Best Family-Friendly Hikes at Arches National Park
Seven easy trails under two miles, ranked shortest to moderate—perfect for families with young children.
Arches National Park showcases over 2,000 natural stone arches, balanced rocks, and towering fins of red rock across the Colorado Plateau. The landscape's striking colors and dramatic shapes create an otherworldly desert environment perfect for families seeking both iconic landmarks and quieter trails.
- 2,000+ Natural arches
- $30 Vehicle entry fee
- 24/7 Operating hours
- 7 Family-friendly hikes
Sand Dune Arch Trail — Sand Dune Area
Shortest arch hike in the park—a quick adventure through deep sand to a hidden arch nestled between walls.
- 0.4 miles round-trip, 15–30 minute walk
- Hidden arch wedged between tall sandstone walls
- Zero elevation gain—pure flat desert stroll
- Deep sand creates fun, exploratory terrain for kids
ROUTE
This is the shortest trail in Arches—just 0.4 miles round-trip through deep sand to a secluded arch wedged between tall sandstone walls. Zero elevation gain makes it perfect for toddlers or anyone wanting a quick, easy walk. The route takes 15–30 minutes and requires wading through sand, which kids often find fun and exploratory.
The trail's main challenge is the deep sand, which can be tiring for small children or those pushing strollers. Wear grippy shoes—sneakers work fine—since the sand shifts as you walk. The arch itself is modest but striking when framed by the narrow canyon walls.
FOR FAMILIES
This trail suits families with toddlers who enjoy short walks in quiet settings. The hidden location away from crowds appeals to families seeking a break from main-road viewpoints. Dogs are prohibited on all Arches trails, so arrange pet care before your visit.
Combine this hike with nearby Broken Arch (1.2 miles one-way from the same parking area) for a longer morning adventure. Both trails start from the Sand Dune Arch trailhead and can be done together for roughly 1.5 hours of hiking time.
Balanced Rock Loop Trail — Main Scenic Drive
Short, partly paved loop around a stunning 128-foot balanced boulder—ideal for sunset and stargazing views.
- Iconic 3,600-ton boulder balanced atop a 128-foot pedestal
- Partly paved loop—easy footing for young children and strollers
- Excellent sunset and stargazing views of La Sal Mountains
- Only 15–30 minutes; 9.2 miles from visitor center
THE ROCK
Balanced Rock is one of Arches' most iconic formations—a 3,600-ton boulder perched atop a 128-foot pedestal, creating a shape that looks impossibly unstable. The loop is short (0.3 miles) and mostly paved, making it accessible for strollers and wheelchairs. The trail circles the base, offering views from all angles. Climbing on the rock is prohibited.
The formation's dramatic shape and stark contrast against the blue sky make it a photographer's favorite. Kids are often amazed by how a boulder so massive appears to balance so precariously.
TIMING
The partly paved surface works well for families with toddlers. The entire loop takes 15–30 minutes, making it ideal for a quick stop during a day-trip drive through the park. Limited parking can be an issue during peak season (March–October); arrive early or after 3 p.m.
The trail lies 9.2 miles north of the visitor center on the main scenic drive and is often combined with nearby viewpoints like the Windows section (0.5 miles further north) for a two-stop outing. Sunset viewing is particularly rewarding—the light transforms the rock's colors and creates long shadows ideal for photography.
Mesa Arch Trail — Island in the Sky
Park's most famous sunrise spot—a 27-foot arch framing canyon vistas and La Sal Mountain peaks.
- Iconic 27-foot arch with framed views of canyons and La Sal Mountains
- Most popular sunrise viewpoint in the park
- Only 0.6 miles round-trip; 30-minute walk
- Rocky hill and stone steps near the arch
ROUTE
Mesa Arch Trail is a short 0.6-mile loop that climbs gently through a rocky hill to a 27-foot natural arch. The trail includes some stone steps near the arch but remains easy enough for most families. The round-trip takes about 30 minutes, though photographers often spend an hour or more waiting for optimal light.
The arch's natural frame creates a perfect vista of colorful canyons, buttes, and the distant La Sal Mountains. This framed view is what draws thousands of visitors, especially at sunrise when warm light illuminates the distant peaks and bathes the foreground in gold.
SUNRISE CROWDS
Sunrise is by far the most popular time; the trail often hosts 100+ visitors waiting for dawn light. If you want solitude or easier photography, visit during midday or late afternoon instead. Morning light (sunrise to 8 a.m.) works best for photography.
Parking fills quickly during peak season. The trailhead is located in the Island in the Sky area, roughly 9 miles north of the main visitor center. Plan accordingly and arrive very early during spring and fall months.
Double Arch Trail — Windows Section
Two arch spans in one formation—the park's second-longest arch with gentle slope and wheelchair access.
- Second-longest arch in park at 144 feet total span
- Two joined arch openings (main span 112 feet tall)
- Hard-packed gravel trail—wheelchair accessible with assistance
- 30–60 minute family walk from Windows parking
THE ARCHES
Double Arch is the second-longest arch in Arches National Park, with a total span of 144 feet. What makes it distinctive is its two arch openings: a main span measuring 112 feet tall and a smaller opening nearby. The formation looks like two massive doorways opening onto the desert landscape.
The trail to Double Arch is short (0.6 miles) and follows a gently sloping, hard-packed surface that works well for strollers and wheelchairs. Children can walk comfortably, and the entire round-trip takes 30–60 minutes depending on how long you spend exploring and taking photos.
LOGISTICS
Double Arch sits in the Windows section of the park, 12 miles from the main visitor center. A connector trail links Double Arch to the nearby Windows Loop (also easy), allowing you to combine both hikes in one visit for a fuller experience of the Windows area.
The Windows area has limited parking. During peak months (April–May, October), arrive before 10 a.m. or after 3 p.m. to find a spot. The area is popular with families because multiple easy trails are clustered together, minimizing driving between trailheads.
The Windows Loop Trail — Windows Section
Gentle gravel loop with two massive side-by-side arch windows and panoramic mountain vistas.
- North and South Windows—two 64-foot-tall arch openings
- Turret Arch and La Sal Mountain views in one loop
- First 300 feet wheelchair accessible
- 30–60 minute easy walk; minimal elevation gain
ROUTE
The Windows Loop is a 1-mile, gently climbing loop that circles two massive arches—the North and South Windows—which sit side by side like binoculars. Both openings are about 64 feet tall, creating striking frames for views of surrounding red rock and the distant La Sal Mountains. The route is easy, with minimal elevation gain (99 feet), and the hard-packed gravel surface is suitable for older children and families in good fitness.
The first 300 feet of the trail are paved and wheelchair accessible, though the gravel loop continues beyond that point. Most families complete the loop in 30–60 minutes. Turret Arch appears as a dramatic backdrop from several viewpoints along the route, adding another visual highlight.
WITH STROLLERS
The Windows section is 12 miles from the park's main visitor center and is often combined with nearby Double Arch for a longer visit. Limited parking, especially during peak season; arrive before 10 a.m. or visit after 3 p.m. The paved first section makes it accessible for strollers, though the gravel loop beyond requires more careful navigation.
A connector trail links this loop to Double Arch (0.3 miles), allowing a scenic route between the two formations. This makes the Windows area ideal for families wanting multiple hikes without long driving between trailheads—easily spend 2–3 hours exploring the entire section.
Broken Arch Trail — Sand Dune Area
Easy grassland hike past a 'cracked' arch and pygmy forest—quieter alternative to signature main-road trails.
- Arch named for a distinctive crack (not actually broken)
- Traverses pygmy forest of piñon and juniper trees
- Grassland and desert terrain—varied ecosystem
- Less crowded; good for wildlife viewing
ROUTE
Broken Arch Trail is named for the distinctive crack running across the arch's top—the arch hasn't actually broken apart, just fractured. The 1.2-mile hike crosses grassland and a small pygmy forest of piñon and juniper trees, creating a very different landscape from most Arches trails. The route has minimal elevation gain (59 feet) and takes 30–60 minutes for families with kids.
The arch itself is modest compared to Landscape or Delicate Arch, but the hike's appeal lies in its quieter setting and varied terrain. Hikers often encounter desert wildlife such as lizards, birds, and occasionally jackrabbits—great for kids interested in nature.
COMBINE HIKES
This trail suits families seeking fewer crowds than main-road attractions. The Sand Dune Arch trailhead is shared with Broken Arch, so you can combine both trails for roughly 1.5 hours of hiking if your kids have good endurance. Starting with Sand Dune (0.4 mi) and then Broken Arch (1.2 mi) creates a varied morning adventure.
A longer loop variant (2.3 miles, moderate difficulty) extends through the nearby campground and returns via Devils Garden, adding shade and a longer outing for families with older children. Dogs are prohibited on all Arches trails.
Landscape Arch Trail — Devils Garden
North America's longest natural arch—the flattest trail in the park with gravel surface ideal for strollers.
- Landscape Arch: North America's longest natural arch (306 ft span)
- Flattest trail in Arches with hard-packed gravel
- Entry to Devils Garden trail network
- 30–60 minute round-trip to the arch
ROUTE
Landscape Arch is North America's longest natural arch, with an astonishing span of 306 feet—appearing impossibly delicate when you stand beneath it. The 1.9-mile trail to the arch is the flattest in Arches, with hard-packed gravel underfoot that works well for strollers and wheelchairs. The hike takes 30–60 minutes round-trip, making it manageable for families with young kids.
The arch's elegant, elongated shape draws photographers and hikers worldwide. Its light-colored stone stands out dramatically against the darker red-rock surroundings, creating striking visual contrast and excellent photo opportunities.
FOR YOUNG KIDS
This trail starts at the Devils Garden trailhead, located 18 miles north at the park's far end. The parking area fills quickly during peak season (April–May, October); arrive before 9 a.m. or plan a late-afternoon visit. The Landscape Arch endpoint is the family-friendly turnaround—beyond this, the trail becomes primitive, with rock scrambling and narrow ledges unsuitable for young children.
If you want to extend the hike, the full Devils Garden loop offers options for older kids and experienced hikers, but the main attraction—Landscape Arch itself—is the early payoff. Most families stop at the arch, take photos, and return the same way, creating a manageable 2-hour outing.
Common Questions
What's the best time to visit Arches with young kids?
Spring (April–May) and fall (September–October) offer ideal conditions with daytime highs of 60–80°F, making hiking comfortable for kids. Summer temperatures often exceed 100°F, making strenuous activity difficult; winter is cold (30–50°F) with occasional snow. Plan spring or fall visits for the best family experience.
Do I need permits for these family hikes?
No permits are required for any of the seven hikes featured in this guide. Day-use hiking is included with your park entrance fee ($30 per vehicle). Only backpacking in the park's designated backcountry sites requires a permit, which is not covered in this family-friendly collection.
Are these trails accessible for strollers or wheelchairs?
Balanced Rock Loop and the first 300 feet of Windows Loop have paved surfaces suitable for strollers. Double Arch is wheelchair accessible with assistance. Most other trails have rocky or sandy sections that challenge strollers. Review each trail's description above before bringing one.
Can dogs join us on the hikes?
Dogs are prohibited on all trails within Arches National Park. Service animals are welcome. Pet-friendly accommodations are available in nearby Moab, located 5 miles south of the park entrance.
How much water should we bring for our family?
Bring at least 2 quarts (half-gallon) of water per person per hike. Desert conditions dry out quickly, and the park's high elevation (4,090 feet) and intense sun intensify dehydration. No water stations exist on the trails; refill at the visitor center before starting your hike.
Sources & Further Reading
- Sand Dune Arch Trail – Arches National Park (NPS) — National Park Service
- Balanced Rock Viewing Area – Arches National Park (NPS) — National Park Service
- Mesa Arch Trail – Arches National Park (NPS) — National Park Service
- Double Arch Viewpoint and Trail – Arches National Park (NPS) — National Park Service
- The Windows Section Trailhead – Arches National Park (NPS) — National Park Service
- Broken Arch Trail – Arches National Park (NPS) — National Park Service
- Landscape Arch Trail – Arches National Park (NPS) — National Park Service
- Weather – Arches National Park (NPS) — National Park Service
- Hours and Seasons – Arches National Park (NPS) — National Park Service
- Entrance Fees – Arches National Park (NPS) — National Park Service
- Arches National Park – Home Page (NPS) — National Park Service
