11 Most Relaxing Hikes in Arches National Park – All Under 2 Miles

All You Need is a Can-Do Attitude

Walk this 0.3-mile paved loop around a 3,600-ton boulder balancing on a narrow base. The trail has minimal elevation gain (55 feet) and is wheelchair/stroller-friendly.

Balanced Rock Trail – 0.3 miles

This paved loop trail lets you get up close to one of the park’s most famous features, the 128-foot Balanced Rock formation.

It weighs 3,600 tons and sits on a narrow pedestal of mudstone.

The wide, smooth path of this paved trail makes this trail accessible for strollers and wheelchairs, though there’s a slight incline near the halfway point.

Double Arch Trail – 0.5 miles

Visitors often overlook this gem that starts at the Windows Section parking area.

Following a well-maintained gravel path, you’ll reach Double Arch, which towers 112 feet high – making it the tallest in the park.

The gentle route includes just 100 feet of elevation gain.

The Windows Loop Trail – 1 mile

This trail takes you past three massive arches: North Window, South Window, and Turret Arch.

The North Window spans 46 feet high and 92 feet wide, while the South Window measures 54 feet high and 91 feet wide.

Between these formations, a gravel path winds past Turret Arch, with steps cut into slickrock at steeper points.

Add the 0.2-mile Primitive Trail for quieter views behind the arches.

Skyline Arch Trail – 0.4 miles

1940s rockfall doubled this arch’s size, and the 0.4-mile trail leads straight to its base.

The flat, gravel path has no shade but takes 15 minutes round-trip. For a quieter view, park at Devils Garden Campground and walk 5 minutes to an overlook.

No permits are needed—just watch for loose rocks near the arch. Pair it with nearby Sand Dune Arch for a 1-mile combo hike.

Park Avenue Trail – 1 mile (or 1.8 miles one-way)

The first stretch includes 320 stone steps, a testament to the Civilian Conservation Corps work in the 1950s.

Along the canyon bottom, packed dirt paths lead past four small drainage areas. Take advantage of the shuttle pickup point at Courthouse Towers for a one-way option.

Sand Dune Arch Trail – 0.3 miles

This one’s a short but memorable trail. The Sand Dune Arch Trail leads through narrow sandstone fins to a hidden arch in a sandy corridor.

The path maintains a constant 70-degree temperature year-round due to the shade from surrounding rock walls.

The trail ends in a natural sandy playground that spans 100 feet wide, and park rangers installed new safety railings in 2024 along the narrowest sections.

Landscape Arch Trail – 1.6 miles

Part of the Devil’s Garden area, this trail leads to Landscape Arch, the longest arch in North America, spanning 306 feet.

The path is relatively flat and well-maintained. The trailhead is located at the end of the park road, about 18 miles from the entrance.

Broken Arch Loop – 2 miles

This loop trail passes through a grassy meadow, leading to Broken Arch, which isn’t actually broken but has a noticeable crack.

The path continues through the arch and loops back to the starting point. Along the way, you’ll encounter varied terrain, including sandy sections and slickrock.

Tunnel Arch Trail – 0.5 miles

This short spur trail branches off from the main Devils Garden Trail, and the trailhead is near the Sand Dune Arch parking area.

The path maintains a consistent width of 4 feet and includes erosion control features added in 2024. The arch sits 50 feet above the trail and spans 40 feet wide.

Two viewing platforms provide different perspectives of the formation. The trail surface consists entirely of packed gravel with minimal elevation change.

Pinetree Arch Trail – 1 mile

This 0.5-mile out-and-back trail branches off the Devil Garden path to a small, tunnel-like arch. The flat gravel is ideal for quick stops.

Pair it with the nearby Pine Tree Arch (1 mile total). After the rain, stepping stones help cross a seasonal stream without getting wet.

Tapestry Arch Trail – 0.6 miles

Hike 1 mile through Devil Garden to a pine-shaded arch tucked in a sandstone alcove.

The hard-packed trail has 196 feet of elevation gain and connects to Tunnel Arch. Ancient junipers, including a 500-year-old specimen, line the route to a 45-foot-high arch.

The trail alternates between slick rock and packed dirt surfaces while keeping elevation changes gentle.