Place

Tower Arch Trail

A stone arch opening frames a view of the valley below
Tower Arch

NPS/Paul Stolen

Quick Facts

Parking - Auto, Toilet - Vault/Composting, Trailhead

On the park's quieter side, this trail climbs up a rock wall, cuts across a valley, and then meanders through sandstone fins and sand dunes. Reaching this trailhead requires driving 8 mi (14 km) on unpaved roads.

  • Roundtrip Distance: 2.6 mi (4.2 km) 

  • Time: 2-3 hours 

  • Elevation Change: 290 ft (89 m) 

  • Difficulty: Strenuous 

  • Hike Description: This trail climbs up a steep rock wall, cuts across a valley, and then meanders through sandstone fins and sand dunes. Climbing sand dunes can be very difficult. Expect no cellular service and little to no shade on this trail.

  • Bring: Bring at least 2 quarts (2 L) of water per person. Avoid wearing shoes with open toes, high heels, or slick soles. 

  • Accessibility: Due to the steep climbing and sandy sections, 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?

The unpaved, less-developed side of the park offers opportunities for quiet reflection. Before recent decades of dramatically increased visitation, the entire park sat in desert silence most of the time. 
 

Arches National Park

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Last updated: April 5, 2024