Tower Arch Trail

A stone arch opening frames a view of the valley below

This remote strenuous trail climbs a steep rock wall, crosses a valley, then meanders through sandstone fins and sand dunes on Arches' quieter side. You'll face full sun exposure, soft sand, and zero shade across 2.6 miles. The payoff: solitude and dramatic geology few visitors earn. Attempt only if fit and carrying 2+ quarts of water per person.

Quick facts

Distance Miles: 2.6
Route Type: Out-and-back
Difficulty Level: Strenuous
Elevation Gain Feet: 290

Trail profile

Distance Miles: 2.6
Route Type: Out-and-back
Difficulty Level: Strenuous
Elevation Gain Feet: 290
Estimated Time: 2-3 hours
Trail Surface: Steep rock scramble, sandstone fins, deep sand
Trail Features: Steep rock wall
Sandstone fins
Sand dunes
Tower Arch natural stone gateway
Desert landscape
Valley crossing
Trail Highlights: Quiet solitude on Arches' less-visited side; dramatic sandstone fin maze; Tower Arch natural gateway; complete escape from crowded main park trails

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location: End of unpaved park road, 8 miles from park entrance via Scorup Road
Parking Fill Time: Rarely fills; remote unpaved approach deters casual visitors
Shuttle Required: 0

Permits & conditions

Permit Details: No permits required
Fees: $30 entrance fee (Private Vehicle); $25 motorcycle; $15 per person
Trail Status: Open (verify after heavy rain due to unpaved access)
Seasonal Closures: No formal seasonal closure; unpaved access road may become impassable following heavy rain or snowfall. Check conditions before driving.

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead: 1
Water Sources: None; dry trail—carry all water required
Accessibility: Not wheelchair accessible; steep climbing and sandy sections prevent access

Safety & strategy

Hazards: Dehydration (no shade, no water sources)
Steep rock scrambling with fall risk
Soft sand causing leg fatigue and slower pace
Sun exposure for 2-3 hours
Remote location with no cell service
Unpaved access road washout risk after rain
Difficult sand dune climbing
Hazard Details: No shade or water sources; climbing sand dunes is extremely difficult; steep rock scramble with potential falls; full sun exposure for 2-3 hours; remote location with no cellular service limits rescue options; unpaved 8-mile access road washes out after rain, stranding vehicles
Cell Service: None; no cellular coverage on trail or at trailhead
Crowd Level: Light to solitary; quiet side of park deters casual hikers
Peak Crowd Times: March-October park-wide, but this trail sees minimal impact even during peak season due to unpaved 8-mile access road
Best Season: April-May (spring) and September-October (fall); mild temperatures, lower visitation
Best Time To Visit: April-May and September-October when temperatures are moderate. Start before 8 AM to avoid afternoon heat exposure; temperatures exceed 90°F in summer months. Check unpaved access road after rain; don't drive if wet.
Tips Advice: Bring 2-3 liters of water minimum—zero water sources and full sun exposure
Wear hiking boots with good ankle support; avoid slick soles on steep rock scrambles
Trekking poles are mandatory on sand dunes—they save your legs on the return climb
Start before sunrise if possible; heat hits hard by noon
Check unpaved access road conditions after rain; it washes out quickly
Make noise as you hike; coyotes are present but rarely aggressive
Tell someone your route and expected return time; no cellular service for emergencies

More details

Park Area: Arches National Park (quiet, less-developed side)
Trail Markers: Trail is marked but remote; bring map or GPS for route confirmation
Dogs Allowed: No; service animals permitted
Shade Level: None; full sun exposure on entire route
Emergency Contacts: Arches National Park ranger station at visitor center (approximately 25 miles away); tell someone your itinerary before departing, as solo hikers rely on last-known plans
Map Recommended: 1
Snow Dates: December-March potential; check conditions before winter hikes
Mud Season: Post-rain; unpaved access road becomes impassable after heavy precipitation
Wildflower Peak: April-May (desert wildflowers, if sufficient water)
Fall Colors Peak: Not applicable (desert landscape with minimal deciduous vegetation)
Bug Season: Minimal; desert location has low insect pressure year-round
Insider Tips: The mile-1.8 false summit tricks hikers into thinking they've reached Tower Arch—the real payoff is 0.5 miles further
Start at dawn to avoid afternoon heat radiating off rock; sunset hikes here are punishing
The unpaved approach road is the real barrier; most Arches visitors never drive it, so you'll have solitude
Descending sand dunes is harder than ascending—save strength and caution for the return
The Tower Arch itself frames the horizon; shoot from the southeast approach path for best light at midday
Recent Updates: None reported
Family Friendly Notes: Not recommended for young children; 2-3 hour duration, no water/food services, intense sun exposure, physically demanding scrambling. Teenagers with hiking experience only; younger kids will struggle on sand dunes.
Nearby Facilities: Vault toilet at trailhead; no water or food. Nearest full services at Arches Visitor Center (approximately 15 miles by unpaved road)
Review Summary: Hikers who finish this trail earned it. The consensus: strenuous climbing, soft sand drains energy, heat exposure is real and relentless. The reward is complete solitude and unique geology. Only for experienced hikers who respect the physical demands.