Broken Arch Loop Trail

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This short loop takes runners directly past Broken arch with an optional off-shoot to Tapestry Arch (via the Tapestry Arch Spur).

The trail is sandy in spots, so watch your footing if you're running it.

This describes the loop in the counter-clockwise direction, but either way works. Starting from the southern loop end of the Devils Garden Campground, the Broken Arch Trail leads southeast, away from the hubbub. A gentle incline brings you up into the rock formations right away. There are lots of rock jumbles here for kids to scramble on and good views from this higher ground. Enter a slim canyon between fins and head downhill over mellow terrain. Exit this interesting canyon back onto the desert floor and pass the junction with Broken Arch Access on the right.

Continue on the Broken Arch Loop Trail over flat, sandy ground. No shade here! Upon reaching the still standing (just cracked), Broken Arch, take a break and contemplate the amazing forces that create such marvelous rock formations. Next, travel in and out small ravines, over sheets of slickrock and through sandy washes. Once you're nearly back at the campground look for a signed path heading north. Take this Tapestry Arch Spur trail for a bonus visit to a worthwhile arch. You can see the arch from the beginning of the spur trail among the domed rocks, but instead of heading overland straight there, stay on the established trail and follow the helpful cairns.

After the short, flat trip to Tapestry Arch, regain the Broken Arch Loop trail and reenter civilization at the campground. The trail terminus is not exactly in the same place as its beginning. To reach the original start point, head left (southeast) on the campground road to the lower loop and take another left to reach the base of the loop.

Some users report being disappointed by this trail because you see Broken Arch in the distance before you reach it (instead of being revealed as a surprise) and the arch itself is cracked (not really broken or collapsed). It is only a letdown if you're expecting something else!