Round Trip Distance: 0.5 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation: 5097 - 5179 feet
Cellphone: 0-4 bars
Time: 30 mins.
Trailhead: Windows Section or Double Arch
Fee: $10 individual, $25/vehicle, $50/annual pass
Attractions: Unique arches
Double Arch is located within Arches National Park just outside Moab, Utah. Double Arch is within a quarter mile of the lower trailhead and doesn't require a great deal of effort to visit. If the Double Arch parking area is full you might be able to find an open spot at the Windows Section or if you parked at the Windows Section and visited there first you might not want to give up your parking spot so you can make use of one of the connecting trails between the 2 parking areas. There are restrooms located at the Windows Section trailhead.
This picture shows one of the trails leading to Double Arch from the Windows Section. The trail descends a short hill that has a nice set of steps. The connector trail is about 1/10 of a mile so it will add almost a quarter mile to your round trip distance. The distance mentioned at the top of this post includes the connector trail.
Even though this is a short hike the sun can be brutally hot in the summer and a little water can make it much more enjoyable.
There are several kiosks that describe the geology involved that led to the surrounding landscape.
The formation on the left side of the trail as you head toward Double Arch is called the Parade of Elephants.
The trail base leading into Double Arch is very sandy in spots.
Caves are formed where salt and softer materials have dissolved away.
You can climb up into the middle of Double Arch if you can handle the scramble up the slick rock. From there you can view the Cove of Caves. The ravens seem to enjoy flying lazy endless loops through the arches.
These 'firecracker penstemons' are among the variety of wildflowers that decorate the trail.
This picture shows the steps leading up the short hill on the connector trail between the two parking areas.
Visitors to Arches National Park are well served by a stop at Double Arch. The short trail should be easy for anyone who can handle the loose sandy conditions. If you would like to see it for yourself then all you have to do is 'Take a hike'.
