Place

Tower Arch Trail

Arches National Park

A stone arch opening frames a view of the valley below
Tower Arch

NPS/Paul Stolen

Quick Facts

Parking - Auto, Toilet - Vault/Composting, Trailhead

On the park's quieter side, this trail climbs up a rock wall, cuts across a valley, and then meanders through sandstone fins and sand dunes. Reaching this trailhead requires driving 8 mi (14 km) on unpaved roads.

  • Roundtrip Distance: 2.6 mi (4.2 km) 

  • Time: 2-3 hours 

  • Elevation Change: 290 ft (89 m) 

  • Difficulty: Strenuous 

  • Hike Description: This trail climbs up a steep rock wall, cuts across a valley, and then meanders through sandstone fins and sand dunes. Climbing sand dunes can be very difficult. Expect no cellular service and little to no shade on this trail.

  • Bring: Bring at least 2 quarts (2 L) of water per person. Avoid wearing shoes with open toes, high heels, or slick soles. 

  • Accessibility: Due to the steep climbing and sandy sections, this trail is not accessible to wheelchairs. 

  • Dogs are not allowed on this trail. Service animals are allowed in national parks. What is a service animal?

The unpaved, less-developed side of the park offers opportunities for quiet reflection. Before recent decades of dramatically increased visitation, the entire park sat in desert silence most of the time. 
 

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Last updated: October 10, 2024