ARCHES NATIONAL PARK, Utah – Last week, the famous “Double Arch” rock feature in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area (also known as the “Toilet Bowl” or the “Crescent Pool”) collapsed. Now, the folks at Arches National Park are letting everyone know that their famous “Double Arch” rock feature is still alive and well.
“You may have heard/seen photos of a Double Arch in Utah that collapsed last week. It was a rock feature at Glen Canyon National Recreation Area that just happened to have the same name. Rest assured, the Double Arch at Arches is still alive (is it?) and well (aside from its giant holes, of course) and standing proudly” – Arches National Park
The Double Arch in Arches National Park is located in The Windows Section, an area known to contain a large concentration of arches. To many, it is considered one of the most scenic portions of the park, featuring North Window, Turret Arch, Double Arch, and many more. If you’re interested in specifically viewing the Double Arch, a simple 0.6 mile round trip hike with a few gentle slopes takes you from The Windows parking loop. It is the tallest and second longest arch in the park, sitting at 112 ft tall and 144 ft long.
Arches National Park tips for hiking Double Arch
- Roundtrip Distance: 0.6 mi (1 km)
- Time: 15-30 min
- Elevation Change: 30 ft (10 m)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Hike Description: This gently sloping trail leads to the base of two giant arch spans that are joined at one end. Hikers choosing to scramble up the rock beneath the arches should plan their route carefully, as climbing up is often easier than climbing back down.
- Trail tip: Across from this trailhead, a connector trail climbs stairs to the upper parking lot and the Windows trailhead. Consider parking in one place and walking between the two lots, if you want to see more arches.
- Accessibility: This hard-packed trail with a gradual slope is considered barrier-free and may be accessible to wheelchairs with some assistance.
- Dogs are not allowed on this trail. Service animals are allowed in national parks. What is a service animal?