If you’re looking for an Instagram-worthy view, look no further than Arches National Park. With its red sandstone arches and towering pinnacles, the park is a dream for postcard-perfect photos. While any time of day can be beautiful in the park, the best times to visit are early morning or evening for some of the most amazing sunrises and sunsets around. Here’s how to make the most of your experience at Arches National Park during these coveted hours. And some places are even great to see both the sunrise and sunset, so there will be some overlap in the lists.
When Is the Best Time for Sunrise and Sunset at Arches National Park?
Sunrises are great any time of year, but if you’re visiting in the summer, you’ll have to get up very early. The sun rises before 6 AM in June and July. The sun rises later during the winter, but you may find bone-chilling temperatures to deal with. Either way, you’ll want to arrive at least a half-hour before sunrise since you may have a short hike from the parking lot. Sunrise is a popular event in Arches National Park, so don’t be surprised if there are already people at the viewpoints when you arrive.
For sunsets, it’s much easier. Although the sun sets later, it will give you more time to enjoy the day and you’ll likely have beautiful weather to watch the sun go down.
Wondering when the best time of the year to see the sunrise and sunset are? Here is a brief chart of sunrise and sunset times, as well as a weather chart so you can know what to expect.
2022 Sunrise and Sunset Dates
Date Sunrise Sunset Day Length
1-1-2022 7:36 AM 5:08 PM 9 h 31 m
2-1-2022 7:23AM 5:41 PM 10h 17m
3-1-2022 6:48 AM 6:12 PM 11h 23m
4-1-2022 7:01 AM 7:42 PM 12h 41m
5-1-2022 6:19 AM 8:37 PM 13h 51m
6-1-2022 5:54 AM 8:37 PM 14h 43m
7-1-2022 5:57 AM 8:47 PM 14h 49m
8-1-2022 6:20 AM 8:28 PM 14h 7m
9-1-2022 6:48 AM 7:47 PM 12h 59m
10-1-2022 7:15 AM 7:00 PM 11h 44m
11-1-2022 7:46 AM 6:17 PM 10h 31m
12-1-2022 7:18 AM 4:57 PM 9h 38m
If you’re looking for the sunrise for a certain date, you can go HERE to find the specifics.
Here is the weather you can expect at Arches National Park. For more information, go to our Planning Page.
What is the Best Place to see Sunrise at Arches National Park?
Turret Arch
One of the best places in the park to see the sunrise is the Turret Arch. The arch gets its name from its two tall, skinny towers that look like they’re about to topple over. The sunrise casts a beautiful glow on the red rocks, making for an incredible sight. To get to Turret Arch, take the Windows Loop Trail from the visitor center. The trail is only 0.75 miles long and is mostly flat, so it’s perfect for anyone looking for an easy hike.
Balance Rock
Another great spot for sunrise (or sunset) is Balanced Rock. As its name suggests, Balanced Rock is a giant rock that looks like it’s about to topple over at any moment. The sunrise (or sunset) casts a beautiful light on the rock, making it glow. To get to Balanced Rock, take the 0.25-mile loop trail from the parking lot.
Delicate Arch
Also don’t forget to catch the sunrise (or sunset) at Delicate Arch. This is the most popular spot in the park, and for good reason. The sunrise (or sunset) casts a beautiful light on the red rocks, making for an incredible sight. To get to Delicate Arch, take the Delicate Arch Trail. It’s about 3.2 miles in total.
Windows Arches
Another popular spot to see the sunrise is the Window Arch area. The sunrise casts a beautiful light on the red rocks, making for an incredible sight at both the North Window and South Window Arches. To get to the Windows Arch area, take the 0.25-mile trail from the parking lot.
Double Arch
Finally, another great spot to see the sunrise in Arches National Park is the Double Arch. The Double Arch is one of the most iconic landmarks in the park and is a must-see for any first-time visitor. The best way to see the sunrise at Double Arch is to hike up to the top of the arch. This will give you a front row seat to see the sun peek over the horizon.
If you’re looking for a less strenuous sunrise experience, you can also drive to the Double Arch parking lot and walk to the base of the arch. This is a great option if you’re short on time or if you have small children with you.
What it the Best Place to see Sunset at Arches National Park?
Delicate Arch
As the sun dips below the horizon, the last light of day hits Delicate Arch in Arches National Park. For a few moments, the natural wonder is aglow in a fiery red hue.
It’s no wonder this spot is one of the most popular sunset viewing spots in the park. Every night, visitors from all over come to see the sunset at Delicate Arch.
If you’re lucky enough to catch a sunset here, you’ll be treated to a truly unforgettable experience. The colors of the rocks change as the light fades, and you might even see some wildlife out and about. No matter what, a sunset at Delicate Arch is an experience you won’t soon forget.
The best way to get to the Delicate Arch is by hiking the Delicate Arch Trail. The round trip hike is only three miles, but it can be strenuous in places. The trailhead is located near the Wolfe Ranch parking area. Make sure to give yourself plenty of time to hike out and back before the sun sets. You don’t want to be caught in the dark on this trail!
Balanced Rock
The first thing you notice when you enter Arches National Park is the red rock. Everywhere you look, the sandstone is a deep, rich red. And as the sun sets, the rocks take on an even more intense hue. Balanced Arch is one of the most popular sunset spots in the park, and it’s easy to see why. The arch frames the sun perfectly, and as the sky grows dark, the stars come out one by one. It’s a breathtaking sight, and one you won’t soon forget. If you’re lucky enough to catch a sunset at Balanced Arch, be sure to take some time to enjoy the quiet beauty of this special place.
The best way to get to Balanced Arch is by hiking the Balanced Rock Trail. The trail is only 0.3 miles long, and it’s an easy hike with a very moderate elevation change. The views from the trail are amazing, and you’ll get to see some other iconic arches like South Window and Turret Arch. When you reach the top of the trail, you’ll be rewarded with a stunning view of Balanced Arch and the surrounding landscape. Be sure to bring your camera because this is one sunset you’ll want to remember forever.
Fiery Furnace
The Fiery Furnace is a great place to watch the sunset because it offers some of the most stunning views in the park. The colors of the rocks change as the sun goes down, making for a truly unique experience.
If you’re going to the Fiery Furnace, you’ll need a permit. To get a permit, you’ll need to reserve a spot in advance. The best way to do this is by reserving a spot online at recreation.gov.
Once you have your permit, be sure to follow all of the rules and regulations while you’re in the Fiery Furnace. This includes staying on designated trails, not climbing on the rocks, and not leaving any trash behind.
By following these simple guidelines, you’ll be able to enjoy the sunset in the Fiery Furnace without harming the fragile environment.
North Windows
The sun slowly falls behind the horizon, painting the sky in a spectrum of oranges, pinks, and purples. The north windows of Arches National Park become illuminated in this beautiful light, creating a scene that is simply breathtaking. As the last rays of sunlight disappear, the stars begin to twinkle overhead, providing an incredible view that
The best way to get to the North Windows is by hiking the Windows Loop Trail. This trail is about 1.2 miles long and takes you through some of the most stunning scenery in the park, including the Turret Arch. Because it’s a short and easy hike, it is definitely worth it to see the north windows at sunset.
Double Arch
The double arch is another great place to see the sunset in Arches National Park. The two arches make for a beautiful frame for the setting sun. The colors of the sunset reflect off the red rocks and make for a stunning sight. If you’re visiting Arches National Park, be sure to catch the sunset at double arch.
The best way get to the Double Arch is on the Double Arch Trail. It’s about .6 miles out and back and is an easy hike if you’re hauling chairs or other equipment.
What gear you should bring?
If you’re going to see the sunrise or sunset at Arches National Park, you’ll want to be prepared. Some things you might want to bring include.
- Bring a tripod if you want to take pictures. The sunset and sunrise are both beautiful at Arches National Park, and you’ll want to be able to capture the moment. A tripod will help you keep your camera steady and get clear shots.
- A good coat or jacket. Temperatures can get cold in the morning before sunrise or at night after sunset. You’ll want to check the weather, especially in the spring or fall as there can be a difference of 25-30 degrees Fahrenheit from daytime to nighttime.
- If you’re going to be hiking, you’ll want to wear comfortable shoes. Arches National Park has many trails with different levels of difficulty. You don’t want your hike to be ruined by uncomfortable shoes. Bring a pair that you know won’t give you blisters and will support your feet. Also keep in mind that much of the ground is dusty, so you’ll want sturdy shoes that will be able to handle the dirt.
- Comfortable chairs or blankets if you’re going to watch the sunset, you might want to bring a comfortable chair or blanket to sit on. You’ll be able to enjoy the view without having to stand the whole time. And if it gets cold, you can always use the blanket as a scarf.
- A flashlight or lantern If you’re staying until after dark, you’ll want to bring a flashlight or lantern. The park is beautiful at night, but it can be difficult to see without some light. A flashlight will also come in handy if you need to hike back to your car in the dark. These are just a few things to keep in mind when packing for your trip to Arches National Park.
- A telescope for stargazing. If you’re staying for the sunset and stargazing, you may want to bring a good telescope. Although you’ll be able to see plenty without one, having a good telescope will enhance your experience even more. The park is designated as an International Dark Sky Park, which means that is has minimal light pollution. This makes it one of the best places in North America to see the stars.
If you’re looking for an incredible place to see the sunrise and sunset in all its glory, Arches National Park is definitely worth a visit. With plenty of great spots to see these natural wonders and all the necessary equipment, you can make sure your visit is both memorable and beautiful. Are there any other national parks that are great for sunrises and sunsets? Let us know in the comments below.
