The Double Arch collapsed in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area in southern Utah on Thursday, August 8, 2024 — but you can visit another one which is still intact.
Double Arch Collapsed — But You Can Visit Another One. Photographs Included.
No fatalities or injuries were reported as a result of the collapse of the geologic feature known as Double Arch, which has also been referred to as the Toilet Bowl, Crescent Pool, and Hole in the Roof.
“Double Arch was formed from 190-million-year-old Navajo sandstone originating in the late Triassic to early Jurassic periods”, according to this official statement from the National Park Service of the United States. “Since formation, this fine-grained sand feature has been subject to spalling and erosion from weather, wind, and rain. Changing water levels and erosion from wave action is suspected of contributing to the ultimate collapse of the arch.”
The cause of the collapse of the popular natural formation was unknown at the time this article was written.
Double Arch at Arches National Park
I happened to visit Double Arch in Arches National Park during a snow squall by walking on the trail, which is only a quarter mile from the parking lot. The trail is level; so no hills need to be negotiated — but the trail is comprised of loose sand. I cannot imagine that would be any worse than snow on top of it, which was not difficult at all. Pets, motorcycles, and bicycles are not permitted on the trail.
The time I visited Arches National Park was in December; but the snow not only did not deter me — it actually added a different dimension to the natural beauty of the site.
Double Arch has also been known as Double Windows, Twinbow Bridges, and the Jug Handles.
The larger opening of the Double Arch is the highest in Arches National Park at a height of 112 feet or 33 meters. Its span is 144 feet — or 49 meters — in length, which is the third longest arch in the park. The smaller opening is 67 feet wide by 86 feet high, or 20 meters wide by 26 meters high.
The trail leads visitors to underneath the arch, where its beauty can be appreciated from different angles.
Final Boarding Call
With greater than 2,000 documented arches in Arches National Park, Double Arch is hardly the only interesting natural feature found there.
I was confused at first because the natural feature which collapsed was located in Glen Canyon National Park. I was sorry to learn of the collapse; but at least the Double Arch in Arches National Park is still intact.
As Double Arch is located approximately 11.9 miles north northeast from the main entrance to Arches National Park, prepare to spend at least 25 minutes driving to the site — or longer if visiting on a day during a time when the park is more popular, as the roads are only two lanes wide.
Arches National Park is open 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Prepare to spend at least one day there if you plan on visiting. I spent at least a day and a half at Arches National Park.
Arches National Park
P.O. Box 907
Moab, Utah 84532
435-719-2299
Credit cards are accepted.
All Weekly Passes are valid for seven days.
Weekly passes are non-transferable and are valid for seven consecutive days — including the date of purchase. Weekly passes may be upgraded to annual passes within seven days of purchase.
- Private Vehicle: $30.00. Admits private, non-commercial vehicle with a maximum capacity of 15 passengers and all occupants.
- Motorcycle: $25.00. Admits one non-commercial motorcycle.
- Per Person: $15.00. Admits one individual with no car. This weekly pass is typically used for bicyclists, hikers, and pedestrians. Youth 15 years of age and younger are admitted free of charge.
- Non-Commercial Organized Groups. Organized groups such as Scouts, Rotary, Clubs, Youth Groups, Churches, Reunions, etc. that do not qualify for an Academic Fee Waiver are charged as follows:
- $30.00 Admits private, non-commercial vehicle with a maximum capacity of 15 passengers.
- $15.00 per person for non-commercial vehicles with a minimum capacity of 16 passengers. Fees will not exceed the commercial fee for the same-sized vehicle. Youth 15 years of age and younger are admitted free of charge. Individuals or families with any valid Annual or Lifetime pass may use their pass for entry at the per person rate. The pass and photographic identification must be present upon entry.
Please refer to the National Parks of Utah and Colorado: Itinerary and Master Guide article — which is still a work in progress — for links to other articles at The Gate With Brian Cohen which pertain to the national parks of Utah and Colorado.
All photographs ©2020 by Brian Cohen.
