Anniversary Arch Trail
Moab is known for its arches, but few visitors make it to Anniversary Arch, a graceful stone span perched high above the Colorado River corridor. The trail is short, the crowds are thin, and the views stretch for miles across sandstone cliffs and winding river bends. If you’re searching for one of Moab’s best-kept hiking secrets, this is it.
Quick Facts
Trailhead Location: Potash Road (UT-279), ~10 miles from Moab
Distance: 1.5 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 300 feet
Difficulty: Easy to moderate (slickrock route finding required)
Time Needed: 1–2 hours
Best Seasons: March–May & September–October
Dogs Allowed: Yes, on leash
Permit Required: No
Why This Hike is Special
The Anniversary Arch Trail delivers the thrill of discovery without the hassle of crowds. While Delicate Arch attracts hundreds of hikers daily, Anniversary Arch feels like a private moment with the desert.
Solitude: Odds are you’ll have the arch to yourself.
Views: Look down on the Colorado River winding through crimson cliffs.
Photography: Capture the arch with the La Sal Mountains framed beyond.
Adventure: Navigate slickrock cairns, adding a hint of route-finding fun.
Getting There: Directions to the Trailhead
Start in downtown Moab and head north on US-191.
Turn left onto UT-279 (Potash Road), following the Colorado River downstream.
After ~10 miles, look for a dirt pullout near Jaycee Park Campground.
The trailhead is unmarked—watch for cairns leading into slickrock.
👉 Pro Tip: Download an offline map before you go; cell service is limited along Potash Road.
Trail Breakdown
Start: From the pullout, follow a sandy path marked by cairns.
Midway: The trail transitions to slickrock, climbing gradually. Views of the Colorado River open up below.
Final Approach: Continue across domes of sandstone until the arch comes into view—a wide span of stone framing the sky.
Destination: Stand beneath Anniversary Arch, look east to the river corridor, and soak in the silence.
Safety Callout 🚨
Heat Danger: No shade—carry 2+ liters of water per person.
Route Finding: Follow cairns; losing the trail is easy on slickrock.
Slippery Surfaces: Avoid during rain, snow, or ice.
Pets & Kids: Mind drop-offs; slickrock can get dangerously hot for paws.
Pro Tips for a Better Hike
Best Light: Sunrise softens the arch; sunset casts golden glow on canyon walls.
Photography Spot: Position uphill for the arch + La Sals in frame.
Combo Adventure: Pair with Corona Arch or the Potash Road Petroglyphs for a half-day outing.
Quiet Hours: Early morning almost guarantees solitude.
Nearby Highlights
Corona Arch (2 miles away): Iconic, massive arch accessed by a fun ladder section.
Jug Handle Arch (roadside): Quick roadside stop for photos.
Wall Street Climbing Area: Watch climbers scale vertical sandstone right off the road.
Dead Horse Point State Park: Panoramic canyon views just 25 minutes away.
FAQs About the Anniversary Arch Trail
How long is the hike to Anniversary Arch?
The trail is about 1.5 miles round trip and usually takes 1–2 hours.
Do I need a 4×4 to reach the trailhead?
No. Potash Road is paved to the trailhead.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes, but bring extra water and keep them leashed.
Is it safe for kids?
Yes, with supervision. There are some drop-offs near the arch.
When’s the best season to hike?
Spring and fall. Summers are brutally hot, and winter ice can make slickrock treacherous.
Why It Belongs on Your Moab Itinerary
If you want an arch without the crowds, an easy-to-reach trailhead, and sweeping desert views, Anniversary Arch is one of the best short hikes in Moab. It’s the kind of place that feels like a discovery—something you’ll remember long after the bigger-name hikes.
👉 Next Step: Download the free Moab Arches Trail Guide PDF for maps, stats, and insider tips to pair this hike with others nearby.