Double Arch
Adventure Destination

Double Arch

Visit Double Arch in Arches National Park, just a short 0.5-mile easy walk from parking. Perfect for photographers and geology enthusiasts, this iconic site is best seen at sunrise or sunset. Highly accessible with drive-in access.

Photography9.3/10Easy
Photo Gallery

Category

Photography

Typical Duration

2-4 hours

Difficulty

Easy

About This Adventure Destination

Double Arch, located within the striking landscape near Moab, Utah, offers one of the most remarkable natural attractions in the Arches National Park region. This iconic rock formation features two enormous sandstone arches sharing a common pillar, creating an awe-inspiring gateway carved by millions of years of erosion. The park itself is a treasure trove of over 2,000 natural arches, but Double Arch stands apart for its sheer size and architectural beauty.

Crafted from Entrada sandstone, the arches frame the clear desert sky, their intricate curves glowing with warm reds and oranges that intensify during sunrise and sunset. Visitors often marvel at the powerful simplicity of the structure, which also gained fame as a filming location for classic movies. The short trail leading to Double Arch allows travelers to approach closely, even passing underneath the massive openings to experience their scale firsthand. Unlike more strenuous hikes, this path suits all ages and abilities, making this a welcoming destination for families and casual hikers alike.

The surrounding terrain showcases typical desert flora—scattered junipers, pinyon pines, and resilient desert shrubs—against the layered sandstone cliffs, illustrating the rugged beauty unique to Utah’s high desert environment. Established as a national park in 1971, this area protects some of the nation's most breathtaking sandstone formations. For those visiting Moab, Double Arch is an unmissable feature, combining natural grandeur with easy access and opportunities for memorable photographs.

Whether admired from afar or approached up close, Double Arch invites visitors to witness the impressive outcomes of nature’s patient craftsmanship.

Editorial Assessment

Double Arch earns a high rating for its impressive size and geological uniqueness, making it a must-see within Arches National Park. Its accessibility and stunning photogenic qualities add to its global appeal, drawing nature enthusiasts and photographers alike to this iconic destination.#Hiking #Photography #Stargazing #ArchesNationalPark #Utah #NaturalWonders

Double Arch

Adventure Guide to Double Arch

1

Hiking to Double Arch

  • Details: **Location**: Arches National Park near Moab, UT
  • Details: **Why It’s Special**: A short, easy trail (0.5 miles round trip) takes visitors directly to the arches, making it accessible to hikers of all skill levels.
  • Details: **Key Features**: Flat terrain, scenic views, and the chance to walk beneath the massive arches.
  • Details: **Visitor Tips**:
  • Details: Peak visiting times are early morning or late afternoon to avoid heat and catch softer light.
  • Details: Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and sturdy shoes.
  • Details: Restrooms are available near the trailhead parking lot.
2

Photography Enthusiasts

  • Details: **Location**: Arches National Park, near the Windows Section
  • Details: **What Makes It Special**: Double Arch’s grand scale and dramatic shadows offer fantastic photo opportunities, especially at sunrise and sunset.
  • Details: **Local Insights**: The golden hour light enhances the vibrant colors of the sandstone.
  • Details: **Visitor Tips**:
  • Details: Bring a tripod and wide-angle lens for best shots.
  • Details: Arrive early to avoid crowds and secure a good vantage point.
3

Stargazing Under Double Arch

  • Details: **Location**: Remote area of Arches National Park
  • Details: **Why It’s Wonderful**: The park’s limited light pollution creates an ideal setting for clear night skies filled with stars.
  • Details: **Key Features**: Open desert skies, stunning natural surroundings, peaceful environment.
  • Details: **Visitor Tips**:
  • Details: Plan visits during new moon phases or clear nights.
  • Details: Pack warm clothes as desert nights can be cold.
  • Details: Bring a star map or stargazing app for enhanced viewing.
4

Getting There & Practical Info

  • Details: **Directions**: From Moab, drive about 30 minutes along Park Boulevard to the Windows Section parking area, where the trailhead starts.
  • Details: **Best Times to Visit**: Spring and fall offer mild temperatures and pleasant conditions. Summer can be very hot; winter is cooler but sometimes windy. Double Arch offers a rare combination of grand scenery, ease of access, and quieter moments even during busy seasons. Whether hiking, photographing, or simply taking in the view, visitors find this site a memorable highlight of their Moab adventures.

Reviews

M
Mikey Bustamantein the last week

Place is unreal!

K
Kenny Chianin the last week

Biggest reward to effort ratio in the entire park. Plenty of parking, then a short 5 to 10 minute hike takes you directly to the massive arches. Meanwhile, you can see dozens of baby arches and other arches around you. When you get to the arch, you can climb onto it to take some creative photos. Looks spectacular in the sunset. The only downside of this Arch is it’s quite popular and can get crowded.

B
Brian Coynein the last week

Great destination! Enjoyed the open trail and peaceful outdoor atmosphere.

J
Josh Taylorin the last week

Double Arch is absolutely one of the must-see sights in Arches National Park. It’s massive, impressive, and even better when you get up close and stand underneath it. This is a very popular and crowded area, so the best time to visit is early in the morning or later in the evening before or after the big crowds. Definitely one of the highlights of the park and well worth the stop!

J
Jianmin Daiin the last week

Great destination! Enjoyed the open trail and peaceful outdoor atmosphere.

Nearby Adventures

Bookable Experiences

Moab in Three Hours: The 1/2 Day Xtreme Group 4x4 Rental Experience8.19 mi
Moab, Utah

Moab in Three Hours: The 1/2 Day Xtreme Group 4x4 Rental Experience

A concise guide to the 1/2 Day Xtreme — a 3-hour group rental tour in Moab operated by Xtreme 4x4 Tours, focusing on logistics and what travelers need to know.

8.19 miView Trips & Details →
Raptor Route: Nearly 12 Miles of Fast, Flowy Singletrack Above Moab8.19 mi
Moab, Utah

Raptor Route: Nearly 12 Miles of Fast, Flowy Singletrack Above Moab

A 3–4 hour singletrack ride served by Whole Enchilada Shuttle Co., this route threads Eagle Eye, Hawks Glide, Falcon Flow and Kestrel Run for an intermediate-to-advanced, flow‑forward mountain-bike experience.

8.19 miView Trips & Details →
Entrajo Canyon: A private half‑day romp of rappels, pools and desert slot turns8.21 mi
Las Vegas, Nevada

Entrajo Canyon: A private half‑day romp of rappels, pools and desert slot turns

A 4–6 hour private canyoneering loop near Moab that mixes moderate rappels, short climbs, wading and a possible swim—this guide explains what to expect and how to plan.

8.21 miView Trips & Details →
Mag-7: A 26‑Mile Point‑to‑Point Through Moab’s Most Serious Singletrack8.20 mi
Moab, Utah

Mag-7: A 26‑Mile Point‑to‑Point Through Moab’s Most Serious Singletrack

A shuttle-supported run on the Magnificent 7 network that links Gemini Bridges Road trails into a 26‑mile, technical point-to-point culminating — optionally — on the exposed Portal Trail.

8.20 miView Trips & Details →
Flying Porcupine: A relentless 4,800-foot Moab descent that strings Eagle Eye, Hawks Glide, LPS and Porcupine Rim into one epic day8.20 mi
Moab, Utah

Flying Porcupine: A relentless 4,800-foot Moab descent that strings Eagle Eye, Hawks Glide, LPS and Porcupine Rim into one epic day

This guide lays out the route, shuttle logistics and essential gear for the Flying Porcupine — an 18‑mile, two‑shuttle trail combo in Moab that delivers high-speed flow, technical sections and big views.

8.20 miView Trips & Details →
Eight Days Among the Red Rocks: A Custom Southern Utah Tour from Moab8.18 mi
Moab, Utah

Eight Days Among the Red Rocks: A Custom Southern Utah Tour from Moab

An 8-day, privately guided exploration out of Moab that threads national parks, hidden canyons and vivid red‑rock scenery into a fully customized itinerary.

8.18 miView Trips & Details →