Summary of the Tower Arch Trail Guide
The Tower Arch trail in Arches National Park is a favorite hike near Moab and remains a hidden gem, offering fewer crowds compared to other popular spots in Utah.
This short, beginner-friendly trail leads you to a massive sandstone arch, aptly named for the large rock formation that appears to ascend from its top when viewed head-on.
This guide provides insights on locating the Tower Arch trailhead, expectations for the hike, and essential information for your visit!
Tower Arch Trail: Quick Facts
- Distance: 2.5 miles (4 km) round trip
- Elevation Gain: 600 feet (180 m)
- Duration: 1.5 – 2.5 hours round trip
- Difficulty: Easy / Moderate
Tower Arch Trail: What To Expect
The Tower Arch hike begins with a brief but steep ascent over some slickrock.
As you progress, the middle section of the trail offers stunning vistas of Salt Valley, the Klondike Bluffs, and a series of rock towers known as the ‘Marching Men.’
The trail may occasionally be hard to follow; therefore, it’s essential to keep an eye on the rock cairns for guidance. Without them, I would have gotten lost a couple of times.
These cairns are plentiful along the Tower Arch trail, making navigation easier.
As with many hikes in Arches, the trail’s challenge can vary based on temperature. A hot day makes the hike considerably more strenuous.
Beware that the sign at the trailhead indicating ‘minor ups and downs’ may be somewhat misleading; the trail involves significant elevation changes despite its short length.
Nonetheless, the hike is rather brief, taking me around 45 minutes each way.
In the final stretch of the hike, you will encounter an uphill challenge through loose sand, which can be particularly arduous on a hot day.
Just before reaching Tower Arch, you’ll notice a smaller arch on your right called the Parallel Arch; while not as large, it offers unique views.
This arch might be easy to overlook while approaching, but it stands out more prominently on your return.
Tower Arch
The initial glimpse of Tower Arch is exhilarating; however, the reverse view is possibly even more impressive!
This arch spans 92 feet wide, and like several other arches within the park, you can walk through it and perceive its grandeur from the opposite side.
Given its considerable size, it’s essential to do a bit of scrambling on the slick rock below the arch to capture the best photographs.
You might notice an inscription at the base of the arch left by Alex Ringhoffer, an early explorer instrumental in designating the Arches area as a national monument.
Moreover, you will appreciate the tranquility of the area, as this hike tends to be much less frequented. On a Sunday in September, I didn’t encounter anyone on the trail, though a few visitors were present at the arch.
The shaded area beneath the arch provides a perfect spot to rest and relax!
Please remember to practice Leave No Trace principles. Keep the trail clean, respect fellow hikers, and enjoy your journey!
Tower Arch Trailhead
The Tower Arch trailhead is positioned in the upper northwest region of Arches National Park, often referred to as the Klondike Bluffs area.
Here are the GPS coordinates: 38.793799211452004, -109.67459867454288
You can navigate directly to the parking area via the Google map below, which is about a one-hour drive from Moab, Utah.
Trailhead Conditions
The road leading to the Tower Arch trailhead is among the few unfinished roads within Arches National Park.
Upon turning onto Salt Valley Road from the Arches Scenic Drive, you’ll encounter approximately 8 miles of gravel and dirt roads.
This route is typically accessible for most vehicles during dry conditions; conversely, it’s advisable to avoid this trailhead shortly after rainfall.
At the trailhead, you will find a well-maintained vault toilet, one of the cleanest facilities I’ve seen in a national park, alongside an informational sign and basic trail map.
Alternative Trailhead (4WD)
If you possess a 4-wheel drive vehicle, an additional trailhead is available that is closer to Tower Arch, reducing the hiking distance to just 0.5 miles round trip.
However, the road leading to this alternative trailhead is incredibly rough with large rocks; therefore, it is not advisable unless you have a highly capable 4WD vehicle with ample clearance.
Although we ventured partway up this road in my 4WD Toyota Tacoma, the rocks became treacherous enough that I opted for the main Tower Arch trailhead instead.
Best Time To Visit
The Tower Arch hike is magnificent at any time of day, with minimal crowds, although mid-day hikes can be hotter.
Our photos on this page were taken on a September morning around 11 AM, allowing us to capture images of the arch from both sides without excessive glare from the sun.
Entrance Fee
A park pass is needed to enter Arches National Park, which can be acquired effortlessly either online or in-person.
We typically opt for the annual pass, as we visit multiple national parks each year, though daily passes are also available. For further details and the latest fees, please visit the Arches National Park website.
Starting in 2022, a timed entry permit will be required to access Arches National Park during peak hours and months, as part of a new pilot program aimed at reducing congestion.
Thank You for Exploring
Thank you for exploring this guide to the Tower Arch trail in Arches National Park, near Moab, Utah. Your adventure awaits!
