Sand Dune Arch is one of over 2,000 naturally occurring sandstone arches in Arches National Park.
The Sand Dune Arch Trail is my favorite short hike in Arches National Park as it is easily accessible for most people and has a lot of adventure for such a short hike. Not only will kids enjoy playing in the sand, but most visitors will welcome the shade and cooler temperatures from the shade the rows of sandstone fins provide.
Sand Dune Arch Trail
From the parking lot to Sand Dune Arch is less than 2/10 of a mile. It also makes a great hike in the summer months as the section of sandstone fins provides plenty of shade and cooler temperatures in the summer months. Having said that, the best time for photography is in the morning for both light and getting to the arch before it gets very busy.
Arches National Park Entry Fee
7-day single-vehicle park pass - $30
7-day individual park pass - $15
7-day motorcycle park pass - $25
Arches NP Annual Park Pass - $55 Valid for one year through the month of purchase. Admits one private, non-commercial vehicle or its pass holder to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, and Natural Bridges National Monument.
Planning a National Park vacation? America the Beautiful Pass/National Park Pass covers entrance fees for an entire year to all US National Park Sites and over 2,000 Federal Recreation Fee Sites.
The park pass covers everyone in the car for per-vehicle sites and for up to 4 adults for per-person sites.
Buy on REI.com and REI will donate 10% of pass proceeds to the National Forest Foundation, National Park Foundation, and the U.S. Endowment for Forestry & Communities.
Learn more about National Park Passes for parks that have an entrance fee.
Free Entrance Days -Find the five free entrance days the National Park Service offers annually.
Timed Entry Reservation Tickets
From April 1 to October 31, 2024 Arches will implement a temporary, pilot timed entry system to help manage traffic and improve visitor experiences.
To enter the park from April 1 through October 31, 2024, visitors will need three things:
- Timed Entry Ticket
- Photo ID
- Park Entrance Fee OR valid Park Pass (includes Annual, Senior, Access, Military, 4th Grade, or Volunteer passes).
Ticketed entry will run from 7 am to 4 pm daily.
Timed Entry Tickets will not be required for those with camping, backcountry, Fiery Furnace, or special use permits
Exceptions
Timed entry tickets are not required for those with camping, backcountry, Fiery Furnace, or special use permits; nor those with concessions contracts, commercial use authorizations, or academic fee waivers.
How do I get a timed entry ticket to Arches?
There are several ways to get a timed entry ticket
1- Download and use the Recreation.gov mobile app
2- Click this link to Recreation.gov to secure your ticket
3- Call the reservation line at (877)444-6777
4- Reservation International Line: (606)515-6777
5- Reservation Line (TDD) at (877)833-6777
How far in advance can I get a timed entry ticket to Arches?
The park will release tickets on a first-come-first-served basis three months in advance in monthly blocks on dates listed below
Starting January 3 at 8 am MST, you can get timed entry tickets for (April 1-April 30)
Starting February 1 at 8 am MST, you can get timed entry tickets for (May 1- May 31)
Starting March 1 at 8 am MDT, you can get timed entry tickets for (June 1- June 30)
Starting April 1 at 8 am MDT, you can get timed entry tickets for (July 1 - July 31)
Starting May 1 at 8 am MDT, you can get timed entry tickets for (August 1 - August 31)
Starting June 1 at 8 am MDT, you can get timed entry tickets for (September 1- September 30)
Starting July 1 at 8 am MDT, you can get timed entry tickets for (October 1-October 31)
Sand Dune Arch Trail Options
Sand Dune Arch Trail Round Trip from Sand Dune Arch Trailhead Parking Area
Distance: 0.3 Miles Roundtrip out and back trail
Elevation Gain/Loss: 125 feet
Time: 15 minutes to a half-hour
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
ADA Accessible: No
Pets: No pets are allowed on this trail, Service animals are allowed in National Parks. Only dogs are classified as service animals and they must perform a specific task that assists a person with a disability. Emotional support or comfort animals are not service animals.
Trailhead Location: Make a right turn into the trailhead at MP 16 of the 18-mile Arches Scenic Drive to Devils Garden Trailhead and Campground.
From the trailhead, the trail quickly splits into two directions. The trail straight ahead leads to Broken Arch so make sure to take the trail to the right. This short spur trail is in between two large sandstone fins giving the feeling of a narrow slot canyon. At one point, the trail narrows to the point where you may have to wait for hikers to go back out from Sand Dune Arch before proceeding. The sandstone rock turns to soft sand as you continue up the canyon for a short distance. Sand Dune Arch appears shortly afterward on the right side.
It can be a challenge to get a photograph of the arch without other park visitors as this has become a very popular arch to see. Also, remember to not climb or jump off the Arch as they are protected resources.
Once you are done enjoying this arch simply hike back to your vehicle at the trailhead. Don't be surprised to see cars waiting in the parking lot to pull out to take your spot as you finish the trail.
Park Ranger John Pro Tip
Here are 5 great reasons that I highly recommend getting a campsite at Arches National Park.
- Great evening programs in the amphitheater with up-close views of Skyline Arch
- You are not required to get a timed entry ticket if you are camping in Arches.
- You can easily walk over to Devils Garden Trailhead and avoid trying to find a parking space for one of the park's most popular hikes
- You can walk over to the Sand Dune, Broken Arch, and Tapestry Arch trail by the restroom across from campsite #40
- Enjoy beautiful views of the La Sal Mountains
Sand Dune Arch, Tapestry Arch, and Broken Arch Loop Hike
Distance: 2.3 Mile loop trail Roundtrip
Elevation Gain/Loss: 60 feet
Time: Approx. one hour
Difficulty: Moderate
ADA Accessible: No
Pets: No pets are allowed on this trail, Service animals are allowed in National Parks. Only dogs are classified as service animals and they must perform a specific task that assists a person with a disability. Emotional support or comfort animals are not service animals.
Trailhead Location: The trailhead is on MP 16 of the 18-mile Arches Scenic Drive to Devils Garden Trailhead and Campground.
Begin by hiking the Sand Dune Arch Trail described above. The only difference is instead of turning back to the trailhead after seeing Sand Dune Arch, turn right towards Broken Arch. This portion is in the open and you will actually see Broken Arch for quite a distance as you approach it.
The funny part is that the arch is not broken, it just appears to be broken when viewed at the right angle. I love this trail because it is not nearly as crowded as most trails have become at Arches.
From Broken Arch, continue straight to Tapestry Arch.
Keep a look out for the sign that points you to Tapestry Arch.
If you miss the cutoff, you will end up in the Devils Garden Campground by the restroom.
This is not a problem, it just gives you a restroom break opportunity.
You can incidentally start this hike right here if you are camping at the Devils Garden Campground and will save you from having to look for a parking space at the trailhead.
Begin the trail by the restroom across the street from campsites 39 and 40.
The trail runs slightly downhill and will run into a sign that directs you to the left for Tapestry Arch and the right for Broken Arch and Sand Dune Arch.
You will go to the left for maybe 100 yards before Tapestry Arch comes into sight.
This arch is unique for the fact it looks like three arches but only the center one is an arch. This look gives its name of Tapestry Arch.
From here walk back to the intersection and go the opposite direction back towards Broken Arch then Sand Dune Arch to complete your hike.
Arches National Park Resources
Arches National Park - Complete Guide to Exploring Arches National Park
Things To Do Arches - List of popular activities in Arches National Park you won't want to miss
Devils Garden Campground - Complete Guide to planning a camping trip to Arches National Park including how to make reservations
Arches National Park Hiking Guide - List of hiking trails in Arches National Park with details on each trail
Devils Garden Trail - Guide to hiking Devils Garden Trail in Arches National Park
There are no National Park Lodges within the park.
The majority of lodging options can be found in and around Moab, Utah.
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Moab - We have stayed here many times and it has been great. There is easy access to the main road into Moab and to Arches. The pool area is amazing and the hotel has great amenities.
Under Canvas Moab - Stay in luxury safari tents under the stars. This is an amazing place to spend time soaking in the red rocks and epic views.
Moab Resort, WorldMark Associate - look forward to a firepit, a playground, and a 24-hour gym. Stay connected with in-room Wi-Fi (surcharge).
Hyatt Place Moab - free breakfast buffet, a terrace, and a coffee shop/café at Hyatt Place Moab. Free in-room Wi-Fi is available to all guests, along with a garden and a playground.
Comfort Suites Moab - free breakfast buffet, a grocery/convenience store, and laundry facilities. For some rest and relaxation, visit the hot tub. In addition to a gym and a business center, guests can connect to free in-room Wi-Fi.
Click on the map below to see additional lodging options near Arches NP.
For hotels check-in Moab, Utah for the closest hotels
Additional National Park sites near Arches National Park
Canyonlands National Park (Utah) - Complete guide to discovering Canyonlands National Park
Capitol Reef National Park (Utah) - Complete Guide to Exploring Capitol Reef National Park
Mesa Verde National Park (Colorado) - Complete Guide to Exploring Mesa Verde National Park
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park (Colorado) - Complete guide to discovering Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Colorado National Monument - Guide to exploring Colorado National Monument
Dinosaur National Monument - Guide to exploring Dinosaur National Monument
Natural Bridges National Monument - Guide to exploring Natural Bridges National Monument
Currecanti National Recreation Area - Guide to exploring Currecanti National Recreation Area
Hovenweep National Monument - Complete guide to exploring Hovenweep National Monument
Check out all of the National Parks in Utah along with neighboring Colorado National Parks, Idaho National Parks, Wyoming National Parks, Nevada National Parks, Arizona National Parks, and New Mexico National Parks.
National Park Service Website
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