| Summary: |
A trail/horse path that
leads to the worlds largest natural arch. |
| Directions: |
The trail is located in
the north west section of Zion Park. Take I-15 to exit 40 (signed exit for Zion NP).
Turn east into the park and follow the road to the signed trailhead for La Verkin
Canyon. There is a large parking area provided. |
| Road
Conditions: |
Passenger Car - paved all
the way |
| Navigation: |
Easy |
| Length: |
13 miles |
| Date
Hiked: |
September, 1999 |
| Weather
Conditions: |
Too warm, ~90s F |
|
Required Skills: |
None |
| Hike
Description: |
From the trailhead you
will follow a well graded trail which mostly parallels a dry streambed for the first
4 miles. The walking is easy going with few obstacles to step around or over (except
for the numerous piles of horse poop which line the trail). At the 4 mile point you
will come to a signed junction, turn left and follow Verkin Creek upstream. For the
next 2 miles the trail parallels the creek (which provides welcome relief from the heat)
and is completely flat, though the deep sand you will be walking in much of the time will
slow your pace. At the next signed junction, turn left again for a 0.5
upstream walk to a view of the arch. Return the way you came. |
| Rating
(1-5 stars): |
 
I can't say that I was particularly impressed with this hike. The walk
to the arch was uninteresting and punctuated with the smell of horse dung. The arch
itself was nice, but not easy to see, since it is located high in a canyon wall upstream
from the end of the trail (with no real way to get closer other than bushwacking and
perhaps no better view for your effort). Unless you really like arches there
are better hikes in Zion than this one. |
| Maps: |
Trails Illustrated - Zion
National Park |
| Photos: |
Click picture for larger
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