Hiking the Park Avenue Trail in Arches National Park

The Park Avenue Trail is one of the most visually stunning and easily accessible hikes in Arches National Park. Named for its resemblance to a grand urban corridor lined with skyscrapers, this trail takes you through a towering canyon of sandstone walls and massive rock formations that seem to rise straight out of the desert floor. Whether you are short on time or looking for a peaceful introduction to the park’s grandeur, Park Avenue delivers unforgettable scenery with minimal effort.

Trail Overview

• Distance: 1.8 miles round trip

• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

• Elevation Gain: Approximately 300 feet

• Estimated Time: 45 minutes to 1.5 hours

• Trail Type: Out and Back or One Way with Shuttle

Getting to the Trailhead

The Park Avenue Trailhead is located just 2.5 miles from the Arches National Park entrance. After passing the visitor center and climbing the initial switchbacks on the park road, look for the clearly marked parking area on your left. There is ample space for cars and RVs, and the views begin the moment you step out of your vehicle.

Some hikers prefer to hike one way from Park Avenue to Courthouse Towers Viewpoint (or vice versa) and use two vehicles to shuttle. Others hike out and back to enjoy the views from both directions.

Hiking the Park Avenue Trail

The hike begins with a short set of rock stairs that descend from the trailhead into a dramatic canyon. Once you are on the valley floor, the trail winds through towering sandstone walls, monolithic spires, and sculpted rock formations that seem to change shape as the light moves across the sky.

Along the way, you will pass by some of the most famous formations in the park, including the Courthouse Towers, Three Gossips, The Organ, and the Tower of Babel. Interpretive signs along the route offer insight into the geology, erosion, and history of this remarkable landscape.

The wide, sandy trail is easy to follow and mostly flat after the initial descent. The scenery is immersive, with sheer cliffs rising hundreds of feet on either side and the La Sal Mountains occasionally visible in the distance. It is an ideal trail for early morning or late afternoon when shadows stretch across the canyon floor and the colors of the rock are at their most vibrant.

Best Time to Hike

The best times to hike the Park Avenue Trail are early in the morning or near sunset. These times offer cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, and the most dramatic lighting for photography. Spring and fall provide the most comfortable hiking weather, while winter offers solitude and crisp air. Summer hikes should begin early to avoid the midday heat.

What to Bring

• One liter of water per person

• Sun protection, including sunscreen and a hat

• Sturdy walking shoes or lightweight hiking boots

• Camera or smartphone for photos

• Optional trekking poles for the rocky stairs at the beginning

Safety and Preservation

Although this trail is considered easy, the initial descent and final climb back out can be slippery, especially after rain. Watch your footing on slickrock and always stay on the marked trail. As with all trails in Arches National Park, practice Leave No Trace by carrying out all trash and avoiding contact with delicate rock surfaces.

Climbing on rock formations is prohibited to protect both hikers and the fragile sandstone environment.

Nearby Attractions

The Park Avenue Trail is just the beginning of what Arches has to offer. After your hike, consider visiting nearby viewpoints including La Sal Mountains Viewpoint, Courthouse Towers, and Balanced Rock. With a full day to explore, you can continue on to hike Windows Loop, Double Arch, or Delicate Arch.

A Perfect Introduction to Arches National Park

The Park Avenue Trail is a must for first time visitors and a favorite for repeat adventurers. It is a trail that delivers dramatic views, peaceful walking, and a sense of wonder in less than two miles. Whether you hike it as a warm up to bigger trails or make it your main outing, Park Avenue offers a timeless experience in the heart of Arches National Park.