This is an easy, short hike. It can be done as an out-and-back starting at either the Park Avenue Viewpoint (south end) or the Courthouse Tower view point (north end). If you have two vehicles, you could do a one-way, point-to-point hike as well, but honestly, it is only two miles so why make it so complicated. Besides, I always like getting the return perspective by retracing my steps to the starting point. The trail generally runs downhill from south to north (the high point is at the Park Avenue view point, with the steepest part being the section from the viewing platform down the steps to the slickrock base). We’ve walked this trail in part or in its entirety a few times over the years. During our 2014 visit, our plan was to just take in the vista from the Park Avenue view point, but due to the throngs of folks at the view point we decided to take a walk and get away from the masses. We did not walk the entire length of the trail this time, opting to stop just past where the east wall of Park Avenue ends. This gave us nice views of the four formations at the north end of the trail: the Gossips, Sheep Rock, Tower of Babel and The Organ. There were also a few puddles in the slickrock in this area to add some photographic interest with reflections of the sandstone monoliths. But all along the trial are nice views of the sandstone walls, fins and spires from which Park Avenue derives its name. The area does have some resemblance to a city street lined with large buildings. But I still see a connection to ancient Egypt, particularly when taking in the vista from the south. Sure, there is Nefertiti’s head posed high on the west wall, but also the spire at the far end puts me in mind of a stylized cat. Hey, I call them like I see them. Regardless, it is a lovely view and worth the stop, even if you don’t make the hike. We were there right around noon, so the light was harsh on this blue-sky day. Mid to late morning is said to be the best for photos, and I think that is about right. But the views were still great even if the pictures were a little washed-out. At this time of day, the trail is completely drenched in sun, so even though it is a short hike, be prepared for the conditions (hat, sunscreen, water, etc.).

Hiking/Backpacking

Arches National Park, Moab, Utah, hiking, OhioHick

Utah, United States

time : Sep 22, 2014 11:39 AM

duration : 0h 50m 53s

distance : 1.4 mi

total_ascent : 719 ft

highest_point : 4553 ft

avg_speed : N/A

user_id : OhioHick

user_firstname : Allen

user_lastname : Arrington

This is an easy, short hike. It can be done as an out-and-back starting at either the Park Avenue Viewpoint (south end) or the Courthouse Tower view point (north end). If you have two vehicles, you could do a one-way, point-to-point hike as well, but honestly, it is only two miles so why make it so complicated. Besides, I always like getting the return perspective by retracing my steps to the starting point. The trail generally runs downhill from south to north (the high point is at the Park Avenue view point, with the steepest part being the section from the viewing platform down the steps to the slickrock base). We’ve walked this trail in part or in its entirety a few times over the years. During our 2014 visit, our plan was to just take in the vista from the Park Avenue view point, but due to the throngs of folks at the view point we decided to take a walk and get away from the masses. We did not walk the entire length of the trail this time, opting to stop just past where the east wall of Park Avenue ends. This gave us nice views of the four formations at the north end of the trail: the Gossips, Sheep Rock, Tower of Babel and The Organ. There were also a few puddles in the slickrock in this area to add some photographic interest with reflections of the sandstone monoliths. But all along the trial are nice views of the sandstone walls, fins and spires from which Park Avenue derives its name. The area does have some resemblance to a city street lined with large buildings. But I still see a connection to ancient Egypt, particularly when taking in the vista from the south. Sure, there is Nefertiti’s head posed high on the west wall, but also the spire at the far end puts me in mind of a stylized cat. Hey, I call them like I see them. Regardless, it is a lovely view and worth the stop, even if you don’t make the hike. We were there right around noon, so the light was harsh on this blue-sky day. Mid to late morning is said to be the best for photos, and I think that is about right. But the views were still great even if the pictures were a little washed-out. At this time of day, the trail is completely drenched in sun, so even though it is a short hike, be prepared for the conditions (hat, sunscreen, water, etc.).