Trail Run Project Logo

A mellow climb up a gravel loop trail leads to three massive, must-see arches.


Your Rating: Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating      Clear Rating
Your Difficulty:
Your Favorites: Add To-Do · Your List
Zoom in to see details
Map Key

1.0

Miles

1.6

KM

89%

Runnable

5,308' 1,618 m

High

5,175' 1,577 m

Low

162' 49 m

Up

156' 48 m

Down

6%

Avg Grade (3°)

17%

Max Grade (10°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Views

Overview

This is a must-do loop if visiting Arches NP. Along the way, you'll revel in the beauty and magnitude of three awesome arches!

Description

This is a rightfully popular trail, visiting three impressive arches and beautiful scenery all in an easy, enjoyable package. From the Windows/Turret Arch parking area head in either direction around this 1 mile loop trail. If you go the clockwise direction the slight incline is spread over more distance and therefore less noticeable. This packed dirt trail is wide and easy to follow.

The North and South Window arches were formed from the same enormous sandstone fin. (From the southwest you can see why these two arches are sometimes also called the Spectacles: the two holes are the eyeglasses lenses and a "nose" of rock pokes out between them.) You can stand directly under the massive North Window Arch an enjoy wide-angle views of the colorful desert to the north and northeast. South Window Arch is raised off the desert floor and appears to sit on a platform. Continue around the leisurely loop trail, using Turret Arch Trail to visit this beguiling formation before arriving back at the parking area.

Late afternoon is thought to be the best time to photograph North and South Windows for the best color. Visit early or late in the day if you're attempting to avoid the crowds at these popular destinations.

Shared By:

Megan W

Trail Ratings

  4.3 from 94 votes

#104

Overall
  4.3 from 94 votes
5 Star
41%
4 Star
45%
3 Star
12%
2 Star
2%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#15

in Utah

#104

Overall
36 Views Last Month
4,598 Since Mar 5, 2015
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate

35%
25%
39%
0%
0%
0%

Photos

First Light on Turret Arch Framed by North Window
Mar 9, 2015 near Moab, UT
Standing in the Eye
Mar 8, 2015 near Moab, UT
Enjoying the supermoon in the Windows area
Mar 9, 2015 near Moab, UT
The North and South Windows from the Windows Loop Trail
Mar 9, 2015 near Moab, UT
Sunset on the Windows Loop Trail in Arches National Park
Mar 9, 2015 near Moab, UT
Arches National Park.
Oct 29, 2016 near Moab, UT
loading

Weather


Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 5 days ago
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Join the Community

Create your FREE account today!
Already have an account? Login to close this notice.

Get Started.