Tower Arch Moab hike is a personal favorite trail of mine in Arches National Park, and it remains a hidden gem with fewer crowds compared to other scenic spots in Utah. The trail to the massive sandstone arch is short and easy, making it perfect for beginners.
The arch derives its name from the tall rock spire that appears to ascend from its top when viewed from the front. In this guide, you’ll learn about the trailhead location and all the essential information you need to prepare for your hike to Tower Arch.
Discovering Tower Arch Trail: A Guide to What to Expect on Your Hike in Arches National Park
Beginning with a short yet steep ascent on slickrock, the Tower Arch Moab hike offers stunning views of the Salt Valley, Klondike Bluffs, and a series of rock towers nicknamed the ‘Marching Men’ during the middle section of the trail.
However, the path may not always be clearly indicated, making it important to follow the rock cairns throughout the hike. Without these markers, I would have likely gotten lost on a few occasions. Luckily, the trail boasts many cairns, which makes navigating the route more manageable.
Similar to other hikes in Arches National Park, the level of difficulty for the Tower Arch Moab trail can vary depending on the temperature during your visit, as an exceedingly hot day can make the hike more challenging.
Additionally, the sign at the trailhead stating ‘minor ups and downs’ may be slightly deceptive since the trail inclines in both directions and involves a considerable elevation gain for a relatively short hike. Despite this, the hike is still relatively brief, taking me approximately 45 minutes each way to complete.
Tower Arch
While the initial glimpse of Tower Arch is certainly thrilling, I found that the view from the opposite side was even more spectacular. Tower Arch boasts a width of 92 feet, and as with several other arches in the park, visitors can stroll through the arch’s middle and observe it from the other side, providing a true sense of its grandeur.
As the arch is massive, capturing the best photos of it may require some scrambling on the slick rock in the corner below, even with a wide-angle lens.
At the base of Tower Arch, visitors can spot an inscription left by Alex Ringhoffer, an early explorer who contributed to the original national monument designation for the Arches area. Additionally, the notable absence of crowds is quite noticeable during the hike. Despite completing the trail on a Sunday in September, my party did not encounter anyone else along the way. Although a few individuals were present at the arch itself, the shadow cast beneath the arch offers a lovely spot to unwind and seek refuge from the sun’s rays
Tower Arch Trailhead
Situated in the upper northwest region of Arches National Park, the Tower Arch trailhead can be found in the Klondike Bluffs area. Alternatively, visitors can utilize the accompanying Google map to pinpoint the parking location, which is approximately an hour’s drive from Moab, Utah.
Trailhead Conditions for Tower Arch Hike in Arches National Park
The road leading to the Tower Arch trailhead is among the few unpaved roads in Arches National Park. Upon turning onto Salt Valley Road from the Arches Scenic Drive, visitors will travel around 8 miles along a gravel and dirt road.
While most vehicles should be able to navigate the road without issue when it’s dry, it’s advisable to avoid visiting the area shortly after rainfall.
Upon arrival at the Tower Arch trailhead, visitors will find a well-maintained vault toilet, which happens to be one of the cleanest I’ve encountered in a national park. Additionally, there is an information sign and a simple trail map available.
Alternative 4WD Trailhead for Tower Arch Hike in Arches National Park
For those with a 4 wheel drive vehicle, there is a second trailhead that offers a closer access to the Tower Arch, cutting the hiking distance to just 0.5 miles roundtrip. However, it’s important to note that the road to this alternative trailhead is extremely rough, with large rocks that could pose a challenge to vehicles without high clearance. Although I attempted to drive partway up this road in my Toyota Tacoma 4WD, I encountered difficult terrain and opted to switch to the main Tower Arch trailhead.
Best Time to Hike Tower Arch Trail in Arches National Park
The Tower Arch hike in Utah is a great experience regardless of the time of day, and you don’t have to worry about crowds, so the timing of your visit isn’t crucial, although it will be hotter on the trail during mid-day.
The pictures in this guide were taken in September around 11 AM, and we were able to capture images of the arch from both sides without the harsh glare of the sun.
The Tower Arch Utah hike is within Arches National Park, which means that the usual regulations of U.S. national parks must be followed. It is important to maintain the cleanliness of the trail, show consideration towards fellow hikers, and leave no trace.
entrance fee
An entrance fee is required to access the park, but it can be easily obtained online or in person. Annual passes are also available for those who plan to visit several U.S. parks in a year, while daily passes are offered as well. For more information and up-to-date fees, visit the Arches National Park website.
Starting in 2022, a new pilot program will require a timed entry permit to enter Arches National Park during peak months and hours. The goal of this program is to reduce overcrowding.
