HAND-VERIFIED TRAIL · ARCHES NATIONAL PARK

Park Avenue Trail

1.8 midistance
322 ftelevation gain
45mmoving time
179 ft/miaverage climb

Park Avenue Trail is a 1.8 mi trail with 322 ft of climbing — about 45m of moving time before you stop for anything. Dogs are not allowed, and we rate it comfortable from age 6. About 10% of it is shaded, and no refill point is recorded on the route.

CAN WE ALL GO?

Who this trail suits

🐕 No dogs 🧒 Comfortable from age 6 👶 No stroller 🚻 No restrooms 💧 No refill recorded ☀️ 10% shaded

Underfoot & overhead canyon floor, rock-cut stairs

WHAT THIS CLIMB COSTS YOU

Park Avenue Trail charges in hours, not miles.

1.8 mi and 322 ft of climbing work out to 45m of moving time — before you stop for anything. No refill is recorded on the route — you carry all of it. Informational only, not medical advice.

Get the summer refuel plan →

NAISMITH · CDC · ACSM · how these numbers are worked out

45mmoving time, no breaks
0.4–0.8 Lwater, cool day → hot
20–50 gcarbs across that climb
HOW HARD IT FEELS

Steepness and shade

179 ft per mile 1st steepest of the 8 trails we've measured in Arches National Park
10% shaded Open ground — the hour you start decides the day

In July, Arches National Park runs around 100°F at the main visitor elevation, and this route gives you almost nothing to hide under. With no refill recorded on the route, everything you drink starts in your pack.

TODAY AT THE PARK

Before you leave the car

Today

102°F · Patchy Smoke · wind 0 to 10 mph

NOAA forecast for Arches National Park — not for this trailhead specifically
⚠️ No Wood or Charcoal Fires Allowed - Stage 2 Fire Restrictions in Effect

All fires are prohibited. Only petroleum or propane-fueled stoves or grills are allowed in backcountry campsites, campgrounds, and picnic areas. Fireworks are never allowed. Smoke only inside vehicles or in developed...

Live NPS alert for Arches National Park · source
⚠️ Trip-planning tips for 2026

Planning to visit Arches this year? To ensure the best experience, please anticipate potentially long wait times at the entrance station. If trailhead parking is full, plan to return a little later. Please avoid...

Live NPS alert for Arches National Park
NOT THIS ONE?

Other trails in Arches National Park

QUICK ANSWERS

Frequently asked

How long does Park Avenue Trail take?

About 45m of moving time for 1.8 mi and 322 ft of climbing — that is Naismith's planning rule, so it counts walking only, with nothing for photos, lunch or the queue at the top.

How much water should I carry on Park Avenue Trail?

Planning figures for that much moving time are 0.4–0.8 L, cool day to hot. No refill point is recorded on the route, so you carry all of it. Informational only, not medical advice.

Can I take a dog on Park Avenue Trail?

No — Park Avenue Trail is closed to dogs. Our Arches National Park dog guide lists the trails where they are welcome, plus boarding and the nearest 24/7 vet.

Is Park Avenue Trail good for kids?

We rate it comfortable from age 6. It is not a stroller route. That rating is our own hand-check of length, footing and exposure, not an official NPS grade.

When is the best time of day to hike Park Avenue Trail?

About 10% of the route is shaded, and Arches National Park peaks around 100°F in its hottest month. The less shade a route has, the more of it you want behind you before midday.