The closest trail to the south entrance of Zion Nation Park, and one of the best introductions to Zion, is Watchman Trail. This 3.5-mile lollipop loop climbs 500 feet to a rocky bench on the east side of Zion Canyon. The destination serves up stunning views of a nearby tower named The Watchman and several standout rock formations on the walls of Zion Canyon.

From the Zion National Park Visitor Center, the mesmerizing hike begins with a level walk along the east bank of the Virgin River. To the right, above an overflow parking area, there is already a view of The Watchman, a jagged spire topping out 2,500 feet overhead. Thankfully, this trail does not ascend all the way to the summit of The Watchman, which would require merciless mountain climbing. Instead, the trail gradually reaches a landing on the side of the canyon beneath the towering prominence.

The Watchman from the start of the trail

After a quarter-mile river bank stroll, the trail bends to the right, crosses a paved service road, and leaves the canyon floor. A short series of steps on the other side of the road prepare your legs for the 500-foot ascent to come. Progress across a desert landscape with motivating view up Zion Canyon toward a bowl shaped side-canyon.

Looking up Zion Canyon

Just over half a mile from the start, the trail launches into switchbacks built into the north side of the side canyon. After 0.6 miles of climbing, the trail crosses the back of the canyon over two small streams and continues south to the split for the loop.

The trail up to the loop below The Watchman

The half-mile circuit at the end of Watchman Trail is level and scenic. Spindled juniper clings to the rusty soil, leaving room for massive views. The right branch of the loop follows the canyon rim out to the westernmost point of the bench, where the best views up Zion Canyon can be found. The left side of the loop heads straight toward The Watchman, reaching the lip of a side canyon to the south before rounding toward the overlook.

There is a dramatic drop below Watchman Overlook and staggering views in every direction. To the southeast, is the orange pinnacle of The Watchman itself. Further south, beyond the park border, open Utah desert stretches toward the Vermilion Cliffs in Southern Arizona. To the west, on the sandstone wall across from the bench, there is a stunning stretch of Zion Canyon that includes The Alter of Sacrifice (recognizable for the deep red stain on the stone).

Morning light reaches The Watchman

After soaking up the views along the loop, hike the mile and a half back down the trail. Sunrise is an excellent time to explore Watchman Trail, when the transfer from shadow to sunlight is dramaticaly displayed along the walls of Zion Canyon. The trailhead is a short walk from both Watchman Campground and South Campground. If you are bedding down inside the park, Watchman Trail is an excellent way to start your day.

To get to the trailhead: From the park visitor center at the south entrance of the park near the city of Springdale, walk northwest past the shuttle stop to the bank of the Virgin River. Take the walkway to the north side of the road to the start of Watchman Trail.

Use the map below to create your own directions:

Photos

 

                                       

These photos were taken in July of 2011. Click to enlarge.

 

Nearby Trails

 

	Canyon Overlook Trail This one-mile round trip hike visits a scenic viewpoint looking west over Zion Canyon.
	Court of the Patriarchs This 0.1-mile walk heads up a short rise in the center of Zion Canyon to offer a nice view of the surrounding sandstone peaks.
	Emerald Pools This 2.6-mile loop visits three tiers of enchanting pools by incorporating the Lower, Middle, and Upper Emerald Pools Trails.
	Weeping Rock This 0.4-mile hike visits an alcove in the sandstone wall of Zion Canyon where water seeps out of the rock, nourishing hanging gardens and plentiful vegetation.
	Hidden Canyon This 4.5-mile hike ascends the east rim of Zion Canyon above Weeping Rock, and then crosses dramatic cliffs to reach a hanging canyon housing a small natural arch.
	Angel’s Landing This 5.2-mile hike takes an incredible route up the east rim of Zion Canyon ascending to a towering slab of sandstone jutting into the center of the canyon. The expansive views and thousand foot drop-offs have made this trail world famous.
	Riverside Walk This level 2.8-mile walkway is a popular place to hike and swim, following the Virgin River to the bottom of the narrows north of Zion Canyon.
	More trails in Utah Explore other hikes in Utah outside of Zion National Park.

 

Camping

 

Zion Campgrounds There are two large campgrounds at the south end of Zion canyon and another near Kolob Canyon.

 

More Info

 

Zion National Park on hikespeak.com

Canyon Overlook Trail on protrails.com

Zion National Park on wikipedia.org

The official website for Zion National Park

 

Rarely is a mile-long hike as action packed and rewarding as Canyon Overlook Trail. The overlook sits on the rim of Pine Creek Canyon, which adjoins Zion Canyon to provide massive views of thousand-foot tall sandstone bluffs. There are ravines and overhangs along the short trail that will keep you entertained along the way. This excellent hike is appealing to all, especially those with limited time in Zion National Park.

The hike begins from a small larking area on Route 9 (Zion-Mount Carmel Highway) just east of the Mount Carmel Tunnel. Pick up the trail on the north side of the road and begin up a few short switchbacks, gaining a third of the 150 feet of elevation gain between the trailhead and the overlook.

Looking down on the Pine Creek Narrows

Progress along a ledge that looks out over a dark snaking ravine, the Pine Creek Narrows. Those with a fear of heights will cling to the metal railing leading to a short plank bridge. Walk the plank and continue on the trail beneath a large sandstone overhang. This shady spot offers an excellent view of Mount Carmel and its colorful arch shaped midsection. This impressive anticline offers a window into the geological forces that shaped Zion. Continue along the trail past juniper and boulders to the overlook itself, just half a mile from the trailhead.

Canyon Overlook

On the drive up Zion-Mount Carmel Highway from Zion Canyon, you probably notice an arch-shaped overhang on the orange east wall of Pine Creek Canyon. Canyon Overlook stands directly above this formation, known as The Great Arch. The short but wide Pine Creek Canyon spreads west toward Zion Canyon. From the viewpoint above the arch, you will find a broad unimpeded view to the west over Zion Canyon toward the Towers of the Virgin. To the north (right) is a 7,709-foot summit known as the East Temple, which towers over Pine Creek Canyon. To the northwest, on the opposite side of Zion Canyon, is The Sentinel stretches skyward to 7,157 feet. This impressive spire is also visible from Court of the Patriarchs, at the end of the shortest “trail” in the park.

At sunrise, you can watch the light first illuminate the orange walls of Zion Canyon. At the end of the day, you can see the sun disappear over Zion. Both are excellent times to visit Canyon Overlook Trail. The view is sure to impress at any hour of the day; this short hike really delivers.

Watching the sun set over Zion Canyon

To get to the trailhead: From the park visitor center, drive 1.5 miles north on Zion Canyon Scenic Drive (Route 9) to Canyon Junction and turn right on Zion-Mount Carmel Highway (Route 9) and continue another 4.5 miles. Take a series of switchbacks up to the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel. Drive through the tunnel. On the other side, make an immediate right into a small parking lot. Walk across the road and begin hiking.

Use the map below to create your own directions:

Photos

 

                                             

These photos were taken in July of 2011. Click to enlarge.

 

Nearby Trails

 

	Watchman Trail This 3.5-mile lollipop loop reaches a panoramic overlook on the side of Zion Canyon.
	Court of the Patriarchs This 0.1-mile walk heads up a short rise in the center of Zion Canyon to offer a nice view of the surrounding sandstone peaks.
	Emerald Pools This 2.6-mile loop visits three tiers of enchanting pools by incorporating the Lower, Middle, and Upper Emerald Pools Trails.
	Weeping Rock This 0.4-mile hike visits an alcove in the sandstone wall of Zion Canyon where water seeps out of the rock, nourishing hanging gardens and plentiful vegetation.
	Hidden Canyon This 4.5-mile hike ascends the east rim of Zion Canyon above Weeping Rock, and then crosses dramatic cliffs to reach a hanging canyon housing a small natural arch.
	Angel’s Landing This 5.2-mile hike takes an incredible route up the east rim of Zion Canyon ascending to a towering slab of sandstone jutting into the center of the canyon. The expansive views and thousand foot drop-offs have made this trail world famous.
	Riverside Walk This level 2.8-mile walkway is a popular place to hike and swim, following the Virgin River to the bottom of the narrows north of Zion Canyon.
	More trails in Utah Explore other hikes in Utah outside of Zion National Park.

 

Camping

 

Zion Campgrounds There are two large campgrounds at the south end of Zion canyon and another near Kolob Canyon.

 

More Info

 

Canyon Overlook Trail on birdandhike.com

Zion National Park on hikespeak.com

Canyon Overlook Trail on Utah.com

Canyon Overlook Trail on localhikes.com

Canyon Overlook Trail on trails.sierraclub.org

Zion National Park on wikipedia.org

The official website for Zion National Park

 

Riverside Walk accesses the notorious narrows north of Zion Canyon, making it one of the most popular trails in Zion National Park. To the end of the trail (at the start of the narrows) and back is a 2.8-mile hike over a level walkway bordering the Virgin River. Those looking to escape the Utah summer heat can leave the trail at any of several river access points to take a refreshing swim.

Riverside Walk begins from the Temple of Sinawava, where 3,000-foot rock walls form an amphitheater at the north end of Zion Canyon. The wheelchair friendly paved trail gains just sixty vertical feet as it follows the east bank of the Virgin River. Enjoy views of the passing water (and reflected orange sandstone walls) on the way to a small pool on the right, approximately ¾ of a mile from the start. Maidenhair ferns form a hanging garden on the rock face, resembling a miniature Emerald Pools.

A pool along the trail

Beyond the pool, march up a short rise and continue up the narrowing canyon. The ingress squeezes between sheer rock walls and elegant bends in the river.

Most who hike Riverside Walk do not stop at the end of the trail, and press on through water than can be waist to chest deep. By trail’s end, the canyon is just a hundred feet wide. Those who venture further upstream can see that it become narrower still. The gap between the thousand foot tall canyon walls shrinks to just twenty feet.

If you are continuing another two miles to Orderville Canyon, or trekking deeper into the narrows, be prepared for river hiking in potentially dangerous conditions. Flash flooding does occur. Those serious about hiking the narrows may prefer the 17.5-mile one-way descent through the narrows from Chamberlain’s Ranch to the Temple of Sinawava (at the start of the Riverside Walk), an epic backpacking excursion.

After exploring as much of the narrows as you wish, return down the Riverside Walk. This trail is easy, with nice scenery and crowds. An fee is required to enter Zion National Park, but the park shuttle to the trailhead is free. No permit is required to hike Riverside Walk, but a wilderness permit must be obtained to backpack through the narrows.

The Virgin River along Riverside Walk

To get to the trailhead: Between May and October, access to Zion Canyon is restricted to shuttle traffic only. From the Zion National Park Visitor Center, take the park shuttle to the final stop at the northernmost end of Zion Canyon, Temple of Sinawava.

Use the map below to create your own directions:

Photos

 

                             

These photos were taken in July of 2011. Click to enlarge.

 

Nearby Trails

 

	Weeping Rock This 0.4-mile hike visits an alcove in the sandstone wall of Zion Canyon where water seeps out of the rock, nourishing hanging gardens and plentiful vegetation.
	Hidden Canyon This 4.5-mile hike ascends the east rim of Zion Canyon above Weeping Rock, and then crosses dramatic cliffs to reach a hanging canyon housing a small natural arch.
	Angel’s Landing This 5.2-mile hike takes an incredible route up the east rim of Zion Canyon ascending to a towering slab of sandstone jutting into the center of the canyon. The expansive views and thousand foot drop-offs have made this trail world famous.
	Emerald Pools This 2.6-mile loop visits three tiers of enchanting pools by incorporating the Lower, Middle, and Upper Emerald Pools Trails.
	Court of the Patriarchs This 0.1-mile walk heads up a short rise in the center of Zion Canyon to offer a nice view of the surrounding sandstone peaks.
	Watchman Trail This 3.5-mile lollipop loop reaches a panoramic overlook on the side of Zion Canyon.
	Canyon Overlook Trail This one-mile round trip hike visits a scenic viewpoint looking west over Zion Canyon.
	More trails in Utah Explore other hikes in Utah outside of Zion National Park.

 

Camping

 

Zion Campgrounds There are two large campgrounds at the south end of Zion canyon and another near Kolob Canyon.

 

More Info

 

Zion National Park on hikespeak.com

Riverside Walk on birdandhike.com

Riverside Walk on utah.com

A shuttle and trail map for Zion Canyon on Utah.com

The official website for Zion National Park

 

If you are visiting Arches or Canyonlands and are planning to camp, you should know that there is very limited camping within these national parks. Fortunately, the Bureau of Land Management operates 25 developed campgrounds (with over 400 individual sites) outside these parks around the city of Moab. All campgrounds are first-come first-serve, so it is best to arrive early and plan ahead. Outside of the busiest weekends, the camping is quite ample. Fees for each site are $8 or $12 per night, depending on campground amenities. Some of the campgrounds are more primitive than what you would find at a national park. Drinking water and garbage receptacles are not always available, and the restrooms at the smaller campgrounds are quite rustic.

Upper Big Bend Campground off Scenic Byway 191 along the Colorado River

The Moab Field Office is more internet-friendly than most of bureau and there is plenty of campground information on these campgrounds available on the World Wide Web. For details about individual campgrounds and to see where they are located on the map, visit the Bureau of Land Management’s Moab camping page.

Photos

 

         

These photos were taken in June of 2010. Click to enlarge.

 

Nearby Trails

 

	Mill Creek This half-mile hike visits a swimming hole that offers refreshing escape from Utah’s Summer scorches.
	Negro Bill Trail to Morning Glory Bridge This 6-mile round trip hike travels through a scenic canyon to a 243-foot long natural bridge.
	More trails in Utah Explore other hikes in Zion, Canyonlands, and Arches National Parks.

 

More Info

 

Campground map and charts on discovermoab.com

The official camping page for the Moab Field Office of the Bureau of Land Management

 

This 6-mile round trip hike starts above the banks of the Colorado River east of Moab, Utah, and travels up a scenic canyon alongside a much smaller stream. The trek terminates at a stunning 243-foot long natural bridge, the sixth largest natural rock span in America. The level dirt trail to Morning Glory Bridge ascends just 330 feet and offers plenty of serenity along the way.

Why is it called Negro Bill Canyon? William Granstaff settles in Moab in 1877, becoming the first non-Caucasian pioneer to do so. He had success ranching in the area that now bears his name. William Granstaff Campground adjacent to the trailhead inherited his given name, while Negro Bill Canyon took a more colorful title. If they ever decide to change the name, Granstaff Canyon has a nice ring to it to it.

The creek meanders down Negro Bill Canyon

This single-track trail begins to the left of a year round stream that produces plentiful plant-life in Negro Bill Canyon, including poison ivy. Be on the lookout for those irritating leaves-of-three, especially if you venture off trail. The start of the hike is remarkably level allowing quick movement into this beautiful canyon.
The steep walls of this north-south running trench provide good early morning and late afternoon shade.

The trail widens 0.4 miles from the start, showing evidence that the canyon was previously open to 4X4 vehicles. An outcripping on the left side of the trail looks as though it may have once been inhabited or at least used for storage. Continue along the east bank of the shallow creek. At 0.85 miles, the first noticeable elevation is gained as you ascend a short rise in the canyon floor. Enjoy the nice views up and down canyon, and continue toward Morning Glory Bridge.

Looking down Negro Bill Canyon

At the 1.15-mile mark, a path spurs off to the left traveling a short distance into an indentation in the canyon wall. Green hanging gardens give the bump-out an alluring look, and this is a great place to test your echo (if you are interested in that sort of thing). Be on the look out for poison ivy if you trek this way.

The main trail continues south into the canyon. Just under a mile and a half from the start, you will cross the shallow creek for the first time. Get used to rock hopping. There are nine more crossings to come. Signs mark the trails as it flip-flops back and forth across the creek. Nevertheless, determining the proper path is tricky at times. If you end up on a false trail, simply backtrack to the correct route and continue upstream.

One of the ten creek crossings

Halfway through the creek crossings, the canyon bends to the left, and a side canyon heads off to the right. This is not the side-canyon containing Morning Glory Bridge, so proceed up the main channel. After 2.6 miles, at a more prolific Y in Negro Bill Canyon, you will cross the creek for a tenth and final time. The trail now embarks up the side canyon to the right, ascending the final 150 feet to Morning Glory Bridge.

The side canyon containing Morning Glory Bridge

The natural bridge crosses the back of the canyon, narrowly separated from the rock wall behind it. This makes the landmark less prominent from a distance, but quite dramatic close up. Morning Glory Bridge is sometimes called Morning Glory Arch by those who believe it to be an alcove arch rather than a natural bridge. That debate is for the geologists and erosion enthusiasts, but no matter how you label the impressive span, it is one monumental sight.

Morning Glory Bridge

Another curious feature lies just below the arch. A stream of water can be seen and heard flowing directly out of a fracture in the rock face. This adds to the magic of the spot. After taking a moment to relax beneath the sandstone bridge, return the way you can for a 6-mile round trip trek. Negro Bill Canyon is protected by the Bureau of Land Management, so no fee or permit is required to hike to Morning Glory Bridge.

A Canyoneering team rappels off Morning Glory Bridge

Writer’s note: Signs at the trailhead label the distance to Morning Glory Bridge at both two and 2.5 miles, and most publications describe this as a 4-mile round trip hike. My GPS tracker recorded the distance to the bridge at 3 miles. This measurement matches the distance I typically hike during the time I was on the trail. If your experience ends up being shorter, please let me know.

Desert Evening Primrose along the trail

To get to the trailhead: From Highway 191 in the city of Moab, head east on Scenic Byway 128 along the Colorado River. After three miles, turn right into the marked parking lot for Negro Bill Trailhead. There is a bathroom and an information kiosk near the start of the trail.

Use the map below to create your own directions:

Photos

 

                                               

These photos were taken in June of 2010. Click to enlarge.

 

Nearby Trails

 

	Mill Creek This half-mile hike visits a swimming hole that offers refreshing escape from Utah’s Summer scorches.
	More trails in Utah Explore other hikes in Zion, Canyonlands, and Arches National Parks.

 

Similar Trails

 

	Landscape Arch in Arches National Park This level 2.5-mile hike visits the longest natural arch in the world along with two other enjoyable arches.
	Double Arch in Arches National Park This 0.8-mile hike visits a pair of connected arches in the Windows region of Arches National Park.
	Mesa Arch in Canyonlands National Park This half-mile loop visits a picturesque arch spanning across the mesa’s edge.
	Arch Rock in Joshua Tree This 0.3-mile loop visits a natural arch in the granite formations around White Tank Campground.

 

Camping

 

BLM Campgrounds There are 25 campgrounds operated by the Bureau of Land Management surrounding Moab, Utah outside Arches and Canyonlands National Park.

 

More Info

 

The BLM webpage for Negro Bill Canyon

Negro Bill Canyon on utah.com

Negro Bill Canyon on protrails.com

Negro Bill Canyon on wikipedia.org

 

If you visit Arches or Canyonlands National Parks in the summer, you may be greeted by long days with temperatures in the triple digits. In those conditions, a simply swim in a cold creek can be as satisfying as any of those parks’ amazing landmarks. The Colorado River around Moab is swift and silty, so instead bathe in the refreshing waters of Mill Creek.

Mill Creek Trail heads deep into the Utah landscape southeast of Moab, but you only need to hike a quarter-mile to reach this fluvial refuge. Take the single track from the parking lot and head east parallel to Mill Creek, which has dug a fifteen-foot deep trench into the rocky plain. The level trail passes just to the right of a man-made waterfall at an old mill site. From here, the trail continues up along the creek, but if all you want is a refreshing dip, backtrack along the ledge for a few hundred feet until a path appears down the rocky bank. Once you descend to the creek, the hiking is over and it’s time to swim.

The falls at Mill Creek

Mill Creek is shallow with relaxing pools and enough current to push you down a few rock water slides. If you make your way upstream, you may see a few daredevils cliff jumping into the pool at the base of the falls. The deep spot is quite narrow, making jumping not the greatest idea (unless you know a good doctor in Moab for broken legs).

Mill Creek

Mill Creek is a great way to beat the relentless Utah summer heat. When you are ready to return to the 100-degree air, make a 180-degree turn, ascend the bank of the creek, and walk back to the parking lot. Mill Creek is located on BLM land. No fee or permit is required, so get out and enjoy.

To get to the trailhead: From downtown Moab, head south on Route 191. Make a left onto Sage Ave, followed by a quick right onto Holyoak Lane. Drive two blocks to Mill Creek Drive and make a left. Drive half a mile to Powerhouse Lane and turn right. Take this road for a third of a mile to the parking lot at road’s end.

Use the map below to create your own directions:

Photos

 

     

These photos were taken in June of 2010. Click to enlarge.

 

Nearby Trails

 

	Negro Bill Trail to Morning Glory Bridge This 6-mile round trip hike travels through a scenic canyon to a 243-foot long natural bridge.
	More trails in Utah Explore other hikes in Zion, Canyonlands, and Arches National Parks.

 

Similar Trails

 

	Paradise Creek in Sequoia National Park This short stroll leaves Buckeye Flats Campground to visit the perfect swimming hole for a hot summer day in the Sierras.
	Natural Water Slide in Giant Sequpia National Monument This one mile hike visits a refreshing natural water slide on the eastern side of the Great Western Divide.

 

Camping

 

BLM Campgrounds There are 25 campgrounds operated by the Bureau of Land Management surrounding Moab, Utah outside Arches and Canyonlands National Park.

 

More Info

 

Mill Creek on Utah.com

The official website for Moab Field office for the Bureau of Land Management

 

This one-mile loop visits three impressive arches in close vicinity. The North and South Window Arches form openings in the same sandstone fin, while Turret Arch stands within a more castle-like formation. The circle between the arches has three spurs leading to the base of each arch, creating an action-packed hike with just 150 feet of elevation gain.

North Window Arch

The first stop on the loop is North Window Arch. A tenth of a mile from the trailhead, turn left at the junction and continue another tenth of a mile up stone steps the base of the arch. You can stand directly beneath North Window and look out at a rustic landscape of sandstone hoodoos that lie beyond the arch. There is a primitive trail through this area known as The Spectacles, which begins at the next stop, South Window Arch.

A view of Turret Arch from North Window Arch

As you leave North Window Arch, there is a nice view of Turret Arch on the other side of the loop. After a short distance, the trail come to a junction with a short spur going to the left to South Window Arch. This arch is elevated from the desert floor, and the trail stops below the base of the sandstone fin.

North and South Window Arch

Continue clockwise around the loop toward Turret Arch, looking over your shoulder for a broad view of both Window Arches. Turret Arch is the smallest of the three. Step through the span for a view of the Windows framed by Turret Arch. When done, proceed around the loop and down to the trailhead. The well-marked one-mile trek makes it easy to visit three impressive arches in a short period of time, and the minimal 150 feet of elevation gain makes the trail feasible for hikers of all abilities.

Turret Arch

To get to the trailhead: From the visitor center, drive 9.5 miles up Park Avenue (0.3 miles past Balanced Rock) and turn right toward the Windows District. Drive an additional 2.5 miles to the loop at the end of the road where the parking area for the trailhead is located.

Use the map below to create your own directions:

Photos

 

     
     
     
These photos were taken in June of 2010. Click to enlarge.

 

Nearby Trails

 

	Double Arch This 0.8-mile hike visits a pair of connected arches in the Windows region of Arches National Park.
	Delicate Arch This 3-mile hike visits this most iconic arch in the world, a beautiful span that should not be missed.
	Balanced Rock This quarter mile loop circles a perilous block of sandstone balancing near the center of Arches National Park.
	More trails in Utah Explore other hikes in Arches National Park and elsewhere.

 

Similar Trails

 

	Mesa Arch in Canyonlands National Park This half-mile loop visits a picturesque arch spanning across the mesa’s edge in the Island in the Sky.
	Morning Glory Bridge in Moab This 6-mile round trip hike travels through a scenic canyon to a 243-foot long natural bridge.

 

More Info

 

Windows Loop in HIKING CANYONLANDS AND ARCHES NATIONAL PARKS by Bill Schneider

Arches National Park on wikipedia.org

Arches National Park on Utah.com

The official website for Arches National Park

 

Wonders never cease in Arches National Park. For proof, hike Double Arch Trail, which visits two grand arches joined at a common pillar at a 90-degree angle. The 0.8-mile round trip hike passes a unique sandstone formation known as the Parade of Elephants while ascending 125 feet to the Siamese spans.

The start of Double Arch Trail is just a few hundred feet from the trailhead for the Window Arches and Turret Arch, making it possible to visit five arches in less than an hour.

The Parade of Elephants

Start down the level desert trail toward Double Arch. To the left are distinct rocks that bear an uncanny resemblance to elephants. Pass the elephants and continue to Double Arch, which looks like part of a gyroscope embedded into a sandstone cliff. The trail passes directly beneath the bigger of the two arches, a monumental 112-foot tall, 144-foot wide span, which is the tallest in the park and the third widest.

Double Arch

Ascend the rock amphitheater behind the first arch up to the adjoining span, a smaller 67-foot wide and 86-foot tall arch. Geologists believe this impressive span began as a pothole of water on the surface overhead. The collected water slowly broke down the rock, forming an alcove, which eventually created both arches. Science aside, the twin arches seem like an improbably natural wonder, created solely to amaze. The inspiring configuration went by a few other names over the years, like Double Windows, Jug Handles, and Twinbow Bridge. Whatever you name Double Arch, you will call it impressive. This short hike should not be missed.

Looking out from Double Arch

To get to the trailhead: From the visitor center, drive 9.5 miles up Park Avenue (0.3 miles past Balanced Rock) and turn right toward the Windows District. Drive 2.5 miles to the loop at the end of the road. Pass Windows Trailhead and follow the circle to the parking area at the start of the trail to Double Arch.

Use the map below to create your own directions:

Photos

 

                 

These photos were taken in June of 2010. Click to enlarge.

 

Nearby Trails

 

	Window Arches This one-mile loop presents three arches in close proximity, the North and South Windows and Turret Arch.
	Balanced Rock This quarter mile loop circles a perilous block of sandstone balancing near the center of Arches National Park.
	Delicate Arch This 3-mile hike visits this most iconic arch in the world, a beautiful span that should not be missed.
	More trails in Utah Explore other hikes in Arches National Park and elsewhere.

 

Similar Trails

 

	Mesa Arch in Canyonlands National Park This half-mile loop visits a picturesque arch spanning across the mesa’s edge in the Island in the Sky.
	Morning Glory Bridge in Moab This 6-mile round trip hike travels through a scenic canyon to a 243-foot long natural bridge.

 

More Info

 

Double Arch in HIKING CANYONLANDS AND ARCHES NATIONAL PARKS by Bill Schneider

Double Arch on protrails.com

Double Arch on wikipedia.org

Arches National Park on Utah.com

The official website for Arches National Park

 

This quarter-mile loop circles one of Arches’ most prominent landmarks. Balanced Rock is a defiant 55-foot tall block of Estrada Sandstone that rests on a narrow stand of Dewey Bridge Rock. As you approach Balanced Rock from the south, the impressive pillar looks like a ball resting on an old milk bottle. That shape changes as you tour around Balanced Rock, but no matter how you look at it, the rock’s ability to stay put is impressive.

Balanced Rock

The short hike around Balanced Rock only takes a few minutes, and it is equally enjoyable in both directions. Stone steps have been built in over the minimal changes in elevation, and the trail is wide and well maintained. In time, this sandstone capstone will fall from its mudstone pedestal. Until then, Balanced Rock will draw the attention and imagination of everyone who visits Arches National Park. There is a nice view of Balanced Rock from the parking lot, but the short trek is worth taking as the profile of the rock shifts dramatically from different angles.

To get to the trailhead: From the visitor center, drive 9.2 miles up Park Avenue to the pullout for Balanced Rock. You will see Balanced Rock coming from miles away.

Use the map below to create your own directions:

Photos

 

         

These photos were taken in June of 2010. Click to enlarge.

 

Nearby Trails

 

	Double Arch This 0.8-mile hike visits a pair of connected arches in the Windows region of Arches National Park.
	Window Arches This one-mile loop presents three arches in close proximity, the North and South Windows and Turret Arch.
	Delicate Arch This 3-mile hike visits this most iconic arch in the world, a beautiful span that should not be missed.
	More trails in Utah Explore other hikes in Arches National Park and elsewhere.

 

More Info

 

Balanced Rock in HIKING CANYONLANDS AND ARCHES NAT’L PARKS by Bill Schneider

Balanced Rock on Utah.com

Arches National Park on wikipedia.org

The official website for Arches National Park

 

Do not leave Arches National Park without seeing Delicate Arch. The emblematic arch appears on the Utah License plate, and while it is certainly not the largest in the park, it is probably the most memorable. Two overlooks provide a distant view of the arch, but the best way to see Delicate Arch is to hike right up to it. This incredible 3-mile trek is a must-do for anyone visiting Arches.

Begin from Delicate Arch Trailhead and head east past Wolfe Ranch, the former home of the park’s earliest Caucasian inhabitants. The homestead was built alongside Salt Marsh, which the trail crosses with the help of a wooden bridge. Not long after, a side trail to the left visits petroglyphs along a rock wall.

Looking back on the trail as it starts up the slickrock

The trail takes a gradual climb up slickrock slopes, eventually ascending 480 feet to the arch. The wide gravel trail is reduced to a weathered line across exposed sandstone. Follow the cairn-lined track across bare rock as it turns northward, leveling some before swinging to the right around the back of a sandstone fin. A path cut into the ledge presents the only way forward.

The building anticipation can make the mile and a half journey to Delicate Arch feel long, but as you traverse the ledge, the trail curves to the right and Delicate Arch appears. Wow, what a sight!

Delicate Arch

Delicate Arch stands on the side of a bowl shaped depression, flying solo above the surrounding rock. There is something special about this place that is hard to describe. If you arrive around sunrise or sunset, the spiritual beauty will be undeniable.

Delicate Arch is only about fifty feet tall, and stands in an area where the surrounding stone has been removed. Somehow, this stubborn span perseveres, looking both breathtaking and perilous. The arch appears frail, but defiant. The creation and steadfastness of Delicate Arch seem improbably, but thank god it’s there. The vast colorful landscape behind the arch sets the backdrop for one of the most striking views in any national park.

Delicate Arch

Have a seat along the sandstone amphitheater and watch the light play off Delicate Arch. When you are ready to head back, probably after the sun has gone down, return the way you came. This awe-inspiring sight will stick with you. Delicate Arch is incredible.

Delicate Arch

To get to the trailhead: From the visitor center, drive 12.3 miles up Park Avenue and turn right. Continue an additional 1.2 miles and turn left into the parking area for Delicate Arch Trail.

Use the map below to create your own directions:

Photos

 

                                       

These photos were taken in June of 2010. Click to enlarge.

 

Nearby Trails

 

	Landscape Arch This level 2.5-mile hike visits the longest natural arch in the world along with two other enjoyable arches.
	Skyline Arch This short 0.4-mile hike ends below a wide arch near the top of a sandstone fin.
	Balanced Rock This quarter mile loop circles a perilous block of sandstone balancing near the center of Arches National Park.
	More trails in Utah Explore other hikes in Arches National Park and elsewhere.

 

Similar Trails

 

	Mesa Arch in Canyonlands National Park This half-mile loop visits a picturesque arch spanning across the mesa’s edge in the Island in the Sky.
	Morning Glory Bridge in Moab This 6-mile round trip hike travels through a scenic canyon to a 243-foot long natural bridge.
	Arch Rock in Joshua Tree This 0.3-mile loop visits a natural arch in the granite formations around White Tank Campground.

 

More Info

 

Delicate Arch in HIKING CANYONLANDS AND ARCHES NATIONAL PARKS by Bill Schneider

Arches National Park on Utah.com

Delicate Arch on wikipedia.org

Delicate Arch on protrails.com

Delicate Arch on nileguide.com

Delicate Arch on takemytrip.com

Delicate Arch on localhikes.com

Delicate Arch on outsideadventureguide.com

Delicate Arch on twoknobbytires.com

The official website for Arches National Park