Broken Arch Trail – Arches National Park, Utah

Broken Arch Trail in Arches National Park is a bit of a misnomer because Broken Arch isn’t broken at all! Instead this impressive arch was simply formed with a crack running through it. This trail is decently busy, but nothing like Delicate Arch or the shorter trails, but it is just as beautiful as many of the others. Don’t forget, Arches has implemented a timed entry. Don’t forget to get yours before visiting.

In this post, I’m not only going to share the trail to Broken Arch alone, but also to the two other arches that are very nearby and easily added onto this hike to make this trail unforgettable.

Broken Arch Quick Info

TRAILHEAD LOCATION – The trailhead for Broken Arch is actually the trailhead for Sand Dune Arch as well. There is typically a good amount of parking there. However, as with other places within the park, it’ll be easier to find a spot earlier in the day.
You can also start this hike from the campground. However, parking there will be more difficult to find.
OUT AND BACK TRAIL – 1.7 Miles – One option is to simply hike to Broken Arch and then turn back without taking any spurs. If you have time, though, I highly recommend the loop trail.
LOOP TRAIL – 3 Miles – The loop trail is longer, but you get to take in extra scenery, including two extra arches on spur trails.
OTHER SITES ON THE LOOP TRAIL – The other sites on the loop trail include Sand Dune Arch (easily tacked on to the out and back trail as well) and Tapestry Arch.
BEST TIME TO HIKE THIS TRAIL – We started this trail shortly after sunrise and it was a great time to hike. The lighting was soft for photography and the weather much cooler than even late morning. There were a handful of people at Sand Dune Arch but the further we went into the loop the fewer people we encountered.

Hiking the Broken Arch Loop Trail

Just after the rose, we were at the Sand Dune Arch Trailhead ready to hit the trail to see three stunning arches. Since Sand Dune Arch is the closest to the trailhead, we decided to stop there first. Undoubtedly, the arches closest to the parking areas get super busy during peak hours. We knew the hike would take a couple of hours total, so we started there to beat the crowds.

The spur trail to the right took us through a bit of open sand until we got to a couple of rock fins. It seems like an unlikely spot for an arch to be hiding, but its seclusion is part of what makes it so beautiful. We had to shimmy along a rock with a super slick rock base – be sure to wear good shoes – then into almost ankle deep sand. Luckily, that only lasted a handful of yards because it’s surprisingly difficult to walk through. Just as that ended, we came into the area where the rock fins narrow and there, up against the rock fin on the right we saw sand dune arch. It’s aptly named as the ground below it is very sandy and it almost looks like the arch rising above it is a dune. Even in that early hour, we were not alone. There were probably 8 other hikers in the narrower section as well as a small bridal party being photographed.

After we got the shots we wanted, we headed back through the ankle deep sand and cleft slick rock back out to the open space and the Broken Arch Trail we originally came from. From there, instead of turning back toward the parking lot, we continued on toward a small concentration of rocks in the middle of the desert that contain Broken Arch. It didn’t take too long to arrive at the arch and it’s actually quite a beauty. It isn’t an arch that you see all over social media, but it is one to marvel at. It’s not massive, but the crack through it almost makes it look a bit like a hair bow. It frames a desert-scape that adds to the majesty of this arch.

One option for this trail, is to simply turn back from here, taking distance off the hike. However, I recommend continuing on through the arch, yes, the trail takes you underneath and through the arch, and on to Tapestry Arch. This extension of the trail makes up the loop portion of the Broken Arch Trail, but also leads to Tapestry Arch by taking a very short, well-worth-it spur trail. The trail leads you over slick rock, around formations and fins and past desert pines and cacti.

The spur is well marked and, as I said, it’s very short. Tapestry Arch makes a circular shape that takes a brief but steep scramble to get up to the base of. It’s the most secluded of the arches on this trail, which gives it its own extra, special magic. We saw one other couple here and they were finishing up their time at the arch about the time we approached. I love getting to have little natural wonders all to myself (or ourselves) to marvel at and really soak up.

After jumping back on the loop trail from the Tapestry Arch spur, we found ourselves in the campground. This was actually perfect timing because I needed to use the restroom and we found the only non-pit toilets within the park in this campground. From the campground the trail takes you through a whole new section of rock fins + formations before meeting back up with the flat, sandy trail we began on.

This trail truly is a fairly easy warm up for a day of hiking or the perfect spot to cap-off a day of adventure. It’s a perfect trail for most people as it’s only right around 3 miles, there aren’t really any sheer drop-offs for those afraid of heights and you get to see a lot of beauty in a short amount of time. It’s the perfect addition to any Arches National Park itinerary.

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Don’t Forget…

I’ve started including some of our travel must-haves for certain experiences to help our readers have the best experience possible on their own adventures.

Good Sturdy Hiking Shoes: When I hike I’m always either in my Teva Sandals or Merell Hiking Boots. For Tevas, I love the traditional Hurricane Style + the Tirra Sandals, which I wore on this hike. When it comes to Merrells, I love the Moab Boots – I like the extra ankle support + water resistance.
Trekking Poles: If you’re someone with bad joints or potentially unstable on your feet, I recommend trekking poles. While I didn’t use them at this time, at this point in my pregnancy, I wouldn’t do this hike without them.
Reusable Water Bottle: I cannot rave enough about our Nalgene bottles. We use them pretty much daily, and especially when hiking. I love them because of the wide mouth on them that make them super easy to clean!
A Sunhat: Arches National Park has very little shade. Be sure to protect your face and neck from those UV rays! Matt loves his Columbia sunhat.
Travel Insurance: After I fell while hiking in Thailand and broke my arm, I learned that my travel insurance is one of my must-“pack” things on any trip, but especially those I’m going to be very active on.

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