Arches National Park is a breathtaking destination in southeastern Utah, renowned for its awe-inspiring collection of over 2,000 natural sandstone arches. May 2024 promises to be an extraordinary time to visit, as the park unveils its vibrant beauty against the backdrop of a blooming desert landscape. With warm temperatures and extended daylight hours, you’ll have ample opportunities to explore the park’s iconic landmarks and hidden gems. Plan your adventure with our guide to the 11 top things to do in Arches National Park on May 2024.
Explore Delicate Arch
No visit to Arches National Park is complete without witnessing the iconic Delicate Arch. This freestanding arch, perched atop a slickrock pedestal, is a symbol of the park’s unique geological formations. Capture the perfect photo during the golden hour of sunrise or sunset, when the arch glows in warm hues. The trail to Delicate Arch is a challenging 3-mile round trip, so plan for a comfortable hike with plenty of water.
Hike to Balanced Rock
Balanced Rock is another iconic landmark in Arches National Park. This massive sandstone boulder precariously balances on a narrow pedestal, creating an optical illusion that defies gravity. The trail to Balanced Rock is a short and easy 0.25-mile loop, ideal for visitors of all ages. Ascend the rock for panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including Delicate Arch.
Admire the Windows Section
The Windows Section of Arches National Park is a wonderland of natural sandstone arches. Take a scenic drive along Windows Road and stop at various viewpoints to admire formations such as Turret Arch, North Window, and South Window. If you have time, hike the short trails to these arches to appreciate their grandeur up close.
Discover Fiery Furnace
For a thrilling off-trail adventure, explore the Fiery Furnace. This labyrinthine canyon of narrow passageways, towering fins, and hidden alcoves requires a ranger-led tour or a self-guided permit. Prepare for a challenging hike with plenty of scrambling and squeezing through narrow spaces, but the rewards are well worth the effort. Witness the vibrant colors of the sandstone and the unique geological formations that make the Fiery Furnace an unforgettable experience.
Visit Devil’s Garden
Devil’s Garden is a remote section of Arches National Park that offers some of the most iconic arches in the park. Hike the 1.5-mile Primitive Trail to admire Landscape Arch, the longest known natural sandstone arch in the world. Continue on to Double Arch, a stunning formation with two arches overlapping each other. End your hike at Dark Angel, a towering monolith with a small arch at its base.
Drive the Scenic Byway
The Arches National Park Scenic Drive is a 18-mile paved road that winds through the heart of the park. Take a leisurely drive to soak in the breathtaking scenery and stop at various viewpoints to capture stunning photos. Along the way, you’ll encounter iconic formations such as Balanced Rock, Delicate Arch, and Courthouse Towers.
Explore Courthouse Towers
Courthouse Towers is a cluster of towering sandstone fins and spires that resemble a grand courthouse building. Hike the 0.5-mile Tower Arch Trail to admire these unique formations up close. The trail leads to Tower Arch, a massive arch that frames the Courthouse Towers in a stunning composition.
Walk to Sand Dune Arch
For a short and rewarding hike, visit Sand Dune Arch. This elegant arch is located just off the main road and offers excellent photo opportunities. Prepare for a bit of sand on the trail leading to the arch, but the stunning views are worth the effort. Take a moment to relax beneath the arch and appreciate the play of light and shadow.
Discover Petrified Dunes
Step back in time at Petrified Dunes, a unique geological area within Arches National Park. Here, you’ll find ancient petrified sand dunes that have been transformed into stone. Hike the short trail through the dunes and marvel at the colorful layers of sandstone and the intricate patterns created by the fossil dunes.
Witness Garden of Eden
The Garden of Eden is a scenic area in Arches National Park that offers a different perspective on the park’s unique formations. Take a short hike to this secluded spot and admire the many small arches and rock formations that give the area its name. The Garden of Eden is an ideal place for enjoying a picnic lunch or simply relaxing amidst the beauty of nature.
Plan your adventure today and experience the wonders of Arches National Park in May 2024. From iconic arches to hidden gems, the park offers countless opportunities for exploration and adventure. Let the vibrant colors and breathtaking formations of Arches National Park create unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.
