Double Arch (Utah)

Arch Natural sandstone arch pair in Arches National Park

Famous rock formation in Utah’s national‑park country: twin natural arches reached by a short trail, popular with photographers and short‑distance hikers.

Main image

Double Arch is a twin natural-arch formation in Arches National Park, eastern Utah, formed within the same rock mass and noted for its unusually large openings. It is one of the park’s most visited and photographed features.

The feature consists of two large arches that share a common alcove and are reached by a short paved trail from the nearby parking area, making it accessible for most visitors. The scale of the openings and the alcove setting create dramatic views and opportunities for up-close inspection of the sandstone.

The arches formed by long-term erosion of Entrada Sandstone; the park’s geology reflects jointing and weathering processes acting over millions of years to produce the variety of arches and fins seen today. Double Arch sits among other Windows Section formations.

Located inside Arches National Park near the park road and visitor areas, the formation is reached from the park’s main access routes near Moab in eastern Utah.

  • Access: A short paved trail from the Windows/Double Arch parking area provides close access to the formation, making it a popular, easily reached viewpoint within the park.
  • Viewing tips: Best lighting for photography is typically at sunrise and late afternoon when sun angles accentuate the arches and surrounding red sandstone.
Double Arch (Utah)
Arches National Park, Moab, Utah, USA
38.6917, -109.5407
Arches National Park is open 24 hours daily; visitor center hours vary seasonally
$30 per vehicle (Arches National Park entrance fee), or $15 per person by foot/bicycle (subject to change)

How to Get to Double Arch (Utah) #

Double Arch is accessed from the Windows parking area in Arches National Park, about 5 miles (8 km) north of Moab on US-191 and Park Avenue/Arches entrance road. The hike from the lot is short and well signed.

Tips for Visiting Double Arch (Utah) #

  • Visit Double Arch late afternoon for warm light inside the arch and fewer mid-day crowds.
  • Park at the Windows/Double Arch parking area early-spaces fill quickly in high season.
  • The twin openings are best photographed from the base of the arch; watch for balanced rockfall and stay behind safety rails where provided.

Best Time to Visit Double Arch (Utah) #

Spring and fall offer the best combination of weather and accessibility; summer is hot but mornings and evenings remain usable.

Spring and Fall
April-May, September-October · 10-25°C (50-77°F)
Mild temperatures and comfortable hiking conditions; busiest times but most pleasant for daylight exploration.
Summer
June-August · 30-40°C (86-104°F)
Very hot; plan hikes for early morning or late afternoon and bring sun protection.
Winter
December-February · -5-10°C (23-50°F)
Cold nights and occasional snow; far fewer visitors, and the red rock contrasts with white snow for dramatic photos.

Weather & Climate near Double Arch (Utah) #

Climate

Double Arch (Utah)'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 -8°C to 35°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall.

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
35°
Warmest Month
-8°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coldest month with highs of 4°C and lows of -8°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

-2°
Feels Like Freezing
-2°C
Temperature
-8°

Weather

21 mm
Rainfall
1.6 m/s
Wind
Calm

February

February is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of -5°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-5°

Weather

15 mm
Rainfall
2.0 m/s
Wind
Calm

March

March is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of -1°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-1° 14°

Weather

25 mm
Rainfall
2.8 m/s
Wind
Calm

April

April is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 3°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

11°
Feels Like Cool
11°C
Temperature
19°

Weather

22 mm
Rainfall
3.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

May

May is cool with highs of 25°C and lows of 8°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

16°
Feels Like Cool
16°C
Temperature
25°

Weather

22 mm
Rainfall
3.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

June

June is mild with highs of 31°C and lows of 13°C. The driest month with just 11 mm.

Comfort

22°
Feels Like Mild
22°C
Temperature
13° 31°

Weather

11 mm
Rainfall
3.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

July

July is the warmest month with highs of 35°C and lows of 16°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

26°
Feels Like Warm
26°C
Temperature
17° 35°

Weather

24 mm
Rainfall
2.6 m/s
Wind
Calm

August

August is warm with highs of 34°C and lows of 16°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

25°
Feels Like Warm
25°C
Temperature
16° 34°

Weather

25 mm
Rainfall
2.5 m/s
Wind
Calm

September

September is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 10°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

20°
Feels Like Mild
20°C
Temperature
11° 28°

Weather

24 mm
Rainfall
2.4 m/s
Wind
Calm

October

October is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 4°C. The wettest month with 32 mm of rain.

Comfort

12°
Feels Like Cool
12°C
Temperature
21°

Weather

32 mm
Rainfall
2.1 m/s
Wind
Calm

November

November is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of -3°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-3° 12°

Weather

21 mm
Rainfall
1.9 m/s
Wind
Calm

December

December is freezing with highs of 6°C and lows of -7°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

-1°
Feels Like Freezing
-1°C
Temperature
-7°

Weather

19 mm
Rainfall
1.6 m/s
Wind
Calm

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