Windows Sand Loop

The Windows Sand Loop Trail is one of the most rewarding short hikes in Arches National Park, offering close-up views of three spectacular arches with minimal effort. The trail begins at the Windows parking area and follows a paved path to the base of North Window and South Window — two enormous openings in a shared sandstone fin that frame the La Sal Mountains beyond.

After visiting the Windows from the front side, the loop continues on a primitive, unmarked sandy trail that wraps around the east side of the formation. This section offers a completely different perspective, letting you peer through the arches from behind with far fewer crowds. The sand trail is flat but soft in places, winding through desert scrub before reconnecting with the main trail near the parking area.

A short spur trail from the main junction also leads to Turret Arch, an equally impressive formation just a few minutes' walk to the northwest. Most hikers combine all three arches into one outing. The area is particularly popular at sunrise and sunset when the red sandstone glows with warm light.

The Windows Parking Area is located about 9 miles from the Arches National Park entrance station. Drive north on the main park road, then turn right (east) at the signed Windows Section junction. Follow this road 2.5 miles to its end at the paved parking lot. Vault toilets are available. The lot can fill up between 10 AM and 3 PM during peak season — arrive early or late to find a spot.

From the trailhead, a wide paved path heads east and splits at a junction after about 0.2 miles — right to Turret Arch (0.4-mile round trip spur), left toward the Windows. Taking the left fork, the paved trail climbs gently up slickrock and steps to a viewpoint at the base of North Window, with South Window visible just to the south. A short scramble lets you stand inside North Window's opening. To complete the loop, follow the primitive trail east from behind North and South Window — it drops down the backside over sand and slickrock, passes through open desert with views of the La Sal Mountains, and curves south then west back to the parking area. The terrain on the backside is sandy with cairns marking the route.