Park Avenue Trail is one of the first places to stop and take in the incredible red rocks once you’ve entered Arches National Park in Moab, Utah. This iconic hike takes you through towering monoliths and rock formations, providing a glimpse into the park’s rich natural history.
We’ll explain the details of hiking the Park Avenue Trail, including how to get to the trailhead, rock formations to look for, and the best seasons for planning a visit.
- Distance: 1.8 mile out-and-back trail
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate (one section of stairs)
- Experience Level: Beginner hikers welcome
- Elevation Gain: ~290 ft.
- Time: About 1 hour
About Park Avenue Trail Arches
Aptly named for New York City’s famous street with towering skyscrapers, Park Avenue Trail in Arches has its own similarly striking sandstone spires. This trail is one of the first you can explore after entering the park. You’ll be treated to views of enormous monoliths and interesting rock wall formations with views of the La Sal Mountains contrasting off the red rocks.
How to Get to the Park Avenue Trailhead
The trailhead is located about 3.6 miles after entering Arches National Park and passing the visitor center.
Hiking Park Avenue Trail at Arches
Hiking Park Avenue provides an immersive experience of the unique geological formations of Arches National Park. If you’re not up for hiking the trail, you can walk along a paved sidewalk that leads to a viewpoint down the corridor of towering rock spires and monoliths. This incredible viewpoint allows you to see several of the interestingly named rock formations listed below.
If you do choose to hike the trail, you’ll take the steep staircase down from the viewpoint and into the canyon. You’ll be walking towards the Courthouse Towers viewpoint (about a mile away). The terrain is mostly hard sand with some uneven spots, but sneakers or hiking shoes will suffice during most seasons.
The Red Rock Formations
Looking in any direction while on the trail, you’ll see a variety of remarkable rock formations, each with its own unique characteristics. Here are some of the prominent rock features, named by previous visitors, that can be seen along the Park Avenue Trail:
- Courthouse Towers:
- Dominating views straight ahead from the beginning of the trail, the Courthouse Towers are a series of massive monoliths that rise dramatically on both sides of the trail. The vertical fins and towering structures set the stage for the captivating journey ahead.
- The Great Wall:
- This prominent rock feature extends horizontally from near the beginning of the park and ends along Park Avenue Trail. Its sheer expanse and contrasting colors are stunning.
- Queen Nefertiti:
- This unique rock formation is often noted for its resemblance to the profile of Queen Nefertiti and is located close to the beginning of the trail.
- Sausage Rock:
- Abutting Queen Nefertiti, this formation is also known as the Corndog and was named with someone with a keen imagination!
- Queen Victoria Rock:
- Another regal rock formation.
- Three Gossips:
- The Three Gossips are three massive sandstone fins, standing together towards the end of the trail.
- The Organ:
- The Organ is a striking rock formation characterized by vertical columns that resemble the pipes of an organ. The Organ can best be seen at the Courthouse Towers Viewpoint, which is a pull-off viewpoint and parking area off the park’s main road.
- This rock marks the end of the trail where you can either turn around and go back to the Park Avenue Trailhead, or arrange for a car to pick you up here.
- Tower of Babel:
- Further along the road north of the Organ, the Tower of Babel commands attention with its imposing presence. This rock formation is reminiscent of an ancient tower and stands at 4,678 ft.
- Sheep Rock and Hole-in-the-Wall Rock:
- In the distance across from the Tower of Babel stands these two red rock formations.
Best Times and Seasons to Hike Park Avenue
Timing your travels just right can significantly impact your experience overall. Keep in mind, this park requires timed entry tickets from April 1 through October 31 so plan accordingly.
- Best Times of Day to Hike Park Avenue Arches:
- Early Mornings: Hiking early in the day allows you to take in the soft morning light casting warm hues on the red rock formations. It’s an ideal time for photographers and those who appreciate fewer crowds.
- Late Afternoons: As the day winds down, late afternoons offer another window of opportunity for a mesmerizing hike. The changing play of light and shadows enhances the visuals of the monoliths.
- Best Seasons to Visit Arches National Park:
- Spring and Fall: These seasons are considered the best times to hike Park Avenue due to milder temperatures. Spring brings vibrant wildflowers, while fall showcases the red rock landscape against clear blue skies.
- Summer: While summer hikes can be hot, early mornings provide a cooler window for exploration. Be sure to carry sufficient water and wear sun protection.
- Winter: Winter hikes offer a unique perspective with snow-capped monoliths. However, temperatures can be chilly, so dressing in layers and wearing footwear with good traction is recommended.
- Crowd Considerations: To enjoy a more quiet park visit, consider planning your trip to be during the less crowded times, such as early mornings or on the weekdays.
My Experience Along Park Avenue
I much prefer these types of skyscrapers! I solo hiked Park Avenue in mid-April while my boyfriend took a work call. To begin, I hiked down from the trailhead viewpoint, through the canyon, and ended at the Courthouse Towers viewpoint where he picked me up in our rental car.
This was a quiet, calm, half-hour hike in the early morning – we made reservations for a 7am ticketed entry. On the trail, I had plenty of time to admire the surrounding rocks and interesting boulders and I only saw one or two other hikers. Sheep Rock and the Three Gossips were most interesting to me!
While in the canyon, it felt a bit chilly. But once the sun started rising more and peaked over the rock walls, it warmed up and I could shed some layers. I’d recommend this hike as a nice introduction to Arches National Park, best trekked during sunrise or sunset.
