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.
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.
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.
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 Section. 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.
Trailhead address: The Windows Section, Arches National Park, Moab, UT 84532
Trailhead coordinates: 38.68825, -109.5384 (38° 41′ 17.7″N 109° 32′ 18.2″W)
You may also view a regional map of surrounding Utah trails and campgrounds.
 | Window Arches This one-mile loop presents three arches in close proximity, the North and South Windows and Turret Arch. |
 | Balanced Rock This short 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. |
 | 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. |
 | More trails in Utah Explore other hikes in Arches National Park and elsewhere. |
 | Mesa Arch in Canyonlands National Park This 0.7-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. |
Common Questions about Double Arch in Arches National Park
- Is the trail open?
- Yes. You should expect to find that Double Arch Trail is open. There are no recent reports of trail closures. If you discover that the trail is closed, please help your fellow hikers by reporting a closure.
- Do I need a permit for this hike?
- Yes. National Park Entrance Fee.
- How much time does this hike take?
- It takes approximately 30 minutes to hike Double Arch Trail. Individual hiking times vary. Add extra time for breaks and taking in the views.
- How long is this hike?
- The hike to Double Arch Trail is a 0.8 mile out and back with 125 feet of elevation change.
- Are dogs allowed on this trail?
- No, dogs are likely not allowed on Double Arch Trail. The trail is primarily open to hikers.
- Is Double Arch Trail good for kids?
- Yes, this hike is likely suitable for children. It is relatively short (0.8 miles) with manageable elevation gain.
- Where is the trailhead located?
- The trailhead for Double Arch Trail is located in Moab, Utah.
Trailhead Address:
Arches National Park
Moab, Utah 84532
Trailhead Coordinates:
38.68825, -109.5384 - Are there other trails near Double Arch Trail?
- Yes, you can find other nearby hikes using the Hikespeak Hike Finder Map.
I’ve done this hike before. It is great, but not as good as the delicate arch, that one is the best!
It really does look like an elephant, huh. Incredible
[…] this in any guide book. If you look to the right (of the you know what), you will see the famous Double Arch in the Windows Section at Arches National Park. Oh sure, I know you claim you were looking at the […]
[…] out the visitor center & walk around the Windows & Double Arch (1.8 miles RT). Climb to Delicate Arch (3 miles RT). Stick around until about an hour before […]