Turret Arch
Arch Natural sandstone arch within Arches National Park
In Arches National Park’s Windows section, Turret Arch offers a short walk and framing views of sandstone fins; hikers and photographers pair it with nearby Double Arch and the Windows Loop.
Turret Arch is a natural sandstone arch within Arches National Park in eastern Utah, positioned in the park’s popular Windows Section. It is one of several closely spaced arches and rock openings that draw most day visitors to that area.
A compact viewpoint and short trail network that brings visitors within tens of meters of the arch for photography and close inspection. The arch is part of a larger rock formation that includes nearby openings and viewpoints, all reachable from the same parking area.
Like other arches in the park, Turret Arch formed by wind and water erosion of Entrada Sandstone over long periods, with fractures and weathering gradually opening and enlarging the span. The feature is geologically young in human terms and continues to change slowly with ongoing erosion.
Situated inside Arches National Park near the park’s main cluster of attractions, the arch is north of Moab in eastern Utah and is commonly visited as part of the park’s short driving and walking loops.
- Access: Reached by a short, mostly paved spur from the nearby Windows parking area, making it accessible on a brief walk from the lot.
- Timing: Best visited early or late in the day to avoid the midday heat common in the park's high desert environment.
What to See #
- Windows Section: Located in the Windows Section of Arches National Park alongside other landmarks such as North and South Window and Double Arch, forming part of a compact cluster of viewpoints.
How to Get to Turret Arch #
Turret Arch is inside Arches National Park, about 5 miles (8 km) north of Moab, Utah on US‑191. The park is best reached by car; once inside the park follow signs to the Windows/Double Arch parking area and take the short trail to Turret Arch.
Tips for Visiting Turret Arch #
- Arrive before dawn or after 4pm to avoid the heaviest tour‑bus crowds and to catch the best light on the arch.
- Trail surface can be loose sand; wear shoes that give good traction and bring at least 1 litre of water per person.
- Turret Arch is visible from the Windows/Double Arch area - combine with nearby short trails to see multiple formations in one outing.
Best Time to Visit Turret Arch #
Best in spring or autumn for mild temperatures and manageable crowds; summer is very hot, winter may bring snow.
Weather & Climate near Turret Arch #
Turret 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 -8°C to 35°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of 4°C and lows of -8°C. Light rainfall.
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February
February is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of -5°C. Light rainfall.
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March
March is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of -1°C. Light rainfall.
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April
April is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 3°C. Light rainfall.
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May
May is cool with highs of 25°C and lows of 8°C. Light rainfall.
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June
June is mild with highs of 31°C and lows of 13°C. The driest month with just 11 mm.
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 35°C and lows of 16°C. Light rainfall.
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August
August is warm with highs of 34°C and lows of 16°C. Light rainfall.
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September
September is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 10°C. Light rainfall.
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October
October is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 4°C. The wettest month with 32 mm of rain.
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November
November is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of -3°C. Light rainfall.
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December
December is freezing with highs of 6°C and lows of -7°C. Light rainfall.