Windows Trail — Attraction in Four Corners States

The Windows Section is located 12 miles (19 km) from the park entrance. Massive North Window is visible from the parking lot. Trails lead to Turret Arch, North Window, South Window, and Double Arch are all within short distances. From the visitors center, follow the main park road 9.1 miles to just passed the Balanced Rock pullout. Turn right onto The Window Road and follow it to its end in 2.5 miles. This is both The Windows Trail and Double Arch Trailheads. From the trailhead, follow the trail to the first junction. Going right here visits Turret Arch first. Turret Arch stands apart from The Windows. From Turret, it is easy to get great views of The Windows as well as Elephant Butte, the highest point in Arches (just to the north), and the La Sal mountains in the distance to the southwest. From Turret, head back to the main trail and go right a couple of minutes to South Window, with North Window just north of South Window. Those wanting a very short an easy hike can follow the main trail from North Window directly back to the trailhead. Instead of going back to the trailhead from North Window, go back to South Window and follow the trail as it passes behind the Windows and loops back to the trailhead via a primitive loop trail. This makes for a 1.2-mile total loop with just a few minor obstacles along the way and is the best way to experience...

The Windows Trail was one of those hikes that gave us everything we were hoping for—great views, a little adventure, and, of course, the chance to see some incredible arches. It’s a relatively easy hike (about 1 mile round trip), so it’s perfect for families or anyone who wants to enjoy the park without committing to a long, strenuous trek.

As soon as we got to the Windows—which include both the North and South Windows, as well as the Turret Arch—we were in awe. Standing in front of these massive arches felt like we were transported to another world. The way the rocks frame the sky is just stunning, and there are plenty of spots where you can climb up and get an even better view of the arches from different angles.

The trail itself is nice and wide, so it didn’t feel crowded, even though the area is a popular stop. We loved how we could take our time, snap a bunch of pictures, and really enjoy the atmosphere. The arches are so close to the trail, and the scenery around them is just breathtaking, especially with the desert landscape in...

Low "effort to reward" ratio -- a must do The Windows trail takes you to the North Window, the South Window, and the Turret Window. It's a relatively short hike that is not that steep. The scenery is stunning, especially if you have deep blue sky as the background for the "windows". You can get right under the North Window and see what is on the other side. You can go around the South Window but can get under it. The Turret Window is a small "hole" that looks like you can put a canon through and "defend" the place. All are within a relatively short loop so the effort is small, but the scenery is very rewarding. An excellent return on the...