Hiking the Skyline Arch Trail in Arches National Park
Distance: 0.4 miles / 0.6 km
The Skyline Arch Trail is one of the easiest, least-visited, and overlooked trails within Arches National Park.
By this, I mean that the short, kid-friendly Skyline Arch Trail, located directly off the main park road, tends to attract less visitors compared to other, more popular trails, such as Devils Garden, the Double Arch, or the Delicate Arch Trail.
Furthermore, the Skyline Arch may look like an intimidating climb from the Skyline Arch Trail, but if you read to the end, you can learn more about how to access this beautiful towering arch from an unsuspecting location!
U.S. National Park Pass
Did you know that the same America the Beautiful Pass that grants access to all 63 U.S. National Parks can be purchased in advance at REI?
Yes, you can save time when you arrive by purchasing your National Park pass, along with your other outdoor gear, at REI before traveling to the park!
Skyline Arch Trailhead Parking
Parking for the Skyline Arch Trail is located just before the Devils Garden Trail and Picnic Area, near the end of Arches National Park Road.
Compared to other trailheads within Arches, the Skyline Arch Trailhead parking is small. However, since it is such a quick hike, finding a spot is usually never an issue.
Google Maps Directions: Skyline Arch Trailhead
Hiking Checklist - Arches
Here is a complete list of must-have things that you will want for any hike in Arches National Park.
Osprey 3L Water Bladder - The Osprey 3L water bladder is the most universal hiking and backpacking water bladder on the market, and it’s my go-to because of the slide-off seal that allows it to be quickly filled from the top. Additionally, individual parts are easily replaceable, such as the bite valve.
Blister / Heel Protectors - I swear by these cheap, amazing heel protectors to prevent blisters for nearly every kind of hiking and backpacking that I do!
Black Diamond Headlamp - Personally, I recommend the Black Diamond Storm because it is one of the brightest, lightest, and longest-lasting headlamps on the market—and trust me, the weight-to-battery-life ratio really does matter!
Hiking / Trail Running Shoes - Depending on the type of trail, I prefer to use either the Keen Targhee for longer, more rugged hiking or the HOKA Zinal Trail-Running Shoe for lighter, less intense trails. In either case, both have been amazing to me for many years across countless environments, and both can be found in men’s and women’s sizes. - (Men’s Keen / Women’s Keen) (Men’s HOKA / Women’s HOKA)
Waterproof Rain Shell - You never know when it may rain, and I’ve learned over the years that a rain shell is far better than a rain jacket. By this, I mean that it’s best to have something that the water will roll right off of, which is why I recommend the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L available in both men’s and women’s sizes.
Sun Shirt w/ Hood - A quality sun shirt can be your best friend on a trail with minimal shade, which can be found in both men’s and women’s sizes.
High SPF Sunscreen - Packing high-SPF sunscreen is a must for long days outside!
Hiking the Skyline Arch Trail
The Skyline Arch Trail is one of the shortest and easiest day hikes in Arches National Park, and it is among a few where the destination is visible from the start of the trail.
This first small hill in the beginning is one of the only 'challenges' on the entire trail, as the Skyline Arch Trail levels off significantly shortly after.
Sun Shirts
If this is your first time in the area, you’re likely unprepared for how strong the sun can be.
For this reason, I recommend picking up a quality, hooded sun shirt if you plan to do any hiking. Protection from the sun cannot be overstated, and in my experience, sunscreen alone has never been enough over a multi-day visit, especially if you’re visiting during the summer season!
In my opinion, the best photos of the Skyline Arch are taken from a distance, as opposed to the end of the trail beneath the arch.
Skyline Arch
The base of the Skyline Arch is generally the end of the adventure for most visitors, but for those that are curious, the Skyline Arch is accessible from the Devils Garden Campground on the far side.
Simply park at the Broken Arch Trailhead, and there will be a series of small trails to navigate your way up to the Skyline Arch on the backside.
Google Maps Directions: Broken Arch Trailhead
More Arches Adventures
If you’re interested in reading about some more amazing adventures within Arches National Park, check out my separate posts below!
Best Way to Find Places to Stay!
Wherever I travel, I love to start my search for places to stay on VRBO.
Even if I don’t end up booking through them, I think it’s one of the best ways to see what’s in the area!
Washington
Best Way to Book Rental Cars!
I travel quite a bit, and I know firsthand that finding a good rental car deal can be a challenge, but that’s why I recommend comparing all of your options with Discover Cars.
In short, Discover Cars is a well-known, reputable business that allows you to search for the best deal across companies, and they have the best full-refund cancellation policy I’ve ever seen, valid up to 72, or sometimes even 48, hours prior to your reservation!
Book Here: Discover Cars
Discover Cars!
Safety
With summer temperatures that soar well above 100 ºF (38 ºC) and snow storms come winter, both Arches and Canyonlands National Park are known for having extremely variable weather throughout the year.
That being said, heavy snow storms are uncommon in the Moab area, but summer adventures need to carefully be planned around the dangerous mid-summer heat. For this reason, you may consider visiting Moab during the off season in order to maximize your time in either park, while also visiting during a time of year that’s far less crowded.
Furthermore, be sure to know the local forecast if you are hiking during the summer monsoon season, as it’s not uncommon for areas, such as slot canyons, to fill with water rapidly, creating very dangerous situations for anyone inside. On top of this, summer monsoonal weather is typically accompanied by lightning, which can be very dangerous in exposed desert areas like the parks around Moab.
As for Canyonlands specifically, the most important thing to stress is the dramatic cliffs surrounding the Island in the Sky and other parts of the park. Even the Mesa Arch is a deadly cliff, which most photos, such as mine, don’t show.
Finally, there is at least one venomous rattlesnake found across the area, which you can learn more about here.
As always, find the most up-to-date information and conditions on the official Arches and Canyonlands National Park websites.
National Park Service: Arches National Park / Canyonlands National Park
U.S. National Parks Pass
Did you know that the same America the Beautiful Pass that grants access to all 63 U.S. National Parks can be purchased in advance at REI?
Yes, you can save time when you arrive by purchasing your National Park pass, along with your other outdoor gear, at REI before traveling to the park!
More U.S. National Parks
If you’d like to read more about some of my best recommendations when visiting other U.S. National Parks, check out some of my other posts below!
Disclaimer
All information provided on this blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for information or advice from qualified professionals or managing agencies.
Noah Lang Photography LLC makes no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information provided here, and readers should use their own discretion, judgement, and seek professional advice where it is appropriate.
Furthermore, Noah Lang Photography LLC shall not be held responsible for any injuries, lost individuals, or legal issues arising from the use of information provided on this website, and if applicable, the above safety disclaimer should be referenced to provide a generic overview of the risks involved.
All said, the content on this blog is for the sole use of Noah Lang Photography LLC, and unauthorized use or reproduction of this content is strictly prohibited.
Disclosure
This post is not sponsored.
However, some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means that I may earn a small commission if a purchase is made through one of those links. This commission comes at no additional cost to you, and I only recommend products that I personally use and believe will add value to my readers. Thank you for your support, which enables me to continue creating more!
To read the full privacy policy, click here.
About This Blog
Noah Lang Photography, also known as @noahawaii, is 100% reader-supported!
I do not accept guest articles or sponsored content of any kind on my blog, which is why, if you enjoy the outdoor and travel content I create, please consider buying me a coffee!
I appreciate your support, which helps me continue to keep this blog alive!
