Double Arch, UT

Arches National Park, in eastern Utah, is probably the states most famous National Park. Hundreds of arches cover the park, ranging from massive structures to little tiny keyholes peeking out of sandstone fins. Some require arduous backcountry hikes to reach, while others can be viewed from the road, and a short trail can take the less adventurous visitor to some of them.


Double Arch is one such readily accessible arch, or rather; set of arches. These two connected arches can not be seen from the main loop road, but can be seen from the Windows road and parking area. It is in this parking area that the Double Arch trail starts.After parking your car on the north side of the parking area loop, you will notice a sandy trail branching north towards the opening of Double Arch. The hike is short but pretty, bordered on either side by gorgeous red Entrada sandstone fins. There are several alcoves on the northern fin; who knows, maybe they will become arches in a few thousand years? The trail is sandy but not difficult, and there is not much of a gradient. The only real elevation gain comes at the arch, if you wish to go further up in between the two arches. If you climb to the farthest point of the back wall, you end up gaining about 100 feet from the trailhead, but most people simply stop at the entrance of the slickrock just inside to gaze around. Its a really remarkable sight, especially if there is no one else visiting (a rare occurance). Spend some time there, admiring the view, then return to your car by the same route you came in on. If you feel like another quick hike the Windows Loop takes off on the southeastern side of the same parking area.

Please note there is no water available on this hike: fill your water bottles back in Moab or at the Visitor's Center.

2008-01-28 PaleoRob