Windows Loop Trail

Route Description for Windows Loop Trail

The Windows loop is a great, family-friendly hike with beautiful views of Arches National Park. This hike gets hot and sunny throughout the day, so make sure you put on sunblock, wear a good sunhat, and bring along lots of water. This route is part of a larger network of trails and can get a lot of traffic, so go early in the day if you want to have some time to yourself on this little loop.

The Windows Hike is a great way to get out and explore Arches National Park if you are a beginner hiker or are bringing along kids with you. This hike is reasonably flat, well-maintained and the views will inspire you to keep exploring. The Windows loop is also a great place for photographers to get out and capture some epic photos of Arches National Park; this trail is best photographed at sunrise when the early morning light illuminates the dramatic Windows Arch formation.

From the Windows Trailhead, follow the path southeast for 0.2 km. At the divide, take the path on your left to follow the loop clockwise past the north window, then down to the south window. At the South window, the trail will divide again, stick right to stay on the loop. Continue to stay right at the subsequent divide where a side trail splits off leading to Turret Arch. Just 0.5 km later, you will find yourself back at the beginning of the loop. Follow the main path back to the trailhead.

If you are looking to spend more time exploring this area, the Turret Arch Trail is a great addition to this little loop.

Trail Highlights

The Windows

The Windows, also known as the Spectacles, are two eye-shaped arches within the same sandstone fin. This formation calls to mind the image of a face wearing glasses.

Frequently Asked Questions

How were the Windows Arches Formed?

The Windows Arches were formed when weak sections of the sandstone fin were eroded by wind and rain.