Tower Arch is an arch that’s a bit more secluded from the main roads of the park. Because of this, it takes a bit more effort to get to it, but it is worth the journey. This is probably one of the least visited Arches on the Arches National Park map simply because it does require more effort. In fact, it was actually one of the last listed hikes we did in the park because of this, but it should not be missed. Check out why the Tower Arch Trail should be on your Arches National Park itinerary.
Quick Info for Tower Arch Trail in Arches National Park
Getting to the Trailhead: Enter Arches National Park and follow the main road until you get to the pullout for Sand Dune Arch and there will be a lefthand turn onto a gravel road. High clearance, AWD vehicles are recommended as you will encounter some washboard roads and the road may be washed out in places if there have been recent rains.
Trail Distance and Difficulty: 2.6 miles, round trip – out and back trail // Tower Arch Trail is rated as strenuous, and I’d say it’s moderately strenuous. Luckily, it’s not super long, so it feels very attainable.
What to Expect Along the Trail: There are steep climbs at the beginning, sun exposure, rock fins and sand dunes. Tower Arch is found at the end of the trail and I loved that it’s the perfect spot to catch some shade directly underneath the arch, after the hike out.
Best Time to Hike This Trail: I would do this around sunrise or sunset. We did it in late afternoon, edging close to sunset and we were happy to not have the sun directly on us. I wouldn’t recommend this mid-day if it isn’t cool outside.
Important Note About Cairns: This is a trail that uses cairns as trail markers. Please don’t tear down existing, established cairns or build new cairns. In situations like this in the desert, this can be legitimately life-threatening. So be mindful of your fellow hikers on this trail.
Expect Seclusion and Be Prepared: This is a secluded part of the park. We passed only one family on this trail. While that was beautiful in the fact that we had peace and quiet, it also means it’s even more important to be prepared. Be sure to bring plenty of sun protection and water with you.
There is Second, Shorter Trail Option, but 4WD REQUIRED: There is a second, shorter option for this arch, but it requires driving on a pretty intense 4WD Road. I would be experienced and make sure both you and your vehicle are more than capable. We started this road and got to a point that we opted to turn around because we didn’t feel confident in our 2500 being short enough to make some of the drop-offs without wrecking the bottom of the truck. If in doubt, it’s always better to turn around. I hear getting a tow out of there is insanely expensive.
Would I Let My Kids Do It? Absolutely! In fact, my 4.5 year old did it beautifully! We carried Liam in the Deuter still, but CJ handled it like a champ. I did pick up and carry Charleigh in the deeper sand because it was blowing in her face. Obviously, only you know your kids and ours are very used to hiking, but we felt very comfortable with our kids doing it.
Don’t Forget to Get Your Timed Entry: 7am – 4pm, a timed entry pass is required. You can get this on Recreation.gov. Otherwise, you can just hit the trail early or after 4pm!
The Hike to Tower Arch
Matt and I both described this hike as Devils Garden Trail meets Delicate Arch Trail. It’s shorter and leads to just the one arch like Delicate Arch, but has more obstacles and diverse terrain like Devils Garden. It’s the perfect little adventure for a decently quick, and very quiet hike in Arches National Park.
When we arrived at the trailhead and started to look at this hike, I have to admit, I didn’t initially see the trail because the first portion of this hike is a bit of a rock scrambled up and over a rocky cliff. And it’s decently steep at the get-go, but definitely doable, my four-year-old killed it. She very cheekily stated, that was way steeper than it looks.
Once you get up and over the rock face, the trail walks along the top before going down into what feels almost like a canyon because of its width, but it wasn’t carved by a river cutting through a cliff. Instead, you’re surrounded on all sides by cliffs or formations, but there’s a pretty wide expanse within it.
The trail slowly gets sandier and sandier until you get to a section where you’re literally climbing a dune and the sand gets decently deep. You will want to be in closed toed shoes for this hike because of this dune. Also, if you have littles and if they’re anything like mine and hate socks… make them wear socks anyway because that sand is really uncomfy rubbing up against bare feet. I also loved having my mid boots because it meant less sand got down in them.
Once you’re at the top of the sand dune, you find yourself between two rock fins, and it’s like a whole other little bowl is revealed. The trail goes over the top of a rock fin and down into the bottom of the bowl. Stay to the right down there and you’ll look up and see tower arch, well, towering overhead. The arch creates a perfect shady spot to sit, have a drink and a snack and chill out for a bit before heading back to the trailhead.
Gear I’d Recommend for the Tower Arch Trail
Things We Use for Safety – I have a Garmin InReach Mini 2 that helps me feel so safe and secure on more remote trails, like Tower Arch Trail. Just know that you do have to pay for a subscription for this, but you can do it monthly. Even on something short, like this trail, I like to bring basic first aid kit items like bandaids – I think these cloth ones stay on the best, Neosporin, and alcohol wipes. I also like to keep some moleskin in my pack in case I get a blister.
My Latest Gear Obsession – My Garmin Instinct 3 watch. I’m not really a “techy” girl, but I am now obsessed with my Garmin watch. I love stats, I love tracking my health and activity and nothing beats this. This watch feels like it’s all about activity and adventure first, and smartwatch second, which is exactly what I needed and wanted. The battery life on this is up to 18 days and it tracks so much in real-time including weather, altitude and more. Plus, it’s built to be more resilient, so I don’t have to worry on the rock scrambles.
Prepare for Some Serious Sun Exposure – This trail doesn’t have a lot of shade. So, I highly recommend being prepared for that. I have this sunhat from REI that I love, and Matt has this Columbia Sunhat that he also loves. They’re very similar, mine has the little girly band around it. Also, grab a sunscreen stick to throw into your pack so you can reapply throughout the day. I like the sticks because my hands don’t get sunscreeny while out on the trail for when it’s snack time.
Footwear – Matt and I both love our Merrell hiking boots. In fact just this year, I found my all-time-favorite hiking boots – they’re still mids, they’re lightweight and waterproof. Regardless of which brand works best or fits your foot, though, we both recommend a boot with ankle support, I especially liked the mids on this hike because it kept a lot of the sand from the dunes out of my boots. These Merrell socks are perfect for my hiking adventures. I love that they’re slightly cushioned and are the perfect height for mid boots.
Daypack – I’m obsessed with my Osprey Daylite. It’s the perfect size to cram water and snacks for the hike. Plus, if I have a light layer, it fits in the pack as well.
What’s in My Pack? – Water is always the very first thing that goes into my daypack and I love using these Nalgene water bottles because the wide mouth on the bottle makes it really easy to clean. Some snacks that you can almost always find in my backpack are beef jerky tender bites, peanut butter & honey crackers, peanut m&ms, trail mix and dehydrated fruit strips.
Do You Want to Track Your National Park Adventures? – I actually authored this National Park Journal and I’m really proud of it! This is the perfect guided journal with fun facts and simple tips to help you make the most of your trip and, most importantly, curate your memories in each park! I’d be honored to be part of your national park adventures in this way!
Tower Arch is an absolutely incredible hike that gets overlooked for easier trails or easier to get to trails, but now that I’ve been, it will be a higher priority on my future Arches trips. I’d love to do a sunset hike here soon because I think it would make a beautiful sunset spot. And then dream scenario, when I someday get a 4Runner, I want to do the longer off road drive to the shorter version of the trail just to change up the adventure.
Did You Enjoy This Post? PIN IT So Others Can Too!
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase a travel insurance policy with World Nomads or a purchase with Amazon through For the Love of Wanderlust, you will help me stay on the road + keep my site running at no additional cost for you.
Be sure to read the terms + conditions of these sites when booking or purchasing!
No Comments