Arches is a great family park. From the Visitor Center with its interpretive exhibits, orientation video and animal statues at the Visitor Center, to the rock formations, the Park will delight kids as well as adults, and hiking trails provide many opportunities for children to get out of the car and explore the arches up close.

Kid-Friendly Hikes

The following hikes are easy and safe hikes that will give kids a chance to stretch their legs and burn off energy.

Sand Dune Arch

Starting Point: Sand Dune Arch parking area (approximately 16 miles from entrance to park)
Length: 0.4 mile (0.6 km) round trip
Time: 15 to 30 minutes

Trail leads kids through a short slot-type canyon to a secluded arch among sandstone fins where they will find sand pouring in to a natural sandbox beneath.

The Windows

Starting Point: Windows parking area (11.7 miles from entrance)
Length: 1 mile (1.6 km) round trip
Time: 30 to 60 minutes

A gentle climb up a gravel loop trail leads to three massive arches (North and South Windows and Turret Arch). Kids can get right up under the arches for great photo opportunities. An alternate return, slightly longer, is by way of the primitive loop around the back of the two Windows. The primitive loop trail starts at the South Window viewpoint.

Balanced Rock

Starting Point: Balanced Rock Trail Head
Length: .3 mi (5. km) round trip
Time: 15-30 min

A loop trail around the base of a fragile, picturesque rock formation.

Delicate Arch Viewpoint

Starting Point: Delicate Arch Viewpoint Trail Head
Length: 100 yards (91 meters) round trip
Time: 10-15 min

In addition to the short accessible trail, another (moderately strenuous) hiking trail climbs one-half mile (0.8 km) toward Delicate Arch and ends at the rim of a steep canyon that separates the viewpoint from the arch.

Double Arch

Starting Point: Windows parking Area (11.7 miles from entrance)
Length: 0.5 mi (0.8 km) round trip
Time: 15-30 min

A relatively flat, sandy trail leads to the base of two giant arch spans which are joined at one end.

Skyline Arch

Starting Point: Skyline Arch parking area (approximately 17 miles from entrance to park)
Length: 0.4 mile (0.6 km) round trip
Time: 10 to 20 minutes

A short hike on a flat, well-defined trail. On a cold November night in 1940, a large chunk fell out of the arch, instantly doubling the size of its opening.

Junior Ranger Program

Free Junior Ranger booklets are available at the visitor center. Filled with fun activities, these books reveal the wonders of Arches to kids and parents alike. By completing five or more exercises, participants earn a Junior Ranger badge and signed certificate. Activities are designed for ages 6 to 12.

Kids also enjoy the short interpretive talks and walks offered spring through fall. Check at the Visitor’s Center for schedule.