The Windows and Turret Arch
Arches National ParkArches National Park, Geological Wonders, Amazing Views
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 1.2 miles (full loop)
Elevation Gain: 155 ft
Approximate Hiking Time: 1/2 – 1 hr
Features: Geological Wonders
Nearest Town: Moab, Ut
Located in the heart of Arches National Park, Turret Arch and the North and South Windows are stunningly beautiful to see. Watching sunrise in this area can enlighten the imagination and take your breath away.
- Trail Condition 95%
- Usage 100%
- Trail Head Easy to Find 100%
- Kid Friendly 100%
Hike Highlights
1. Walk Through an Arch
Windows may be one of the easier trails in Arches National Park, but it packs in some fun experiences. See the Windows and Turret Arch up close.
2. Geological Wonders
Do the windows look like a face? Turret Arch like a castle? Or maybe something else?
3. Family Friendly
Fun for everyone in the family and little kid friendly, this is a great hike that everyone can enjoy.
Trailhead Directions
To get to the trailhead parking area, follow the Main Park Road and turn right onto the Windows Road as you travel from the Visitor Center.
The parking area is about 14 miles from the Visitor Center. Note that during peak seasons the parking lot can fill up fast and you may get stuck in a very long line to park at the trailhead.
Hike Details
The first part of this hike is relatively flat as the trail heads towards the arches.
After about 100-200ish yards the trail follows a set of steps up to the North Window. You can stand underneath this arch and admire the amazing view of the surrounding area.
As you leave the North Window keep an eye out for a peek of Turret Arch. From the North Window continue to follow the loop on to the South Window which is slightly off the main trail and elevated into the air.
Finally, follow the loop to Turret Arch which looks a bit like a key hole cut into a sandstone fin. This is another great place to walk under an arch and admire the beauty and grandeur of these geological wonders.
Why is this hike easy?
Hiking to the Windows and Turret Arch is an easy family friendly hike. It’s short and sweet, fun to check out the arches, with a small elevation change and some stairs.
More Hikes to Choose From
Check out this and other hikes in Arches National Park and Moab, Ut.
Double O, Navajo, and Partition Arches, Arches National Park, Ut
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 5.1 miles
Elevation Gain: 680 ft
The trail takes you to Double O, Navajo, and Partition Arches. It’s one of the more challenging hikes in the park, but totally worth it.
Landscape Arch at Devil’s Garden, Arches National Park, Ut
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 1.9 miles- 2.4 miles
Elevation Gain: 259 ft
Landscape Arch is one of the must-see arches in Arches National Park. At 306 ft long, Landscape Arch is one of (if not) the longest arches in the world.
Balanced Rock Trail, Arches National Park, Ut
Difficulty: Accessible
Length: 0.3 miles
Elevation Gain: 45 ft
Balanced Rock Trail in Arches National Park is a family friendly, accessible trail that takes you to a viewing point of this seemingly gravity defying rock.