Arch Trail

​

Located within the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve, the Arch Trail is a short 1.5 miles, but gives hikers the opportunity to see amazing sandstone formations, as well as the impressive arches for which it is named. With a mostly flat rocky, yet sandyterrain, with the exception of one difficult sandy climb, this hiking trail is ideal for the most family members, although strollers are not allowed. For the best trip, go early in the day or late in the afternoon to avoid the heat. It also provides a wonderful spot for breathtaking views and photos of the sun setting in the background.

Getting to Arch Trail

​The Arch Trail is easily accessible from the Sand Cove trailhead parking area right off Babylon Road. Simply take the Flicker Trail for 0.2 miles, head along the jeep road on the right for an additional 0.4 miles to reach the primitive Sand Cove camp area. (If you drive a high clearance vehicle with 4WD, you have the option of driving directly to the camp area using the jeep road and parking within the cove.)

What to Expect

​The start of Arch Trail is denoted by a trail sign and the trail is well marked throughout your hike.As you follow along the winding trail through a rocky drainage area, you will be amazed by the spectacular red rock formations that are essentially everywhere. Opportunities for great photos are all over the place, but many people love to pose under the small arch that stands alone approximately one mile into the hike. The trail slowly descends through a gorgeous array of sandstone formations, including some that have outstanding layered wave formations. Continue the trail until it dead ends onto a high promontory that looks down over the Virgin River, another ideal place for plenty of photos. You can follow the same route back or opt to use the alternative route that is located about 20 yards east of the arch. (This route is not marked, but it does provide a more gradual slope making it easier to return to the upper area and the starting point of the trail.)

Possible Difficulties

​For the most part, the Arch Trail is an easy hike, although it can get hot during the dry summer months, so be certain to put on sunscreen and bring plenty of water. By far, the area that may prove to be the most challenging for some hikers is the short, steep sand slope that is situated directly north of the arch. Although, this is a rather strenuous descend, a ridge to the west of the sand slope offers a great view of the distant arch belowthat you will want to check out. The total elevation change from one end to the other is 420 feet.

​If you are heading to southern Utah, there is no reason not to stop at the Red Cliff Desert Reserve. In addition to the short, relatively easy hike along the Arch Trail, there are plenty of other opportunities for great hikes with views that are both impressive and unique.

About ½ mile down the trail, visitors will find a small but beautiful stand-alone arch that is a popular photo site.  Another half mile will take visitors down to the Virgin River where the trail ends.  A short, steep slope with deep sand immediately north of the arch can be a little challenging to some hikers returning to the parking area, especially in hot, dry summer months. An unsigned, alternate return route exists about 20 yards east of the arch that allows a more gradual climb through partly sandy soils to get back up to the  main trail back to the start.  Otherwise, the Arch trail is not particularly difficult and is suitable for most families.

Map