Big Views, Little Difficulty!
The Windows Section contains the largest concentration of arches in the smallest amount of area within the park. The undemanding Windows Loop and Turret Arch Trail is a great choice for hikers of various skill levels and makes for a fantastic start or finish to your trip to Arches National Park in Moab, Utah. Here are some details if you’re planning on including this short trail on your hiking list.
- Distance: 1 mile round trip
- Elevation Change: ~100 ft
- Difficulty: Easy, beginner-friendly
- Time: 30-60 mins
The Windows section has several highly accessible trails that are great for hikers of all fitness levels, making it a good choice for different ages and abilities. The Windows Loop and Turret Arch Trail is well marked, generally considered easy to trek and a must-see while you’re visiting Arches National Park.
Windows Loop and Turret Arch Trailhead
It’s about 9 miles to the trailhead after entering the National Park. Take the first right turn after Balanced Rock and you’ll head into the Windows Section.
Trailhead Coordinates: 38.68736, -109.536758
Note, this park requires timed entry tickets from April 1 through October 31 so plan accordingly. There is ample parking in the Windows Section, however, it’s always a good idea to arrive early and plan to hike during typically slower days of the week.
Hiking Windows Loop and Turret Arch Trail
From the parking lot, you’ll be able to see the huge North Window arch. If you follow the 1 mile loop trail, you’ll also experience the South Window and Turret Arch.
Following the gravel trail toward the North and South Windows, go right at the first intersection. Once you’re near the top of the ridge, you can go off trail across towards the arch. This is a great place for kids to climb up the arch and for you to get an amazing view through the Turret Arch to the North Window and across the park’s landscape.
The North and South Window were formed like other arches from water and wind erosion over many years. One of the highlights of seeing the red rock formations is the contrast of the La Sal Mountains in the distance.
Turret Arch is very different in appearance than other arches in the park, so it’s hard to miss. It’s technically a younger arch in the park and is carved from a singular sandstone fin that spans over 100 ft wide.
You can return the same way or go back along the longer primitive loop. Be mindful that the primitive section has less trail markers. But, it’s generally easy to remain on the trail seeing as it’s a frequently traveled path.
Exploring the Windows Section
To further explore the Windows Section of Arches, you go walk across from the trailhead and onto a connector path. This trail connects you to the lower parking lot and the Double Arch Trail.
This area has so many interesting red rock formations like Parade of Elephants, Elephant Butte, and Garden of Eden. It’s well worth the time, and I’d recommend you aim to spend about half a day in this section.
