Arches: Sand Dune and Broken Arch

Sand Dune and Broken Arch

Sand Dune and Broken Arch are two arches that are accessible from the Sand Dune Arch trailhead in Arches National Park. These two arches are on the easier side and might be a good option for families with smaller children due to the soft sand around Sand Dune Arch. Even though the hike is on the easier side, there are risks especially heat and sun exposure. Make sure to be prepared with water and protection from the elements on all hikes in Arches.

Getting Started

The Sand Dune Arch Trailhead is one of the last pull-offs on the main park road before you get to the Devil’s Garden parking area. The Trailhead leads to Sand Dune Arch and then, across the flat section of desert, access to Broken Arch. I found was more people heading to Sand Dune Arch and only a few of us made it all the way to Broken Arch but the area was really busy.

Sand Dune Arch is the closest option and the arch is protected a bit by a rock barrier. This is the most challenging section of the hike and needs to be taken one person at a time. A rounded rock boulder stands between two vertical rock areas and needs to be walked over. While a majority of people had no problems with this, a few people, especially those who aren’t outdoors a lot or who may have been a bit older, had some issues making it over the obstacle. I just want to make sure everyone is aware of it and make sure that shoes with some decent traction are worn.

Sand Dune Arch

Once you clear the barrier, the Sand Dune Arch are is all surrounded by towering red rocks. It is all self enclosed like a giant ballroom. What makes Sand Dune Arch so unique is that all of the ground around the arch is deep and soft sand. It is almost like someone dropped half a beach in the middle of the rocks!

The rock walls are pretty impressive but so is Sand Dune Arch. The Arch sits about half way through the cavernous area on the right hand side. Like everything else, it sits on top a base of soft sand before stretching and connecting above to form the shape we all come to visit for.

There isn’t too much else to see in this area. The rock walls come together and make the end of the little cavern unpassable. I tried to move towards the end where are some trees but it was pretty much a dead end so I retraced my steps and headed out of the area and off to Broken Arch

Broken Arch

A half mile to the north is another set of red rocks where Broken Arch is located. A dry dirt trail connects the two rock complexes and takes you through some desert shrubs under the hot Utah Sun. The trek between the two sets of rocks got really hot before settling in the rocky area that had some trees and hint of shade.

Once you make it over to the rocks, Broken Arch is to the northwest. The path is easy to follow but it is dirt and sand so it can get a little confusing. The arch is pretty obvious however as you get closer. One interesting feature was the broken rocks at the base of the arch. I assume this is how it got its name, or from the break that is visible. Either way, I didn’t feel really comfortable standing beneath it, haha. The Arch is really cool and a hidden from the road so it is nice to get back and see something that a lot of park goers may miss.

There is also access to Broken Arch from the campground which is where the trail to the northwest continues on. If you started at the Sand Dune Arch Trailhead, its time to turn around and head back across the large field and to the car. These are two really easy to get to arches that have some really cool features that you don’t find at the other arches in the park. I would say they are definitely worth a side quest, but maybe not an entire trip to Arches for.

Video of Arches Sand Dune and Broken Arch

I have created a time-lapsed video of the Sand Dunes and Broken Arch Hike to give you a feel for what it is like. I call these time lapsed versions of the hikes my hikers edits. If you enjoy the video, don’t forget to subscribe to my YouTube Channel. It is free to subscribe and you will get the latest updates.

Distance and Elevation

If you don’t have the AllTrails app you might want to check it out, I really love mine. It records your progress and is a great way to search for hikes that are nearby and gives you difficulty measurements. According to AllTrails today’s hike was around 1.58 miles and had a total elevation gain of about 187 feet including undulations. That put the high point at around 5,323 feet. This high point is actually at the parking area before hiking down hill. I was also moving for a total of 37 minutes.

I am a Pro member of AllTrails and love it. If you are interested in the platform, please consider using my affiliate link for AllTrails. It gives me a small commission with no extra cost to you.

Effort

The trail to Sand Dune and Broken Arches in Arches National Park is on the easier side. There isn’t much elevation gain and the biggest concern is the heat! There is one tricky rock to walk over at the start of the Sand Dune Section of the trail that could be difficult for anyone with mobility issues. The sand surrounding Sand Dune Arch can also be a bit of a challenge to walk on. It is like walking on a soft, sandy beach. For the most part, this is an easier hike though.

Terrain

A couple of warnings on the terrain surrounding Sand Dune and Broken Arch. First and foremost, while this is an easier hike, the trail over towards Broken Arch is fully exposed to the heat, sun and any elements. Even being a shorter hike, this can cause concerns so make sure to be prepared with sun protection and some water. Second, make sure to stay on the trail and avoid walking in area’s that are pristine. These area’s can take a very long time to recover from human steps!

The terrain is mostly hard packed dirt until you get close to Sand Dune Arch where the ground turns to soft sand. I definitely recommend shoes. The sand can get really hot if you try to hike sandals or anything with an open toe.

Access to Sand Dune and Broken Arch in Arches

Sand Dune Arch Trailhead is located on the main park road In Arches National Park. Between the turn off for Delicate Arch and the Devil’s Garden parking area. This is a heavily trafficked area so be careful for people walking on the road and in the parking area. Arches is part of the national park system. There is a daily fee of $30 per vehicle per day or an annual National Park Pass. From April 1st through October 31st you will also need a timed entry pass from the Recreation.gov website to access the park.

Final Thought on the Sand Dune and Broken Arch in Arches

Sand Dune and Broken Arch are two very unique rock formations in a park that is full of unique rocks! Sand Dune Arch is surrounded by deep soft sand that I hadn’t seen anywhere else in the park. Broken Arch literally has pieces broken at the bottom. They are both really interesting and unique. Plus, the best part is that they are fairly easy to access so more people can enjoy them than some of the places in the park.

I don’t think I would plan a whole trip around these two arches. However, driving through they are a great stop to get a quick and easy hike in to see some cool arches.

I have added this hike and all of my hikes to my interactive map page that you can find here. If you have a suggestion or comment you can email me at fatmanlittletrails@gmail.com. Or follow me on any of the below social media platforms. Happy Hiking!