Jeep Arch, situated simply outdoors of Moab, Utah, is a putting pure sandstone formation named for its resemblance to the define of a basic Jeep. Perched excessive above Culvert Canyon, the arch spans roughly 66 ft and provides sweeping views of the encompassing crimson rock panorama, together with glimpses of Arches Nationwide Park, the La Sal Mountains, Amasa Again, and extra. The hike to Jeep Arch, also referred to as Gold Bar Arch, entails a passage by a culvert, a climb over slickrock, and a few minor route-finding, but it surely rewards hikers with solitude, dramatic surroundings, and a singular perspective on the excessive desert terrain.
Trailhead elevation 3,980′
Do not miss the views of Arches Nationwide Park and the La Sals from the bottom of Jeep Arch
Mountain climbing to Jeep Arch
I am again in Moab for the afternoon and determine to lastly try Jeep Arch—one of many few arches outdoors Arches Nationwide Park that I’ve someway missed over time. After grabbing a fast chunk on the town, I head down Potash Street. About half a mile previous the Corona and Bowtie Arch Trailhead, I attain the unmarked parking space and pull over to begin the hike.
The path begins by passing by a big culvert reduce right into a steep hillside.
It’s an uncommon begin, however as soon as I’m by, I climb up the opposite aspect and comply with the close by Union Pacific rails alongside the Kane Creek Department for a brief stretch.
Quickly, the route shifts onto a large slickrock plateau. Inexperienced blazes painted onto the slickrock assist information me by Culvert Canyon, the place the panorama opens up with towering Navajo Sandstone cliffs and scattered desert vegetation. The path is usually straightforward to comply with, although I do examine my map a few occasions simply to remain on observe.
After a few mile, I attain a signed path junction and take the left fork. Somewhat farther alongside, I climb a steep slope between a tall spire and a large sandstone fin.
On the high, cairns paved the way throughout extra slickrock. Ultimately, Jeep Arch comes into view off to the fitting—named for its resemblance to the silhouette of a Jeep.
I make my manner up a brief sandstone ledge and step contained in the arch simply because the skies are beginning to clear. From right here, the views are unbelievable to the south, with wide-open canyon nation stretching for miles.
Because the skies clear, the solar reveals itself, casting its heat gentle on the east aspect of the 66-foot-wide arch. I’ve acquired the place to myself, so I hang around for some time, soaking within the views and the quiet.
On the best way again, I end the lollipop loop across the bottom of the arch, which supplies me one other perspective of the La Sals and the distant define of Arches Nationwide Park. The return hike south towards the trailhead is simply as scenic, with night gentle softening the desert round me. Nearing the trailhead, I am greeted with a lovely view of the Colorado River and a view that stretches eternally.
Again on the trailhead, I hop within the truck and make my technique to Kings Backside Campground, trying ahead to the following few days of exploring Bears Ears Nationwide Monument. The night involves a detailed studying just a few dozen pages of David Day’s Canyonlands Nationwide Park Favourite Jeep Roads & Mountain climbing Trails, a guide that by no means appears to go away my aspect.
