Ultimate Sand Dune Arch Trail Guide: Arches National Park

If you’ve been planning a trip to Arches, you’ve probably heard of Delicate Arch, but still feel clueless about other options, including the Sand Dune Arch Trail. I still remember the first time we took our kids to Sand Dune Arch and within inutes they were rolling around in the soft sand and playing with their toys under the towering rock walls. If you’re looking for a memorable, easy hike in Arches, this is it. In this guide, I’ll break down all you need to know to enjoy this hike to the fullest.

Key Takeaways

What is Sand Dune Arch?

Three people stand beneath the stunning sandstone arch at Sand Dune Arch Trail in Arches National Park. They pose playfully on the soft, reddish sand, with towering rock formations curving overhead. The smooth, weathered rock contrasts with the bright clothing of the hikers, adding to the scene's dramatic beauty.

Tucked near the back of the main road in Arches National Park, this is a short hike perfect for those who like a little adventure but may not have the time or stamina for a long hike.

It is only 0.3 miles out and back with easy difficulty. It is my #1 recommended hike at Arches for littles because of the ease and entertainment value.

It is closer to the “back” of the park and is great to visit any time of day. I recommend saving it for after one or two larger hikes as a chance for everyone to relax and recover.

QUICK FACTS

Length: 0.3 miles out and back
Location: 16 miles from the visitor center via the main park road
Parking: 30 spots, plus two accessible spots
Best for: Families, kids, beginner hikers
Highlights: Soft sand, shady, short & fun!
Extra tip: Bring sand toys & a blanket for kids

Why make Sand Dune Arch a Priority

This is the best short hike in Arches and is perfect for families, beginner hikers, or anyone who wants to experience a unique side of Arches National Park without a lengthy trek.

There are several features that set this hike apart from the others:

It is one of the few spots in the park where you’ll find natural shade, thanks to the surrounding rock walls.
Soft sand is perfect for kids who love to dig and explore.
A narrow rock passageway leads to the arch, giving the area an exclusive, tucked-away feel.
While it can still get crowded, many people come and go quickly so you can enjoy a few moments of quiet too.

If you’re road-tripping, check out this Salt Lake City to Arches guide to help plan your drive!

How difficult is it to hike at Sand Dune Arch?

Two children run through a narrow sandstone passage on the Sand Dune Arch Trail in Arches National Park. Towering rock walls enclose the sandy path, leading toward a sunlit opening framed by more red rock formations. The scene captures the adventure and wonder of exploring the park’s unique landscape.

While the trail is short, it is very sandy for most of the trail and the tight, uneven space where you do a little climb can be difficult for those with mobility issues. However, it is a short portion of the hike and worth a try for most. If you are unable to continue, turning around is easy and quick.

Those who need mobility aids like a cane or walker may not feel comfortable walking along the unsteady ground, and it is not wheelchair or stroller-friendly.

Little ones can easily navigate the trail, and it’s short enough that the youngest members of the family can be carried the short distance or ride in a backpack or carrier.

How Long to Spend at Sand Dune Arch

While it is still a popular attraction, most visitors only spend a few minutes there and then move on. If you are unable to find a parking spot right away, this quick turnover means you’re likely to snag a spot if you just wait a few minutes.

We had to drag our kids away after 30 minutes or so. If we had enough time, we could probably have spent up to an hour hanging out and playing.

If you want to extend your time in the area, instead of going straight to the parking lot, add on the Broken Arch Trail Loop for a less crowded, but still impressive hike within the park.

If you plan to add the extra trail, plan for 1.5-2 hours total in your itinerary.

If you are camping in Arches, you can also hike to the arch directly from the Devils Garden Campground. It’s between 1 and 1.5 miles one way to get to the arch from the campground and should take about 30-40 minutes to get there at a leisurely pace.

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What to Bring

A child in a burnt-orange hoodie and a baseball cap plays in the sandy terrain of Sand Dune Arch Trail in Arches National Park. They are scooping sand into a bright yellow bucket with a blue handle, with scattered beach toys nearby. Sunlight casts long shadows on the textured sand, highlighting footprints and ridges.

Sand toys: An easy-to-carry bucket with molds and shovels will entertain the kids for so long! We grabbed ours at Costco, but this one is great for travel – even if it’s on the small side.

Water: Make sure to have one of the best water bottles for travel to stay hydrated and consider bringing a spray bottle to keep cool and to wet the sand for better sand structures.

Blanket or stool: You can climb onto some nearby rock or plop down right in the sand, but this packable blanket will keep you a little less sandy and this portable stool might be more comfortable for those who don’t want to get up and down from the ground. I loved having the same stool to sit on just outside the tent when we were trying to take muddy shoes off as well!

Snacks: Even though it’s a short walk to the car, having some snacks will let you extend play time without dealing with hangry kids.

Layers: Because it is shaded most of the time, it can get chilly in spring, fall, and winter. Bringing even a light jacket like this packable one will help you feel much more comfortable.

Want more ideas for Arches? Check out my top recommendations for planning and prepping a trip to Arches.

Nearby Hikes & Attractions to Add to Your Itinerary

If you’re ready to explore more of Arches, several nearby hikes offer different levels of adventure. Whether you want an easy stroll, a moderate challenge, or a guided experience, here are some great options to add to your itinerary:

Broken Arch Trail: A scenic hike that takes you right under Broken Arch, which isn’t actually broken! You can either turn around at the arch or complete the full loop and get a glimpse of Tapestry Arch.
Skyline Arch: Explore from the Devils Garden Campground or from the short trail that begins from a pull-off less than a mile north of the Sand Dune Arch parking lot. It’s less than half a mile round trip, but does have a few steps at the beginning, so plan accordingly. Visitors can also see the arch from the road.
Devil’s Garden Trail: A great choice for most hikers because you can choose how far to explore. Many hikers turn around at Landscape Arch, but you can continue and explore the entire loop. Lots of parking, but it still fills up.
Fiery Furnace: This requires a permit, and it is recommended that first-timers reserve a ranger-guided tour. Guided tours are only operated seasonally. Many national parks now require reservations for at least some activities. Be sure to check out this guide to National Parks Requiring Reservations before you go.
* PLEASE NOTE: All permits to Fiery Furnace will be paused starting March 23, 2025 until further notice*

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a quick, fun, and easy hike for all ages, the Sand Dune Arch trail is your answer. It is a must-stop in Arches and is great for families and casual hikers.

Want to make the most of your Arches trip? Get a Custom Arches Itinerary, built just for you and tailored to your schedule and travel style! Whether you have one day or a full week, I’ll help you maximize your time and experience the best hikes, viewpoints, and hidden gems in the park. Click here to get your itinerary now!

If you’re interested in visiting even more parks, check out 5 Best National Parks for Beginners for easy, family-friendly options.