Visiting Natural Arches of the American Southwest
More Arches Beyond Arches National Park
The five-day natural arch extravaganza also includes trips to Corona and Bowtie Arches, as well as a hike through the 400-foot high walls of the Negro Bill Canyon (note: it’s now officially named Grandstaff Canyon) to see the 263-foot Morning Glory Bridge that is the world’s sixth longest free-standing arch. The Moab Hiking Adventure also dips into the legendary sandstone formations of the Canyonlands in both the Needles District and the Island in the Sky District, with its iconic Mesa Arch perched on the precipice of a 500-foot cliff.
We descend deeper into this desert paradise with our five-day Canyonlands Backpacking Tour where the word “maze” only begins to describe the proliferation of spires and natural arches in the Needles District. The Canyonlands is home to more than four dozen natural arches, and the one we make a detour to see is Angel Arch – with an impressive opening of 120 feet by 135 feet.
Nothing says the “American Southwest” quite like a natural stone arch. If you’re inspired by these formations, explore our full range of Utah Hiking & Backpacking Tours to experience them up close. These wondrous outdoor rock sculptures, souvenirs from millions of years of desert erosion, are the highlight of any Utah adventure – and have the advantage of fitting colorfully into a camera frame.
Writer Edward Abbey stoked the craving for stone arches in his seminal work from the 1960s, Desert Solitaire. Abbey was working as a ranger in the then Arches National Monument, and on a busy day, would see a handful of visitors. Today millions come each year to marvel at Abbey’s red rock fantasy land that contains more than 2,000 stone arches – the greatest concentration of sandstone arches on the planet.
Exploring Arches with Four Season Guides
At Four Season Guides, we have built an entire tour around the splendors of Arches National Park that kickstarts our lodge-based Moab Hiking Adventure. Prefer comfort after a day of exploring? Discover more Lodge-Based Adventures across the Southwest. In the park we make the slickrock hike to Delicate Arch that is the poster child for many a Utah travel publication, and also visit Landscape Arch in Devil’s Garden. Landscape Arch in Devil’s Garden is the longest rock span in North America, with a light opening the distance of a football field.
This iconic destination is one of the most famous arches in America, representing the unique arch desert landscapes found only in this region. Whether you're photographing arches in the USA or marveling at a natural archway, there's no shortage of geologic wonder.
Backpacking Through Utah's Natural Arches
Backpacking in Canyonlands is an experience unlike any other – traversing rugged terrain filled with wind-carved wonders. Stone arches also highlight our classic four-day Utah backpacking trip through Coyote Gulch in the Escalante Region. The massive Stevens Arch, with a span of 225 feet and standing 160 feet tall, is one of the largest natural stone arches in the Southwest.
At only 50 feet, the Coyote Natural Bridge is dwarfed by many of its famous neighbors, but the formation makes up in charm what it lacks in size and serves as an ideal campsite on the trip. When you worship arches and bridges like we do, the Jacob Hamblin Arch is a favorite destination, forming a rock cathedral in the Coyote Gulch.
Don’t Miss These Other Southwest Wonders
Our itineraries also take you to places like Hope Arch Arizona, the elegant Liberty Bell Arch, and the striking Scorpion Arch Arizona, each one a stunning example of how rock Arizona landscapes are carved over time. Ever wonder how are rock arches formed? Our guides offer insights into the unique erosion patterns, sediment layers, and natural processes behind each formation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Discover the best ways to explore the breathtaking natural arches of the American Southwest — from Moab’s iconic Delicate Arch to the remote sandstone wonders of Canyonlands and Escalante.
What are the most famous natural arches in Utah?
Utah is home to over 2,000 natural arches, including world-famous Delicate Arch and Landscape Arch in Arches National Park. Other notable formations include Corona Arch, Angel Arch in Canyonlands, and Stevens Arch in the Escalante region — each offering unique shapes and scenic backdrops.
How are natural arches formed?
Natural arches form over millions of years through erosion. Wind, rain, and temperature changes slowly wear away softer rock layers beneath harder sandstone, creating openings. Eventually, gravity and weather carve these dramatic arches that define Utah’s red rock landscapes.
What is the best time of year to visit Arches National Park?
The best times to visit are spring (April–May) and fall (September–October), when temperatures are mild and crowds are lighter. Summer can be extremely hot, while winter offers solitude but colder conditions. Early mornings and sunsets provide the best light for photography.
Can I visit multiple arches in one trip?
Yes. Guided tours from Moab or Canyonlands often include several iconic arches, such as Delicate, Landscape, and Corona Arch. Many itineraries combine Arches National Park with hikes through Canyonlands or Escalante, allowing visitors to see dozens of formations in just a few days.
What is the difference between a natural arch and a natural bridge?
While both are formed by erosion, natural bridges are typically carved by flowing water, such as a stream or river, cutting through rock. Natural arches, on the other hand, are usually shaped by wind and rain over time without a water source directly beneath them.
Where is the best place to see natural arches near Moab?
Moab is surrounded by incredible arches, including those in Arches National Park, Corona Arch, and the Morning Glory Bridge in Grandstaff Canyon. The area also provides access to Canyonlands National Park’s Needles and Island in the Sky districts, both rich in rock formations.
How long does it take to hike to Delicate Arch?
The Delicate Arch Trail is about 3 miles round trip and typically takes 2 to 3 hours to complete. The hike includes some uphill sections on slickrock, but the view at the end — Utah’s most photographed landmark — makes the effort worthwhile.
What should I bring for hiking in Canyonlands or Arches National Park?
Bring plenty of water, sturdy hiking boots, sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen), and snacks. A map or GPS device is useful, and a camera is essential for capturing the scenery. During summer, start hikes early to avoid midday heat.
Are guided tours worth it in the Southwest’s national parks?
Absolutely. Guided tours handle permits, logistics, and safety while enriching the experience with geology and history insights. Expert guides from companies like Four Season Guides help travelers discover hidden arches and scenic trails often missed by casual visitors.
What other natural wonders can I see near Utah’s arches?
Beyond arches, visitors can explore slot canyons, red rock spires, mesas, and desert oases. Popular add-ons include the Grand Canyon, Sedona, and Monument Valley — all accessible from Moab or southern Utah for those seeking a full Southwest adventure.
Thinking of Visiting Moab?
If you’re considering a trip to Moab Utah, let us handle the planning. We offer custom Moab travel packages, ideal for anyone flying in and needing vacation packages in Moab. Whether you’re on a Moab getaway, taking day trips from Moab, or booking a multi-day Moab tour, Four Season Guides has you covered.
Our guided tours Moab options include hikes through Moab arches and Canyonlands, educational journeys on Canyonlands National Park guided tours, and full-on Moab excursions that reveal every hidden gem. Planning your adventure? Ask us about what airlines fly to Moab Utah, and we’ll help make your Moab Utah vacation stress-free.
Gateway to Canyonlands
Explore the Canyonlands / Mt Lakeway Trail, experience the thrill of Canyonlands guided tours to see natural marvels most tourists never reach. Those who love exploring red rock landscapes often combine their Moab trip with our Grand Canyon and Sedona Lodge-Based Tour.
To visit these arches with a professional guiding company who will take care of all the details from permits to dining, contact Four Season Guides at 1-855-303-7724 or visit the website at https://fsguides.com today!
Curious why outdoor lovers keep coming back to FS Guides? Check out our Google Business Profile Reviews and discover what guests are saying about their unforgettable hiking and backpacking experiences.
Four Season Guides, 506 N Grant St suite o, Flagstaff, AZ 86004, United States
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