Trip Date: November 10, 2020

2020 CALIFORNIA & UTAH ADVENTURE VACATION

Double Arch – Turret Arch – Twin Windows Hiking Loop

Double Arch
Turret Arch  
The Windows

Trip Report Summary

Region: Utah

Sub-Region: Southeastern Utah

Area: Arches National Park

Starting Point: Double Arch Trailhead on Windows Road (Elev. 5150 feet)

Way Points: Double Arch & Double Arch Parking Lot & Turret Arch Viewpoint & The Windows Fin & Double Arch Parking Lot (trail hike & rock scramble)

Ending Point: Windows Primitive Trailhead on Windows Road (Elev. 5150 feet)

Approximate Stats: 2 miles traveled; 200 feet gained & lost; 1.5 hours elapsed.

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Full Trip Report

Of the 2000 or so natural sandstone arches in Arches National Park, Double Arch really stands out as being exceptional.  It comprises two huge, separate arches that converge on one side.  There is, to my knowledge, no other formation of its type elsewhere in the park, nor in all of Utah, and certainly not within an easy stroll from a major road.

Eileen, Brooke, and I pulled into the trailhead at first light and made the 0.3-mile hike out to Double Arch before sunrise.  Looking up at the converging arches gives the impression of standing below the groined vaults of a Gothic cathedral.

Heading back across the parking lot, we hiked in the opposite direction and completed the 1.2-mile Windows Loop, which passes by Turret Arch and The Windows.  This latter feature consists of two natural holes in a sandstone rib and is nicknamed “The Spectacles” for obvious reasons.

Photo Gallery

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