Double Arch Trail

Double Arch Trail is one of the most rewarding short hikes in Arches National Park, leading visitors across a sandy desert floor to one of the most remarkable geological formations in the American Southwest. The trail begins at the Windows parking area and winds gently through red rock terrain dotted with desert scrub. Within minutes, the massive twin arches come into full view, sharing the same sandstone abutment in an extraordinary configuration. The larger of the two openings spans approximately 148 feet, making it the largest arch opening in the park. Hikers can scramble up the slickrock bowl beneath the arches to stand directly under the soaring spans and look skyward through the openings at the blue Utah sky. The geology here reflects millions of years of erosion, where water and ice slowly dissolved salt beds below the surface, causing the overlying sandstone to collapse and eventually carve these paired openings. The hike is suitable for all ages and fitness levels, though the final approach over slickrock requires some care. Morning and late afternoon light cast dramatic shadows across the orange stone, making this a favorite of photographers. No dogs are permitted on this trail. The site offers an intimate encounter with natural sculpture at its grandest.