Conditions Right Now
Use sunset as your turnaround alarm.
Why Hike This
Three massive arches sit within a few hundred yards of one parking lot, which makes this the highest reward-per-step stop in Arches. A gentle gravel climb leads to North Window, South Window, and Turret Arch, with rock stairs near the arches themselves. The first 300 feet of trail is considered barrier free, though getting up to the openings means slopes and steps. A primitive loop circles behind the windows for a quieter return, but it has fewer markers, so watch your route.
The Trail
Three giant arches in one stroll. Sunrise through North Window is a classic photo.
Heat note: desert country - in summer start at dawn and carry more water than feels reasonable.
Pack Loadout (Easy)
Water bottle, sunscreen, hat, snacks, comfortable shoes.
Getting There
Make it a weekend: Big Bend Campground (Camping, 4 mi) · Devils Garden Campground (Camping, 7 mi) · Ken's Lake Campground (Camping, 16 mi) · Kayenta Campground (Dead Horse Point) (Camping, 18 mi)
More hikes nearby: Fiery Furnace (Hike, 4 mi) · Delicate Arch (Hike, 4 mi) · Sand Dune Arch (Hike, 5 mi) · Grandstaff Canyon (Hike, 5 mi)
Quick Answers
- How long is the The Windows & Turret Arch hike?
- 1.2 miles round trip with 154 feet of elevation gain.
- How hard is The Windows & Turret Arch?
- Easy. Kid rating: 5 out of 5.
- When should I hike The Windows & Turret Arch?
- Best season: All year.
- Why hike The Windows & Turret Arch?
- You get three of the park's biggest arches on one short gravel loop, with no scrambling and no exposure. It suits little kids, tired legs, and short winter days equally well. The return trip behind the windows on the primitive trail adds a bit of distance and a lot less company.