Trail Description

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Tower Arch is tucked away in the remote Klondike Bluffs, a vibrant, lightly traveled area in the Park’s northwest corner. This exceptionally attractive trail is distinguished by towering rock walls, varied terrain and a notably deep red coloring throughout. Tower Arch is carved from one of many parallel fins in the vicinity, punctuated by a knobby, protruding spire on its north end. Nearby fins and slickrock benches invite the confident scrambler to explore this delightful geologic playground.

The trail climbs sharply up a challenging, cairn marked path to the first tier of a vertical bluff. It levels momentarily, then rises again to the bluff-top with sensational views in all directions (.27 miles : 5,241’). To the west, imposing rock walls and the desert floor below are painted in deep shades of red; Salt Valley fills the eastern horizon with an improbable spectrum of color.

From this highpoint the trail drops into a wide desert expanse flanked on either side by crimson walls that reinforce your diminutive status in this environment. The open desert floor maintains a healthy brush population, but there’s little serviceable shade in the area. At .9 miles (4,960’) the trail veers north across the prairie and crosses two consecutive wash beds - be cognizant of cairns leading in and out.

The trail continues up a steep, sandy hill lined by surreal spires and rock formations. Travel in the pinkish, dune-like sand (a byproduct of Entrada Sandstone erosion) is arduous, but don’t forget to look up – this is truly an intriguing segment. The sand gives way to terra firma as you near the spur for Tower Arch (1.35 miles : 5,080’). Tower Arch can be seen easily from the spur junction, but it's worth walking a few dozen yards and scrambling up to and around its accessible base (5,105’).

The main trail continue for .3 miles to its true terminus at a seldom-used 4WD parking lot.

GPS Coordinates - DATUM WGS84

• N38 47.540 W109 40.519 - Tower Arch Trailhead

• N38 47.368 W109 40.481 - First tier of bluff

• N38 47.339 W109 40.489 - Crest bluff - begin down valley travel

• N38 47.163 W109 41.022 - Cross wash #1

• N38 47.157 W109 41.046 - Cross wash #2

• N38 47.305 W109 41.246 - Tower Arch Spur - Trail continues right to 4WD lot

• N38 47.347 W109 41.248 - Tower Arch

Worth Noting

• This is a lightly used trail, ideal for those seeking relief from crowds at other Park destinations.



• This is an exposed trail. Come prepared with adequate water and sun protection. Do not underestimate travel time and sun strength. Avoid wandering off trail, as the landscape can quickly become indistinguishable.

Directions to Trailhead

Travel 16.65 miles north of the main park entrance station and visitor center to the Salt Valley Road turnoff on the left (west). The road is now a navigable dirt road suitable for most cars in good condition. Take Salt Valley Road approximately 7 miles to Klondike Bluffs Road on the left. This 1.5 mile spur dead-ends at the Tower Arch Trailhead. Be sure not to take the Tower Arch Road turnoff, located just south of Klondike Bluffs Road. This is a rugged 4WD road leading to Tower Arch's western terminus.

Contact Information

Arches National Park
PO Box 907
Moab, Utah 84532-0907
Headquarters Phone: 435-719-2100
Fax: 435.719.2305
Phone: 435.719.2299 (recorded information)
Camping Reservation Line: 877.444.6777