Courthouse Wash Trail: Arches National Park’s Hidden Oasis
Most visitors to Arches National Park come for Delicate Arch or Landscape Arch. Few ever wander into Courthouse Wash, a lush, water-carved canyon that winds quietly from the Arches Visitor Center all the way to the Colorado River.
This trail is not about chasing arches. Instead, it’s about solitude, shade, and discovery—a riparian oasis tucked inside a desert of stone. If you want to step away from the crowds and immerse yourself in one of Moab’s most peaceful landscapes, the Courthouse Wash Trail is waiting.
Quick-Plan Snapshot
Location: Arches National Park, Utah
Trail Type: Point-to-point (shuttle required) or out-and-back
Distance: 6.5 miles one way (13 miles round trip)
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: ~300 feet
Estimated Time: 3–6 hours
Best Seasons: Spring & Fall
Highlights: Cottonwood-lined canyon, year-round stream, rock art panel
Park Fee: $30/vehicle (covers 7 days)
Water: Not reliable for filtering. Carry at least 3 liters per person
Trailheads and Access
There are two official access points for the Courthouse Wash Trail:
North Trailhead (Arches Visitor Center): From downtown Moab, drive 5 minutes north on US-191. Enter the park, pass the fee booth, and park immediately on the right. This is the most common starting point.
South Trailhead (Colorado River Bridge): From Moab, drive 1 mile north on US-191. Just before crossing the Colorado River bridge, turn right into the small parking pullout. This end of the trail sits right on the highway and is often overlooked.
👉 Pro Tip: If you only have one vehicle, start at the Visitor Center and hike downstream. Navigation is easier, and you’ll finish near the river. If you have two vehicles, set up a shuttle and hike the full 6.5 miles one way.
Hiking Courthouse Wash: Section by Section
1. Entering from Arches Visitor Center
The trail begins just past the fee booth. Immediately, you’ll step into a different world: cottonwoods overhead, birdsong in the air, and the sound of trickling water beneath the sand. It’s a stark contrast to the sandstone domes you’ve just driven past.
2. The Middle Canyon
For the next few miles, the canyon alternates between sandy banks, shallow water crossings, and shaded groves. Depending on the season, you may cross ankle-deep water 6–10 times. Mule deer often graze here, and herons glide silently above the stream.
3. Rock Art Panel
Near the southern end of the canyon, you’ll find the Courthouse Wash Rock Art Panel, a haunting display of ancient Barrier Canyon–style pictographs. The figures are large, ghostlike, and unforgettable. Please view respectfully—do not touch, trace, or chalk the rock art. Oils and abrasion permanently damage these irreplaceable images.
4. Exiting at the Colorado River
As the canyon widens, the vegetation gives way to open views. Soon, the wash merges into the Colorado River corridor. The trail officially ends at the highway bridge. If you’ve arranged a shuttle, your vehicle will be waiting. Otherwise, turn back the way you came.
Safety Callouts
⚠️ Stay Safe in Courthouse Wash
Flash Flood Danger: Never hike if storms are forecast—this is a natural drainage.
Wet Crossings: Expect to get your feet wet. Wear quick-dry shoes or sandals.
Navigation: The trail is not marked; you’ll be following the wash. Carry a GPS or offline map.
Summer Heat: Shade helps, but temps soar. Carry plenty of water.
Rock Art Protection: Never touch or deface ancient art. Report vandalism to rangers immediately.
Who Will Love This Hike?
Solitude Seekers: You’ll likely have the canyon to yourself.
History Enthusiasts: The rock art panel is among the most remarkable in the Moab area.
Wildlife Watchers: Birds, deer, and lizards thrive in this rare desert riparian zone.
Families with Teens: Adventurous kids will enjoy splashing through crossings, though younger children may find it tiring.
Pro Tips from a Moab Insider
Footwear: Trail runners or sandals with good grip are ideal. Heavy boots will just get soggy.
Start Early: Beat the heat and enjoy the canyon in quiet morning light.
Seasonal Water: Spring = higher, muddier flows; late summer = clearer but often stagnant pools.
Parking Note: The highway bridge lot is small—avoid blocking traffic when shuttling.
Combine With: A post-hike drive up the Arches Scenic Drive for sunset at Courthouse Towers Viewpoint.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Courthouse Wash Trail?
6.5 miles one way (13 miles round trip if you return).
Where does Courthouse Wash Trail start?
Either at the Arches Visitor Center (north end) or the Colorado River bridge on US-191 (south end).
Do I need a permit?
No permit required, just the park entrance fee.
Is the trail marked?
No. You follow the natural course of the wash. GPS or offline maps are highly recommended.
Can I filter water in Courthouse Wash?
It’s not recommended—the water is silty and often polluted. Carry your own supply.
How long does it take to hike?
Expect 3–6 hours depending on your pace and whether you hike one way or out-and-back.
Next-Step Adventures
Loved Courthouse Wash? Try these nearby hikes:
Park Avenue Trail (Arches): Short and dramatic, with towering rock walls.
Grandstaff Canyon to Morning Glory Arch: Another riparian canyon hike near Moab, ending at a massive natural bridge.
Fisher Towers Trail: Outside the park, with sweeping red spire views and fewer crowds.
👉 Or browse our full list of Moab hiking trails to plan your next adventure.
Final Thoughts
Courthouse Wash Trail is one of Arches National Park’s best-kept secrets. While thousands flock to Delicate Arch every day, only a handful step into this shady canyon where cottonwoods thrive and rock art whispers stories from the past.
It’s not the hike for everyone—your feet will get wet, the trail is unmarked, and you’ll need to plan ahead for a shuttle. But if you want a quiet, soulful hike through Moab’s hidden side, Courthouse Wash delivers.