Hiking the Windows Loop Trail in Arches National Park
Distance: 1.2 miles / 1.9 km
The Windows Trail, more commonly known as The Windows Loop Trail, is a collection of three separate short trails that all connect to form one longer loop.
That being said, most visitors don’t hike the full 1.2-mile (1.9 km) loop trail around The Windows; meaning they more often than not turn back after reaching the South Window.
For this reason, I find that the full Windows Loop Trail makes for a great hike to escape some of the crowds in one of Arches’ busiest areas.
Double Arch-Windows Trailhead Parking
Parking for the Double Arch-Windows Trailhead is located at the very end of the 2.5-mile (4.0 km) Windows Road.
The reason why this is called the Double Arch-Windows Trailhead is because both trailheads at the end of Windows Road are two of the most popular and challenging places to find parking in Arches National Park.
However, both trailheads are connected by a small path in the middle, meaning that if you find a parking spot at either trailhead, I highly recommend that you take it!
Google Maps Directions: Double Arch Trailhead
Hiking Checklist - Arches
Here is a complete list of must-have things that you will want for any hike in Arches National Park.
Hiking the Windows Loop Trail
The Windows Trail could begin at either The Windows Trailhead or The Windows Primitive Loop Trailhead, located just to the left of the main trailhead shown here.
That being said, I chose to hike from the main trailhead, which is the most common direction to hike the full loop.
North Window-Turret Junction
After just 0.1 miles (0.2 km), The Windows Loop Trail splits into both the North Window Trail and the Turret Arch Trail.
I chose to hike toward the Turret Arch first, returning later for the North Window Arch, which is very easy connect, as shown below.
Turret Arch Trail
From the previous junction, the Turret Arch Trail gains about 50 ft (15 m) up to the base of the arch.
Turret Arch
After the short ascent up the Turret Arch Trail, The Windows Loop arrives at the 65-ft. (19.8 m) tall Turret Arch.
Then, The Windows Loop Trail continues toward the North Window, located about 0.2 miles (0.3 km) away.
North Window-Turret Junction
This is where The Windows Loop Trail splits to continue toward the North and South Windows, as well as the Primitive Loop.
To see both, go left to hike out and back to the North Window Arch, returning after for the rest of the loop to the right.
North Window Trail
From the North Window-Turret junction, there’s only about 0.1 miles (0.2 km) to hike to reach the base of the North Window Arch.
North Window Arch
In my experience, the North Window can be one of the busier arches on the entire loop, but if you’re lucky, you might find a moment without the crowds to enjoy this beautiful place!
North Window-Turret Junction
Once back at the North Window-Turret junction, go left to continue around The Windows Loop Trail to the South Window Arch.
South Window Arch
In my opinion, the South Window Arch is far more beautiful than the North Window, but climbing up to the base of the arch is only practical on the far side by hiking further on the Primitive Loop Trail.
Windows Primitive Loop Trail (Windows Sand Loop)
From the South Window Arch, The Windows Primitive Loop Trail begins, which follows a 0.7-mile (1.1 km) trail around the backside of both the North and South Windows.
This is where it’s easiest and most practical to climb up to the South Window Arch, the arch on the left.
Once past the North and South Window, The Windows Primitive Loop Trail simply continues around the same sandstone formation, eventually climbing through a low point and dropping back down to the trailhead on the far side.
This is where The Windows Primitive Loop Trail passes through the sandstone cliffs.
At this dry wash, go left to continue on The Windows Loop Trail.
Windows Primitive Loop Trailhead
Overall, the full Windows Loop Trail is a fun adventure that does not see nearly the same amount of visitors as the first three arches do in the beginning.
I say this because, in my experience, most visitors tend to turn back after the South Window, rather than continuing on the Primitive Loop Trail.
In all, I highly recommend both the Double Arch and Windows Loop Trail, but be prepared to be patient when parking if you arrive midday during the busy spring, summer, and fall travel season.
