The Windows Section is one of the most accessible and rewarding areas to explore in Utah‘s Arches National Park. Within a short walking distance, visitors can see several of the park’s most impressive sandstone arches, including North Window, South Window, Turret Arch, and Double Arch.
Unlike longer hikes in the park, the trails here are short and relatively easy, making this area ideal for visitors looking to experience Arches’ iconic formations without committing to a strenuous hike. Because of its accessibility and concentration of arches, the Windows Section is also one of the most popular stops along the park’s scenic drive.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about hiking the Windows and Double Arch trails, including trail details, what to expect along the route, the best time to visit, and practical tips for navigating crowds.
The Windows & Double Arch Trails – At a Glance
Several arches in one compact area – Within a short distance, visitors can see North Window, South Window, Turret Arch, and Double Arch, some of the most recognizable formations in the park.
Two short and easy trails – The Windows and Double Arch trails are among the easiest hikes in the park, making them accessible to visitors of most fitness levels.
One of the park’s most popular stops – Because of the short distances and spectacular scenery, the Windows Section often attracts large crowds.
Option to combine the trails into one outing – Most visitors explore both trails during the same stop since they share the same parking area.
Trail Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: 45 minutes – 1 hour round trip, total for both trails
Disclosure: This page (The Windows & Double Arch Trails) may contain product affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, we may receive a commission for purchases made through these links. More details can be found on our disclosure and policies page.
The Windows & Double Arch Trails: Location, Map, and How to Get There.
The Windows & Double Arch Trails are located in Arches National Park, in eastern Utah, just outside the town of Moab, and are 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.
The Windows & Double Arch Trails – Trailhead Access, Parking & Fees
Trailhead Location
The Windows and Double Arch trails are located in the Windows Section of Arches National Park, about 11 miles (18 km) from the park entrance.
To reach the area, follow the Arches Scenic Drive north from the visitor center. After passing several viewpoints and rock formations, turn right onto the Windows Road spur, which leads directly to the trailheads (link to Google Maps).
This section of the park concentrates several major arches within a small area, making it one of the most visited stops in Arches.
Trailhead parking lot
Two main parking lots are serving the Windows Section:
- Windows Parking Area – used for the trails leading to North Window, South Window, and Turret Arch
- Double Arch Parking Area – located slightly farther along the road and serving the Double Arch Trail
Many visitors drive between the two parking areas when exploring both trails. However, this isn’t strictly necessary.
A short connecting trail with a series of stone steps links the two parking lots. The walk takes roughly 2 minutes, making it easy to visit both trail areas without relocating your vehicle.
This shortcut can be particularly useful during busy periods when parking spaces are limited.
Parking lots here can fill quickly during peak hours, especially in spring and fall. Arriving early in the morning or later in the afternoon usually makes parking easier.
Facilities
Vault toilets are located next to the Windows parking lot.
Trail Opening Hours
The Windows and Double Arch trails are accessible year-round, 24 hours a day, weather permitting.
Because of the open terrain and the dramatic rock formations, the Windows Section is also a popular spot for sunrise and sunset photography.
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.
Trail Stats, Difficulty, and Map
The Windows Section includes two short hiking routes that are typically explored together: the Windows Trail and the Double Arch Trail (and both are connected by the short Windows Connector Trail, which is essentially a short series of staircases that connect both car parks).
The Windows Trail itself can be completed either as a simple out-and-back walk to the arches or as a short loop using the primitive trail that circles behind the formations.
Windows Trail – Out & Back (short loop)
Distance: 1 mile (1.6 km) round trip
Route Type: Out & Back with a short loop
Elevation gain: 130 ft / 40 m (cumulative elevation gain)
AllTrails rating (2026): 4.8, 5600 ratings
Duration: Most people complete the full trail in 20-30 minutes
Trail difficulty level assessment:
Very Easy | Easy | Moderate | Moderately Challenging | Challenging
Overall, the Windows Trail is best described as Easy. This short walk leads directly to North Window and South Window, with a short spur trail extending to Turret Arch.
Windows Loop Trail (Primitive Trail)
Distance: 1.2 miles (1.8 km)
Route Type: Loop
Elevation gain: 130 ft / 40 m (cumulative elevation gain)
AllTrails rating (2026): 4.7, 5500 ratings
Duration: Most people complete the full trail in 25-35 minutes
Trail difficulty level assessment:
Very Easy | Easy | Moderate | Moderately Challenging | Challenging
This version of the Windows Trail is also best described as Easy. The loop follows the main trail to the arches before continuing behind the sandstone formations toward the open desert, eventually returning to the trailhead. This section is slightly more rugged but offers quieter views and a different perspective of the arches.
Double Arch Trail
Distance: 0.6 miles (1 km)
Route Type: Out & Back
Elevation gain: 100 ft / 30 m (cumulative elevation gain)
AllTrails rating (2026): 4.8, 7100 ratings
Duration: Most people complete the full trail in 15-20 minutes
Trail difficulty level assessment:
Very Easy | Easy | Moderate | Moderately Challenging | Challenging
This very short trail and Very Easy leads across a sandy wash directly to Double Arch, one of the most impressive formations in the park.
Trail Descriptions and What to Expect
The Windows Trail – Reaching the Arches
The main Windows Trail begins on a well-defined sandy path that gradually climbs toward the base of the arches. The walk itself is short and straightforward, with only minor elevation gain.
As you approach the formations, the trail begins to feel less like a traditional hike and more like an exploration playground among the sandstone formations. Visitors can wander around the base of the arches, climb short slickrock slopes, and view the formations from several different angles.
The area is particularly famous for its three arches:
North Window
The larger of the two main openings, the North Window, frames sweeping views of the desert landscape beyond. From a distance, the arch appears as a massive window carved into the sandstone wall.
South Window
Located just beside the North Window, this arch is slightly smaller but equally impressive when viewed from below. Standing beneath the opening gives a strong sense of the scale of the surrounding rock formations.
Turret Arch
A short spur trail leads to Turret Arch, a smaller but elegant formation with a distinctive tower-like rock spire beside it. This arch is often quieter than the main windows and offers beautiful framing views through the opening.
Because of their eastern orientation, the Windows are also a great place to photograph the rising sun, and on certain mornings it’s even possible to see a low moon framed within the arches.
The Primitive Loop Trail – Behind the Windows
From the Windows area, a primitive loop trail continues behind the formations toward the open desert before returning to the trailhead.
This section is slightly more rugged than the main path, crossing sandy washes and sections of slickrock, but it remains easy for most hikers.
From our experience, most visitors never continue onto this loop, which means the crowds drop dramatically once you pass the arches. It’s often possible to find yourself almost completely alone on the backside of the formations.
The loop also provides a different perspective of the arches, revealing their massive sandstone fins from angles that most visitors never see, and provides access to the open desert beyond the arch formations.
Double Arch Trail
The trail to Double Arch begins from a separate parking area a short distance away. The walk is flat and easy, following a sandy path across a dry wash toward the massive arch. If starting from the Windows trailhead, you’ll first have to descend the steps of the short connector trail (2 minutes) towards the Double Arch trailhead and car park.
Along the way, you’ll pass several rounded sandstone formations known as “elephant arch” and “parade of the elephants,” which resemble large stone animals resting in the desert.
Double Arch itself is one of the most dramatic formations in the park, with two enormous arches sharing the same stone base and soaring high above the canyon floor.
To truly get under the double arch requires a slight climb over slickrock near the base. One of the most memorable viewpoints is standing deep beneath the arch and looking back outward, where the massive stone span towers overhead while the desert landscape stretches toward the distant Windows area.
The Windows & Double Arch Trails – Additional Details and Hiking Tips
Canine companions: Dogs are not permitted on the Windows or Double Arch trails. 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 Windows Section sits in a broad sandstone basin surrounded by massive fins and arches. Unlike hikes that cross open slickrock for long distances, the trails here are relatively short and concentrate around several large formations. The landscape feels open and expansive, with sandy desert terrain leading toward towering sandstone walls. Shade is extremely limited throughout the area.
Route signage: Trails in the Windows Section are clearly marked and easy to follow. The main paths to North Window, South Window, Turret Arch, and Double Arch are well defined with clear signage near the parking areas. Navigation is straightforward, and most visitors will have no difficulty staying on route. The windows primitive trail is occasionally less obvious to follow, but there are usually cairns to indicate the path to follow. It’s best to use an app such as All Trails to make sure you stay on the path when in doubt.
Trail surface / Technical aspects: Most of the trail consists of packed sand and dirt paths with occasional slickrock sections. The approach to the Windows arches includes short climbs over rock and sand, while the primitive loop crosses more uneven terrain with sandy washes and sections of slickrock. The Double Arch trail is mostly flat until the final section beneath the arch, where visitors often climb a short slickrock slope to stand directly underneath the formation.
Slope and effort: Overall elevation gain is minimal. The trails are short and generally easy, though some sections around the arches involve small climbs over rock and sand. The primitive loop adds a bit more distance but remains manageable for most visitors.
Previous Hiking Experience: These hikes are suitable for almost all visitors, including families with children. The short distances and relatively gentle terrain make the area one of the most accessible hiking locations in Arches National Park.
Cell Service: Cell reception in the Windows Section is inconsistent. Some visitors may receive a weak signal near the parking areas, but coverage often drops farther from the road.
Leave No Trace: Stay on established trails and avoid climbing on fragile sandstone features outside designated areas. Desert soils and vegetation are extremely sensitive to disturbance. Pack out all trash and respect the natural environment.
Bugs: Insects are typically minimal. Occasional flies may appear during warmer months, but mosquitoes are rare in this dry environment.
Equipment: No special gear is required. Comfortable walking shoes or light hiking shoes are recommended. Bring water, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, as shade in the Windows area is very limited.
Weather and Exposure: The trails are mostly exposed to the elements. Summers can be extremely hot, and the sandstone reflects additional heat. Early morning or late afternoon hikes are generally more comfortable. After rain, slickrock sections can become slippery, so use caution when walking on exposed rock.
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 Visit the Windows & Double Arch Trails
Because the trails are short and easy to access, the Windows Section is one of the most visited areas in Arches National Park. Choosing the right time of day can make a big difference both for photography and for avoiding crowds.
Sunrise and early morning (Best Overall Experience)
Early morning is one of the best times to visit the Windows. The arches face roughly east, meaning the rising sun gradually illuminates the sandstone formations and the surrounding desert.
At sunrise, the area is usually much quieter than later in the day, making it easier to explore the arches without large crowds. The soft morning light also brings out the warm orange and red tones of the rock.
The Windows are also one of the better places in the park to photograph arches framed with a low moon during certain phases of the lunar cycle.
Midday (Most Crowded)
Late morning through early afternoon tends to be the busiest period. Because the trails are short and easily accessible, many visitors stop here while driving the scenic road.
Parking lots usually turn over fairly quickly, but the arches themselves can feel crowded during peak hours.
Sunset (Beautiful but Busy)
Sunset can also be a beautiful time to visit, especially at Double Arch, where the warm evening light highlights the massive sandstone spans.
However, like many popular locations in Arches, the area often becomes quite busy in the late afternoon and early evening.
Seasonal Considerations
Spring and fall offer the most comfortable hiking temperatures and tend to provide the best overall conditions for exploring the Windows Section.
Summer temperatures can become extremely hot, especially during midday, as there is very little shade along the trails.
Winter visits are quieter and can offer dramatic scenery when snow dusts the surrounding rock formations, though temperatures can be cold and conditions occasionally icy.
Are the Windows & Double Arch Trails Worth It?
We definitely think so! The Windows Section is one of the most accessible and rewarding areas in Arches National Park. With several arches located within a short walking distance of each other, it offers some of the best scenery-to-effort ratio in the entire park.
Unlike longer hikes such as Delicate Arch or Devil’s Garden, visiting the Windows and Double Arch requires very little time or physical effort, making it a perfect stop even on a busy day exploring the scenic drive.
Why You Might Enjoy Them:
– Several impressive arches located within a short walking distance
– One of the easiest ways to see large arches up close in Arches National Park
– Plenty of space to explore around the rock formations once you reach the arches
– The primitive loop behind the Windows offers a quieter alternative away from the crowds
– Excellent photography opportunities, especially at sunrise
Why They Might Not Be for You:
– Very popular and often crowded, particularly midday
– Limited shade and full sun exposure in warmer months
– The short distance may feel less rewarding for hikers seeking a longer trail experience
Bottom line: For visitors who want dramatic scenery without committing to a longer hike, the Windows Section and Double Arch are among the most worthwhile stops in Arches National Park.
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:
Park Avenue Trail
For trail details and visiting tips, see our Park Avenue Trail 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.
Windows & Double Arch Trails – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long does it take to visit the Windows and Double Arch?
Most visitors spend between 30 minutes and 1 hour exploring the arches. Walking the trails themselves is quick, but many people spend extra time taking photos and exploring around the rock formations.
Are the Windows and Double Arch trails difficult?
Yes. The two trails are located in the same section of the park and are only a short distance apart. A short connecting trail with stairs links the two parking areas, allowing visitors to walk between them in about two minutes without moving their car.
Is the Windows Primitive Loop worth doing?
Yes, especially if you want to escape the crowds. Most visitors only walk to the main arches, but the primitive loop behind the formations offers a quieter experience and different perspectives of the sandstone fins.
Which arch is bigger: Double Arch or the Windows?
Double Arch is the taller and more dramatic formation, with two massive arches sharing the same rock base. The Windows, however, are larger openings carved through a sandstone wall and offer expansive views through the arches.
Is this a good place for sunrise or sunset?
Yes. The Windows area works well for sunrise photography because the arches face east. Double Arch can also look beautiful in the late afternoon and evening light, though the area can become crowded.
Do you need a reservation to visit the Windows Section?
No. As of the 2026 season, Arches National Park no longer requires timed-entry reservations. Visitors can enter the park at any time, though parking areas may fill during busy periods.
Are restrooms available at the trailhead?
Yes. Vault toilets are located at the Windows parking area, near the trailhead
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
SafetyWing is a travel insurance company that offers comprehensive coverage for travellers. Includes Medical Insurance and Travel Insurance. Primarily geared towards long-term travellers, digital nomads, and expats.
e-Sim cards
Airalo is the world’s first and largest eSIM store with eSIM plans for 200+ countries and regions worldwide. With Airalo eSIMs, travellers can get connected the moment they land at their destination and avoid nasty data roaming charges
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.
—–
Well, that wraps it up! We hope you enjoyed our Arches National Park Hiking Guide for the The Windows & Double Arch Trails and that it will prove useful for planning your trip.
—–
You might also be interested in these related pages:
