Growing up in Colorado, when March arrived I always felt like I was missing out on a true spring break since there was typically still a lot of snow around. Spring break hits local schools in late March, a time when the Moab area averages about 20 degrees warmer than here. Arches National Park in Moab offers a very family friendly excursion, with a top-notch auto tour that carries visitors through the heart of the red sandstone wonderland. Like many National Parks, in 2025 Arches implemented a timed-entry permit program from April through October, visit nps.gov for more details and updates.

From the visitor center at the park entrance, drive along the auto tour road passing a multitude of amazing sandstone formations. Notice the distant La Sal Mountains with snow-capped peaks that appear surreal against the surrounding expanse of desert. After about nine miles make a brief stop at the ultimate Balanced Rock that beats all balanced rocks. Walk around this precarious formation that looks like it could tumble down at any moment.

Just beyond Balanced Rock turn right on the road to the Windows Viewpoint and Trailhead, where the road ends after about three miles at a large parking area. Hike southward towards the North and South Window and Turret Arches, where kids and adults alike can explore the arches up close and personal. After exploring, hike around the south side of South Window Arch and follow the trail that swings northward along the Windows formation then around the north side of North Window Arch and back to the parking area. The total distance of this relaxed hike is about one mile.

Next locate the Double Arch Trailhead and hike northward from the parking area for about a half mile to the massive Double Arch feature. The gigantic rocks provide some shady areas on a hot day and kids will go hog wild scrambling around the rocks. Return to the parking area and drive back to the Main Park Road near Balanced Rock then turn right to continue the driving adventure. Cruise northward for about nine miles to where the road ends at Devils Garden, featuring some picnic tables and shady junipers for a lunch break.

After lunch if you still have a hankering for hiking, the Double O Arch trail heads northward from Devils Garden and is about 4.25 miles out and back with about 750 feet elevation gain. When exiting the park, try to leave time to enjoy a leisurely drive back to the visitor center, with the return route revealing different angles and appearances of the surrounding formations.

---

Joe LaFleur is a hiking enthusiast that hits the trails weekly. He has successfully summited over 150 unique 13ers and 14ers in Colorado. Contact Joe with questions or feedback at joe@betterbirdwatching.com. Hiking is great exercise but can be hazardous. Always be sure to plan well, check the weather, bring a printed map, tell someone where and when you are going and contact them n you return safely.

---

BOX

PARK: Arches National Park

BEST TIMES TO VISIT: March through November

TRAILS: Windows, Double Arch

LENGTH: About 2.25 total miles on relatively flat terrain

DIFFICULTY: Easy

NOTES: Summer days can get quite hot, above 100 degrees. Stop at the Visitor Center to pickup a helpful map/brochure of the area.