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.

From the trailhead, follow the trail to the first junction. I recommend going right here, which visits Turret Arch first. Turret Arch stands apart from The Windows. From Turret, it is easy to get great views of The Windows as well as Elephant Butte, the highest point in Arches (just to the north), and the La Sal mountains in the distance to the southwest.

From Turret, head back to the main trail and go right a couple of minutes to South Window, with North Window just north of South Window. Those wanting a very short an easy hike can follow the main trail from North Window directly back to the trailhead.

Looking for a bit more? Instead of going back to the trailhead from North Window, go back to South Window and follow the trail as it passes behind the Windows and loops back to the trailhead via a primitive loop trail. This makes for a 1.2-mile total loop with just a few minor obstacles along the way and is, in my opinion, the best way to experience the Windows.