery Furnace is an entirely different experience compared to other parts of the park. Without marked trails, the area presents a maze of potential routes, frequent dead ends, and opportunities to get turned around. It’s essential to stay alert and stick to sandy wash bottoms or rocky areas to protect the fragile ecosystem, something we learned in our required video training before receiving our Fiery Furnace permit. One of the most critical rules is avoiding the biological soil crust—a delicate layer of living organisms that takes thousands of years to form and can be destroyed by a single footstep. Similarly, sand dunes serve as vital habitats for plants and wildlife, so walking on them is strictly off-limits in this area.
Fiery Furnace Permit required
To make the most of this adventure, an early start is best—we began at 8 am and finished by noon. Morning temperatures are cooler, and the shade provides relief, but the heat can become intense as the day progresses. The hike itself is challenging and thrilling: you’ll squeeze through tight canyons, balance on ledges, jump over gaps, and occasionally rely on your upper-body strength to hoist yourself up. It’s not for the faint of heart, but it’s an unforgettable experience that feels like stepping into another world.
The rangers made it clear that climbing on rocks was allowed, so that’s exactly what we did! The kids had a blast safely exploring the Fiery Furnace. A word of caution: secure your cell phones! You might feel tempted to keep it in your pocket for easy access to take photos or attempt to track your location, but accidents happen. My husband’s phone fell out while he was climbing and ended up in a narrow slot. Thankfully, with a few sticks and some teamwork—including the help of our kids’ skinny arms—we were able to retrieve it. We were lucky it didn’t fall into one of the deeper slots that seemed to go down forever!
Arches National Park Tours
One Last Arch on Our Way Out
Double Arch
Our last moment in Arches was on the way out after exploring the Fiery Furnace. We were all hot and pretty exhausted at this point, ready to jump into the pool back at the campground. But I insisted on a quick pit stop at Double Arch. The trail is short—just 0.6 miles round trip—and easy, but in 98-degree heat at 1 pm, it felt anything but easy! The area was packed with people, a stark contrast to the magical solitude we experienced the night before. Despite the crowds and the heat, Double Arch was absolutely stunning and worth the effort. If you can visit the park early in the morning or late in the evening, I highly recommend it—it’s an entirely different experience!
Arches National Park with Kids
Arches National Park is a fantastic destination for families with kids. The park offers plenty of short, manageable hikes, making it easy to explore with little ones. Plan your visit for cooler times of the year, or head out early in the morning or in the evening to beat the heat—it’s completely safe and much more comfortable. Staying somewhere with a pool, whether at a hotel or campground, is a game-changer for those hot midday hours, giving everyone a chance to cool off and recharge before your next adventure. The park is also smaller than some others, so it’s easy to pop in and out for a half-day visit. Being so close to downtown Moab means there are plenty of activities to enjoy outside the park too. And don’t forget, the Junior Ranger program is always a huge hit with the kids, offering a fun and interactive way to learn more about this incredible place.
Arches National Park Hikes Summary
If you only have 1 day in Arches National Park, I would tackle these 4 hikes and see Fiery Furnace from the overlook. If you have two days, it is definitely worth getting a Fiery Furnace permit to further explore! Start very early, especially in the hot summer months, to avoid heat. Bring tons of water, at least a gallon of water a person, as there are no places to get water near these locations!
Upper Delicate Arch Viewpoint
Upper Delicate Arch Viewpoint offers a breathtaking perspective of the iconic Delicate Arch from across a canyon. The steep, half-mile hike rewards visitors with panoramic views, but beware—there is a steep cliff at the end, so keep small children close.
Sand Dune Arch is an easy, family-friendly hike that’s perfect for little adventurers, with a flat 0.4-mile trail through soft sand. The short walk leads to a beautiful arch tucked between towering rock walls, making it a fun and safe exploration spot for kids.
Broken Arch is a scenic 2.3-mile round-trip hike that’s mostly flat, making it an enjoyable adventure for families. The trail meanders through open meadows and sandstone fins, leading to the striking arch—perfect for a leisurely and accessible exploration.
Double Arch is a short and easy 0.6-mile round-trip hike that’s perfect for all ages. This stunning trail leads to two massive arches connected at the top, offering a breathtaking sight that’s fun and accessible for the whole family.
The Fiery Furnace is a challenging yet rewarding hike, perfect for adventurous families with kids aged 5 and up. Be sure to secure your Fiery Furnace permit in advance at Recreation.gov to explore this maze of sandstone and hidden arches safely.
If you’re planning your own journey to Arches, be ready for the heat, pack more water than you think you’ll need, and allow time to wander. Whether it’s your first visit or your tenth, Arches National Park will leave you in awe. We can’t wait to go back!
