There Are More Natural Arches Than There Are Miles Along This Beautiful Hiking Trail In Utah
By Courtnie Erickson|Published March 14, 2023
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Courtnie Erickson
Author
From Southern Utah to the Panhandle in Idaho, Courtnie Erickson has lived in what she believes are the best (and the most beautiful!) areas in the country. She graduated with a journalism degree from Utah State University and has more than 15 years of professional writing experience. You’ll likely see her with a Dr. Pepper in her hand and a pair of running shoes on her feet. Courtnie is a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState.
Aches National Park is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. There’s no question why this is one of the most popular national parks in Utah because it truly has it all — beautiful views, warm weather, and incredible hiking trails. In fact, the Windows Loop is one of these trails that is short, not too difficult, and takes you to more natural arches in Utah than miles you will actually hike.
The Windows Loop Trail is located in the Windows Section of Arches National Park. This area is home to the largest concentration of natural arches in the national park and this short trail is an easy way to see several of the best.
The Windows Loop begins in the Windows Parking Area. This is a 1-mile loop trail that is considered quite easy. Because of its location and its short distance, this trail is one of the more popular in the park and can become quite busy. We recommend visiting early in the morning to avoid the crowds and the hot sun.
This trail loops you from the North Window to the South Window. The windows are actually natural arches in the sandstone and are often called spectacles because, from a certain viewpoint, they look like a pair of spectacles sitting on a nose.
There is a primitive trail you can tackle that will take you underneath the North Window. This is the largest of the three natural arches you will view along this trail and standing underneath to look up at this arch is quite a sight.
While the South Window is higher, you cannot climb to it. For your safety, view this natural arch from afar.
Along this short trail, you will also get to see Turret Arch, which is the smallest of the three natural arches. This arch received its name due to the large spire standing tall next to it.
Even when you aren’t up close to the three main arches that you will see along your path, don’t rush along this hiking trail in Arches National Park. Stop and look around. Along the way, you will capture incredible views of the Windows and Turret Arch, along with the desert landscape that we have grown to love at this Utah national park.
For a short, beautiful, and scenic hike in Arches National Park, add the Window Loop to your itinerary. Three mesmerizing natural arches in one mile? Nothing could be better than that!
What are your favorite hikes in this national park in Utah? Let us know in the comments! And, you may be surprised to learn that Arches National Park is hiding quite a secret. Check out our feature article to learn all about it.
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