On our Utah road trips, we almost always roll into Moab late in the day. After a long drive, we’re not quite ready to dive into a big hike, but we are itching to get into the park. That’s when we head straight for Park Avenue. It’s become a tradition for us: check into our place, drop the bags, and drive into Arches just in time for that golden late-afternoon light.

Park Avenue is the perfect warm-up hike. It’s short, scenic, and never crowded the way some of the more popular trails are. You won’t see any arches here, but what you do get is a stunning canyon corridor flanked by towering monoliths, those massive sandstone formations with names like Courthouse Towers, The Three Gossips, and The Organ.

Find more maps and resources for Arches National Park here.

What to Expect on the Trail

The trail is .9 miles one way. It starts with a descent of about 300 feet from the parking area, which gives you the sense that you’re walking right into the set of a Western movie. You’re literally descending into a canyon of stone giants.

The hike is relatively easy. It’s mostly flat once you’re down in the wash, and the terrain is manageable for most people. What we love about it is how quickly you feel immersed in the landscape. One minute you’re in the parking lot, and the next you’re in this incredible desert environment.

There are two trailheads really, one at each end. Some people arrange to be dropped off at the top and picked up at the other end by the Courthouse Towers Viewpoint to make it a one-way hike. We usually just hike down and back up. The return climb is short, but enough of a challenge to make up for sitting in the car most of the day.

A Trail That’s All About Mood and Light

What makes Park Avenue special isn’t just the geology. It’s the atmosphere, especially in the late afternoon. One time we hiked the trail in early fall around 5:00 PM, and the golden-hour light transformed everything. The warm sun lit up the tops of the walls in deep reds and oranges, and the shadows made the rock formations even more dramatic. It’s one of our favorite short hikes in the national parks.

It’s a little odd, despite being right near the entrance of the park, Park Avenue doesn’t get a lot of attention. Most people drive right past it on their way to the arches. But if you’ve got an hour and want to ease into your Arches visit, this trail is a gem.

Good to Know

• Distance: 1.8 miles out-and-back
• Elevation Change:  about 300 feet
• Trailhead: The first parking area you come to on the left after you pass the Visitor Center and are headed into the park on the scenic drive. It’s labeled.
• Time of Day: Late afternoon is our favorite, it’s ideal for photography and cooler temps
• Pro Tip: Bring water, and don’t forget your phone or camera. The lighting makes a huge difference here.

Park Avenue may not have any arches, but it’s a beautiful, dramatic, and easy introduction to Arches National Park. For us, it’s the start of our adventure every time we visit Moab.

If your Arches National Park plans include hiking to Delicate Arch, check out our of blog post: Hiking to Delicate Arch in Arches National Park.