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DOUBLE ARCH CANYON
San Rafael Swell, Utah

 

DETAILS

Directions:

Drive west on US route 70 from Green River.  After about 16 miles, at mile marker 147, there is a dirt turn off.  Go down to the gate and open.  After driving through, be sure to close the gate again.  The access road to the trail head is the first left turn off this main dirt road.

Equipment:

  • water
  • camera
  • sturdy hiking shoes

Hike Info:

The trail is not marked with signage.  Take the trail parallel to the Swell from the parking area.

Double Arch Canyon is located in to the northern section of San Rafael Swell (north of US 70).  The trail head is at the mouth of a dry wash in a shaded area, rare for this area.  From the parking area, there are two trails.  The one straight into a vegetated area is a dead end.  Follow the trail to the left, that parallels the cliffs of San Rafael Swell ( this is the same trail to reach Petroglyph Canyon).  The trail will gradually round a corner and enter a dry wash.  Cross the wash and ascend a steep hill with the wash on the right.  The trail traverse above the wash until it makes a right turn back toward the wash.  Keep right and follow into a box canyon.  High on the left side of the canyon wall is a small arch that looks more like a sliver and another larger oval arch just below it.  They are small and can easily be missed.  The arches are also referred to as “Spirit Arch.”

 

 

Return the way you came.  You can also add a side trip to another shallow box canyon to see some petroglyphs.  Below is the route combined with Petroglyph Canyon:

 

 

 

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