Sand Dune Arch to Broken Arch Loop
View PhotosSand Dune Arch to Broken Arch Loop
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The Sand Dune Arch to Broken Arch Loop is a great hike just outside the Devils Campground in Arches National Park. This hike passes by three arches in the area: Sand Dune Arch, Broken Arch (Spoiler alert: not actually broken), and Tapestry Arch. This hike is especially beautiful in the early morning as the desert begins to awaken under the radiance of the rising sun.
Getting there
The Sand Dune Arch and Broken Arch Loop begins at the Sand Dune Arch Trailhead just off of Main Park Road, approximately 16.7mi up from the Visitor Center off of highway 191.
About
Backcountry Campground | Devils Garden Campground |
When to do | year-round |
Pets allowed | No |
Family friendly | Yes |
Route Signage | Average |
Crowd Levels | Moderate |
Route Type | Lollipop |
Sand Dune Arch to Broken Arch Loop
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Sand Dune Arch to Broken Arch Loop Description
With three incredible arches in less than three miles, the Sand Dune Arch and Broken Arch loop is a good bang for your buck adventure. This trail is hot and sandy under the desert sun, so wear good footwear and bring more water than you think you’ll need. The Sand Dune Arch and Broken Arch Loop passes by its two namesakes as well as Tapestry Arch. All three arches are spectacular in their own ways, and all are worth a visit; make sure you bring a camera to capture the beauty and wonder of these incredible sandstone formations.
From the Sand Dune Arch Trailhead, follow the path northeast for about 400ft to the first divide. Take a right at the junction and follow the trail another 500ft to Sand Dune Arch itself. Enjoy your time exploring under and around this beautiful structure before heading back to the junction. Back at the junction, take the other path and follow the trail for 0.3mi to the next divide. This divide marks the beginning and end of the loop section. Take a right here and hike a quarter-mile to Broken Arch. From here, the trail curves around for a half-mile to a fork. Take a right at the fork to head up to Tapestry Arch. After visiting Tapestry Arch, backtrack to the main trail and follow it 0.2mi to the Broken Arch North Trailhead along the road. Turn left and follow the road down to the south trailhead. Continue along the trail for another 0.4mi to complete the loop.
Once you’ve completed the loop, follow the trail back down southwest to the Sand Dune Arch Trailhead, where you began.
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