Double Arch hike
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Double Arch hike
Difficulty Rating:
A classic short hike that puts you directly underneath two – count ‘em two –arches! For minimal effort, you are rewarded with a fantastic perspective and one of the closest interactions with an arch in the park.
Getting there
From Moab drive north along the 191, crossing the Colorado River until you reach the signposted turn towards Arches National Park. Pay your dues at the park entrance, then drive along the Arches Scenic Drive for 9.1mi. Turn right onto the Windows Rd and follow it to its end, where you will find a relatively large parking area. Park in the lower parking lot, however pit toilets are found in the upper (signposted as the trailhead for the Windows hike).
About
| When to do | Year Round |
| Backcountry Campsites | No |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Family friendly | Yes |
| Route Signage | Average |
| Crowd Levels | High |
| Route Type | Out and back |
Double Arch
Elevation Graph
Weather
Route Description for Double Arch
This is a very straightforward hike – your goal is clearly visible from the parking lot. Follow the flat, wide trail until you reach the base of the arch. There are many options to scramble around the rock to get unique views of the arches, since no guardrail is in place.
Being an easy hike, the trail is well suited for families with young children, or those who just want a short hike to see the quintessential sites in the national park. Luckily this path will not disappoint for either group! Like all the other arches in the park, Double Arch was formed by water seeping into the top and slowly eroding the sides as it flowed down. It truly is a freak of nature.
If you want to find other great hikes around Moab and Arches National Park, check out the Delicate Arch Hike or the Dead Horse Point Hike.
Insider Hints
Spend some time recreating the opening scene of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, which was filmed with Double Arch as its backdrop!
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ArnoldM 4 years ago
This place is amazing. We were able to see the Milky Way.
ShantiLewis 4 years ago
This place is so photogenic and you can immediately tell how charming and inviting the desert can be.
leo_Martini 4 years ago
Everyone should experience Double Arch Hike. It's spectacular!
Frank M. 4 years ago
Well maintained super easy trail. The arches are amazingly beautiful.
Kendra Fair 4 years ago
It's an easy hike for everyone. The arches were astonishing. Will definitely go back again.
April O. 5 years ago
I understand the hype over the hike, but I would prefer it with less crowd.
Adriana K. 5 years ago
Amazing flora and fauna all around! It looks like a paradise on earth!
marjflores 5 years ago
Beautiful hike! So many trails to walk with beautiful views
Meander L. 5 years ago
A short walk with a lot of good views. It's really crowded though.
Jin Ri 5 years ago
Amazing rock formations! The plants in this area is also fascinating.