Double Arch | Moab

Double Arch, located in the Windows Section of Arches National Park near Moab, Utah, is one of the park’s most visually striking and easily recognizable formations. Its two massive sandstone spans share the same stone foundation, creating a dramatic, cathedral-like opening that captures both grandeur and intimacy. Rising 112 feet high and spanning 144 feet across, it is the tallest and second-longest arch in the park, offering visitors an impressive display of natural architecture.

Setting and Atmosphere

Double Arch rests in a broad, open amphitheater of smooth red sandstone, surrounded by other iconic rock formations such as the Turret Arch and North and South Windows. The area feels both monumental and inviting-its sheer cliffs towering above, while the soft sandy floor encourages exploration and relaxation.

At sunrise, the arches glow in warm amber light, while during midday, the shadows under the spans create a cool refuge from the desert heat. By sunset, the rocks turn deep crimson and orange, enhancing the arch’s sculptural presence against the expansive desert sky. The atmosphere is quiet and reverent, yet often filled with the soft echo of footsteps and the occasional murmur of admiration from visitors gazing upward.

Geological and Natural Highlights

Twin Arches: Both spans share a single sandstone base, forming two enormous openings that intersect at one end. This dual formation was created by water erosion working simultaneously from above and below, hollowing the sandstone from both directions.

Erosion and Shape: Unlike most arches formed from fins, Double Arch developed from potholes that eroded downward, creating a more rounded, vault-like structure.

Color and Texture: The sandstone displays layers of Entrada Sandstone, ranging from soft rose to deep rust, with striations revealing the ancient shifting of dunes millions of years ago.

Nearby Features: The surrounding cliffs and smaller alcoves hold remnants of desert varnish and weather patterns that illustrate the slow artistry of nature.

Hiking and Recreation

The trail to Double Arch is one of the easiest and most rewarding in Arches National Park:

Trail Length: About 0.5 miles round-trip from the parking area.

Difficulty: Easy, with a flat, sandy path suitable for most visitors, including families.

Access: Located directly across from the Windows Trailhead, making it ideal to pair with other short hikes in the area.

Climbing and Exploration: Visitors can scramble on the rocks beneath the arches for unique perspectives, though climbing on the arches themselves is prohibited.

Best Time to Visit: Early morning and late afternoon provide the most dramatic light for photography, while midday offers comfortable shade under the arches.

The accessibility and scale of Double Arch make it one of the most photographed and admired features in the park.

Visitor Experience

Standing beneath Double Arch feels like stepping into a natural amphitheater, where the desert’s vast silence amplifies the sense of wonder. The immense spans seem to reach out in opposite directions, framing patches of sky through their intersecting openings. Visitors often lie on the warm sandstone floor, gazing upward to appreciate the sweeping curves and gravity-defying structure.

Children explore the sand and rock mounds, while photographers find endless compositions-framing the blue sky through one arch while capturing sunlight filtering through the other. The structure invites both quiet reflection and playful exploration.

Wildlife such as lizards and desert wrens occasionally dart through the surrounding rocks, adding small moments of movement to the stillness of the scene.

Facilities and Accessibility

Location: Windows Section, Arches National Park, about 12 miles north of Moab, Utah

Trailhead Amenities: Paved parking lot, interpretive signs, and nearby restrooms shared with the Windows Trail

Accessibility: The trail’s short distance and minimal elevation gain make it suitable for most visitors, though the sandy surface may be challenging for wheelchairs or strollers.

Nearby Attractions: North Window, South Window, and Turret Arch are within walking distance.

Closing Impression

Double Arch captures the essence of Arches National Park-monumental, graceful, and timeless. Its twin spans rise in perfect symmetry, framing both sky and desert with effortless power. The combination of easy access, remarkable geology, and immersive scale makes it a favorite among visitors seeking both natural wonder and quiet desert beauty. Whether admired in the soft light of dawn or the glowing hues of sunset, Double Arch stands as a breathtaking testament to nature’s patience and artistry.