Partition Arch Trail
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The Partition Arch Trail is a family-friendly, out and back route in Arches National Park. This hike passes by Landscape Arch and the remains of Wall Arch—a slickrock formation that collapsed in the summer of 2008. Partition Arch itself is a beautiful window-like arch in a majestic fin of Entrada Sandstone.
Getting there
The Partition Arch Trail begins at the Devil’s Garden Trailhead. This trailhead is at the end of Main Park Road, approximately 18.0mi from the Arches Visitor Center off of highway 191.
About
Backcountry Campground | No |
When to do | Year-round |
Pets allowed | No |
Family friendly | Yes |
Route Signage | Average |
Crowd Levels | Moderate |
Route Type | Out and back |
Partition Arch Trail
Elevation Graph
Weather
Partition Arch Trail Description
The Partition Arch Trail is a great family-friendly hike past some of the most iconic arches in Arches National Park. Unfortunately, this trail offers little shade and gets extremely hot in the sun, so bring along a good sunhat, extra sunscreen, and more water than you think you’ll need.
The Partition Arch Trail is well maintained and well-travelled, so this is a great hike for beginner hikers or families with kids. This trail passes by Landscape Arch- one of the largest natural arches in the world, and by the remnants of Wall Arch- an impressive formation that collapsed in the summer of 2008. Bring along a camera to capture these arches and the ever-changing landscape of this incredible National Park.
From the Devil’s Garden Trailhead, follow the well-defined path northwest. The trail will divide at two points before you reach Landscape Arch, the first major arch on this route. To stay on track to the Landscape arch, just stick left. Just 0.9mi down the trail, there are two official viewpoints with excellent views of Landscape Arch. Continue down the trail another 0.1mi to see the remains of Wall Arch just off the main trail. The path ahead will continue for another 0.2mi to a divide. Take a sharp left here to swoop down to Partition Arch.
At Partition Arch, take a break to admire this structure and rest in its shade before following the same trail back out to the trailhead.
Trail Highlights
Landscape Arch
The Landscape Arch is one of, if not the, largest natural arch formations in the world. This arch is 306ft long and only 11ft thick at the center. This arch is truly a wonder of nature that is impressive to behold.
Wall Arch
Wall Arch was an impressive slickrock arch that collapsed sometime in the night of August 4th or in the early morning of August 5th, 2008. No one witnessed the collapse of this arch—it was simply there one day and gone the next. Wall Arch serves as a reminder that despite its perceived permanence, this magnificent landscape is forever changing.
Insider Hints
In the summertime: look for desert wildflowers in bloom along this trail
To spend more time in this area, consider a visit to Navajo Arch or Black Arch just down the trail
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