Sand Dune Arch Trail

Winter snow dusting sandstone makes a beautiful but slippery landscape.

NPS/Kayla Vogt

Quick Facts

Amenities

3 listed

Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Toilet - Vault/Composting, Trailhead

Hike through deep sand to find this hidden arch between tall sandstone walls. You may also choose to continue across a grassland to Broken Arch, returning via the same trail or making a loop through the campground.

Sand Dune Arch Trail 

• Roundtrip Distance: 0.4 mi (0.6 km) 

• Time: 15-30 min 

• Elevation Change: 0 ft (0 m) 

• Difficulty: Easy 

• Hike Description: Hike through deep sand to a secluded arch tucked among sandstone fins. Do not climb or jump off the arch. 

• Accessibility: While the trail is mostly level, it crosses deep sand and has one very narrow section, which makes it not accessible to wheelchairs. 

• Dogs are not allowed on this trail. Service animals are allowed in national parks. What is a service animal?

Broken Arch Loop Trail

• Roundtrip Distance: 2.3 mi (3.7 km) 

• Time: 60 minutes 

• Elevation Change: 59 ft (18 m) 

• Difficulty: Moderate 
• Hike Description: Cross a grassland to an arch perched above a pygmy forest of piñon pine and juniper trees. The trail loops through a section of the campground.

• Accessibility: This trail is not accessible to wheelchairs. 

• Dogs are not allowed on this trail. Service animals are allowed in national parks. What is a service animal?

Many of Arches' popular places show evidence of previous people's actions, such as carved initials or names in the rock. You can help preserve the natural beauty of this place by minimizing your impacts and choosing to leave no trace.