This easy trail is a 0.7 mile loop with about a 200 foot elevation change. The trail shares a trailhead with the Loosee Canyon trail, but heads more north up out of the wash. There are some steeper areas with places where there are stairs, but the trail is not difficult.
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| Topographical Map (red flag = stone hut; blue flag = turn off for large arch) |
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| Graph of Elevation |
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| Trail in Google Earth |
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| Trailhead |
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| The trail starts in a wash |
A short distance up the trail there is a small hut structure made of tightly fitted rocks off to the left.
Shortly after the rock structure, the trail splits. We opted to go to the right, heading in a counter-clockwise direction around the loop. Soon after this, about 0.2 mile up the trail, there is a turn off to the left with a steeper climb up to a large arch. After this point, the trail climbs more directly up the hill where it offers some nice views.
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| Stairs heading up the hill |
As the trail circles around, there are views of the large arch from the other side.
Another wall of rock formations includes an interesting hourglass shaped arch.
Soon after this point we found another trail leading off to a viewpoint. Looking at maps again later and comparing it to our path, it appears that the official trail to a different viewpoint actually falls just a little ways after this, but we still enjoyed heading up to this spot.
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| Viewpoint Spot (unofficial) |
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| The View |
As the trail continues, there are a few more stairs.
The trail meets up at the split, and hikers can head down to the parking area the way they came.
There are restrooms at the trailhead. Just be aware that they may be close for national holidays.
Directions
This trail is located fairly close to Panguitch, Utah. It is also close to Bryce National Park and is an easy stop to make on your way there if you are approaching the park from the west side. To get there from Northern Utah, take Exit 95 and head east on UT-20. From there, turn right/south on US-89 and continue south to Panguitch. Turn left on Center Street in Panguitch to stay on US-89, and then turn left/east onto UT-12. Continue for about 2 miles to Castro Canyon Rd. and turn left. This is a dirt that is located before the Visitor's Center, so if you reach that first, you have gone too far. Go up this road about two miles and turn into the dirt parking area on your right. This is the same trailhead as the Losee Canyon Trailhead.
If you are coming from the Cedar City area, take UT-14 to US-89 and turn left/north. Continue past Hatch and then turn right onto UT-12 and continue for about 2 miles until you reach Castro Canyon Rd. and continue as outlined above. GPS Coordinates: N37° 46.186' W112° 20.019'
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