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Double Arch Trail

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Easy Easy
 4.6 (112)
  1. Areas
  2. UT
  3. …Southeastern Utah
  4. …Arches National Park
  5. The Windows Section
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“Truly a great 'bang-for-the-buck' trail, it visits two giant arch spans joined at one end. ”

Megan W
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Map Key

0.5

Miles

0.8

KM

Out and Back

5,156' 1,572 m

High

5,125' 1,562 m

Low

31' 9 m

Up

31' 9 m

Down

2%

Avg Grade (1°)

4%

Max Grade (2°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Views

Family Friendly A short, flat out and back to some stunning geology that's easily done with the whole clan!

Overview

This short out-and-back features one of the most interesting pieces of geology in the park, the famed "Double Arch."

Description

A flat, sandy trail leads to the base of this stunning twin arch formation. At 112-foot tall, with a 144-foot wide span, the larger of these two arches is the tallest in the park and the third widest. The smaller of the two is 67 feet wide and 86 feet tall. As you can get up close and even under these arches, it is usually possible to wring some shade from the desert here. Take some time to experiment with the angles and lighting to get the perfect photograph.

Geologists believe this marvelous span began as a pothole of water on the surface overhead. The collected water broke down the rock, forming an alcove, which eventually created both arches. Nice job Mother Nature! On your return to the trailhead, look along the west side of this route for the large formation called Parade of Elephants- recognizable with some imagination and the right viewing angle (line of elephants holding each others tails with small well-placed holes).

This is such an easy, quick approach that you're likely to have to share this special spot with others unless you visit early or late in the day. Early morning is thought to be the best time to photograph Double Arch for the best color. Note: bikes are not allowed on this trail.

Flora & Fauna

Sagebrush, pinyon and juniper.

Contacts

Land Manager: National Park Service - Arches National Park

Shared By:

Megan W
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.6 from 112 votes

#1

in The Windows Section

#72

Overall
  4.6 from 112 votes
5 Star
67%
4 Star
28%
3 Star
4%
2 Star
1%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in The Windows Section

#13

in Utah

#72

Overall
7 Views Last Month
4,386 Since Mar 5, 2015
Easy Easy
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Photos

Double Arch at the terminus of the Double Arch Trail
Mar 8, 2015 near Moab, UT
Double Arch.
Nov 10, 2015 near Moab, UT
Scenery from the Double Arch Trail
Mar 8, 2015 near Moab, UT
Looking through one of the arches of Double Arch.
Dec 1, 2019 near Moab, UT
View from the trail.
Mar 2, 2023 near Moab, UT
View from inside.
Mar 2, 2023 near Moab, UT

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Weather

Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 32 days ago
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Feb 3, 2024
Evan Lei
Oct 15, 2023
Elizabeth Tackett
Oct 10, 2023
Jane Kim
0.5mi
Jul 24, 2023
Steve Glasenapp
Jul 18, 2023
Dave Cerlanek
Jul 13, 2023
Christa Finer
Easy trail to great views!
Jun 29, 2023
Jey Lucero
Jun 23, 2023
Molly Stewart

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