Park Avenue

Park Avenue is one of the first trails you encounter after entering Arches National Park, and it immediately sets the tone for the stunning geology ahead. The trail drops into a deep canyon corridor flanked by massive sandstone fins and monoliths that tower hundreds of feet overhead. The formations bear a striking resemblance to a big-city skyline — including features nicknamed the Tower of Babel, the Three Gossips, and the Organ — giving the trail its name.

The hike begins at the Park Avenue Viewpoint and Trailhead, about 2 miles past the park entrance station. From the rim, the trail descends roughly 320 feet into the canyon floor via a well-worn but rocky path. Once in the canyon, the walking is relatively flat and easy as you pass between the enormous walls. The colors shift throughout the day, but the warm light of early morning or late afternoon is especially dramatic.

Most hikers do the trail as an out-and-back from the upper trailhead, making it a 2-mile round trip. Alternatively, you can arrange a car shuttle or have someone pick you up at the Courthouse Towers Viewpoint parking area at the lower end, turning it into an easy 1-mile downhill walk. Either way, Park Avenue is a must-do for first-time visitors and a perfect warm-up before heading deeper into Arches to see Delicate Arch and Devils Garden.

The Park Avenue Viewpoint and Trailhead is located about 2 miles past the Arches National Park entrance station along the main park road. After passing through the fee station, drive up the switchbacks and look for the signed parking area on the right side of the road. The trailhead has a paved parking lot with interpretive signs. If doing the one-way shuttle option, the lower Courthouse Towers Viewpoint parking area is about 1 mile further up the main road.

From the upper trailhead at the Park Avenue Viewpoint, the trail descends steeply at first via rocky steps and slickrock sections, dropping about 320 feet into the canyon floor. Once at the bottom, the trail is relatively flat and follows the sandy wash between towering sandstone walls. The path is well-marked but the surface varies between packed sand, slickrock, and loose rock. The canyon runs roughly north to south, ending at the Courthouse Towers Viewpoint parking area. Return the way you came for the full out-and-back experience, or continue to the lower trailhead if you have arranged a shuttle.