The Park Avenue Trail in Arches National Park is a stunning trek that plunges hikers into a landscape of towering red rock formations, sheer cliffs, and breathtaking vistas. This iconic trail offers a relatively easy hike with spectacular scenery, making it one of the park’s most popular trails.

It’s ideal to bring your family with you on this hike, particularly children! There are scenic viewing spots where you can take photos for souvenirs. And don’t forget to photograph the famous landmarks you’ll encounter along the way.

The Park Avenue Trail offers a captivating journey through some of Arches National Park’s most iconic scenery. Read on to learn more about the trail.

Map Of Park Avenue Trail

About Park Avenue Trail, Arches National Park

• Address: Arches National Park
• Trailhead GPS: 38.624431, -109.599582
• Website: nps.gov/places/park-avenue-viewpoint-and-trailhead.htm
• Hours: Open year-round, 24 hours a day
• Arches National Park Admission: Per Person: $15 | Motorcycle: $25 | Private Vehicle $30
• Amenities: Vehicle parking and wheelchair-accessible viewpoint
• Level: Easy
• Length: 1.8 miles
• Estimated Time: 50 minutes

This picturesque site is often the first for many visitors, located just 3.6 miles (5.8 km) after the Arches National Park Visitor Center. The Park Avenue Arch, perched high on a rock wall on the right, is visible from the parking lot and is frequently overlooked. From this perspective, light is not visible through the arch.

You can let your imagination run wild as you gaze along a magnificent boulevard of rock at Park Avenue. Previous visitors have dubbed some of the rock formations here “Queen Nefertiti,” “Queen Victoria,” and “Sausage Rock” (also called “The Corndog”). Take a look at them and see what names come to mind!

Guided Tour Of Park Avenue Trail

The starting point of this hike is the Park Avenue overlook and trailhead, which is situated 2.3 miles from the visitor center on the north side of the Arches Scenic Drive. A paved trail travels 0.1 miles from the parking lot to the overlook. From this vantage point, you can see the enormous fins, towering monoliths, and perfectly symmetrical rocks that line the picturesque canyon.

Once you’ve had your fill of the vistas, head down the stone steps to the canyon floor. From there, follow the boot-beaten dirt trail that slowly descends the wash. The dirt trail eventually gives way to sand and slickrock, separated by rock cairns.

Above the route rises a massive sandstone formation crowned with spires, towers, and otherworldly rock formations. Nearby, junipers, sage, and Mormon tea flourish in the rocky terrain.

One of the first things you’ll pass beneath is Queen Nefertiti, a rock sculpture above the west wall resembling an Egyptian queen’s profile. The canyon’s east side is topped with sheer cliffs covered in fins.

The entrances to the two brief side canyons on the valley’s west side are located at 0.3 and 0.4 miles, respectively. Every one of them has picturesque rock formations surrounding it, with knobs, towers, balancing rock, and spires atop.

As you move through the wash, views of the Organ, which rises over the east side of Scenic Drive, and Argon Tower, a 270-foot tower at the end of the west wall, open up. 

The Three Gossips, a 350-foot-tall structure with three peaks perched atop a sandstone pedestal, enters the picture close to the hike’s conclusion. The tower’s tops, which face west, resemble people exchanging news with their heads bent in each other’s directions. The Tower of Babel, situated to the north, and Sheep Rock, to the northwest, are two other noteworthy formations.

Walk as much as your time and energy permit. Take a quick stroll down the canyon; it’s well worth it.

The route comes to an end 0.9 kilometers from the Park Avenue Viewpoint to the Courthouse Towers viewpoint on the Scenic Drive. Retrace your steps for a 1.8-mile round-trip stroll unless you have another vehicle waiting.

What To Expect on Your Hike

The Park Avenue Trail is among the first notable attractions within Arches National Park. The one-mile track traverses the bottom of a canyon among some of the park’s enormous and well-known monoliths.

When tourists drive up towards Balanced Rock and Delicate Arch, they can see the Three Gossips, the Courthouse Towers, Queen Nefertiti and Queen Victoria Rock, the Organ, and the Tower of Babel; however, hiking through them offers a very different experience. These are all well-known and frequently photographed natural wonders.

The Courthouse Towers are the enormous sandstone towers that form Park Avenue’s western backdrop. Some of these features, which protrude out into the desert below like the prows of giant ships, are nearly 600 feet tall.

A smaller monolith known as The Organ is located off to the right of the Arches Entrance Road, directly south of the Tower of Babel. The Organ’s western flank is home to the Courthouse Towers parking lot.

The higher trailhead is located in the parking lot of Courthouse Towers on the western side of The Organ.

The Tower of Babel is situated north of the Courthouse Towers, next to the Entrance Road, north of the Organ, and right above Courthouse Wash.

How To Find The Park Avenue Trail Trailhead

The lower trailhead is situated off to the north side of the Arches Entrance Road, 2.5 miles north of the visitor center. A paved walkway leads from the parking lot 320-feet to a viewpoint. A well-traveled path continues from there, heading down the Avenue in the direction of the Courthouse Towers Parking Lot.

Tip: To avoid the steep stairs, start at the north end.

What Time is The Busiest?

Although the Park Avenue Trail is open all year round, hiking during the day can get quite hot due to the summertime temperatures. The park gets quite crowded in the shoulder seasons of March through May and September through October. The Park Avenue Overlook parking lot will be nearly always filled during these seasons.

We suggest taking a late afternoon or early evening hike along Park Avenue. Not only can you dodge some of the crowds and parking hassles, but you’ll also be able to see the best-lit Park Avenue skyscrapers. A climb in the late afternoon will produce some of the best vacation photos because of the unmatched dusk glow of the rocks.

Flying A Drone (Is It Allowed?)

Launching, landing, or operating unmanned aircraft (such as drones, quadcopters, or model airplanes) is prohibited in Park Avenue Trail at Arches National Park. The National Park Service (NPS) imposes restrictions on drone usage to protect wildlife, preserve natural quiet, and ensure visitor safety.

Other Hikes Close To Park Avenue Trail

To make the most out of the best hikes in Moab, you can always take on some of the nearby trails around Park Avenue Trail. They offer more views and challenge; these trails are a must-try for experienced hikers!

Courthouse Towers

• Level: Moderate
• Length: 1.8 miles
• Estimated Time: 1 hour

This trail follows an uphill, largely smooth canyon bottom before climbing steps carved out of rock to reach Park Avenue Viewpoint. Turn around at the bottom of the steps for a more convenient stroll. 

For hikers going round-trip, please don’t walk alongside the road; instead, stay on the trail in both directions. This trail requires navigating sand, uneven ground, and at least a few stairs. Wheelchair accessibility is not available. 

Corona And Bowtie Arch via Corona Arch Trail

• Level: Moderate
• Length: 2.3 miles
• Estimated Time: 2-3 hours

One of the biggest and most magnificent arches close to Moab may be reached via the excellent 3-mile Corona Arch Trail. Your ultimate goal is Corona Arch, also known as Little Rainbow Bridge, but you’ll pass Pinto Arch and Bowtie Arch there as well.

Bowtie Arch looms over the route to your left, where a broad slickrock bench around the head of a cul-de-sac canyon bends east toward Corona Arch. An arch was created when a pothole above—typically filled with water—eroded down into a cave below. After 1.5 km, continue climbing down a steep slab of sandstone to reach Corona Arch.

Grandstaff Trail

• Level: Moderate
• Length: 5.7 miles
• Estimated Time: 2 hours and 30 minutes

The Grandstaff Trail is a well-liked half-day hike in the Moab area, named after an African-American prospector, William Granstaff, who grazed animals in the late 19th century. 

Entering this small desert canyon is not too tough, and most people can manage the four-mile roundway. The stunning Morning Glory Natural Bridge and a year-round, crystal-clear stream may be found along the trail.

What to Bring On Your Hike

When embarking on a hike at the Park Avenue Trail in Arches National Park, it’s essential to come prepared with the right gear and supplies to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Here’s a list of items you should consider bringing:

Water: Hydration is crucial, especially in the desert environment of Arches National Park. Bring an adequate supply of water for the duration of your hike. It’s recommended to carry at least one liter of water per hour of hiking, especially during hot weather.

Sun Protection: Protect yourself from the sun’s intense rays by wearing sunscreen with a high SPF rating. Additionally, bring sunglasses to shield your eyes and a wide-brimmed hat or cap to shade your face and neck.

Sturdy Footwear: Choose comfortable, closed-toe shoes with good traction for hiking on rocky terrain. Hiking boots or sturdy athletic shoes are ideal for navigating the trail’s uneven surfaces.

Snacks: Pack lightweight, energy-boosting snacks to keep you fueled during your hike. Trail mix, granola bars, and fresh fruit are convenient options that provide quick energy.

Weather-Appropriate Clothing: Check the weather forecast before your hike and dress accordingly. Wear lightweight, breathable layers that can be added or removed as needed. Even in warmer weather, it’s a good idea to bring a lightweight jacket or sweater in case temperatures drop.

Map and Compass: While the Park Avenue Trail is well-marked, it’s always wise to carry a map and a compass or GPS device to help you navigate in case you stray off course.

First Aid Kit: Pack a basic first aid kit with essentials such as adhesive bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and blister treatment. Be prepared to handle minor injuries or ailments that may occur during your hike.

Camera: Don’t forget to bring a camera or smartphone to capture the stunning scenery along the Park Avenue Trail. You’ll encounter breathtaking rock formations and sweeping vistas that you’ll want to remember long after your hike is over.

What People Are Saying About Park Avenue Trail

There are many sentiments about the beauty that the Park Avenue Trail has to offer to its visitors. Here’s what people are saying about this trail: 

I am so happy we decided to do this trail in the morning. It’s straight down but then levels out nicely. The canyon was very skyscraper-like. Breathtaking!It’s one of those hikes where you stop serval times and just say WOW!

margaret k – Tripadvisor

A beautiful short and easy introductory hike in the park, and with great views. there is a sentimental attachment to this one as well.

Pasquach D – AllTrails

From the parking area spend a few minutes taking in a 360 view of your surroundings. Arches is pretty breathtaking wherever you are, but this is one of the best views in the park.

Greg & Amy – Park Chasers

See The Rock Formations Along Park Avenue Trail

There is no other place in the world like the contrasting hues, landforms, and textures found in Arches. The park features hundreds of towering pinnacles, enormous fins, and enormous balancing rocks, in addition to over 2,000 naturally occurring stone arches. The formations in this red rock wonderland will astound you, the paths will revitalize you, and the sunsets will motivate you.

Even if you cannot see the famous arches from the Park Avenue Trail, there are still many breathtaking rock formations to admire. See for yourself the popular rock formations on this trail!

Park Avenue Trail-Arches National Park FAQs