Skyline Arch Arches National Park
A stunning natural arch easily accessible by a short hike or visible from the road, offering dramatic desert views and stargazing opportunities.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Golden hour light is magical
Skyline Arch Arches National Park
Best Time
Golden hour light is magical
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning natural arch easily accessible by a short hike or visible from the road, offering dramatic desert views and stargazing opportunities.
"This natural wonder is an awesome introduction to the many arches you will find here in Arches National Park."
🚶♀️ Easy Trail Option
The .4-mile out-and-back trail is mostly flat with some steep sections, perfect for a quick visit. :athletic_shoe:
🚗 Visible from Road
No time for a hike? You can still admire Skyline Arch from the convenient roadside parking area. :car:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Skyline Arch Up Close
Trailhead parking area
A short, rewarding hike leads to this impressive arch, offering stunning views framed against the sky.
Roadside Viewpoint
Along the scenic drive
Catch a glimpse of this unique natural wonder directly from the road, a quick and easy photo opportunity.
Spectacular Surrounding Landscape
Around the arch
The dramatic desert scenery surrounding Skyline Arch enhances the beauty of this natural sandstone formation.
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Easy Access, Big Reward
Stargazing Potential
Best Times
Insider Tips
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🚶♀️ Easy Trail Option
The .4-mile out-and-back trail is mostly flat with some steep sections, perfect for a quick visit. :athletic_shoe:
🚗 Visible from Road
No time for a hike? You can still admire Skyline Arch from the convenient roadside parking area. :car:
✨ Dark Sky Wonder
Bring red-light flashlights for an unforgettable night hike and stargazing experience. :flashlight:
⚠️ Respect the Arch
Avoid climbing on the arch; it's dangerous for both you and the delicate rock formations. :warning:
Tips
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🚶♀️ Easy Trail Option
The .4-mile out-and-back trail is mostly flat with some steep sections, perfect for a quick visit. :athletic_shoe:
🚗 Visible from Road
No time for a hike? You can still admire Skyline Arch from the convenient roadside parking area. :car:
✨ Dark Sky Wonder
Bring red-light flashlights for an unforgettable night hike and stargazing experience. :flashlight:
⚠️ Respect the Arch
Avoid climbing on the arch; it's dangerous for both you and the delicate rock formations. :warning:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Skyline Arch for its easy accessibility, offering a rewarding experience with minimal effort. The arch's unique formation and the surrounding desert landscape are highlights, making it a worthwhile stop for a quick photo or a short, enjoyable hike. Some note that while not as grand as other arches, its charm lies in its straightforward access and scenic beauty.
"This stunning arch can be viewed easily from the road or by taking a short walk from the parking lot to the arch itself. This natural wonder is approximately 70 feet tall and 33 feet wide and is an awesome introduction to the many arches you will find here in Arches National Park."
Thomas B
"While not one of the more popular arches in the park, Skyline Arch is yet another wonderful and unique arches in its own right.
The arch is visible from the parking area viewpoint but is also accessible by a fairly easy .4 mile trail (out and back). If you decide to trek out to the arch there are some steep areas requiring a little scrambling. As with most of the arches in the park the area landscape around Skyline Arch is spectacular."
ray weithman
"Very beautiful arch. Short 20 mins hiking makes the entire experience even more pleasurable."
Alexander Parson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Skyline Arch is located along the scenic drive in Arches National Park. The trailhead is clearly marked and easily accessible from the main park road. It's a popular stop, so look for the designated parking area.
Yes, there is a parking lot at the Skyline Arch trailhead. It can fill up during peak times, so arriving early or late in the day is recommended.
Absolutely! Skyline Arch is visible from the roadside viewpoint near the parking area, making it accessible for everyone.
The hike to Skyline Arch is approximately 0.4 miles roundtrip from the trailhead.
The trail is considered relatively easy, though it does have some steep sections and requires a bit of scrambling. It's suitable for most fitness levels.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, Arches National Park requires an entrance fee or a valid park pass (like America the Beautiful Pass) to enter. You can purchase passes at the park entrance station or online in advance.
Arches National Park is open year-round, 24 hours a day. However, visitor centers have specific operating hours. It's always best to check the official NPS website for the most current information.
Arches National Park often implements a timed entry system during peak seasons to manage crowds. Check the NPS website for current requirements and to book your entry slot in advance.
Yes, Arches National Park is open 24/7, and Skyline Arch can be visited at night. It's a fantastic spot for stargazing, but remember to use red-light flashlights.
There are no additional fees for accessing the Skyline Arch trail beyond the standard Arches National Park entrance fee.
🎫 🌟 Onsite Experience
Skyline Arch is known for its impressive size and unique formation, offering a dramatic view against the sky. It's also praised for its accessibility and the beautiful surrounding desert landscape.
A quick stop to view it from the road takes only a few minutes. The hike to the arch and back typically takes about 20-30 minutes, depending on your pace.
Bring water, sunscreen, a hat, and sturdy shoes. If you plan to stargaze, bring a red-light flashlight.
Yes, Skyline Arch offers excellent photography opportunities, especially during sunrise and sunset when the light creates dramatic shadows and highlights. The framing of the arch against the sky is particularly photogenic.
Restroom facilities are available at the Devils Garden trailhead, which is a short drive from Skyline Arch. There are no restrooms directly at the Skyline Arch parking area.
🎫 🔭 Stargazing
Yes, Arches National Park is an International Dark Sky Park, renowned for its exceptionally dark skies and minimal light pollution, making it ideal for stargazing.
Yes, the trail to Skyline Arch is accessible at night. It's a relatively short and manageable hike, making it a good option for experiencing the dark skies.
It's crucial to use red-light flashlights for night hiking in dark sky parks. Red light preserves your night vision and minimizes disturbance to nocturnal wildlife and other stargazers.
While Skyline Arch is a good option, other trails like the Delicate Arch viewpoint trail or areas within Devils Garden can also offer excellent stargazing experiences. Always be aware of your surroundings and trail conditions.
Depending on the time of year, you can see the Milky Way, numerous constellations, planets, and even meteor showers. Check astronomical calendars for upcoming events.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during the cooler parts of the day, like early morning or late afternoon, to make the experience more comfortable for everyone. The trail has some uneven terrain and a few steeper sections, so keep an eye on younger children. The surrounding landscape is also fun for kids to explore (safely, of course!). It's a perfect spot for a quick, memorable stop that adds to the adventure of exploring Arches.
🚶♀️ Travelers with Limited Mobility
Even if you can't complete the entire trail, the initial part offers good views. The proximity to the road and the clear visibility make it a highly recommended stop for those seeking accessible natural wonders within Arches National Park. Always check with park rangers for the most current trail conditions and accessibility information.
🔭 Stargazers
The arch itself can serve as a dramatic foreground element for astrophotography, creating stunning compositions against the backdrop of the Milky Way or a canopy of stars. While other areas in the park might offer more remote stargazing, Skyline Arch provides a good balance of accessibility and dark skies, making it a popular choice for those looking to connect with the cosmos.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Skyline Arch Trail Experience
Many visitors appreciate that the hike is not overly demanding, allowing them to conserve energy for other attractions within Arches National Park. The surrounding landscape is equally captivating, with rugged desert terrain and distant mesas providing a stunning backdrop. It's a great spot to pause, take photos, and simply soak in the natural beauty of the park. Remember to wear appropriate footwear, as the trail can be sandy and uneven in places.
For those seeking a more profound experience, the trail to Skyline Arch is also a viable option for night hiking. As an International Dark Sky Park, Arches offers incredible stargazing opportunities. The relatively short and clear path to Skyline Arch makes it a good choice for a nighttime excursion, provided you are equipped with red-light flashlights to preserve your night vision and minimize disturbance.
Skyline Arch: A Photographer's Delight
Even from the roadside viewpoint, you can capture a good image of Skyline Arch. However, taking the short hike to the base of the arch allows for more intimate and dynamic compositions. Experiment with different angles to emphasize its scale and the surrounding geological formations. The contrast between the solid rock of the arch and the vastness of the sky is a recurring theme that photographers love to explore.
For astrophotographers, Skyline Arch offers a unique foreground element against the backdrop of the Milky Way or a star-filled sky. The accessibility of the trail, even at night, makes it a convenient location for capturing stunning night sky photography. Remember to bring a tripod and experiment with long exposures to bring out the celestial wonders.
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