Last updated on December 20, 2023.

The Windows Section of Arches National Park was by far the busiest part of the park we visited. Parking was a nightmare. We circled around the lot for at least 30 minutes waiting for a spot to open up. Nothing. Finally, we decided to follow the rebel crowd and park in the no parking zone. We cracked the windows, loaded up on water, and started our exploration.

 

Double Arch

The first hike we did was to Double Arch. For me, this is the most spectacular arch in the park. The trail is an easy half-mile round trip on sand.

Double Arch Trail at the Windows Section at Arches National Park in Utah
Double Arch Trail

To the left is the Parade of Elephants. I didn’t quite see them until I got to the perfect angle on the trail.

Parade of Elephants at the Windows Section at Arches National Park in Utah
Parade of Elephants
Parade of Elephants at the Windows Section at Arches National Park in Utah
Parade of Elephants

As we continued, Double Arch came into view much clearer. It formed much differently than the other arches in the park, with the erosion occurring from above rather than from the side.

Double Arch at the Windows Section at Arches National Park in Utah
Double Arch
Double Arch at the Windows Section at Arches National Park in Utah
Double Arch

The larger opening spans 148 ft. and is 104 ft. high. Visitors are able to climb the arch to enjoy the views from the openings.

Double Arch at the Windows Section at Arches National Park in Utah
Double Arch
Double Arch at the Windows Section at Arches National Park in Utah
Double Arch
View from Double Arch at the Windows Section at Arches National Park in Utah
View from Double Arch
View from Double Arch at the Windows Section at Arches National Park in Utah
View from Double Arch

 

The Windows

The trail for the Windows is 1 mile round trip. We took it going counter-clockwise towards South Window.

Windows Trail at the Windows Section at Arches National Park in Utah
Windows Trail
South Window on the Windows Trail at the Windows Section at Arches National Park in Utah
South Window

The trail quickly forked and we went to the right towards Turret Arch. We were able to go under the arch and enjoy the views from the other side.

Turret Arch on the Windows Trail at the Windows Section at Arches National Park in Utah
Turret Arch
Turret Arch on the Windows Trail at the Windows Section at Arches National Park in Utah
Turret Arch
View from Turret Arch on the Windows Trail at the Windows Section at Arches National Park in Utah
View from Turret Arch
View from Turret Arch on the Windows Trail at the Windows Section at Arches National Park in Utah
View from Turret Arch

As we turned back towards North and South Windows, the two arches looked like a superhero’s mask staring back at us.

Windows Trail at the Windows Section at Arches National Park in Utah
Windows Trail

The trail then went around South Window where we were able to get different looks at both arches.

South Window on the Windows Trail on the Windows Trail at the Windows Section at Arches National Park in Utah
South Window
Windows Trail at the Windows Section at Arches National Park in Utah
Windows Trail
Windows Trail at the Windows Section at Arches National Park in Utah
Windows Trail

The views out to the desert were incredible.

Windows Trail at the Windows Section at Arches National Park in Utah
The view from Windows Trail
Windows Trail at the Windows Section at Arches National Park in Utah
Another look from Windows Trail
Windows Trail at the Windows Section at Arches National Park in Utah
Windows Trail

 

Garden of Eden

We hit the Garden of Eden on our way out of the Windows Section. Its a short climb up to a small collection of rock formations and a view point.

Garden of Eden at the Windows Section at Arches National Park in Utah
Garden of Eden
Garden of Eden at the Windows Section at Arches National Park in Utah
Walking up to Garden of Eden
Garden of Eden at the Windows Section at Arches National Park in Utah
Garden of Eden
Garden of Eden at the Windows Section at Arches National Park in Utah
Garden of Eden
Author

Owner of Paisadventure. World traveler. Chicago sports lover. Living in Colombia.

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