Broken Arch Trail

Q: How hot does it get, and when is it safe to hike?

Summer heat exceeds 100°F; avoid midday June-August if possible. March-October is safe with early morning (before 6:00 AM) or late afternoon starts. Winter (November-February) is mild and ideal, though weekends are busier due to spring/fall holidays.

Q: Can I do this alone safely?

Yes. The trail is well-marked, short, and popular. Solo hiking is common. Tell someone your route and return time, bring a whistle, and carry your water. The main risk is heat exhaustion, not navigation.

Q: Do I need special hiking boots?

Good sneakers work fine for the out-and-back route. The loop option includes scrambling over rock; light hikers' boots provide ankle support and grip. Gaiters help keep sand out.

Q: What's the difference between the 1.2-mile and 2.3-mile routes?

Short (1.2 mi): Grassland walk from Sand Dune Arch parking to Broken Arch and back. Loop (2.3 mi): Continues through the arch to Devils Garden Campground, then returns via rock fins with sand dunes and moderate scrambling. Loop adds about 30-60 minutes and real exposure.

Q: Will the parking lot be full when I arrive?

March-October, yes—by 8:30 AM. Arrive by 7:00 AM or after 3:00 PM. November-February is less crowded except holidays. If full, use Devils Garden overflow parking 0.5 miles north.

Q: Is cell service reliable for emergencies?

No. Coverage is spotty throughout Arches. Bring a whistle or personal locator beacon. Report your planned route to a ranger before departing. Do not rely on phones for emergency contact.

Overview

About This Trail

A straightforward grassland stroll to a stone arch that isn't collapsed yet. Distance is short, difficulty is easy, and the payoff is genuine solitude with a real desert feature. The terrain transitions from meadow to sandy soil; the loop option includes moderate scrambling through rock fins. Best for those who want a confidence-building walk with an actual destination, not a lung-buster.

Highlights

Difficulty Level

Easy

Trail Highlights

The Broken Arch itself—a naturally-formed stone arch you can walk beneath. The quiet grassland meadow offers stark desert beauty contrasting with the red rock landscape. Optional loop extension through the Devils Garden Campground adds sand dune scrambling.

Insider Tips

• The 'broken' appearance faces the campground side of the arch; walk all the way through or to the far side for the best photograph. • Early morning (before 6:00 AM) rewards you with solitude and cooler temps. • The arch is modest compared to Delicate Arch—manage expectations, but the quiet grassland is the real payoff. • Combine with Sand Dune Arch Trail (separate but adjacent parking) for a two-arch morning. • Watch for wildlife—sitting silently for 10 minutes increases your odds of spotting desert bighorn sheep or mule deer. • If the main lot is full, Devils Garden overflow lot is 0.5 miles north; park there and shuttle or walk.

Best Season to Hike

March through October (warm, dry, and accessible). Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) offer the best balance of temperature and visibility.

Hiking Tips

Carry 2L water minimum—there are no water sources on the trail and the sun is unforgiving.
Start by 6:00 AM; the parking lot fills by 8:30 AM during peak season.
Tighten your boots; sand works its way into everything.
The arch is your destination—don't stop at the meadow; hike the full distance.
Combine with Sand Dune Arch Trail (adjacent trailhead) for a longer morning adventure.
Tell someone your planned return time.

Family Info

Short distance (1.2 mi) and easy difficulty make this ideal for families with young children. The out-and-back route is straightforward and confidence-building. The 2.3-mile loop adds moderate scrambling and exposed drop-offs—suitable for older kids (8+) and families comfortable with mild rock scrambling. Hand-holding essential for younger children on the loop variant. No restrooms at trailhead; plan bathroom breaks before departure.

Details

Trail Specifications

Distance: 1.2 miles

Elevation Gain: 59 ft

Duration: 30-60 minutes

Difficulty: Easy

Route Type: Out-and-back

Surface: Gravel and sand through grassland, transitioning to sandy soil and slickrock

Getting There

Trailhead: Sand Dune Arch parking area

Fills Up: Full by 8:30 AM during March-October peak season

Requirements

Permit Required

Not required. Day-use only.

Fees: $30 — Entrance - Private Vehicle (valid 7 days); $25 for motorcycles (up to 2, 4 passengers); $15 per person on foot or bicycle. Youth 15 and under admitted free.

Shuttle Available

Not required. Drive directly to the Sand Dune Arch parking area at the north end of the scenic loop drive.

Trail Rules

Dogs: No. Service animals are permitted in accordance with NPS regulations.

Biking: No

Trail Markers: Well-marked. The main path is worn and obvious through the grassland. Some minor directional confusion possible near the arch if attempting the loop; markers and cairns guide you toward the campground option.

Map/GPS recommended

Trail Features

Conditions & Safety

Water: No water sources on trail. Carry all water you'll need—minimum 2L.

Shade: Full sun with zero shade. Desert sun intensity is relentless. Wear high-SPF sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and light long sleeves to avoid UV damage.

Cell Service: Likely weak or unavailable. Cell coverage is spotty throughout Arches National Park. Do not rely on phone service for emergency contact; bring a whistle or personal locator beacon.

Hazards:

Full sun exposure across an open grassland meadow with zero shelter. Desert heat exceeds 100°F in summer. The trail surface becomes sandy and loose near the arch. The loop option includes moderate scrambling with exposed rock fins and drop-offs—hand-holding required for younger children. No wheelchair accessibility; rooty, sandy, uneven terrain throughout.

Emergency: Dial 911 (service permitting). Nearest ranger station: Arches Visitor Center (approximately 10 miles south via scenic loop drive). Report your planned route and return time to park staff before departing.

Crowd Info

Typical Crowds: Moderate to busy during peak season (March-October, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM). Ghost town outside peak hours and seasons.

Peak Times: March–October, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM. Busiest: spring breaks, holidays, and weekends.

Accessibility & Family

Accessibility:

Not wheelchair accessible. Trail is rooty, sandy, and uneven throughout. The loop option requires moderate scrambling over rock fins with no ramp or paved alternatives.

Family Notes:

Nearby Facilities

Sand Dune Arch parking area has trailhead only (no water or facilities). Devils Garden Campground is 1.4 miles via trail (accessible to day-use hikers). Arches Visitor Center (10 miles south) has water, restrooms, and information. Moab (6 miles south of park entrance) offers lodging, food, gas, and supplies.

FAQs

Is this trail suitable for families with kids under 10?

Yes. The 1.2-mile out-and-back is easy and short. Kids can handle it. The 2.3-mile loop adds scrambling—suitable for 8+, but hand-holding may be needed for younger children on rock sections with drop-offs.

How hot does it get, and when is it safe to hike?

Can I do this alone safely?

Do I need special hiking boots?

What's the difference between the 1.2-mile and 2.3-mile routes?

Will the parking lot be full when I arrive?

Is cell service reliable for emergencies?

🏞️ National Park Service 📝 YourNPGuide Editorial

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