Broken Arch Trail

A stone arch frames a view of the landscape below

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.

Quick facts

Distance Miles: 1.2
Route Type: Out-and-back
Difficulty Level: Easy
Elevation Gain Feet: 59

Trail profile

Distance Miles: 1.2
Route Type: Out-and-back
Difficulty Level: Easy
Elevation Gain Feet: 59
Estimated Time: 30-60 minutes
Trail Surface: Gravel and sand through grassland, transitioning to sandy soil and slickrock
Trail Features: Natural stone arch
Desert grassland meadow
Sand dunes
Rock fins
Desert wildlife viewing opportunities
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.

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location: Sand Dune Arch parking area
Parking Fill Time: Full by 8:30 AM during March-October peak season
Shuttle Required: 0
Shuttle Details: Not required. Drive directly to the Sand Dune Arch parking area at the north end of the scenic loop drive.

Permits & conditions

Permit Details: 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.
Trail Status: Open
Seasonal Closures: None reported. Arches National Park is open year-round, 24 hours daily.

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead: 0
Water Sources: No water sources on trail. Carry all water you'll need—minimum 2L.
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.

Safety & strategy

Hazards: Intense sun exposure and dehydration risk
Loose sand and slippery slickrock
Cliff edges on loop variant
Heat exhaustion in summer
Not wheelchair accessible
Hazard Details: 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.
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.
Crowd Level: Moderate to busy during peak season (March-October, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM). Ghost town outside peak hours and seasons.
Peak Crowd Times: March–October, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM. Busiest: spring breaks, holidays, and weekends.
Best Season: March through October (warm, dry, and accessible). Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) offer the best balance of temperature and visibility.
Best Time To Visit: Start before 6:00 AM to beat both the crowds and the heat. Desert temperatures exceed 100°F in summer. March through October is peak season; November through February offers cooler hiking but busier spring and fall weekends (April-May, September-October) are ideal.
Tips Advice: 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.

More details

Park Area: Devils Garden Area (North section of scenic loop drive)
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.
Dogs Allowed: No. Service animals are permitted in accordance with NPS regulations.
Biking Allowed: No
Shade Level: 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.
Emergency Contacts: 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.
Map Recommended: 1
Snow Dates: Rare. Winter snow is uncommon at this low elevation (5,312 ft). Snow, if it falls, melts quickly. Icy conditions are unlikely.
Mud Season: Spring (April-May) can be muddy after snowmelt. This low-elevation trail dries quickly and is rarely impassable, but soft sand makes footing harder after water exposure.
Fall Colors Peak: Not applicable (desert ecosystem with minimal deciduous vegetation)
Bug Season: Minimal. Desert heat limits insect activity. Late spring near water sources can have gnats; bring a headnet if hiking May–June.
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.
Recent Updates: No closures or significant trail changes reported. The trailhead at Sand Dune Arch parking area remains accessible. Park hours are 24/7 year-round; fees apply.
Family Friendly Notes: 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.
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.
Review Summary: Hikers praise this as the perfect warm-up hike—short, easy, and genuinely rewarding. Most say the grassland meadow and quiet atmosphere outweigh the modest arch itself. Families consistently recommend it for building confidence before tackling longer Arches trails like Delicate Arch or Devils Garden.

Location

Frequently asked questions

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.