Broken Arch Trail

The Broken Arch Trail winds through a quiet interior section of Arches National Park away from the crowded Windows and Delicate Arch areas, offering the same red sandstone drama with a fraction of the foot traffic. The loop passes Sand Dune Arch — a small but perfectly formed arch sheltered in a narrow sandstone slot that stays cool even in summer — before crossing a broad open grassland of cryptobiotic soil and reaching Broken Arch, a 59-foot span with a distinctive crack running through its crown that gives the feature its name.

Despite its name, Broken Arch is structurally sound; the crack predates park establishment and the arch shows no signs of imminent collapse. The walk across the open grassland section is especially rewarding at golden hour, when the Entrada Sandstone fins glow deep amber and the La Sal Mountains are visible on the eastern horizon. The cryptobiotic soil crust — a living community of cyanobacteria, lichen, and moss — is fragile and irreplaceable; staying on the designated trail is essential. The loop can be combined with the Sand Dune Arch spur for a slightly longer outing. This trail is an excellent choice for those visiting midday when the major attractions have standing-room-only crowds.