This moderate trail is about 1.4 miles long one way with a 415 foot elevation change. The trail starts out up a few short switchbacks and then crosses a railroad. This railroad is used to transport potash from the nearby potash mines. As the trail continues on, much of it is on slickrock. There is a section that requires climbing up footholds in the slickrock, with chains to hold onto for additional support, and after that there is a ladder to ascend.
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| Topographical Map |
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| Graph of Elevation |
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| Trail in Google Earth |
This trail actually leads to two arches. The first is the Bowtie arch. This arch is found high up on the cliffs. Hikers can up under this arch if desired.
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| Bowtie Arch |
This arch is also great for repelling down. There are bolts at the top for this purpose. Those interested in repelling down can climb up the steep buttress rock projecting from the cliff. There are some steps carved into the rock here, but the climb is steep and exposed, so use caution. Going down is more difficult than going up this way. There are some pitons in the rocks here for those wanting to use ropes for the climb. After climbing up the buttress, it is not hard to follow the cliff ledges over to the arch. The descent is 140 feet, with 120 feet in which adventurers will be free hanging.
Others have chosen use ropes to create a giant swing off this arch, but this can be particularly risky.
Between the arch and the buttress the formations in the rock make it look as if there is a face on the cliff wall.
This trail is located in Grand County very near Moab, Utah. To get to the trail head from US-191, turn off at UT-279. Continue for about 10 miles on this road until you reach the trail head, which will be on the right. This road will also pass by a stretch of popular climbing spots on the way.
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