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.

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I love to go hiking and having a chance to explore regions of America that I have yet to see. Southern Utah has some of the most beautiful hiking areas that I have ever seen and I thoroughly enjoyed having the opportunity to hike each one of these trails at every opportunity. The great thing about the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve is that there is really something for everyone. Throughout the various trails, you can enjoy hiking, riding a dirt bike or riding a horse. It really comes down to your own personal preferences and how much adventure you want to put in your day.

Typically, I enjoy having an opportunity to hike into an area but I knew that this particular trail was going to be a real challenge for me to do it alone. I was interested in going to the Elephant Arch Trail and having the opportunity to examine the Elephant Arch itself at the end of the trail. This is located in the Mill Creek region and it is particularly sandy, making it fairly difficult for people to hike through. In addition, the trail is approximately 2 1/2 miles long so it can become rather laborious walking through such deep, loose sand for so long.

As a result, I made the decision to examine the rock formations on horseback. This is one of the best trails in the area for anyone that is riding a horse because that same sandy surface that makes it so difficult for a person to walk along the trail is excellent for equestrian activity. It was a relatively cool day so I was not worried about putting too much stress on the horse by asking it to take me the entire length of the trail and back. Generally speaking, the whole trip can be completed on horseback in just a couple of hours but I made the decision to take a little longer because I really wanted to take in the sites.

Once I reached the Elephant Arch I had the chance to simply stop and enjoy my surroundings for a while. I took a number of photographs and enjoyed taking it all in before I made the decision to head back. This was one of the most rewarding experiences that I have had in quite some time and it is certainly one of the most beautiful trails that I have ever traveled. I would definitely make the decision to do it all over again. Having said that, I would probably decide to stick with completing the trail on horseback a second time as opposed to walking it myself. The exception would be after a decent rain because in the days immediately thereafter, the soft sand is packed a little harder. This makes it a lot easier to walk on the trail.

Although this particular trail is one that I prefer to complete by riding a horse, it does make an excellent way to get in some good physical fitness if you want to walk the trail. The added level of work that you have to do to get through it is a great way to stay in shape, so if you are looking for something like that, this may be the way to go. Personally, my soul purpose for taking the trail was to have an adventure and look at the rock formations so I simply wanted to enjoy the day. In truth, the day was even better than I had hoped it would be.

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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.

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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.

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