Partition Arch Trail

Route Description for Partition Arch Trail

The Partition Arch Trail is a great family-friendly hike past some of the most iconic arches in Arches National Park. Unfortunately, this trail offers little shade and gets extremely hot in the sun, so bring along a good sunhat, extra sunscreen, and more water than you think you’ll need.

The Partition Arch Trail is well maintained and well-travelled, so this is a great hike for beginner hikers or families with kids. This trail passes by Landscape Arch- one of the largest natural arches in the world, and by the remnants of Wall Arch- an impressive formation that collapsed in the summer of 2008. Bring along a camera to capture these arches and the ever-changing landscape of this incredible National Park.

From the Devil’s Garden Trailhead, follow the well-defined path northwest. The trail will divide at two points before you reach Landscape Arch, the first major arch on this route. To stay on track to the Landscape arch, just stick left. Just 1.4 km down the trail, there are two official viewpoints with excellent views of Landscape Arch. Continue down the trail another 0.2 km to see the remains of Wall Arch just off the main trail. The path ahead will continue for another 0.3 km to a divide. Take a sharp left here to swoop down to Partition Arch.

At Partition Arch, take a break to admire this structure and rest in its shade before following the same trail back out to the trailhead.

Trail Highlights

Landscape Arch

The Landscape Arch is one of, if not the, largest natural arch formations in the world. This arch is 93 m long and only 3 m thick at the center. This arch is truly a wonder of nature that is impressive to behold.

Wall Arch

Wall Arch was an impressive slickrock arch that collapsed sometime in the night of August 4th or in the early morning of August 5th, 2008. No one witnessed the collapse of this arch—it was simply there one day and gone the next. Wall Arch serves as a reminder that despite its perceived permanence, this magnificent landscape is forever changing.

Insider Hints for Partition Arch Trail

• In the summertime: look for desert wildflowers in bloom along this trail
• To spend more time in this area, consider a visit to Navajo Arch or Black Arch just down the trail