The Park Avenue Trail is one of the most scenic short hikes in Arches National Park, Utah. Despite its modest distance, the trail delivers an impressive introduction to the park’s dramatic sandstone landscape. The hike descends into a broad canyon lined with towering rock formations that resemble a city skyline, which is how the area earned its name.
The Park Avenue Trail offers one of the most dramatic landscapes in Arches with relatively little effort. The path descends between towering sandstone walls and monoliths, creating a canyon-like corridor that feels very different from many other areas of the park.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about hiking the Park Avenue Trail, including trail details, what to expect along the route, the best time to visit, and how to fit this short but spectacular hike into your Arches itinerary.
Park Avenue Trail – At a Glance
One of the most dramatic landscapes in Arches – Towering sandstone fins and monoliths line both sides of the trail, creating a canyon-like corridor that resembles a city skyline.
Short hike with huge visual payoff – Despite its modest length, the trail delivers some of the most impressive scenery in the park.
Great introduction to the park – Located just inside the entrance of Arches National Park, the hike works perfectly as a first stop when arriving from Moab.
Flexible route options – You can hike the trail as a one-way walk between viewpoints or simply descend partway and return to the starting point.
Trail Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: 45 minutes – 1 hour round trip
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Park Avenue Trail: Location, Map, and How to Get There
The Park Avenue Trail is located in Arches National Park, in eastern Utah, just outside the town of Moab. The trailhead is a very short distance from the park entrance, along the main scenic road that runs north–south through the park.
Arches National Park itself lies about 5 miles (8 km) north of Moab and is easily accessed via U.S. Highway 191, making it one of the most convenient national parks in Utah to reach.
Driving Times to Arches National Park
- Moab: 10–15 minutes
- Canyonlands National Park: 45 minutes
- Capitol Reef National Park: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Salt Lake City: 3 hours 45 minutes
- Las Vegas: 6 hours 30 minutes
These times assume clear weather and normal traffic conditions.
If you need to book a rental vehicle for your hiking excursion, we highly recommend using Discover Cars to get the best rates on your rental in Utah, Nevada and Arizona.
We also highly recommend Airalo (eSIM card) for your connectivity needs when travelling abroad. Airalo is the world’s first and largest eSIM store with eSIM plans for 200+ countries and regions worldwide.
Park Avenue Trail – Trailhead Access, Parking & Fees
Trailhead Location
The Park Avenue Trailhead is located inside Arches National Park, about 2 miles (3 km) from the park entrance along the main scenic road (link to Google Maps). Because of its proximity to the entrance, Park Avenue is often one of the first stops visitors encounter when entering the park from Moab.
Trailhead parking lot
The Park Avenue parking area is a small paved lot (space for about 20 cars) located directly beside the viewpoint and trailhead. While it receives steady visitor traffic throughout the day, parking here tends to turn over quickly because many visitors stop only briefly for the viewpoint or a short hike. As a result, it rarely remains full for extended periods.
The lot is busiest during mid-morning and late afternoon, especially in spring and fall when visitation in Arches peaks.
Facilities
There are no toilets by the trailhead.
Trail Opening Hours
The Park Avenue Trail is accessible year-round, 24 hours a day, weather permitting.
Entrance Fees for Arches National Park
Anyone visiting Arches National Park, whether to hike, drive the scenic road, or explore its iconic arches, must pay the applicable entrance fee to the National Park Service.
Entrance Fees (per vehicle, valid 7 days)
Private vehicle: $30
Motorcycle: $25
Individual (on foot, bicycle, etc.): $15
Annual Pass Options
Southeast Utah Parks Pass: $55 – valid for one year and covers Arches, Canyonlands National Park, and Hovenweep National Monument.
America the Beautiful Pass: $80 – valid for one year at all U.S. National Parks and more than 2,000 federal recreation sites nationwide. This is the best value if you plan to visit multiple national parks within a year.
Passes can be purchased at the park entrance station, at the Visitor Center, or online through the USGS website or via the REI store.
—> Most visitors exploring Utah’s “Mighty 5” parks (Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Zion) should strongly consider the America the Beautiful Pass: it saves money and avoids the hassle of buying separate entry fees at each park.
Park Avenue Trail – Trail Stats, Difficulty, and Map
Distance: 1.8 miles (2.9 km)
Route Type: Out & Back
Elevation gain: 310 ft / 94 m (cumulative elevation gain)
AllTrails rating (2026): 4.7, 4200 ratings
Duration: Most people complete the full trail in 45-60 minutes
Trail difficulty level assessment:
Very Easy | Easy | Moderate | Moderately Challenging | Challenging
Overall, the Park Avenue Trail is best described as Easy. Although there is a noticeable elevation gain on the return leg, the trail is short enough not to be overly demanding.
Not an AllTrails member yet? We highly recommend signing up for either their free or paid membership plans. The free plan allows you to find new trails and plan routes but it can only be used while hiking if you have access to mobile data. The paid membership plan (AllTrails+) allows you to download trail maps for offline use and provides live progress updates and off-route notifications.
If you are still uncertain – you should know that the All Trails mobile application was voted the 2023 iPhone App of the Year by Apple.
We find that AllTrails is a great tool to have when hiking, particularly for assisting with navigation when the trail is hard to locate and to help monitor your progress along the trail, which helps estimate how much time you’ll need to complete the trail.
Hiking the Park Avenue Trail One-Way
The trail statistics listed above refer to the standard out-and-back hike, where visitors start at the Park Avenue Trailhead, descend into the canyon, and return the same way.
However, the trail can also be hiked one-way if your group has two vehicles.
The trail connects Park Avenue Viewpoint and Courthouse Towers Viewpoint, which are located about 1 mile (1.6 km) apart along the park road. With two vehicles, you can park one car at each trailhead and hike the route in a single direction.
Most visitors prefer to start at the Park Avenue Trailhead and hike downhill toward Courthouse Towers, which makes the walk slightly easier overall. The opposite direction is also possible, though it requires a gradual uphill climb for much of the route.
Park Avenue Trail – Trail Description and What to Expect
The Park Avenue Trail is widely considered one of the most scenic short hikes in Arches National Park. Despite its modest distance, the hike delivers dramatic views and allows visitors to walk directly among some of the park’s most impressive sandstone formations.
Because the trail descends into the canyon before returning to the rim, hikers completing the route out and back should remember that the return climb is slightly steeper than the descent at the beginning.
First Section: Descent from Park Avenue Viewpoint
The trail begins at the Park Avenue Viewpoint, where a series of stone steps and switchbacks descend from the rim into the canyon below.
Almost immediately, towering sandstone formations begin to dominate the landscape. The massive walls on either side resemble skyscrapers, which is how the area earned the name “Park Avenue.”
Second Section: Walking Through the Canyon
Once you reach the canyon floor, the trail becomes mostly flat and easy to follow, winding between enormous sandstone formations that rise hundreds of feet above the path. The path here is also quite sandy in stretches.
This section feels very different from the open desert landscapes found elsewhere in the park. Instead of wide views across the plateau, the trail is enclosed by towering rock walls and narrow sandstone fins.
The formations here include The Three Gossips, The Organ, and The Tower of Babel, some of the park’s most recognizable rock spires.
Because the trail follows the canyon floor, the sense of scale becomes particularly impressive as you move forward along the trail.
Final Section: Courthouse Towers Approach
As you continue south, the canyon gradually widens, and the trail approaches the Courthouse Towers area, where several massive monoliths dominate the skyline.
These formations resemble towering stone buildings, reinforcing the “city skyline” imagery that inspired the names throughout this part of the park.
The trail ends at the Courthouse Towers Viewpoint, where hikers can either turn around and retrace their steps or continue to their second vehicle if completing the hike as a one-way route.
Park Avenue Trail – Additional Details and Hiking Tips
Canine companions: Dogs are not permitted on the Park Avenue Trail. Pets are only allowed in designated areas of Arches National Park, primarily on paved roads, parking areas, and campgrounds. They are prohibited on all hiking trails within the park.
Trail environment: The Park Avenue Trail descends into a broad canyon lined with towering sandstone fins and monoliths that resemble a city skyline. Unlike many hikes in the park that cross open slickrock, this trail follows the canyon floor for much of its length, creating a dramatic corridor of rock formations. While the canyon walls provide some intermittent shade, the trail remains largely exposed.
Route signage: The trail is well-defined and easy to follow from both trailheads. Navigation is straightforward, with clear paths and occasional signage near the viewpoints. Most hikers will have no difficulty staying on route.
Trail surface / Technical aspects: The upper portion of the trail includes stone steps and a series of short switchbacks descending from the viewpoint. Once on the canyon floor, the surface becomes mostly packed dirt and sand with occasional rock sections. No technical hiking or scrambling is required.
Slope and effort: The trail begins with a gradual but noticeable descent from the Park Avenue viewpoint. Because of this, hikers completing the route out and back will need to climb back up to the rim on the return, which is the most physically demanding portion of the hike.
Previous Hiking Experience: The hike is suitable for most visitors with basic fitness levels. Families with older children typically find the trail manageable, and the distance is short enough to complete comfortably within an hour.
Cell Service: Cell reception in this area is inconsistent. Some visitors may receive a weak signal near the viewpoints, but coverage can disappear once you descend into the canyon
Leave No Trace: Stay on the designated trail to protect fragile desert soils and vegetation. Avoid climbing on sandstone formations and pack out all trash to help preserve the landscape.
Bugs: Insects are usually minimal. Occasional flies may appear during warmer months, but mosquitoes are uncommon.
Equipment: No special gear is required. Comfortable walking shoes or light hiking shoes are recommended. Bring water and sun protection, especially during warmer months.
Weather and Exposure: Conditions in the desert can change quickly. Although the canyon walls provide occasional shade, strong sun is common throughout the day. The trail can become muddy or slick after storms. Use caution on stone steps and exposed rock surfaces when wet.
Current Trail Conditions: Check the National Park Service alerts page for Arches National Park before your visit for updates on weather conditions, trail advisories, or temporary closures.
Hiking Packing List
All Trails subscription – This comes in really handy for areas with little or no cell reception, as the annual subscription allows you to download trail maps for offline use.
External Battery – If you are using your phone to track your progress along the trail or to help with navigation, you certainly don’t want your phone to die on you. That’s especially true in the unlikely event that you might get hurt or need assistance.
Hiking poles – These can be particularly useful in steep trails or muddy/boggy trail conditions.
Water Filter Bottle – The Life Straw bottle is an advanced water bottle with a filter that not only improves water taste but more importantly filters out bacteria and parasites, chemicals and microplastics.
Headlamp – very practical and a smart choice if you plan to start your hike before sunrise or finish it after sunset.
Best Time to Hike the Trail
Best Time of Day
Early morning is one of the most beautiful times to visit the Park Avenue area. The rising sun illuminates the towering sandstone fins and monoliths, creating dramatic light and shadow across the canyon walls. This is also when the area tends to be quieter.
Midday light is less dramatic for photography, but the hike remains enjoyable since the trail is short and easy to complete.
Sunset
Sunset can also be a rewarding time to visit. The warm evening light often enhances the red and orange tones of the sandstone formations. However, unlike some other areas of the park, Park Avenue typically does not attract the same large sunset crowds as the Delicate Arch Trail.
Best Seasons
Spring and fall generally offer the most comfortable hiking conditions, with moderate temperatures and stable weather. These seasons also coincide with peak visitation in the park.
Summer visits are still possible because the hike is relatively short, but midday temperatures can become very hot. If visiting in summer, hiking earlier in the morning is recommended.
Winter is the quietest season. Occasional snow can dust the surrounding rock formations, creating striking scenery, though cold temperatures and icy steps may require extra caution.
Quick Summary – When to Visit
The Park Avenue Trail can be enjoyed at almost any time of day, but early morning often provides the best light and fewer crowds. Spring and fall offer the most comfortable temperatures, while summer hikes are best done early to avoid the midday heat.
Is the Park Avenue Trail Worth It?
We definitely think so! The Park Avenue Trail is one of the most dramatic short hikes in Arches National Park. Despite its modest distance, the trail delivers towering sandstone scenery almost immediately and allows hikers to walk directly among some of the park’s most impressive rock formations.
Because it sits just inside the park entrance and takes less than an hour to complete, it’s also one of the easiest ways to experience Arches beyond roadside viewpoints.
Why You Might Enjoy It:
– One of the most impressive landscapes near the park entrance
– Unique canyon-like corridor lined with towering sandstone fins and monoliths
– Short hike with a huge visual payoff
– Flexible route options: hike the full out-and-back route or arrange a one-way walk between viewpoints
– Typically less crowded than many of the park’s more famous hikes, such as Delicate Arch or Devil’s Garden
Why It Might Not Be for You:
– The trail begins with a descent, meaning the return hike requires climbing back to the rim
– Much of the hike remains exposed to the sun, especially during warmer months
– Some visitors prefer to stop only at the viewpoint rather than hike the full trail, since the most impressive view is arguably at the trailhead/initial viewpoint.
Bottom line: If you’re looking for a short hike with big scenery, the Park Avenue Trail is absolutely worth it. It’s one of the easiest ways to walk among the Arches’ towering sandstone formations without committing to a long hike.
Want to Explore More Hikes in Arches National Park?
We’ve also created a complete guide to the Best Hikes in Arches National Park, covering everything from short walks to longer arch-hunting adventures. It includes practical tips for planning your visit, navigating the scenic drive, and choosing the right trails based on time and difficulty.
Below are a few other hikes in the park that we highly recommend:
The Windows & Double Arch
The Windows Section is one of the easiest and most rewarding places to explore arches up close. A short trail leads to North Window, South Window, and Turret Arch, while a nearby path reaches the impressive Double Arch, where two massive stone spans rise dramatically from the desert floor. The trails here are short and mostly easy, making this area ideal for visitors looking for big scenery without a long hike.
For more details and hiking tips, see our Windows Section & Double Arch Hiking Guide.
Devils Garden (Landscape Arch & Beyond)
The Devils Garden Trail is the longest and most varied hike in Arches. Even the easy first section leads to Landscape Arch, one of the longest natural arches in the world. Beyond that, the trail continues toward several additional arches and increasingly rugged terrain. Many visitors hike only the first portion, which provides an excellent introduction to the area’s dramatic sandstone formations.
For route options and trail details, see our Devil’s Garden Hiking Guide.
Delicate Arch Trail
If there’s one hike most visitors associate with Arches National Park, it’s the trail to Delicate Arch. This moderately challenging hike climbs steadily across open slickrock before reaching the park’s most iconic sandstone formation. Unlike arches that can be viewed from roadside pullouts, Delicate Arch requires a bit of effort to reach, but the reward is standing face-to-face with one of the most recognizable natural landmarks in the American Southwest. The final reveal of the arch, framed by the distant La Sal Mountains, is one of the most memorable moments in the park.
For trail details and visiting tips, see our Delicate Arch Trail Hiking Guide.
Where to Stay Near Arches National Park
Unlike some national parks with limited lodging near the entrance, Arches National Park sits just five minutes from the town of Moab, which serves as the region’s main base.
Moab offers a wide range of accommodations: from national hotel chains to boutique adventure lodges. Staying in town makes it easy to:
- Enter Arches early for sunrise hikes
- Return midday to escape the heat
- Explore Canyonlands or Dead Horse Point without relocating
- Enjoy restaurants and services in the evening
Below are three well-located, reliable options at different mid-range price points and styles.
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Moab
Best for: Comfortable, reliable mid-range stay with strong value
La Quinta offers a familiar, dependable experience with spacious rooms, a large outdoor pool, and complimentary breakfast. It’s located along the main highway entering Moab, about 10 minutes from the Arches entrance.
Why it works well:
- Good value relative to other Moab hotels
- Large parking area (useful for larger vehicles or road trips)
- Easy access in and out of town
This is a solid choice for families, road trippers, or anyone prioritizing comfort and practicality.
Best for: Modern amenities close to Arches
Wingate is one of the newer properties in Moab and sits slightly north of town, closer to the entrance of Arches. Rooms are modern and well-appointed, and amenities include a pool, fitness center, and free breakfast.
Why it stands out:
- Shorter drive to Arches (ideal for early starts)
- Newer build with a contemporary feel
- Reliable comfort without boutique pricing
If your priority is minimizing drive time into the park, this is one of the most convenient options.
Best for: Outdoor-focused travelers and an adventure vibe
Field Station blends hotel comfort with a gear-friendly, adventure-oriented design. The property includes communal gathering spaces, bike storage, and a laid-back atmosphere that caters to hikers, climbers, and mountain bikers.
Why people love it:
- Clean, minimalist rooms
- Social outdoor areas
- Feels aligned with the Moab adventure culture
It’s ideal if you want something more distinctive than a traditional chain hotel without sacrificing comfort.
A Quick Planning Tip
Moab fills quickly during spring and fall, especially March through May and October, so booking in advance is strongly recommended. Summer availability is often easier, but rates can still be high during peak travel periods.
Park Avenue Trail – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How hard is the Park Avenue Trail?
The Park Avenue Trail is generally considered easy. The hike itself is not long, but the trail begins with a descent into the canyon, meaning hikers must climb back up to the rim if completing the hike out and back.
How long does it take to hike the Park Avenue Trail?
Most visitors complete the hike in 45 minutes to 1 hour round-trip. If hiking one-way between the two viewpoints with a second vehicle, the walk usually takes 30–40 minutes.
Can you see Park Avenue without hiking?
Yes. The Park Avenue Viewpoint offers one of the most dramatic roadside panoramas in Arches National Park. Many visitors stop here for photos even if they don’t hike the trail.
Is the Park Avenue Trail suitable for families?
Yes. Many families hike this trail with children, although the stone steps at the beginning and the uphill return climb may require some extra effort for younger hikers.
Is the Park Avenue Trail crowded?
The viewpoint near the trailhead can be busy since it’s one of the first stops inside the park. However, the trail itself is often quieter than more famous hikes such as Delicate Arch or Devil’s Garden.
Can you hike the Park Avenue Trail one-way?
Yes. The trail connects Park Avenue Viewpoint and Courthouse Towers Viewpoint, which are about 1 mile (1.6 km) apart by road. With two vehicles, you can park one at each trailhead and hike the trail in a single direction.
Are drones allowed?
No. Drones are strictly prohibited anywhere within Arches National Park.
Explore More Utah National & State Park Guides
Continue exploring Utah with these detailed guides:
Zion National Park Guide
Bryce Canyon National Park
Goblin Valley State Park Guide
Monument Valley Guide
Canyonlands National Park
Dead Horse Point State Park
Photography Gear
If you like our photography, you might be interested in some of the gear we use to shoot our travel and hiking destinations.
Camera Body – Nikon Z 6ii Fx-series Mirrorless Body
Main Lens – NIKON 24-120mm F/4G ED VR AF-S
Zoom Lens – Sigma 745-306 150-600mm f/5-6.3
Polarizing filters – Urth Circular Polarizing (CPL)
Camera Tripod – K&F Concept 64-inch Camera Tripod
Mini-tripod – Lammcou Flexible Camera Tripod
Camera/hiking backpack – Vanguard Alta Rise 48 Backpack
Universal Travel Adapter – VYLEE Universal International Power Travel Plug
Other Travel Essentials
Travel Insurance
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e-Sim cards
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eSIMS are a sustainable alternative to single-use SIM cards – they are 100% digital, require less energy to produce and be re-used rather than disposed of.
Car Rentals
Discover Cars is our go-to website for car rentals. We almost always find our preferred rate there.
Transfer from Airport
Welcome Pickups is our favourite private transfer service, which you can pre-book at a fixed price. Currently available in 220 cities all over the world (mostly in Europe, but with several major cities in Asia, the Middle East and the US).
Kiwitaxi is another private transfer service – we haven’t tried it yet, but it’s currently available in a few more countries (102 as of 2024).
Hotels and Accommodations (coming soon)
Photography Prints
If you found this blog useful, you can help support our blog by purchasing low-cost digital prints. Printed physical prints are also available for purchase.
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Well, that wraps it up! We hope you enjoyed our Arches National Park Hiking Guide for the Park Avenue Trail and that it will prove useful for planning your trip.
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