HAND-VERIFIED TRAIL · ARCHES NATIONAL PARK

The Windows Loop

1 midistance
99 ftelevation gain
25mmoving time
99 ft/miaverage climb

The Windows Loop is a 1 mi trail with 99 ft of climbing — about 25m of moving time before you stop for anything. Dogs are not allowed, and we rate it comfortable from age 4. About 5% 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 4 👶 No stroller 🚻 Restrooms at the trailhead 💧 No refill recorded ☀️ 5% shaded

Underfoot & overhead gravel climb, rock stairs

WHAT THIS CLIMB COSTS YOU

The Windows Loop charges in hours, not miles.

1 mi and 99 ft of climbing work out to 25m 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

25mmoving time, no breaks
0.2–0.4 Lwater, cool day → hot
10–20 gcarbs across that climb
HOW HARD IT FEELS

Steepness and shade

99 ft per mile 5th steepest of the 8 trails we've measured in Arches National Park
5% 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 The Windows Loop take?

About 25m of moving time for 1 mi and 99 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 The Windows Loop?

Planning figures for that much moving time are 0.2–0.4 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 The Windows Loop?

No — The Windows Loop 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 The Windows Loop good for kids?

We rate it comfortable from age 4. 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 The Windows Loop?

About 5% 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.