The Windows Section Arches National Park
Explore massive, accessible sandstone arches like North Window, South Window, and Double Arch. A geological wonder perfect for short hikes and stunnin...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Magical light, fewer crowds
The Windows Section Arches National Park
Best Time
Magical light, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore massive, accessible sandstone arches like North Window, South Window, and Double Arch. A geological wonder perfect for short hikes and stunning photos.
"Easy trail with great views! You can see north window, south window, and turret arch up close."
🚗 Parking Patience
Parking fills up fast! If lot is full, return later. Weekday evenings are your best bet.
👟 Sturdy Footwear Needed
The trail is a gentle uphill with some steps. Good shoes are a must for comfort and safety.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
North and South Windows
Windows Section
Two massive, iconic arches side-by-side, offering breathtaking views and photo opportunities.
Turret Arch
Windows Section
A unique, smaller arch that looks like a turret, easily accessible and a favorite for many visitors.
Double Arch
Windows Section
An impressive, colossal arch formed by two arches joined together, offering a grand spectacle.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds: Arrive Early!
Sun Protection is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Patience
Parking fills up fast! If lot is full, return later. Weekday evenings are your best bet. 
👟 Sturdy Footwear Needed
The trail is a gentle uphill with some steps. Good shoes are a must for comfort and safety.
💧 Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!
Very little shade and can get extremely hot. Carry more water than you think you'll need.
📸 Golden Hour Magic
Sunset from the Windows Section offers stunning views as the sky lights up behind the arches.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Patience
Parking fills up fast! If lot is full, return later. Weekday evenings are your best bet.
👟 Sturdy Footwear Needed
The trail is a gentle uphill with some steps. Good shoes are a must for comfort and safety.
💧 Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!
Very little shade and can get extremely hot. Carry more water than you think you'll need.
📸 Golden Hour Magic
Sunset from the Windows Section offers stunning views as the sky lights up behind the arches.
✨ Stargazing Gem
Arches is an International Dark Sky Park. Witness the Milky Way over the arches for an unforgettable experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning, easily accessible arches in The Windows Section, calling it a must-see for its iconic formations like North Window, South Window, and Double Arch. Many appreciate the relatively short trails and the opportunity to see multiple arches in one visit, making it ideal for those with limited time or families. However, the extreme popularity means parking can be a significant challenge, and the lack of shade makes it very hot during midday.
"The area is characterized by large stone arches that look like windows. Located in Arches National Park in Utah. The arches were formed by a very long natural process of erosion. An easy walking trail is one and a half kilometers long. Parking is nearby and there is easy access to the site."
Yossi Gabay
"Easy trail with great views! You can see north window, south window, and turret arch up close. The double arch is also close to this area."
Shannon E
"The best trail to take when you have limited time as you can hit many arches at once! Turret arch is my favorite!"
cindy Chang
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Windows Section is located about 12 miles from the park entrance on a well-marked spur road. Follow the signs for 'The Windows Section'. Parking is available at the trailhead for North Window, South Window, and Turret Arch, as well as a separate lot for Double Arch.
Currently, Arches National Park does not operate a shuttle system to The Windows Section. Visitors must drive their own vehicles.
To avoid traffic and long lines, aim to arrive at the park entrance before 8:00 AM, especially during peak season. Weekdays and off-season months also see fewer crowds.
Yes, Arches National Park has a scenic drive that allows you to see many of its famous formations, including access to The Windows Section.
The main trails in The Windows Section are relatively easy and paved in parts, making them accessible for many. However, some areas may have steps or uneven terrain.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, Arches National Park often requires a timed entry permit during peak season (typically April through October). Check the official NPS website for current requirements and book in advance.
The entrance fee for Arches National Park is $30 per vehicle, valid for 7 days. An America the Beautiful Pass is also accepted.
The Windows Section is accessible during park operating hours, which vary seasonally. The park is generally open from sunrise to sunset.
If the park reaches capacity, entry may be temporarily suspended. Arriving early or visiting in the evening are the best strategies to ensure entry.
Yes, restrooms are available in The Windows Section parking area, which is convenient for visitors.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The Windows Section features North Window, South Window, Turret Arch, and Double Arch. You can also explore nearby areas like the Garden of Eden and Balanced Rock.
You can see the main arches (North Window, South Window, Turret Arch) in about 1-1.5 hours. Adding Double Arch and exploring further can take 2-3 hours.
The trails are generally easy to moderate, with some paved sections and a few steps. The loop connecting North and South Windows is about 1 mile. Double Arch trail is a separate 0.5-mile roundtrip.
Climbing on the arches is strictly prohibited to protect these fragile natural formations. Stay on designated trails.
Nearby attractions include Balanced Rock, Pothole Arch, and the Garden of Eden. Delicate Arch is a more strenuous hike located elsewhere in the park.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for photographing the arches. Midday can be harsh, but still offers good opportunities.
Absolutely! Arches National Park is a designated Dark Sky Park, and The Windows Section provides a stunning foreground for astrophotography of the Milky Way.
For Milky Way photography, try an aperture of f/2.8 or wider, ISO between 1600-6400, and exposure times of 15-30 seconds.
No, drone use is prohibited in all National Parks, including Arches National Park, to protect wildlife and visitor experience.
Include a person in your shot to give a sense of scale. Wide-angle lenses are great for capturing the grandeur of the arches.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1Consider visiting during the cooler parts of the day, like early morning or late afternoon, to make the experience more comfortable for children. The relatively flat terrain and the opportunity to see multiple arches in one visit make it an efficient and rewarding outing for families with limited time or young children.
🚶♀️ Active Hikers & Adventure Seekers
For those seeking a deeper immersion, explore the less-trafficked trails in areas like the Garden of Eden or the Devil's Garden Primitive Loop (though the latter is a much longer and more rugged undertaking). Remember to always carry ample water, wear appropriate gear, and inform someone of your hiking plans, especially when venturing onto less-maintained trails.
📸 Photographers & Stargazers
For astrophotographers, the park's designation as an International Dark Sky Park is a major draw. Capturing the Milky Way over the iconic arches is a bucket-list experience. Bring your wide-angle lenses to capture the grandeur of the formations and consider including a person in your shots to emphasize their scale.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Arches: A Visitor's Guide
+1Beyond these iconic arches, the area also includes Double Arch, a spectacular formation where two arches have merged into one colossal structure. The trail to Double Arch is a separate, relatively flat 0.5-mile roundtrip. For those who want to explore further, the Garden of Eden and Parade of Elephants offer more unique rock formations, though these require a bit more walking. The trails are generally well-maintained, with some paved sections and stairs, making them manageable for most visitors.
Planning your visit to The Windows Section is crucial due to its popularity. Arriving early in the morning, ideally before 8:15 AM, is highly recommended to secure parking and avoid the midday crowds.
Weekdays and the shoulder seasons (spring and fall) generally offer a more relaxed experience. Remember to bring plenty of water, wear sun protection, and wear comfortable hiking shoes, as there is very little shade and the terrain can be uneven in places. Arches National Park: A Photographer's Paradise
The North and South Windows, along with Turret Arch and Double Arch, provide diverse compositions, from grand, sweeping vistas to intimate details of the rock textures.Beyond daylight hours, Arches is an International Dark Sky Park, making it an exceptional location for astrophotography. The clear desert skies, far from city light pollution, reveal the Milky Way in all its glory. Imagine capturing the celestial band arching over the silhouette of North Window or South Window – a truly unforgettable sight.
Photographers often recommend settings like a wide aperture (f/2.8 or lower), a high ISO (1600-6400), and longer exposure times (15-30 seconds) to capture the faint starlight. When photographing the arches, consider including a human element to convey the immense scale of these natural wonders.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit