5 Best Easy Hikes in Arches National Park

Did you know there’s a natural playground in Arches National Park where kids can build sandcastles in the shade? While most people think of towering red rocks when they picture Arches, some of its best spots are perfect for families looking for quick, memorable walks. 

I’ve hiked all these trails, and I’m always amazed at how much natural wonder you can see with such little effort. These 5 easy trails in Arches National Park let you experience the park’s most impressive arches and formations without wearing yourself out – perfect for families, first-time visitors, or anyone short on time.

Let’s take a look. 

No time to read about best easy hikes in Arches National Park?  Pin It and save it for later: 

➡️ For more hikes, read 10 Best Hikes in Arches National Park

Sand Dune Arch Trail 

The Sand Dune Arch Trail is one of the most kid friendly hikes in Arches National Park and one of my favorites.  It’s just 0.3 miles round trip., so you can knock this one out in under 10 minutes, but I bet you’ll want to stay longer – especially if you’re hiking with kids. 

The trail leads you through tall rock fins to a cozy, shaded area that feels like nature’s playground. Think of it as a giant sandbox surrounded by towering sandstone walls. The soft, deep sand makes it super fun for little ones to run around and play while parents take a breather in the shade. 

What makes this trail extra special is how the rock formations block out the sun for most of the day. It’s like finding a natural air-conditioned spot in the desert. The cooler temperatures make it a perfect stop when you need a break from the Utah heat. 

I always tell first-time visitors to pack some sand toys if they’re bringing kids along. The sandy area under the arch is perfect for building castles or just letting the kids dig and play. It’s a great way to keep them happy and entertained during your park visit. 

The best times to hit this trail are early morning or late afternoon. Not only will you dodge the crowds, but you’ll also get to enjoy the most comfortable temperatures. The parking area has restrooms nearby, which is super convenient for families. 

Remember to bring water, even though it’s a short hike. The sand can make walking a bit more challenging than you’d expect, kind of like walking on a beach. Wear closed-toe shoes to keep the sand out, and don’t forget your camera – the contrast between the bright sand and darker rock walls makes for some awesome photos. 

Double Arch Trail 

Double Arch Trail is hands down one of the easiest hikes in Arches National Park at just 0.5 miles round trip. I usually tell people they can finish it in about 20 minutes, but you’ll probably want to hang out longer once you get there. The trail takes you right up to two massive arches that connect at their base – it’s like nature decided to show off with a double feature. 

The path itself is pretty flat with only about 30 feet of elevation gain. You’ll walk on a mix of packed dirt and sand, which can get deep in some spots. While the trail is wheelchair accessible, I’ve seen folks struggle a bit with the sandy sections. 

Once you reach the arches, you’ll find plenty of spots to sit and take in the view. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can scramble up the rocks underneath the arches for a different perspective. My kids love climbing around here, though I always remind them to be careful on the sandstone. 

The parking lot has restrooms and is just 9 miles north of the visitor center. I like hitting this trail early in the morning or late afternoon when the light is softer – it makes for much better photos. Plus, you’ll dodge the midday crowds and heat. 

Remember to bring: 

• Water (even for this short walk) 
• Good walking shoes (the sand can be rough on flip-flops) 
• Your camera (the double arch makes for awesome shots) 
• A hat (there’s not much shade on the main trail) 

I’ve found winter and fall are perfect times to check out Double Arch. The crowds thin out, and the temperatures are way more comfortable. Just keep an eye on the weather since the trail can get slick when it’s wet. 

If you’re short on time in the park, this trail should definitely be on your list. It gives you a big payoff for minimal effort, and it’s perfect for all ages and most ability levels. 

Balanced Rock Loop 

The Balanced Rock Loop trail is the quickest and easiest way to get up close to one of Arches’ most eye-catching formations. At just 0.3 miles, you can walk the whole loop in about 10 minutes, making it perfect for a quick stop or when you’re traveling with little ones. 

The trail is completely flat and follows a paved path around the base of this massive rock feature. I always tell visitors it’s like nature’s game of Jenga – a 3,600-ton boulder sitting on top of a narrow sandstone base. The whole formation stands about 128 feet tall, and yes, it really does look like it could topple over any second! 

Early morning is hands down the best time to visit. I’ve watched the sunrise here several times, and the way the light hits the rock turns it into this glowing orange beacon. Plus, you’ll likely have the place to yourself – most visitors don’t start showing up until mid-morning. 

The parking lot is easy to find, and there’s usually plenty of space since people don’t stay too long. You’ll find some interpretive signs along the trail that tell you about how this weird formation came to be. My kids love making up stories about how the rock got “stuck” up there. 

While it’s a super short walk, don’t forget to bring water and sunscreen – there’s zero shade on this trail. The path is wheelchair and stroller friendly, though some sections have a slight tilt. If you’re into photography, sunset is another prime time to visit. The rock catches the last light of day beautifully, and you can get some amazing silhouette shots. 

Just remember to stay on the paved trail – the desert soil around here is fragile and takes years to recover from footprints. And while it might be tempting to get right up next to the rock formation, keep a safe distance. Sometimes small rocks do fall from above. 

Windows Loop Trail 

The Windows Loop is a 1-mile round trip that takes you past three of the park’s most photogenic arches. I often start at North Window since the parking lot’s right there, but you can begin at either end. With just 99 feet of elevation gain, it’s a walk nearly anyone can handle. 

The trail winds between North Window, South Window, and Turret Arch on mostly packed gravel. My favorite time to walk this loop is just before sunset when the light turns the sandstone a deep orange. The LaSal Mountains make a perfect backdrop for photos through the windows. 

You’ll find the trailhead 9 miles north of the visitor center, and there are restrooms in the parking lot. The first 100 yards are wheelchair accessible with some help, but after that, the path gets a bit rougher. 

While you could rush through in 30 minutes, I suggest taking an hour to really soak it in. There are plenty of spots to sit and watch the light change through the arches. My kids love scrambling on the approved areas near the trail – it’s like a natural jungle gym. 

I always remind folks to bring: 

• More water than you think you’ll need
• Good walking shoes (the gravel can be loose in spots) 
• A wide-brimmed hat (shade is limited) 
• Your camera (the arches frame amazing shots) 

If you’re short on time, you can just walk to North Window and back – it’s the closest to the parking lot. But the full loop gives you the best bang for your buck. The trail is well-marked and easy to follow, making it perfect for families or first-time hikers in the park. 

Winter and fall are my favorite seasons here. The crowds thin out, and you can often have these massive arches almost to yourself. Just watch out for ice on the trail in winter mornings – it can make those gentle slopes surprisingly slick. 

Landscape Arch Trail 

The Landscape Arch Trail is my go-to recommendation for first-time visitors looking for easy hikes at Arches National Park. At 1.8 miles round trip, it’s a quick walk that takes about an hour, with barely any climbing – just 40 feet of elevation gain.

The real star here is one of the longest natural arches in the world, stretching an incredible 306 feet across the sky. It’s so long and thin, it looks like it could snap at any moment! 

The trail starts at Devils Garden Campground, about 18 miles from the park entrance. You’ll walk on a well-packed dirt path that’s mostly flat. Along the way, you’ll spot two bonus arches – Pine Tree and Tunnel Arch – on short spur trails that are worth the quick detour. 

I always tell folks to hit this trail early in the morning. Not only will you beat the heat, but you’ll catch some amazing light on the arch. Plus, the parking lot fills up fast, especially during spring and fall. The morning light makes the red rocks glow, and it’s perfect for photos. 

If you’re bringing kids, they’ll love spotting the little side trails and learning about how the arch formed. The path is wheelchair-friendly for most of the way with some help, though the last bit gets a bit rough. There are restrooms at the trailhead, which is super handy before you start walking. 

Make sure to: 

• Pack plenty of water 
• Wear sturdy shoes (the trail has some sandy spots) 
• Bring your camera 
• Check out the informational signs along the way 

Here’s a pro tip: don’t rush straight to the end. Some of the best views of the arch come about three-quarters of the way there. You’ll get different angles that show off just how massive and thin this natural wonder really is. 

Remember to stay behind the viewing barrier at the end – pieces of rock do fall from the arch occasionally. Back in the 1990s, a huge chunk fell off, reminding us that these formations are always changing. 

Final Thoughts 

These easy trails in Arches National Park prove you don’t need to be a hardcore hiker to see some of Utah’s most incredible rock formations. From the natural playground of Sand Dune Arch to the massive span of Landscape Arch, each trail offers its own unique experience in under an hour. 

Remember to start early, bring plenty of water, and take your time – these shorter trails mean you can really soak in the views without rushing. And don’t forget your camera – these arches make for some of the best photo ops in the American Southwest. 

➡️ For more hikes, read 10 Best Hikes in Arches National Park

Happy hiking! 

Before you set out on these hikes, you will want to make sure you have the right gear.

🥾 Day Hike Essentials (Packing List)
🥾 Hiking Gear for Beginners (Packing List)
🥾 Best Hiking Shoes / Boots (Reviews & Recommendations)
🥾 Best Hiking Sandals (Reviews & Recommendations)
🥾 Best Winter Hiking Boots for Men (Reviews & Recommendations)
🥾 Best Winter Hiking Boots for Women (Reviews & Recommendations)
🥾 Best Baby Hiking Backpack Carrier (Reviews & Recommendations)
🥾 Best Backpack Carrier to Take Your Dog Hiking (Reviews & Recommendations)

Additional Planning Resources for Arches National Park

⭐ 10 Best Hikes in Arches National Park
⭐ Planning a Trip to Arches National Park: 7 Mistakes to Avoid
⭐ How Many Days in Arches National Park Do You Need?
⭐ Guide To The Arches National Park Reservations System
⭐ 10 Tips For Visiting Arches National Park
⭐ In-Depth Guide To The Devil’s Garden Hike
⭐ Arches Scenic Drive: Complete Guide to All the Stops
⭐ How To Get To Arches National Park
⭐ What Is The Closest Airport To Arches National Park?
⭐ All the Airports near Arches National Park
⭐ When is the Best Time to Visit Arches National Park?
⭐ Visiting Arches National Park: What To Expect Throughout the Year
⭐ 12 Fun Facts About Arches National Park
⭐ Arches Itinerary
⭐ The Best Airbnb Moab
⭐ The Best Books About Arches National Park

Have you done any of these best short hikes in Arches National Park?  Which one did you think was the best hike in Arches National Park (or which one are you most excited to do?)  Join my private Facebook group National Parks Collectors and comment and let me know. 

If you liked this article, Pin it to your National Parks and Arches National Parks boards!  

 About the Author 

James Ian is a national park, camping and hiking expert.

He has dedicated his life to travel, visiting more than 80 countries, all 7 continents and most of the national parks in the United States. With over 35 years experience in the travel industry, James has worked on cruise ships, at resorts and hotels, and as a travel planner who’s helped hundreds of people plan successful trips to US national parks.

Based on his experience visiting our national parks multiple times, in-depth research and expertise as a travel planner, James has published detailed itineraries for many of the major national parks in the US. These itineraries, as well as in-depth park guides, and other resources will help you have your own incredible trip to US national parks without stress and hassle.

As a national park expert, James has contributed to many publications, including USA Today, Time Business News, Savoteur, Best Trip, and Wired.

Read more…

I’m a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.