Double Arch | Arches

Hiking Double Arch - Arches Hiking Double Arch

Arches

Overview

Wed Sunny, with a high near 91. North northwest wind around 5 mph.
91° | 62°
Thu Sunny, with a high near 94. South wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
94° | 64°
Fri Sunny, with a high near 94.
94° | 64°
Sat Sunny, with a high near 96.
96° | 64°
Sun Sunny, with a high near 93.
93° | 64°
RATING: Easy Hiking
MAPS: THE WINDOWS SECTION, UT;
SEASON: Any, although summers can be hot.
GEAR: Standard Hiking Gear
WATER: None
Wed Sunny, with a high near 91. North northwest wind around 5 mph.
91° | 62°
Thu Sunny, with a high near 94. South wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
94° | 64°
Fri Sunny, with a high near 94.
94° | 64°
Sat Sunny, with a high near 96.
96° | 64°
Sun Sunny, with a high near 93.
93° | 64°
Double Arch
Double Arch

Double Arch is uncommon in Arches National Park in that the arches were created from water erosion from above, rather than the more common side erosion that created most of the other arches in the park. The size of the arches is impressive, with the biggest arch being 148 feet wide and about 104 feet high. It is a very worthwhile short hike, accessible to most.

On a trivia note, the arch was briefly visible in the beginning of the movie Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.

Approaching Double Arch
Approaching Double Arch

Getting There

From the visitors center, follow the main park road 9.1 miles to just passed the Balanced Rock pullout. Turn right onto The Window Road and follow it to its end in 2.5 miles. This is both The Windows Trail and Double Arch Trailheads.

The view from under Double Arch
The view from under Double Arch

Route Description

From the trailhead, it is about 0.25 miles to Double Arch. The arch is situated below Elephant Butte, the highest point in Arches National Park.

En route to the arch, the large rock formation on the left is known as the Parade of Elephants, an easy to understand name when you view the formation with a little imagination!


Photos

Maps

Route / 0.91 miles / Elevation Range 5,119 - 5,172 ft.
Printable Maps:

Trailhead Double Arch
12S 627107E 4283189N 38°41'17"N 109°32'19"W
Double Arch
12S 626966E 4283512N 38°41'28"N 109°32'24"W

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