Sand Dune Arch Is A Lesser Known Arch At Arches National Park

Arches National Park is home to more than 2,000 natural arches, but most visitors see fewer than two dozen. Iconic Delicate Arch is the most famous natural arch in the world, and visitors often take hikes to some of the other popular arches, like Double-O Arch, Turret Arch, and Landscape Arch. It’s always fun to search out some of the lesser-known arches, though.

The next time you visit Arches National Park, check out Sand Dune Arch.

Take a short, shady hike to Sand Dune Arch. It’s one of Arches National Park’s hidden gems that’s still very accessible, and it’s just .3 miles to the arch and back.

Suzanne Storer/Alltrails Find the trailhead to this arch by hopping on Arches Scenic Drive. It’s 16 miles down the road.

The trail to Sand Dune Arch is short, but you’ll still want to bring along some water and sunscreen.

Janet Foutty/Alltrails Take the well-defined path toward the large sandstone fins that tower over the landscape.

As you reach the fins, the desert floor turns to sand, and depending on the time of day, you might find a shady respite here. Make your way past a narrow section…

Amy Thompson

…then you’ll come to Sand Dune Arch!

Benjamin Millspaugh/Alltrail

You can see how this hidden little arch got its name - there’s a thick layer of sand here. Tucked between some tall fins, this little cove is typically shady and cool. Take off your shoes and wiggle your toes in the sand, or lay right down and make a sand angel.

Allison Lefler/Alltrails

Since this little arch isn’t visible from the road, and it’s much smaller than most of the arches at the park, visitors often overlook it.

George Papaioannou/Alltrails

This is a fun, easy trail that’s great for kids and adults alike. The ankle-deep sand can be a little more strenuous to walk through, but this little spot is quite pretty. Hike in the morning hours when it’s less crowded and nice and shady.

Haresh Sharma/Alltrails

Extend your hike a bit, and you can visit Broken Arch. This 60-foot-wide arch isn’t actually broken, but it does have a visible crack.

Joel Schauldt/Alltrail If you continue to Broken Arch, you’ll extend your hike to a total of 1.6 miles. It’s well worth the extra distance!

Have you ever hiked to Sand Dune Arch?

Suzanne Storer/Alltrails

Find the trailhead to this arch by hopping on Arches Scenic Drive. It’s 16 miles down the road.

Janet Foutty/Alltrails

Take the well-defined path toward the large sandstone fins that tower over the landscape.

Amy Thompson

Benjamin Millspaugh/Alltrail

Allison Lefler/Alltrails

George Papaioannou/Alltrails

Haresh Sharma/Alltrails

Joel Schauldt/Alltrail

If you continue to Broken Arch, you’ll extend your hike to a total of 1.6 miles. It’s well worth the extra distance!

Delicate Arch is by far the most popular natural arch at Arches National Park. Here are 15 things you didn’t know about it, and some reasons you need to see it in person.

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Address: Arches Scenic Dr, Moab, UT 84532, USA