The hike to Landscape Arch is definitely worth your while. It is approximately 1.5 miles round trip and is rated easy to hike. This hike is perfect for families of all ages as the trail is paved, wide, and level. The Arch lies at the end of the Devil’s Garden Trail. The Devil’s Garden area is host to many beautiful arches and is located at the top of Arches National Park. It’s trailhead, ending at Landscape Arch, is a beautifully paved and wide open trail. Not many trails in the Arches region are as easy to hike as the Devil’s Garden Trailhead. While on the trailhead, visitors can break off on another trail that extends to the Primitive Loop which provides access to many other amazing natural structures and sites in the area.

Not long ago there was a short trail that passed directly underneath Landscape Arch. This was an incredibly stunning way to get up close and personal with the beautiful structure. However, due to the natural erosion process causing chunks to fall from the arch, visitors are no longer allowed to use the trail. However, this fragile, delicate-looking arch can be just as astounding when viewed from the main trailhead and viewing area.

While Landscape Arch is a definite reason to visit Arches National Park, there are many other lesser, yet beautiful, arches to be explored on your venture up to Landscape Arch. The Spur Trail is a little trail that takes you to two lesser known arches. This trail is located a few hundred feet off of the Devil’s Garden Trail and brings you to Pine Tree Arch and Tunnel Arch, depending on the fork you take.

Many other arches you can visit on your hike up to Landscape Arch include Private Arch, Partition Arch, Navajo Arch, Wall Arch, Double O Arch, the Dark Angel Pinnacle and more. The Primitive Loop takes you to all of these spectacular arches.

Landscape Arch is the largest arch in the entire world and therefore it is rightfully famous. Visitors from all parts of the world travel to Arches National Park to feast their eyes on the beauty of Landscape Arch. It is worth visiting and taking the quick and easy hike to snap a few breathtaking pictures.

Paradise Rim

The day started out early and even though there were still a lot of clouds in the sky, it was obvious it was going to be a great day for hiking. I have personally spent a lot of time hiking various trails throughout the United States and I had always had a desire to hike trails in Southern Utah. More specifically, I had heard a lot about the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve and I wanted to have a chance to see it for myself. Therefore, I made the decision to quit putting things off and finally make the trip. I went with a group of friends and we decided to make a real trip out of it. Our goal was to eventually reach Beck Hill but we were open to any type of adventure that would come along the way.

There are many things about the entire Paradise Rim area that intrigue me. We started out on the south side of the trail and made the decision to hike all way to the north end because the entire trail is just over a mile in length. However, I did not fully understand that there are many trails that loop into it so in reality, we really wound up spending several hours hiking the different areas. Overall, we found that the trail was not too hard to hike but there were definitely some parts that had their fair share of challenges. There are some mild elevation changes although there was nothing too spectacular and the trail itself is hard packed, enough that we even saw people riding dirt bikes out there. This does make it a lot easier to walk on when compared to some other trails that we had previously hiked.

One of the best things about several of the locations in the area are the scenic overlooks. I was definitely not prepared to fully appreciate the view of the metropolitan area that exists from the trails, but once I got there I found it to be absolutely breathtaking. The trail itself did not change in elevation all that much, but there are many steep drop offs right on the edge so it provides for a spectacular view and it is also enough to make sure that you pay attention to what you are doing the entire time. I would definitely not want to go off one of those cliffs.

All in all, this is definitely a trail system that I would recommend for anyone else that has done any hiking before, even those who are relatively inexperienced. We were able to complete the hike of the main trail in just over an hour but then we branched off and spent the majority of the day looking at connecting trails and simply wandering around the area. There are a lot spectacular views that we were able to enjoy. We decided to make the hike in the spring and even though we were in the desert, there were a lot of beautiful spring flowers that were growing in various locations. This gave the whole desert a pop of color that I really did not expect to see. It was definitely a welcome sight and it added to the joy of the entire experience.

Map

Gallery

Let us speak to the adventurer in you, as we tell you about the 1.5 mile Sand Cove Trailhead Hike.

Located just outside of Leeds, Utah, off of the Babylon Road, and three miles south of it’s intersection with the towns Main street. The trail’s beginning can be found just one and a half miles from the northern boundary of the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve, at the Sand Cove Trailhead parking area.

From here hikers will trek down a short eighth of a mile trail, while following the ATV trail, (Jeep Road) to the right for nearly a half mile. At this point the outdoorsman/woman within in you can really begin to jump with joy. At the end of this half mile trail, you will find a primitive off-the-grid camping area where you can rest, enjoy a warming fire, or spend an enchanted night under the Utah sky. For those of you with high-clearance ATV’s, you can simply drive directly to the camping area! But, watch out for the explorers that will be on foot!

Trail signs will mark the beginning of your journey down the infamous Arch trail. Twisting, turning and winding through natural rocky drainage and divine red rock deposits, along with some sandy sections. Within just a mile of the trails beginning you will come to the stand-alone naturally formed arch. You will want to be sure to have your camera handy as this is a sight that you will not want to forget, and will likely find difficult not to feel the desire to share with your friends and family.

Don’t stop there though. Another half mile of hiking will take you down the charming Virgin River, to where the trail comes to a halt. To some, this is the point where it really comes to be the most challenging and enjoyable. Looking around, you will see a lofty slope with a thick layer of sand covering it. If you should so choose. There is no shame in turning around and heading back to the camping or parking area as so many hike do so often.

Upon the retreat if you would like to experience the expedition through a more moderate climb. Located about twenty yards from the familiar arch, is an unmarked trail, that is fitting for adventurers of all skill levels. Leading you through some of the parks less sandy areas, it will lead you back up to the beginning of the trail at the parking area.

This trail, in its entirety, is fun for everyone. Whether you are new to hiking or a seasoned veteran, completing this trail is most certainly within your capability. In fact, bring the whole family along and make it a fun and memorable trip that can be held, and cherished for many years to come.

Map