NPS Photo

Arches Double Arch Trail

The short, mostly flat hike to Double Arch goes through scattered junipers and  oaks. In the spring you might see Utah’s state flower, the sego lily, a large, single, cream-colored flower. The trail is well defined and easy to follow all the way. Along the way, off to your left, you can see the series of buttes called the Parade of Elephants.

Double Arch looks sort of average from the parking area, but as you approach, its  massiveness starts to sink in. Then, when you get there (and especially if you can climb  up right under the arches), the imposing size of the arch becomes absolutely clear. It’s the third-largest arch opening in the park.

You can lengthen your trip by climbing up under Double Arch, but be careful not to disturb vegetation or natural features. 

How to Visit Arches

Overview: A short walk to and under a spectacular arch.

Start: Double Arch Parking Area

Distance: 0.8 mile; out and back

Difficulty: Easy

Maps: USGS Arches National Park; Trails Illustrated Arches National Park

Finding the trailhead: Drive 9.2 miles north into the park on the main road until it forks. Take the right fork for 3 miles to the Windows Parking Area and keep going around a loop in the parking  area for about a quarter mile. Park in the Double Arch Parking Area on your right (north).

Trailhead GPS coordinates: 38.688300, -109.538367

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