Arches National Park - Moab, Utah
Posted by: 
94RedRover
N 38° 47.710 W 109° 39.478
12S E 616545 N 4294901
While this close to Arches National Park, one must pay homage to the iconic arches that symbolize Utah. Luckily for us off-roaders, there's also some interesting, moderately easy trails to enjoy.
Waymark Code: WM51H9
Location: Utah, United States
Date Posted: 10/26/2008
Views: 45
Arches National Park is a big draw...and understandably...it is so unique and so beautiful. But, do crowds usually take away from the beauty ofplaces for you? Then get your 4 wheel drive vehicle, and get off the asphalt pathway of the park.
Just north of the Sand Dunes Arch on the road through the park, there is a turnoff onto a gravel/sand road. This is Salt Valley Road, and it will take you down into the Salt Valley, and west across the park. About 7 miles after turning onto Salt valley Road, there is a second turn off on the left, which takes you back to the Klondike Bluffs, and to Tower Arch.
The road then turns to the south, across sand and stone, a rather interesting trail. This trail will take you south through the valley, past Eye of Whale Arch and down to Willow Flats Road, which will take you west out of the park to Highway 191.
The park specifies that the trail may be impassable when wet. Due to really deep soft sand in some areas, I could see many stock 4 wheel drive vehicles getting stuck in those conditions. Once on Willow Flats Road, though, you'll be OK with just about any 4 wheel drive vehicle. See my tips about dinosaur tracks that you pass while on Willow Flats Road.
The trails can get lonely, and see minimal traffic. Just keep that in mind if you plan to venture out here. We actually went to these trails for two days, once with our group of friends, the next day just us in RedRover. It was romantic being out in the valley, alone, at sunset...
Overall Trail Difficulty: Somewhat easy
Land Ownership: Private
Popularity: Sparse
Parking availble?: Yes
Room for Trailers: No
Permit required to access area?: Yes
Camping sites nearby: Yes
Are OHVs permitted: No
Highest Altitude: Not listed
Trail Length (approx): Not listed
Additional Trailhead: Not Listed
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Visit Instructions:
Before posting your log be sure that you have a picture of you, your group, or the wheelin rig on the trail. In your log please post a little bit about your experience on the trail(s). (Would you recommend this to others? Etc...) Optional: If you have a topo map to upload with your track log information that is always welcome!