Skyline Arch Trail is another short hike in Arches National Park that will take you to a magnificent arch situated in the area’s sandstone upthrusts. The adjacent sandstone wall, which has been worn to resemble a row of grain silos stretching skyward, is what makes this arch special.

Now, we’re letting you in on the full information on how to hike this trail and reach the arch. Aside from its main trailhead, you can also access this arch from the Devils Garden campground. 

Read on to learn more.

Map Of Skyline Arch Trail

About Skyline Arch Trail

• Address: Arches National Park
• Trailhead GPS: 38.772181, -109.590979
• Website: nps.gov/places/skyline-arch.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 viewpoint
• Level: Easy
• Length: 0.4 miles
• Estimated Time: 9 minutes

It takes less than half a mile to trek the Skyline Arch Trail from the parking lot and back, making it a quick and simple hike. The arch itself is one of the more well-known sites in Arches; however, it is not as much as the Fiery Furnace, Delicate Arch, or Landscape Arch. 

Thanks to its location right on the skyline, it makes for amazing photos. Because of its close proximity to the Devil’s Garden Campground, it’s an ideal hike for people who arrive at the park late in the day and have limited time to explore after setting up.

Side Note: Since there are showers, restrooms, and miles of hiking trails nearby, the Devil’s Garden Campground is one of the most well-liked campgrounds near Moab, Utah, particularly if you want to spend the night at Arches. The Broken Arch Loop Trail is located in the campsite as well. It goes past Tapestry Arch and Broken Arch, then turns southward without crossing Sand Dune Arch. Finally, it heads back up past Skyline Arch and back to the campground.

Guided Tour Of Skyline Arch Trail

The Skyline Arch path is an out-and-back path measuring 0.4 miles with an elevation gain of around 35 feet. An average hiker may complete the trail in about ten minutes. Because of its short length and little elevation increase, it is regarded as an easy route. It is also likely the most family-friendly path in Arches National Park, making it a great choice for families.

The path leads to Skyline Arch, an arch encircled by a wall of sandstone. You can capture a beautiful picture of the arch along the route or even from the road. For an even greater view, you can also walk all the way up to the arch’s base. 

To get up close and personal with Skyline Arch, you have to scramble over a few rocks. Once you pass under the arch, you can see the wide opening that was significantly expanded in November 1940 when a boulder fell from the formation.

An information panel and a sign for the Skyline Trail are located at the edge of the parking lot. The panel presents a side-by-side comparison of the arch’s pre- and post-partition 1940 appearances. In addition, the Skyline Arch’s naming originates from the way it frames the sky.

What To Expect on Your Hike

After a short, out-and-back hike on a well-marked track, there’s an arch in a high wall. The walk starts with a moderately flat trail that travels along a mild, rocky uphill incline leading to the arch’s base. 

Despite the trail’s general levelness, wheelchairs cannot get up the trail’s initial stairs. To view Skyline Arch from the other side, drive to the campsite amphitheater and walk down the paved walkway.

Even though Skyline Arch can be seen from the road, it’s still worthwhile to make the quick and simple hike to get a better look at this striking structure perched atop a large fin. The whole journey across the desert flats offers views of the arch, which appears to fill the skyline as you approach it. 

How To Find The Skyline Arch Trail Trailhead

Proceed 16.4 miles from the Visitor Center on the Arches Entrance Road—now known as the Arches Scenic Drive—to the Devil’s Garden Road. Go directly on Devil’s Garden Road for 0.3 miles until you reach the Skyline Arch pull-off on the street’s east (right) side.

The trailhead lies in the center of the parking lot and heads northwest toward the campground and Skyline Arch.

What Time is The Busiest?

Weekdays in early spring or late October are ideal times to explore Arches National Park. There are fewer people around, and the temperature is more reasonable during these hours.

Steer clear of the park during or close to holidays. Additionally, get to the park as early as you can. Going to the Skyline Arch Trailhead before sunrise can beat the crowds and guarantee a parking space. If you are traveling in the summer, the temperatures are also more reasonable at that time of day.

If you can, schedule a weekday visit rather than a weekend one. On any given Tuesday morning, fewer people will be at the park than on a Saturday afternoon.

About thirty parking spaces are in the lot directly next to the Skyline Arch Trailhead. Nevertheless, please be aware that during the busiest visitation periods—often Saturday afternoons from March through October—the parking lot frequently fills up.

Flying A Drone (Is It Allowed?)

Launching, landing, or operating unmanned aircraft (such as drones, quadcopters, or model airplanes) is prohibited in Skyline Arch 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 Skyline Arch Trail

To fully experience the best hikes in Moab, you can always come and experience hiking the trails near Skyline Arch. Here are some of the most popular ones we can recommend:

Sand Dune Arch

• Level: Moderate
• Length: 0.4 miles
• Estimated Time: 13 minutes

Two huge sandstone fins cast shadows across Sand Dune Arch. For a few hundred yards, the trail leading to Sand Dune Arch narrows considerably, creating a little slot canyon. It travels a short distance beyond the arch before choking up and becoming impassable.

Broken Arch

• Level: Easy
• Length: 1.2 miles
• Estimated Time: 40 minutes

It’s not quite as broken as its name suggests; nonetheless, it is a popular arch. The arch’s lintel is creased, giving the impression that it is broken and doesn’t connect. 

The trail crosses the Broken Arch bridge exactly before turning west to the Devils Garden Campground. About halfway between Broken Arch and the campground are two short trails that head north towards the less well-known Tapestry Arch.

Tapestry Arch

• Level: Easy
• Length: 0.6 miles
• Estimated Time: 13 minutes

Easily accessible from the Devils Garden Campground at the northern end of Arches National Park, Tapestry Arch is a massive blind arch bordered by three proto-arches. The arches are arranged in a row along the second big sandstone fin north of the campground.

Take the Broken Arch Trail from the campground to get there. The trail briefly travels northeast for less than a quarter of a mile before veering southeast toward Broken Arch. A shorter trail turns northwest at this point, leading to the Tapestry Arch and the foot of the second big sandstone fin.

What to Bring On Your Hike

When preparing for a hike on the Skyline Arch Trail or any trail in Arches National Park, it’s crucial to bring the right gear and supplies to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Here’s a list of essential items to consider bringing:

Water bottle: If you are hiking the Skyline Arch Trail in the summer, it is imperative that you bring water with you. It could be really hot during this time. To cut down on plastic waste, think about using reusable water bottles. 

Sunscreen: This will be crucial on a day with lovely, clear skies, even though it might not be as crucial on a cloudy day. If you have fair skin, even 30 minutes of walking about can result in sunburn.

Bug repellent: If you constantly slap insects out of your face, you will never be able to enjoy an attraction. As a result, be ready with insect repellent or a wristband.

Cap or visor: Most of Arches National Park and the Skyline Arch Trail are exposed to direct sunlight. To avoid burning and overheating, you should shield yourself from the sun.

Rain jacket: The monsoon season lasts from late summer to early fall. So, in case you encounter an afternoon rainstorm, it is wise to be ready with a rain jacket.

Hiking shoes: When hiking Arches National Park’s Skyline Arch Trail, a good pair of hiking shoes will come in very handy. Although they are normally expensive, hiking shoes are definitely worth the cost. In addition to keeping you safe, they offer traction and grip for hiking.

Hiking poles (optional): Because this trail is a little shorter, hiking poles may not be necessary, but you can still bring them if you would like additional assistance.

Crampons (optional): These are only required if the track is covered in snow or ice during the winter. Spikes called crampons are fastened to the underside of shoes.

What People Are Saying About Skyline Arch Trail

You might have guessed it already, but people always say that the Skyline Arch Trail is short but enjoyable. Nevertheless, here’s what other hikers have to say about it:

You can view this arch from the parking area just before you get to Devil’s Garden or you can take a short hike for a closer view. It is elevated, so you cannot easily climb into it the way you can with some of the other arches.

writtravelers – Tripadvisor

Very short hike to a cool arch. Hiked around to area right below the arch for a quiet lunch. Very few people in late morning.

Eric Baltes – AllTrails

The Arch is beautiful and always framed against the sky, which gives it the name Skyline. In fact, at the end of the trail, the arch is about 75 feet above your head at the top of an unscalable wall.

Natalie Ockey – Utah’s Adventure Family

A Short Hike To Skyline Arch Trail

Given that it only takes 0.4 miles to complete a round trip, the Skyline Arch Trail is among the easiest paths to reach in Arches National Park. At the end of the trek, hikers are greeted with the sandstone wall-enclosed Skyline Arch. 

Make sure to schedule a hike on the Skyline Arch Trail, whether you are spending a few hours or a whole weekend at Arches National Park. You can easily allot around 20 minutes to your schedule to hike this trail!

Skyline Arch Trail FAQs