UT- Tower Arch

[IntrepidXJ]

Tower Arch is a 4×4 trail located within the boundaries of Arches National Park. Taking this trail to see the Tower Arch is a great way to get away from the busier parts of the park during the Spring and Fall seasons. To reach this trail, you need to turn off the main park road at Salt Valley Road near Skyline Arch.

The beginning part of the trail and the end of the trail consists of some soft sandy sections. While the middle part of the trail is a bit rocky with some smaller ledges. Most 4×4 vehicles with decent ground clearance should not have any problems navigating this trail. Once you reach the end of the trail, there is an easy 0.3 mile hike to get to Tower Arch.

Unfortunately, the trail that heads to Balanced Rock from the Tower Arch trail was washed out and closed when I ran this trail. If that section ever opens again, you can take that trail over to see the Eye-of-the-Whale Arch as well.

http://myxj.net/trailinfo/maps/Tower%20Arch.jpg

http://myxj.net/g2/d/118729-1/IMG_3574.JPG

http://myxj.net/g2/d/118738-1/IMG_3579.JPG

http://myxj.net/g2/d/119223-1/IMG_3532.JPG

The attached GPX track starts from the turnoff onto Salt Valley Road.

[Handlebars]

Randy, did they have the road physically blocked off or was there just a sign? I was just wondering if some adventerous jeepers could try to get through or fix the washout.

[IntrepidXJ]

Randy, did they have the road physically blocked off or was there just a sign? I was just wondering if some adventerous jeepers could try to get through or fix the washout.

It was only a sign....but I wasn't about to head down the trail for 10 miles only to be turned around that day :rof:

http://myxj.net/g2/d/118622-2/IMG_3519.JPG

[Handlebars]

Dang it Randy, where's your sense of adventure? :D

I guess I'll bring along my shovel and pick to the Fall Fling... I've always enjoyed the Klondike Bluffs/Tower Arch loop. It's a shame to see it closed for so long. It looks like I'll have that day off too!