Broken ArchAbout Broken Arch
Broken Arch is a natural sandstone arch located inside Arches National Park in eastern Utah. It is a commonly visited formation within the park due to its accessible location and walkable opening.
A short unpaved trail leads from the park road to the arch, typically described as about 1.6 km (1 mile) round trip, and the route allows visitors to pass beneath the arch opening. The site offers close-up views of Entrada Sandstone features and is popular for photography at low sun angles when the stone shows rich color. The arch sits within a broader landscape of fins and spires, so many visitors combine it with nearby short hikes in the same area.
Broken Arch is a product of natural erosion of Entrada Sandstone over long geological time spans. The formation and the surrounding landscape are managed as part of Arches National Park, which protects the region’s rock arches and desert environment.
The arch is located within Arches National Park near the park roadways and trailheads east of Moab, Utah. Arches National Park lies immediately north of the town of Moab and is accessed from the main park entrance roads.
- Trail and access: The Broken Arch area is accessed from Arches National Park roads and requires the park entrance pass; the trail to the arch is a short unpaved route of roughly 1.6 km (1 mile) round trip.
- Best time for photos: You can walk beneath the arch and photograph it at low sun angles, which often give the sandstone warm tones favored at sunset.
Nearby Attractions to Broken Arch
Best Time to Visit Broken Arch
Spring and fall provide the best weather for exploring arches and sandstone formations; summers are hot and winters can be cold.
Weather & Climate near Broken Arch
Broken Arch's climate is classified as Cold Desert - Cold Desert climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -9°C to 35°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | -9° - 3° | -5° | 21 mm | - | - | 1.6 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | -5° - 8° | -1° | 15 mm | - | - | 1.9 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | -1° - 14° | 4° | 25 mm | - | - | 2.8 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 3° - 19° | 11° | 23 mm | - | - | 3.2 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 7° - 25° | 16° | 22 mm | - | - | 3.2 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 13° - 31° | 22° | 10 mm | - | - | 3.0 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 16° - 35° | 26° | 23 mm | - | - | 2.6 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 16° - 34° | 25° | 24 mm | - | - | 2.5 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 10° - 28° | 19° | 24 mm | - | - | 2.4 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 4° - 21° | 12° | 31 mm | - | - | 2.1 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | -3° - 12° | 3° | 20 mm | - | - | 1.9 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | -8° - 5° | -3° | 18 mm | - | - | 1.6 m/s | - | - |
How to Get to Broken Arch
Broken Arch is accessed via trails in Arches National Park (if this is the feature intended). The park is near Moab, Utah; from Moab follow US-191 north to the park entrance, then follow park signage to trailheads. Trail distances vary; consult park maps and rangers for exact routing.
Tips for Visiting Broken Arch
- Time visits to avoid harsh midday light - early morning or late afternoon gives the best colours on the sandstone.
- Check trail conditions and seasonal closures; desert storms can make washes impassable.
- Respect the fragile desert crust and stay on established trails to protect cryptobiotic soils.