Half Day Hiking at Arches National Park Utah
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
4–5 hours
Fitness Level
Good fitness is recommended for handling uneven terrain and moderate elevation changes.
Overview
Spend half a day hiking among the world’s highest concentration of natural arches with expert guides revealing the secrets of Utah’s desert sandstone formations.
Arches National Park Half Day Hiking Tour
Private Half Day Hiking Tour | Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Select participants and date
Adventure Photos
About This Adventure
Embark on a private hiking tour through Arches National Park, where you'll explore the world's highest concentration of natural arches. Over five hours, your expert guide will unveil the park's stunning geologic formations and share the fascinating story of how ancient sand dunes transformed into breathtaking arches and canyons.
Unique Geologic Formations and Stunning Vistas!
All tours are private - just your group and your guide!
Departure
Morning and afternoon tours available
We can often be flexible with our departure times. Please call 435-259-4433 or email info@deserthighlights.com to inquire about alternate start times.
Duration
Approximately 5 hours
Tour Highlights
- Physical Difficulty: Easy - Moderate
- Total Distance: 0 miles - 7 miles
- Our private hiking tours are customized for your group
Tour Description
Arches National Park is home to the highest concentration of natural arches anywhere in the world. Contained within it's 76,518 acres are well over 2,000 documented arches! While impossible to see all of them in one visit, our guides will take you on a tour of the most impressive and awe-inspiring geologic formations in the park. Learn about how these ancient sand dunes first turned to stone and are continually eroding into arches, fins, domes and canyons.
Adventure Tips
Start early to avoid heat
Begin your hike in the morning hours to stay cool and enjoy softer light on the arches.
Bring plenty of water
Carry at least 2 liters per person to stay hydrated in the dry desert climate.
Wear sturdy hiking shoes
The rocky trails demand shoes with solid grip and ankle support.
Respect fragile formations
Stick to marked trails to prevent damaging delicate rock surfaces and cryptobiotic soil.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Desert Bighorn Sheep
- Canyon Wren
History
Designated a national park in 1971, Arches preserves over 2,000 natural sandstone arches, unique geological features formed from ancient dunes dating back hundreds of millions of years.
Conservation
Visitors are urged to stay on designated paths to protect fragile cryptobiotic soil crusts that help prevent erosion and support desert vegetation.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in Moab
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Hiking boots
Provide traction and support on rugged sandstone trails.
Sun hat
Protects from intense desert sun during midday.
summer specific
Layered clothing
Allows adjustment for temperature swings from morning to afternoon.
Daypack with hydration
Keeps water and snacks handy for the multi-hour hike.