Sand Dune Arch Arches National Park, Utah

Sand Dune Arch – Arches National Park, Utah



The Trek Details

The Trek in a snapshot

Location: Arches National Park – near Moab, Utah
Managing Agency: Arches National Park
Pets: Not allowed
Fees: Entrance fees
Restrooms: Nearest restrooms are at the Delicate Arch or Devils Garden parking lots
Camping: not allowed
Trail Condition: very clear trail. Near the arch you will be hiking on sand
Distance: About 0.32 mile roundtrip
Time Required: 1/2 hour
Sights: Sand Dune Arch
Best Season: All
Water Info: Bring a bottle of water if needed
Parking Elevation: 5192 ft
Summit Elevation: 5310 ft
Elevation Difference: 118 ft
Trek Planner Maps

Trail Map

GPS Coordinates

Trailhead: 38° 45.885’N, 109° 35.001’W
Sand Dune Arch: 38° 45.859’N, 109° 34.857’W

Experience. Discover. Explore.

The Trail

Follow along on our adventure then go out on your own!

Be a responsible explorer




Sand Dune Arch is a great little hike that is perfect for families.  It is short and provides amazing views of sandstone “fins” and an arch.

Sand Dune Arch Trail
Sand Dune Arch Trail

The trail starts at the same parking lot as Broken Arch which is just before Skyline Arch.  The trail is very wide and easy to follow for the majority of the hike.

At about 300 feet from the parking lot you will come to a fork in the path.  The left fork continues straight and eventually goes to Broken Arch.  The trail to the right goes on to Sand Dune Arch.  Take the right fork and continue on the trail.

Getting inside the sandstone fins
Getting inside the sandstone fins

I enjoy this little hike because from the parking lot you are quickly enveloped inside sandstone fin structures that tower up above you.  You feel a little claustrophobic as these giant fins seem like they will fall on top of you as you pass through.


Mini slot canyon
Mini slot canyon

Just as you get inside the sandstone fins you will be hiking on top of very fine sand.  You will travel another 500 feet or so until you turn the corner and see Sand Dune Arch hiding towards the back.

Sand Dune Arch
Sand Dune Arch

Sand Dune Arch is named because there is a large pile of sand just underneath it.  The shape of the arch is intriguing as it appears to be two sandstone pieces coming from both sides of the walls that are fused together.

Size comparison
Size comparison

It really isn’t that big of an arch but it is still quite impressive.

If you continue hiking to the east after Sand Dune Arch you will be treated with a larger canyon opening that is fun to rock crawl around.  But unfortunately this is a dead end so you will need to turn back.

Dark Angel in the distance
Dark Angel in the distance

As you are heading back towards your car you can actually get an incredible view of Dark Angel in Devils Garden.  It is still pretty far away but it is stunning how the opening of the mini slot canyon is exactly lined up with Dark Angel.

Personal Thoughts

Personal Thoughts

If you want a quick exciting little hike than I suggest you take a look at Sand Dune Arch. It is a surprisingly rewarding little adventure.

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[…] parking lot is the same for Sand Dune Arch so if you have an extra half hour and want to see another amazing arch go see […]

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