Windows Loop to Turret Arch
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Windows Loop to Turret Arch
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The Windows and Turret Trail is a great family-friendly hike to some beautiful and unique sandstone arches. This trail is well-marked and well-trafficked, so it’s a great place to go with kids or to go for a relaxing morning stroll. The Windows Arches are also known as the Spectacles because they have the appearance of a face wearing glasses.
Getting there
From the Arches Visitor Center off of highway 191, follow Main Park Road Northeast for approximately 9.2mi. Look for Windows Road on your right hand side, and turn right when you see it. Follow Windows Road to the very end (approximately 2.5mi) where you will find the Windows Trailhead. The Windows Loop begins here.
About
| Backcountry Campground | No |
| When to do | Year-round |
| Pets allowed | No |
| Family friendly | Yes |
| Route Signage | Good |
| Crowd Levels | High |
| Route Type | Lollipop |
Windows Loop to Turret Arch
Elevation Graph
Weather
Windows Loop to Turret Arch Description
The Windows and Turret Arch Trail is an easy loop past some amazing geological formations that is fun for the whole family. This trail is quite popular, so get there early in the day to enjoy some peace and quiet on the trail. This hike is also very exposed to the sun so bring lots of water, sunscreen, and a good sunhat.
This hike is a lot of fun for kids of all ages to play and explore on. This hike is also super popular with photographers who want to get some stunning snapshots of these sandstone formations. For the best photo-ops, start out on this trail early in the morning to catch the eastern light illuminating the Spectacles.
From the Windows Trailhead, follow the path southeast for 0.1mi. At the divide, take the path on your right to climb up to the Turret Arch. This spot is also a great point to capture photos of the Windows Arches to the east. Climb down for the Turret Arch and continue on the main trail for another 0.1mi to a divide in the trail. Take the left path to the north window or the right path to the south window. The loop around the windows continues down the right path. Follow the right-hand path for another 0.6mi to meet up with the beginning of the loop.
When you’ve completed the loop, simply follow the main trail back to the trailhead.
Trail Highlights
The Windows
The Windows, also known as the Spectacles, are two eye-shaped arches within the same sandstone fin. This formation calls to mind the image of a face wearing glasses.
Frequently Asked Questions
How were the Windows Arches Formed?
The Windows Arches were formed when weak sections of the sandstone fin were eroded by wind and rain.
How was The Turret Arch Formed?
The Turret Arch was formed through downwards water erosion as opposed to the side-to-side erosion that formed the neighboring Windows Arches.
Insider Hints
This trail is a hot-spot for desert photography: If you’re looking to get some photos of your own- arrive early in the morning for the best light
This hike is a lot of fun for families with kids of all ages
This hike has very little shade: bring a good sunhat and more water than you think you’ll need
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