Arches National Park is home to over 2,000 natural arches, but few are quite as astonishing as Landscape Arch. Stretching an incredible 306 feet, it is the longest natural arch in North America and a must-see for visitors to the park. Its delicate structure and immense size make it a breathtaking sight, and reaching it is one of the most accessible hikes in the park.
Difficulty – Easy
Distance – 1.8 miles round trip (2.9 km)
Elevation gain –40 ft (12 m)
Duration – About 1 hour
Dogs – Not allowed
Reservations are required in Arches National Park during the busy season. See status and grab reservations here.
What to Expect on the Trail
Start at Devils Garden
The hike begins at the Devils Garden Trailhead, located at the far end of the park road. There is ample parking, though it fills up quickly during peak hours. This is a heavily trafficked area with bathrooms as well.
A Scenic Walk
The trail is well-maintained, wide, and mostly flat, weaving through juniper trees and desert shrubs. Along the way, you’ll be treated to views of sandstone formations and smaller arches, setting the stage for the main event. Only a short bit into the hike, you’ll encounter trail signs for short detours to other arch viewpoints.
The Grand Reveal
About 0.8 miles in, the massive span of Landscape Arch comes into view. Its impossibly thin structure seems to defy gravity, especially when you learn that sections of the arch have fallen over the years, leaving it even more delicate. I highly recommend extending your hike beyond Landscape Arch and heading to at least Navajo Arch. The trail does get more difficult with more uphill and rocky terrain after the landscape arch viewpoint.
Landscape Arch
Tips for a Great Hike
Start Early
The trail is very popular, so hiking early in the morning not only beats the crowds but also provides cooler temperatures and soft morning light.
Stay on the Trail
The area around the arch is fenced off for safety and preservation. Respect the barriers to protect this fragile formation, the biological soil crust, and yourself.
Bring the Essentials
Even on an easy trail, you’ll need water, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes. The desert sun can be harsh, even on short hikes.
Explore Beyond the Arch
For adventurous hikers, the Devils Garden Trail continues past Landscape Arch, leading to more iconic features like Double O Arch and Navajo Arch. There are also several easy access arches from this trail (Tunnel Arch, and Pine Tree Arch).
Navajo arch
Landscape Arch from the backside
My Experience
Landscape Arch has always been a stop and watch point heading to other awesome parts. This is a hike I have been on many times as it is easy to get to, and offers access to many other arches in a single hike. In my personal opinion, it isn’t the best looking arch in the park, but this hike is a must do to see all of these awesome arches, particularly Navajo Arch.
Trail Map
Here is a link to a map of the route
(Note that when using mapping tools in parks with rock formations like Arches, they can sometimes over report elevation gain. The map below shows greater elevation gain than other
Weather
Here is a detailed weather forecast for the area:
Thompson Springs, UT
Tonight
Partly cloudy, with a low around 24. Northwest wind 0 to 5 mph.
Sunday
Sunny, with a high near 44. West southwest wind 0 to 5 mph.
Sunday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 22. North northwest wind 0 to 5 mph.
Monday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 42. North wind 0 to 5 mph.
Monday Night
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 24. Northwest wind around 0 mph.
Tuesday
Partly sunny, with a high near 43.
Tuesday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 23.
Directions
Max DesMarais
Max DesMarais is the founder of myoutdoorbasecamp.com. He has a passion for the outdoors and making outdoor education and adventure more accessible. Max is a published author for various outdoor adventure, travel, and marketing websites. He is an experienced hiker, backpacker, fly fisherman, backcountry skier, trail runner, and spends his free time in the outdoors. These adventures allow him to test gear, learn new skills, and experience new places so that he can educate others. Max grew up hiking all around New Hampshire and New England. He became obsessed with the New Hampshire mountains, and the NH 48, where he guided hikes and trail runs in the White Mountains. Since moving out west, Max has continued climbed all of the Colorado 14ers, is always testing gear, learning skills, gaining experience, and building his endurance for outdoor sports. You can read more about his experience here: hikingandfishing/about
