Turret Arch Arches National Park Utah
A captivating sandstone fin with a large opening you can walk through, offering unique views and a distinct turret-like spire.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour light & fewer crowds
Turret Arch Arches National Park Utah
Best Time
Golden hour light & fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A captivating sandstone fin with a large opening you can walk through, offering unique views and a distinct turret-like spire.
"Walk through Turret Arch and see the other arches in the distance – quite amazing!"
📸 Golden Hour Photography
Shoot at sunrise or sunset for incredible colors. Early morning is best for fewer people!
🥾 Easy & Rewarding Hike
The Windows Loop Trail is gentle. You can walk through Turret Arch for unique shots.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Walk Through Turret Arch
Windows Loop Trail
Pass through the main opening for unique perspectives and photo ops. It's a truly immersive experience.
View of the Windows Arches
Inside Turret Arch
Look through Turret Arch to frame the majestic North and South Window Arches in the distance.
The Turret Spire
South of Turret Arch
Admire the distinct, turret-like rock pillar that gives this formation its name.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Turret Arch
Easy Access, Big Rewards
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Golden Hour Photography
Shoot at sunrise or sunset for incredible colors. Early morning is best for fewer people!
🥾 Easy & Rewarding Hike
The Windows Loop Trail is gentle. You can walk through Turret Arch for unique shots.
👀 Look Through to See More
View the other arches through Turret Arch for a cool, layered photo.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring plenty of water, especially in summer. The desert sun is intense!
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Golden Hour Photography
Shoot at sunrise or sunset for incredible colors. Early morning is best for fewer people!
🥾 Easy & Rewarding Hike
The Windows Loop Trail is gentle. You can walk through Turret Arch for unique shots.
👀 Look Through to See More
View the other arches through Turret Arch for a cool, layered photo.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring plenty of water, especially in summer. The desert sun is intense!
🗺️ Combine with Windows Arches
Turret Arch is part of the Windows Loop, so explore them all!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Turret Arch for its accessibility and unique beauty, especially the opportunity to walk through it and frame views of the larger Windows Arches. While small, its intricate formations and photographic potential make it a highly recommended stop within Arches National Park. Some find it less grand than other arches, but its charm lies in its detail and ease of access.
"To reach this arch from the parking lot, take the Windows Loop Trail south to the split in the trail (there is a sign), stay to the right and follow the Turret Arch Trail to the arch. A spectacular Entrada Sandstone fin with a large and small opening, which you can pass through the larger arch. To the south of the arches, there is a taller, turret-like rock pillar, which the arch is named for."
Thomas B
"Turret Arch is the smallest of the three arches you'll see on the Windows Loop Trail, but it is part of a more intricate, castle-like rock formation that includes a spire (hence the name). There are two holes in this formation, one you can walk through and one high up on the rock face. The views of the north and south Window Arches from inside the Turret Arch are neat. The trail to Turret Arch is a very gentle incline with only a few stairs. To reach Turret Arch from the Windows/Turret parking area, take the Windows Loop in either direction and look for the Turret Arch turn off. The most direct route would be the leg leaving to the south/southeast (rightmost trail facing the rock formations), the longer route would be the leg leaving north/northeast (leftmost trail facing the rock formations). But truly, the Windows Loop is delightful and short, so completing the entire loop and all of its spurs is highly recommended.
Early morning is thought to be the best time to photograph Turret Arch for the best color."
Doug Ho
"Really cool and unique arch to see! From the trailhead this is really easy and not far to make it too it at all, really close to the one beside it as well. If you hike up to the arch and looking through the back side you through this arch you can see the other one in the distance, looking at and through one arch to see the other 🙃🙂, which was quite amazing (from my four picture posted you can see it. I feel like a lot of people won’t or didn’t notice it though because you kinda have to look closely or in detail!"
Josh Pease
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Turret Arch is located off the Windows Loop Trail within Arches National Park. From the Windows/Turret parking area, follow the Windows Loop Trail. Look for the clearly marked turn-off for Turret Arch. The most direct route is the leg heading south/southeast from the main trail.
Yes, there is a dedicated parking area for the Windows and Turret Arch trails. It can fill up quickly, especially during peak season, so arriving early is recommended.
You can drive to the parking lot for the Windows Loop Trail, which is the starting point for accessing Turret Arch. The arch itself is reached via a short hike from the parking area.
From Moab, drive west on US-191 N and then turn right onto Arches Scenic Drive into Arches National Park. Follow the park road until you reach the turn-off for the Windows Section, where the parking area for Turret Arch is located.
Currently, Arches National Park does not require a shuttle for general access to the Windows Section. However, always check the official NPS website for any updates on shuttle services or timed entry requirements.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, a valid entrance pass is required for Arches National Park. You can purchase passes at the park entrance station or in advance online.
Arches National Park often implements a timed entry reservation system during peak seasons. It's crucial to check the official NPS website for current requirements and book your entry slot in advance.
Arches National Park is generally open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. However, visitor centers have specific operating hours, and timed entry reservations may be required during certain times.
The entrance fee for Arches National Park is typically around $30 per vehicle for a 7-day pass. Check the NPS website for the most up-to-date pricing.
No, an entrance fee or valid park pass is required to enter Arches National Park and access all its attractions, including Turret Arch.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
The hike to Turret Arch is part of the Windows Loop Trail and is considered easy. It's a gentle incline with some stairs, making it accessible for most visitors. The trail is well-maintained.
You can see Turret Arch and the surrounding Windows Arches in about 1-2 hours, depending on how much time you spend taking photos and exploring the loop.
Yes, the trail to Turret Arch is short and relatively flat, making it suitable for families with young children. It's a great way to introduce kids to the park's unique geology.
Yes, you can walk through the main opening of Turret Arch. This offers a unique perspective and is a popular spot for photos.
Turret Arch is located on the Windows Loop Trail, which also leads to the North Window Arch and South Window Arch. These three formations are often visited together.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
The best time for photography is during the golden hours: sunrise and sunset. The warm light illuminates the sandstone beautifully. Early morning also offers fewer crowds for unobstructed shots.
Try framing the North and South Window Arches through the main opening of Turret Arch. Also, capture the unique turret-like spire to the south. Experiment with different angles from within and around the arch.
Yes, you can get a shot looking through Turret Arch to see the other arches in the distance, creating a layered effect. Also, climbing under the arch for photos is a popular option.
For sunrise/sunset, use a tripod for stability and a lower ISO. Consider a wide-angle lens to capture the scale of the formations. For daytime, a polarizing filter can help manage the bright desert sun.
Drone usage is strictly prohibited in Arches National Park to protect the natural environment and visitor experience. Please adhere to all park regulations.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Hikers
📸 Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Windows Section
+1The trail allows you to walk around and even through some of these magnificent natural arches. The experience of passing through Turret Arch offers a unique perspective, framing the other arches in the distance and creating stunning photographic opportunities.
When exploring the Windows Section, remember to stay on marked trails to protect the fragile desert ecosystem. The short distances and gentle terrain make it easy to spend a couple of hours here, soaking in the grandeur of these geological wonders.
Photography at Turret Arch
A popular photographic technique here is to use Turret Arch as a frame for the North and South Window Arches. Looking through the main opening of Turret Arch provides a layered composition, showcasing multiple geological features in a single shot.
For the best results, consider using a wide-angle lens to encompass the grandeur of the formations. A tripod is highly recommended for low-light conditions during sunrise and sunset to ensure sharp images. Remember to always respect park regulations, including the prohibition of drone photography.
Understanding the Geology
The arches themselves are formed through a process of differential erosion. Water seeps into cracks and joints in the sandstone fins, freezing and expanding to widen them. Wind and sand abrasion then further sculpt these weakened areas. Eventually, sections of the fins erode away completely, leaving behind the iconic arches. Turret Arch's unique shape, with its main opening and adjacent spire, is a testament to the specific erosional forces and rock variations in this particular location.
The turret-like pillar next to the main arch is a result of similar erosional processes acting on a more resistant or differently shaped section of the sandstone fin. The park's dramatic landscape is a continuous work in progress, with erosion slowly but surely reshaping these natural wonders over geological time.
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