Windows

Windows

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Section of Arches National Park that is home to juniper forest, collections of eroded sandstone formations and famous arches.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles545 reviews
Excellent
387
Very good
145
Average
12
Poor
1
Terrible
0

AlpinerHut
Chantilly, VA1,202 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2021
A one-mile trail rated Easy that takes you to three spectacular arches?

Yes, please.

You have a choice, but I recommend hiking first to Turret Arch (see my review, "Three attractions in one") because from there you can get a nice photo of the North Window and South Window arches in the same frame!

The Windows arches are unique because they're an example of two arches forming in one sandstone fin.

TIP:

* Don't forget to visit Double Arch while you're here (see my review, "Double the fun"). It's just across the parking lot from the Windows area. The first parking lot you come to here is the one closest to North Window, South Window and Turret Arch. You might want to repark in the second lot when you're ready to hike to Double Arch. You'll save footsteps -- but risk losing a parking spot!
Written November 6, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Grover R
Pensacola, FL22,545 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2023 • Couples
The Windows are one of the premier arches that you need to see on your visit. They are a pair of arches in the same fin but they are some of the larger arches in the park. The way they sit on top of a ridge in the park allows them to be seen across the park. Additionally, the two aches side by side create the appearance that the fin is the rim for a set of glasses. When you step away from the arches you can see what they call the Spectacles. There is a trail that goes around the Windows and I suggest you hike this for the best view of the Spectacles. Also take the time to walk into the arches and under them as the size of the opening is impressive here. This is one of the arches that is a signature sight for the park and Must See.
Written June 9, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Ashley Mantras
Murrieta, CA112 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2019
We were told to head up to the Windows to get great vistas for an easy hike. We weren't wanting to do Delicate based off what we had hiked that week and wanted to keep it safe. The Windows were beautiful, so many arches in one small circle hike that we all were able to do.

I recommend this hike for all levels, while it was crowded it fanned out so we were never right on top of each other. Arches is also very popular so parking filled up quickly, make sure to get there early for a spot. The restrooms were clean despite the lines too.

We didn't find a good place to picnic so we headed back down to the visitor's center.
Written February 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

mtzennmaster
Kapolei, HI1,527 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2022
Fabulous views from the "Windows" trail. Easily see a half dozen arches of various sizes. But the South Window and the North Window are the main attractions on this side of the loop trail. Be aware that there are some steps and good shoes with a decent tread are really nice to have. Some parts of the trail and steps can have a very thin "dusting" of loose sand that can be very slippery, so pay attention to the trail and avoid walking with your eye on your camera or phone. It is incredibly hard not to walk and focus on the arches and the vistas, so take your time, stop and scope out yet another amazing view... click, click
Written May 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

BruinDan
Fullerton, CA3,341 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2020
One of the reasons the Windows section of Arches National Park is attractive for many visitors is that you can see several beautiful arches with relatively little effort; they require walks rather than arduous hikes to get there. However, for those of you who prefer a short hike, taking the Primitive Trail portion of the Windows Loop can reap the benefits of light foot traffic and excellent views.

To reach The Windows Section from the Arches NP Visitor Center, drive 9.5 mi/15.3 km up the main road (0.3 mi/0.5 km past Balanced Rock) and turn right right at the sign directing you to the Windows Section. Drive an additional 2.5 mi/4.0 km to the loop at the end of the road where the parking area for the trailhead is located. NOTE that this is a very popular trailhead, so arrive early if you want a parking spot.

The initial approach to these arches is often crowded, as the North and South Windows are immediately visible from the trailhead; your view improves greatly as the trail rises gently toward them. You'll reach the first of two spurs for Turret Arch (worth a closer look), then another spur for the North Window. Shortly thereafter you’ll reach the South Window and second Turret Arch spur; from there you can embark on the primitive loop segment No signs mark this transition, but the trail intuitively continues counter-clockwise around the greater Windows Arch formation to its backside. As the crowds disappear, a trail will appear and you’ll start seeing cairns that mark the way.

If you look north from the trail, you’ll get excellent views of the Arches NP backcountry. NOTE that the best time to take photos of the Windows from the Primitive Trail is in the morning, when the light shines directly on the formation. Trail itself is “primitive” only in the sense that it’s not paved. It’s not too long (including the paved section, it’s a 1.2 mi/1.9 km loop) nor is it overly strenuous (a 170 ft/51.8 m elevation gain). There is just a little bit of mild scrambling near the end as you traverse the rock-sand path that curls back to the trailhead and parking area; I’m in my mid-60s with poor eyesight and was able to manage it with little problem.

So if you’re already wearing your hiking shoes, invest a little extra time to take the Primitive Trail and gain an additional perspective on these unique arch formations.
Written November 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

GreggMS
Grand Rapids, MI660 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2021
The Windows section was one of our highlights. The lower and upper windows along with the Turret Arch are all right next to each other. The hikes are easy and you can visit all 3 arches and take plenty of pictures in an hour. A must do while visiting Arches.
Written May 27, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Cris H
Pittsburgh, PA902 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2024 • Solo
It's difficult to enjoy the windows now with so many people climbing on them all the time. It was crowded, difficult to find a parking spot and hard to enjoy the beauty when everyone was trying to climb them to find the best picture for the 'gram. I'd skip it or view it from a distance instead of hiking up close now.
Written October 12, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

TravelingSoccerLoon
Saint Paul, MN7,991 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2020
Arrived in the early morning 30 minutes after sunrise to avoid the crowds that build here throughout the day given the easy accessibility with a short easy walk from the parking lot. Sun was still low in the sky making for cool views of North Window. What really made the experience was walking the primitive trail from just beyond South Window which loops around the back side of the arches providing outstanding views of both North And South Window especially in the early morning light and explaining why The Spectacles are a good nickname. The primitive trail was a bit difficult to find but once on it, I could easily follow the rock cairns. I was the only one walking the trail on an early Monday morning in late August. Made the whole experience pretty special.
Written September 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

DLP
New Jersey3,988 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2023 • Family
The Windows is across from Double Arches and access is easy from either parking lot. It is a grand sight. You can see it from the overlook or venture onto the hiking trail to get a closer look, but this trail is not as maintained as the Double arch, so if you have time for only one, then you may want to consider not doing this one, however if you can do both it is worth the experience.
Written July 22, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

NatParkLove
Peoria, IL1,923 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2020
I'd recommend coming here early as the trail does get busy (and hot). It's a loop and we did it clockwise, going first to North Window. There is a bit of elevation gain and stairs, but not too difficult at all. North Window was the busiest, but people were respectful of letting you get a photo in front of it without standing in the way. I'd recommend walking up and looking through the window at an amazing view of the park.

Next is South Window and finally Turret Arch if you walk the way we did. All are gorgeous and you can get up nice and close for photos. There are vault toilets in the parking area and another hike on the other side of the parking lot you can do to another arch.
Written July 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Windows - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2025)

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