If you want to stay close to Moab, see a spectacular arch and don’t want to pay for Arches NP or drive more than 1 hour, this hike is perfect. Same as Corona Arch but much less crowded.
The Jeep Arch trail is a 3.6 mile loop hike near Moab, Utah. Due to some light scrambling required, this hike is considered easy to moderate. This trail allows dogs – keep them leashed and pick up after them – although there were a couple sections we had to help our dogs due to the scrambling. It took us 1 hour and 45 minutes with only a couple quick stops to take pictures.
Details:
Directions (Google Maps): To get to the Jeep Trail, search for the Jeep Arch Parking Area near Moab, Utah or click here.
Directions (old school maps): From Moab head north on Highway 191 and then turn left on Highway 279. Take Highway 279 for 10.2 miles and the parking lot will be on the right, which is mostly a dirt area right off the road. Note, the Corona Arch parking lot is just a quarter mile before the Jeep Arch parking lot.
Driving Info: This is an easy paved drive the entire way.
Time & Weather: We hiked this trail in mid-January and started hiking around 10am. The weather was cold at 42 degrees. The wind was light throughout the hike. There was snow and ice at places that required some careful footing.
Gear: We wore 2-3 layers for warmth, solid hiking boots, hat & sunglasses. We brought crampons but did not use them. We used hiking poles and had to secure them while scrambling. There is a lot of exposure and little shade so wear sunscreen.
Trail Navigation: The trail can be difficult to follow and requires following cairns which are set up along the entire trail.
Water & Food: We only brought a small amount of water for us and the pups, but in the warmer months you should definitely bring extra water. There is no water source along the trail. We didn’t eat any snacks along the way since it was short enough.
Trailhead Info: The trail starts at the Jeep Arch parking lot off Highway 279. There are roughly 15 spots in the parking lot, which is just off the main road.
Pictures of Jeep Arch trail:
Hike up a few small hills, above the train tracks, to the fenced portion at the top.
On the flat sandstone you need to pay attention to the cairns.
Eventually you’ll reach the junction for the loop. We turned left (clockwise) which provides for a better approach view of the arch.
Amazing layers and depth off to your right.
Curve your way towards the arch. Remember – we turned left or clockwise at the beginning of the loop, which gives a better approach view to the arch.
Can you see the Jeep?
Our pups enjoying the snow and the view after a light scramble to get inside the arch (just behind the pups to the left).
Make your way down the steep backside of the arch.
Postcard quality composition with the wet sandstone, Colorado River and snow falling.
Beautiful view of the tracks above the Colorado River as you make the final descent.
Just a fun shot looking back down the tunnel right before the hike ends.
Going to be in the Moab area? There's a ton of hiking, off-roading and outdoor activities. Take a look at Moab's Best Hiking & Off-Roading Trips for epic adventures and spectacular hikes within a few hours of Moab.
