I recently had the opportunity to hike the Broken Arch trail, and I must say, it was an incredible experience. The trail offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and a moderate level of challenge, making it suitable for hikers of various skill levels.
The highlight of the hike is, of course, the Broken Arch itself. Standing beneath this natural sandstone arch is a truly awe-inspiring moment. The unique rock formations and the way the arch frames the surrounding landscape make for some breathtaking photo opportunities.
The trail is well-maintained and clearly marked, which makes navigation easy. Along the way, you'll encounter a variety of desert flora and fauna, adding to the overall charm of the hike. Keep an eye out for lizards, cacti, and desert wildflowers.
One of the best aspects of the Broken Arch trail is its accessibility. It's relatively short, which means it can be done in a few hours, making it a perfect morning or afternoon adventure. Plus, it's located in Arches National Park, which means you can easily combine it with visits to other iconic arches and viewpoints in the park.
Overall, I highly recommend the Broken Arch hike to anyone looking to experience the natural wonders of Arches National Park. It's a great hike that offers both beauty and a sense of accomplishment, and it's a must-do for outdoor enthusiasts and nature...
Read moreBroken Arch was one of the highlights of my visit to Arches National Park! The hike is relatively easy and great for families or anyone looking for a less crowded experience. The arch itself isn’t actually broken—just a unique formation that gives it a distinctive look. The trail offers beautiful views, desert vegetation, and classic red rock landscapes all around.
What I really appreciated was how peaceful it felt compared to some of the more popular arches. You can take your time, enjoy the surroundings, and even explore the nearby Sand Dune Arch if you want to extend your hike a little. Highly recommend visiting early or late in the day for the best lighting and cooler temps.
There’s some mild scrambling toward the end if you go through the arch, but nothing too difficult. Trail markers are clear, and the loop option adds variety to the return journey. Great photo opportunities throughout, especially with the arch framing the wide-open sky. We spotted some wildlife tracks and interesting rock patterns along the way. Overall, a perfect mix of tranquility, scenery, and a touch...
Read moreThe Broken Arch trail is a easy hike just south of Devil's Garden Campground. We enjoyed seeing this arch and found the area much less crowded then at Devil's Garden, where it is something of a challenge to even finding parking space.
There is a small carpark at the south end of the trailhead which proceeds around 1/2 a mile directly to the Broken Arch. You can reach it in 10-15 minute walk. From here you can return to your vehicle or continue through the arch, following a loop trail that circles through the Devil's Garden amphitheatre and back before returning to the carpark.
Interestingly, the Broken Arch isn't broken at all, although it appears to have considerable wear and erosion. In some ways, it looks as it is ready to break apart - but it is not.
Note: From the carpark, there is a splinter trail to the sand dune arch. It is a short detour of only .2 miles...
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