Where To View The Best Sunsets in Arches National Park

So many visitors to Arches National Park have spoken about the spectacular sunsets and beautiful landscape and have the photos to prove it! But pictures cannot compare to seeing them for yourself. So, if you plan a trip to Utah, you need to know how to view the best sunsets in Arches Park.

The best views of the sunsets in Arches National Park can be reached by walking along hiking trails. These trails lead to Delicate Arch, Fiery Furnace, Broken Arch, Skyline Arch, Turret Arch, and Balanced Rock which have the best sunset views. The best time to visit is April-May, September-October.

Although there are over 2,000 natural stone arches in Arches National Park, these six natural stone formations offer the best views of the sun setting over the beautiful landscape. Read on to find more information about how to get to these sights.

The Best Sunsets In Arches National Park

The magnificent layers of natural stone that have, over time, formed the stunning arch formations at Arches National Park are what bring so many visitors to the area each year. Tourists and locals visit the site’s beauty and experience the splendor of the magical sunsets.

The ideal time to take a trip to Arches National Park is from April to May and September to October. The daytime temperatures during these months usually average at about 60-80°F. Be sure to take along drinking water and a headlamp for use after the sun sets.

Visitors pay an entry fee to visit Arches National Park, and from April to October, a timed entry ticket is required.

Below are the best places to view the sun setting over these lovely rock formations.

Sunset At Delicate Arch

This is the best place in Arches National Park to view the sunset. You will be enthralled by the red-orange glow on the arch. The trail that will take you to Delicate Arch is a 3-mile roundtrip, and you will climb to an elevation of 480 feet (146 m). The hike is predominantly uphill and will take 1 to 1½ hours if you are fit.

However, because this area is the most favorite spot for tourists, you can expect to see several photographers and sightseers at this spot. Be patient and wait your turn to take a photograph under the arch.

If you prefer not to hike, you can still see this landmark from the Lower Delicate Arch Viewpoint. Or you could choose the Upper Viewpoint, which will take you closer to the Arch. You will have to walk about ½ mile and climb a few stairs.

To reach Delicate Arch, park your car at the Wolfe Ranch parking area and hike from there.

Watch The Sunset At Fiery Furnace

This area of Arches National Park comprises narrow canyons and maze-like fins. If you are a photographer wanting to capture the wonderful golden glow of the sun setting over the stone structures, then this is the best place.

This is a remote area, and you must undertake a challenging 2-mile hike to get there. It is not recommended for small children. You will also need strong navigational skills, so be sure of the route. Also, ensure enough time to hike back before dark.

Although this does sound a bit daunting, the spectacular sunset with the reddish glow over the rocks is well worth it! And you can always take a guided hike with an experienced leader that will guide you along the journey.

Park at the Fiery Furnace parking lot and walk to this lovely rock structure.

Sunset At Broken Arch

Many visitors assume that, due to the name, this arch is broken. But it is actually connected by a thin layer of rock; it just has a notch out of it. The trail will lead you under the formation, offering a spectacular sunset view.

You can reach Broken Arch from the Devil’s Garden Campground, departing from Site 40. It is a walk of approximately 1.7 miles (2.7 km). Or you could take the Sand Dune Arch Trailhead, but the walk is a bit further. Both trails will offer you beautiful views of Arches National Park.

Skyline Arch At Sunset

This beautiful arch reflects the late afternoon sun, and as the sun sets, it bathes the structure in a brilliant orange/red glow. If you hike for 0.4 miles (0.6 km) along the short and easy trail, it will bring you close to Skyline Arch.

There are some steps at the start of the trail, then it levels out. The landscape around this structure is beautiful and perfect for scenic photographs.

Sunset At North Windows With Turret Arch View

If you hike up to North Windows Arch and turn around, you will see Turret Arch through the North Window with the sun setting behind it. A magnificent sight.

You can take a 1-mile loop to see the North and South Windows. The first stop is the North Window Arch; stone steps will take you to the base of the arch.

Watch The Sun Set At Balanced Rock

The Balanced Rock Loop trail is an easy walk on paved-out pathways. You will walk for 3 miles (5 km) to see a 360° view as you walk around the teetering boulder (3,600 tons). This rock stands 128 feet (39 m) tall, and although it seems like it’s doing a balancing act, it is attached to an eroding pedestal of mudstone.

See the sun setting behind this impressive boulder and the beautiful changing colors as the sun sets in front of it. This location is also a spectacular view at night, under the stars!

Conclusion

The beautiful arches and landscape of Arches National Park in Utah draw many visitors each year. The sight of the sun setting over these magnificent arches should be on everyone’s bucket list.

The best places to see the sun setting are from Delicate Arch, Fiery Furnace, Broken Arch, Skyline Arch, Turret Arch, and Balanced Rock. The setting sun’s fiery red and orange glow paints a stunning picture as it moves across these magnificent natural stone structures. The ideal times to visit Arches National Park are April to May and September to October.