Arches National Park, located just north of Moab, Utah, is home to over 2000 rock arches, including the two most popular arches in the park, Delicate Arch and Landscape Arch. An often overlooked part of the park is called The Windows Section. It’s an easy hike to visit four large arches.
The Windows Section Hike Details
Distance – 0.5 to 2.0 miles round trip
Approximate hiking time – 30 minutes to 1.5 hours
Elevation at trailhead – 5160 feet
Difficulty – Easy
Trail – Well-maintained
Amount of water recommended – 1 to 2 liters, there is no shade
Bathrooms – Yes, located near the parking area
Seasons to hike – All year around
Permits/Fees – $10 a vehicle at park entrance (good for 7 days)
How to get there:
Arches National Park is located five miles north of Moab, Utah, along US-191. Upon entering the park, rangers will give you a map. Follow the park road 9.5 miles where you will see signs for The Windows Section. Turn right past Balanced Rock and head down the road for 2.5 miles where you will reach the parking area. Follow this road to a large parking area.
Hitting the Trail!
In the Windows Section there are four main arches to see, along with several others that hikers with a sharp eye can spot. The main attractions are the North and South Windows, also called “The Spectacles” because from a distance they resemble glasses. As you approach the North and South Windows, hikers can stand under the large South Window. There is also a primitive loop trail that circles around the back of the Windows Section that gives hikers a different perspective of the area.
View of North and South Windows
View of the North Window
Closeup of the South Window
Turret Arch is a short side trail off the main trail to the North and South Windows. While it is a little more obvious why the North and South Windows are called that, I really can’t explain where Turret Arch got its name.
Turret Arch as seen through North Window
The last main arch at the Windows Section is the massive Double Arch, which as the name would suggest, is two arches next to each other. It is perhaps the most impressive of the arches in the Windows Section.
Double Arch
The Windows Section has other unique formation and arches that you can you see from the road, but are not accessible. Also, be sure to stay on all marked trails while in Arches National Park. Here are some pictures of the surrounding sights.
The Parade of Elephants is one of the first things you’ll see at The Windows
Seagull Arch
