Place

Skyline Arch Trail

A large sandstone arch is visible at sunset
Skyline Arch is at the end of a short, out-and-back trail.

NPS/ Kait Thomas

Quick Facts
Location:
Arches National Park
Significance:
Geologic Feature

Parking - Auto, Scenic View/Photo Spot, Trailhead

A short, out-and-back hike on well defined trail leads to an arch in a high wall. A gentle, rocky uphill slope at the beginning of the trail continues along a relatively flat path to the base of the arch.

  • Roundtrip Distance: 0.4 mi (0.6 km) 

  • Time: 10-20 min 

  • Elevation Change: 28 ft (8 m) 

  • Difficulty: Easy 

  • Accessibility: While the trail is mostly level, steps at the beginning make it inaccessible to wheelchairs. Instead, drive to the campground amphitheater and take the paved path to view Skyline Arch from the opposite side.

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

Arches are constantly changing. Most changes are slow, but some can be dramatic. A large boulder suddenly fell out of Skyline Arch in 1940, roughly doubling the size of the opening. You can see remnants of this rockfall at the base of Skyline Arch, about 0.2 miles (0.3 km) down the trail.

Arches National Park

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Last updated: April 5, 2024