Hikes/United States/Utah/Moab and Arches National Park

Difficulty

Easy

Elevation

51 m

Distance

2.7 km

Duration

0.5-1h

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Broken Arch Trail

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Route description
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The Broken Arch Trail is a great little loop past two iconic arches in Arches National Park. This hike is relatively easy and is a great option for families with kids or beginner hikers looking to get out there and see the beauty that Arches National Park has to offer. Bring lots of water with you on this hike and don’t forget to bring the camera—this trail is hot, sunny, and gorgeous!

Route Description for Broken Arch Trail

The Broken Arch Loop is a family-friendly adventure past two beautiful arches: Broken Arch and Tapestry Arch. Spoiler alert: Broken Arch is not actually broken; a crack-like fold through the top of the arch gives it its name, but (as of 2022), this arch still stands. This trail is hot and sunny with few opportunities to rest in the shade, so make sure you bring sunscreen, a good sunhat, and lots of water.

This hike can be a great way for folks of varying abilities to get out and start exploring the beauty that Arches National Park has to offer. Keep an eye out for desert wildlife along the trail- mule deer are often seen grazing along the trail early in the morning.

From the Broken Arch Trailhead, follow the loop southeast. 0.6 km in, the trail will branch off to the south- this is the trail to Sand Dune Arch, stick left at this junction to stay on the loop. 0.3 km past the junction, you will arrive at Broken Arch. Take a rest in the shade of this structure before continuing onwards. Half a mile from Broken Arch, the trail will divide. Take the path on the right to go a short distance to Tapestry Arch. After visiting this arch, backtrack to the main trail and follow it 0.3 km to where it meets up with the road.

Walk along the road south back to the trailhead parking lot. If you are looking to spend more time in the area, the Devils Garden Campground at the trailhead is a lovely spot to spend the night stargazing in the Utah desert.

Trail Highlights

Devils Garden Campground

The Devils Garden Campground is the only campground in Arches National Park. This beautiful campground features showers, flush toilets, drinking water, and outdoor grills. The Devils Garden Campground is extremely popular and operates on a reservation basis from March to October and first-come-first-serve from November through February.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Broken Arch called Broken Arch?

Contrary to its name, Broken Arch is not actually broken. This Arch is named for a crack-like fold that “splits” the arch in two.

What arch is broken in Arches National Park?

Wall Arch is the most famous broken arch in Arches National Park. This arch collapsed in the summer of 2008.

Insider Hints for Broken Arch Trail

If you have the time—take the side trail down to see Sand Dune Arch on your way around the Broken Arch loop
This trail is hot and sunny, head out early in the morning to beat the heat
This trail is a great choice for families with kids to get out and explore Arches National Park

Getting to the Broken Arch Trail Trailhead

From the Visitor Center off of highway 191, follow Main Park Road for approximately 28.2 km to the turn off for the Devil’s Garden Campground. Take a right onto the campground road; the Broken Arch Loop begins at the end of the road.

Route Information

Backcountry Campground:
Devils Garden Campground
When to do:
year-round
Pets allowed:
No
Family friendly:
Yes
Route Signage:
Average
Crowd Levels:
Moderate
Route Type:
Lollipop