I think sunrise in Arches National Park is the best way to start your trip! Not only are the sunrises here insanely gorgeous, but it’s also a nice way to get into the park and see the popular spots before it gets too crowded.

Sunset in Arches National Park is another fantastic way to cap your visit, although you should expect a few more crowds than sunrise – especially if you’re catching sunset at popular spots like Delicate Arch. Don’t worry! There are plenty of lesser-known options on this list if you’d like a quieter spot for sunset.

In this article:

• The best place for sunrise & sunset in Arches National Park
• Options for hikers, or non-hikers
• Tips to avoid crowds
• Bonus: The best place to watch sunset that ISN’T in Arches National Park

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Best Places For Sunrise & Sunset In Arches National Park

These are the top spots to catch sunrise and sunset in Arches National Park! Some of them require a hike, and others are great viewpoints you can drive right up to!

Add your trip dates to this calculator to get the exact time for sunrise and sunset in Arches National Park during your visit:

Sunrise Arches National Park

Catching sunrise in Arches National Park should definitely be on your trip itinerary! Entering the park before the sun rises is a unique experience.

Once you make it through the entrance gates the main road starts to climb up a series of switchbacks in front of you, and in the dark all you see are headlights climbing up the night sky in the dark. A little eery but super cool!

There’s a few benefits to getting to Arches this early! First, if you’re visiting during summer when vehicle reservations are required you can skip those timed-entry requirements by getting to the park before 7 am! Second, you’re almost guaranteed to find a parking spot at any trailhead you want!

Remember to pack: a headlight or flashlight, plenty of water (there’s not a lot in the park), and layers because the temperatures fluctuate a lot in the high desert.

1. Delicate Arch At Sunrise (Hiking and Non-Hiking Options)

If you only have time to see one sunrise in Arches National Park you can’t get any more iconic than Delicate Arch. In fact, Delicate Arch is (in my opinion) the best thing to do in Arches National Park.

There are two ways to see sunrise at Delicate Arch – you can hike in, or you can see it from the viewpoint.

Delicate Arch Hike

Delicate Arch Viewpoint

Delicate Arch viewpoint is farther away from the arch but doesn’t require a big hike.

The lower viewpoint is about 200 feet from the parking area and very easy to manage that early in the morning!

There’s also an upper viewpoint which is a bit more strenuous than the easy lower viewpoint. It’s half a mile from the parking area and has some inclines and steps to the top. From here, Delicate Arch can be seen across the canyon about 1 mile away.

FUN FACT: Delicate Arch has also been called “Cowboy Chaps” and “Old Maid’s Bloomers”. The term “Delicate” has only been used since 1934.

2. The Windows

Another great spot for sunrise in Arches National Park is The Windows. This area of the park gets really busy later in the day so by seeing it at sunrise you can avoid most of the crowds.

Unlike Delicate Arch, this area is pretty spread out so it’s possible to find a quiet spot and not be surrounded by the crowds.

The full Windows hike is a 0.7 mile loop, but you can easily hike less than that to find a good spot for sunrise.

With several arches in this area you can cover quite a bit of ground and get multiple photos of different arches as the sun rises. The parking lot is the trailhead for several of the best hikes in Arches National Park so this is a great place to start your day.

3. Double Arch

Double Arch is located across from North and South Windows (detailed above) and is a great place to watch sunrise in Arches National Park.

The arch is massive, and you can climb up into it if you’d like. Otherwise, this hike is only 0.6 miles and pretty flat (most of the elevation change is from getting into the arch, not the actual trail to it.)

If you only have one day in Arches National Park, this is a great place to start early because you’ll be able to cover a lot of ground before it gets crowded.

Be sure to check out The Windows (right across the parking lot) before you move on. Then I would head to Delicate Arch right after to maximize your time (it’s another area where parking becomes very challenging later in the day.)

4. Sunrise At Landscape Arch In Devils Garden Trail

Landscape Arch is one of several features along the Devils Garden Trail. In total, Devils Garden Trail is almost 8 miles long, however Landscape Arch is located less than a mile down the trail and is a fairly easy hike.

The trailhead for Landscape Arch is near the Devils Garden campgrounds in Arches National Park, which is about 30 minutes past the entrance so be sure to build travel time into your itinerary!

Because of the length of Landscape Arch (it’s the longest known arch in North America) it has some incredibly spectacular views of sunrise. It also tends to be much less crowded than Delicate Arch or The Windows.

5. Balanced Rock

If you’re looking for an easy location for sunrise in Arches National Park then Balanced Rock is perfect! It’s possible to see this formation from the parking area, so you don’t have to hike if you don’t want to.

There is a 0.3 mile loop trail around the base of Balanced Rock if you want to stretch your legs or find a quieter spot for sunrise.

Sunset Arches National Park (Hiking Required)

There are many popular places to watch sunset in Arches National Park. The list below includes some iconic locations, like Delicate Arch, as well as lesser known spots where you can find some solitude to watch the sun drop behind the arches.

If you’re willing to hike a bit, these Arches National Park sunset spots won’t disappoint. Remember to pack a headlamp or a flashlight because your return trip will be in the dark.

1. Sunset At Broken Arch

Broken Arch is located deeper in the park near Devils Garden. This is a 1.7 mile loop trail behind Devils Garden Campgrounds and is very close to the trailhead for Landscape Arch.

This hike is fairly easy and mostly through meadows, so it’s also a safe bet for walking back to your vehicle after dark.

2. The Windows At Sunset

Another great spot for sunset in Arches is at The Windows. Specifically, North and South Windows.

NOTE: This section of the park can be quite popular, and there are a few arches here that share one parking lot so I recommend arriving early and budgeting in some time searching for an open spot. This is one of the most crowded spots for sunset.

The hike to the Windows is 0.7 mile round trip with about 125 feet of elevation change. What I love most about this spot for sunset is that you can get many angles of the sunset from walking around the Windows.

I also recommend sticking around after sunset because the stargazing from this location is incredible!

3. Double Arch

Double Arch is a fantastic spot for sunset in Arches National Park. The orientation of Double Arch with the sun setting in the West creates such a magical glow over the red rock that’s really neat!

This spot shares a parking lot with The Windows so it’s also wildly crowded – be sure to plan for plenty of time to find parking.

The hike to Double Arch is only 0.6 miles round trip, very well marked and only has 95 feet of elevation change (but that’s mostly all to get into the arch, and not along the actual path.)

TIP: If you’re worried about hiking after dark this is a great trail to consider because the wide, well marked, and well maintained trail will be easy to navigate after sundown. You’ll like not be alone either, so the light from others flashlights and headlamps will help lead the way as you take the short trek back to the parking lot.

4. Delicate Arch

Of course, Delicate Arch has to make the list of the best places for sunset in Arches National Park! It’s iconic… but it’s also the most crowded sunset spot in Arches.

The hike to Delicate Arch is 3.2 miles round trip and most of the hike is over flat, smooth rock. If it’s rainy, snowy or icy this trail is almost impossible to navigate without traction devices and trekking poles, so come prepared.

You definitely need a headlamp for this hike as the trail can be difficult to follow and is fairly uneven in places.

TIP: If you’re visiting Arches in winter I suggest having a backup plan for sunset just in case this trail is too icy or snowy.

5. Eye of the Whale

Eye of the Whale is a well kept secret spot for sunset in Arches National Park. What’s so unique about this spot is that it actually looks like a whale’s eye! Even better, you won’t have any crowds to contend with here.

The trailhead is located down a 4×4 access road. If you have a 4×4 capable vehicle you can get much closer to Eye of the Whale. From the road, the trail up to the arch is only 0.2 miles.

If, like me, you don’t then you can hike in along the road. It’s a fairly flat walk along the roadway. In total the hike is 5.1 miles roundtrip.

Most of the elevation change is near the rock formation, so whether you hike or drive on the dirt road you won’t skip the elevation gain.

If you have time, there are several other unnamed arches in this area to explore.

Sunset Arches National Park (Non-Hiking Options)

The following list of locations for sunset in Arches National Park do not require any hiking.

These are ideal if you’re uncertain of a return hike after dark or are just tired after a busy day in the park.

If you prefer not to drive, book this 3 hour tour for sunset in Arches National Park instead! You’ll be able to see Three Gossips, Balanced Rock, Skyline Arch, Courthouse Towers, The Windows, Delicate Arch and more for sunset.

1. Panorama Point Sunset in Arches (Fully Accessible)

Panorama Point is a great viewing point in Arches to watch sunset. From here you can see Fiery Furnace and Devils Garden in the distance. Since Panorama Point is at the top of a hill, you can also see the La Sal Mountains in clear weather.

This is an easy pull off along Arches Scenic Drive, and it has picnic tables and bathrooms for even more convenience. Best of all, no hiking is required for this sunset spot!

NOTE: This is a fully accessible place to watch sunset in Arches National Park, including handicap accessible parking and sidewalks.

2. Balanced Rock

Balanced Rock isn’t technically a viewpoint, but it’s still a good non-hiking option for sunset in Arches National Park.

From the parking lot you can see great views of the rock formation. Directly across the street are picnic tables and bathrooms, so this is a great place to have a late picnic dinner and watch the sun dip beyond the horizon.

You can also opt for the 0.3 mile loop around the base of Balanced Rock. Part of this trail is paved and flat, so it’s very accessible for strollers and wheelchairs. The remaining portion has a bit more of an incline so it may be more difficult to complete the full loop if you have accessibility challenges.

3. Turret Arch

Turret Arch is located in The Windows section of the park. Since this area is incredibly popular all day long I recommend arriving at least 40 minutes early for sunset here. You’ll need extra time to find an open spot in the parking lot.

While Turret Arch is technically a hike, it’s only 0.2 miles and it’s mostly flat so I’ve included it in this section.

TIP: If you’re interested in Double Arch or North and South Windows they’re a short extension of this hike.

4. Skyline Arch

Skyline Arch is also technically a hike, but it’s less than 0.5 miles on a flat and well-defined trail so I think it’s a good option if you’re looking for a more relaxed sunset in Arches National Park, but don’t want a strenuous hike. This trail should take around 20 minutes round trip.

Another benefit to Skyline Arch is that it’s much less crowded than the other viewpoints for sunset in Arches National Park! Because this is located near Devils Garden, the farthest part of the park, the crowds tend to thin by early evening. Keep in mind you’ll have a 30 minute drive to get back to the entrance from here.

FUN FACT: In 1940 a huge boulder fell out of Skyline Arch which doubled the size of the arch’s opening.

5. Courthouse Towers & Park Ave Viewpoints

Courthouse Towers and Park Ave are located near the entrance of the park and make for a great final stop to watch sunset on your way out of Arches National Park.

There’s a pull off near Courthouse Towers viewpoint where you can watch the glow of sunset in Arches along the Courthouse Towers.

A little bit closer to the park entrance and you’ll come to Park Ave Viewpoint. In my opinion, this is not the better viewpoint but it does have more parking so it’s a good backup option if Courthouse Towers is full.

If you decide you’re interested in a short hike the Park Ave trail is a good option and it connects these two viewpoints.

It’s rated as a moderate hike because of its elevation change. From Park Ave you’ll walk downhill to Courthouse Towers, but you can start at either point or hike it one-way and catch a ride back to your vehicle. The trail is 1.8 miles out-and-back with 322 feet in elevation change.

6. Fiery Furnace Viewpoint

Fiery Furnace is a wild part of the park where you’ll find deep walls carving a labyrinth through red rocks.

Hiking here is only allowed with a permit, or as part of a ranger-led activity because it’s so easy to get lost in the maze, especially because the tall walls create issues for GPS signal.

However, this is also a great spot to watch sunset in Arches National Park. There’s a pull off along Arches Scenic Drive that looks out over the red rocks which glow orange at sunset.

Tips For Sunrise & Sunset In Arches National Park

I recommend arriving at least 30 minutes prior to sunrise or sunset in Arches National Park. If you’re watching from a more popular location (like Delicate Arch or The Windows) then you should plan to arrive 45 minutes to an hour early because parking can be tricky – especially for sunset.

TIP: Sunrise and sunset times list the specific time the sun passes the horizon, but the colors in the sky for at least 15 minutes before and after are stunning so add a little buffer to your schedule!

Since you’ll be hiking in the dark remember to bring a flashlight or headlamp! I also recommend bringing plenty of water, some snacks, and layers because in the high desert when the sun is down it can be up to 40°F cooler than when it’s up.

I also really love this outdoor blanket because it doubles as a picnic blanket or extra layer, and doesn’t take up much room in my backpack.

TIP: Download this self-guided audio tour for your trip! It uses GPS signal (no cell connection needed!) to automatically play information about the park based on your location! It’s like having a tour guide with you, but on your own schedule.

Bonus: Dead Horse Point State Park Sunset

There are plenty of great spots to watch the sunset in Arches National Park, but I think the absolute best location for sunset is just outside of the park at Dead Horse Point State Park.

In fact, this place is the best sunset I’ve ever seen in the United States and it’s worth leaving Arches a little early to make it here and view the epic sunset!

Distance from Arches: 30 minutes
Entrance Fee: $20 per vehicle

Once you enter the park, head all the way south to Dead Horse Point – about 4 miles from the entrance. There’s a huge parking area and restrooms, and just beyond them is the canyon.

The canyon is to the west of the viewpoint, so you can watch the sunset over the horizon while the sky and canyon change color. It’s spectacular!

Even better, there’s a ton of rocks and benches along the rim so it’s much easier to find a quiet spot to sit and enjoy the sunset in peace here than at many of the spots for sunset in Arches National Park.

Keep Planning Your Trip To Arches National Park!

Headed to Arches? Check out these additional planning resources:

• Arches National Park Itinerary And Travel Guide
• Best Things to do in Arches National Park & Moab Utah
• How To Spend One Day In Arches National Park

Where To Stay:

• 23 Best Hotels Near Arches National Park – Unique, Pet-friendly, Budget and Luxury
• Campgrounds Near Arches National Park + Moab

Arches National Park Road Trip Routes:

• Mighty Five Utah National Parks Road Trip
• Las Vegas To Arches National Park Road Trip Itinerary
• Salt Lake City To Arches National Park Road Trip Itinerary