Round Trip Distance: 0.4 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation: 6074 - 6213 feet
Cellphone: 0-3 bars
Time: 20 mins.
Trailhead: Wilson Arch
Fee: none
Attractions: Natural arch
Wilson Arch is located along Highway 191 about 25 miles south of Moab, Utah. The arch is easily viewed by passing motorists enticing many to stop long enough to take a few pictures. A primitive trail can be hiked up to the arch for those wanting to stretch their legs a bit more. There are pullouts on both sides of the highway with ample parking. The nearest restroom is a few miles toward Moab to the north near Hole in the Rock.
A sign at the site mentions who the arch was named after. It also gives a brief description of how the arch was formed.
A good camera can get descent pictures of the arch from the highway.
For those that would like a closer look you can hike up the primitive trail.
The trail gets pretty bad near the top where it changes from slickrock to loose dirt and rocks.
Once you make it up to the arch the view is your reward.
To give people below the opportunity to take a picture that doesn't have you in it, be sure not to linger too long in the arches opening.
There is a short trail on one side that travels along the cliff if you would like to stretch your legs a bit more.
Take care coming back down the precarious slope near the top. The state of Utah literally has thousands of natural arches and bridges. (A natural bridge is an arch like structure where the opening was carved out by flowing water like a river or stream.) Arches National Park, near Moab, is home to over 2,000 arches. The nice thing about Wilson Arch is that it is easy to get to and it doesn't cost anything extra. If you would like to see it for yourself then all you have to do is 'Take a hike'.
