Five Hole Arch (aka Colonnade Arch) is located south of Green River, UT off a rough 4×4 dirt road. The arch is so special it has two names – Five Hole Arch for the obvious five holes nature has created, and Colonnade Arch for the resemblance to Colonnade architecture (a row of columns supporting a roof). Some maps only show one or the other name, and some only label it as “Natural Arch”. Whatever you prefer to call it, this arch is quite stunning once you find it.
About
Though the hike isn’t hard or long, I’ve heard of people wandering through the desert and slickrock trying to find it yet never do. As long as cairns are available, it should lead you right to it. Five Hole Arch is East facing, so the best time to hike here is early morning hours, when the sunrise lights up the arch and cove. There are also several other arches in the area – if you know where to look. That’s one of the fun things about this trail, is that there is so much to explore around this area!
Dogs and kids should be able to do this hike, just make sure to bring plenty of water even though the distance is short. If you end up wandering on your own, you’ll be glad you brought enough water. There is zero shade, so start hiking early to beat the heat. This is on BLM land, so camping is allowed in the area for free, however you need to be fully self-sufficient since there are no services, water, gas, etc for over an hour.
Directions
Use this map if you are driving from SLC.
Getting to the trailhead does require a 4×4 car. Once again, Google Maps doesn’t understand how to drive down dirt road. Follow this map for as long as Google Maps guides you. At the “end” of the navigation, continue down the dirt road until you reach an obvious 3-way intersection and turn left (north). Drive a few more minutes, and the trailhead starts on the right (east) side of the road by an area blocked off by small rocks, creating a parking area. Mini SUVs (RAV4, CR-V, etc) won’t make it – you definitely need a truck or jeep with 4WD.
Trail Info
Distance: 3 miles RT
Elevation gain: 194 ft on the way back
Time: 1-2 hours
Dog friendly? Yes, off leash
Kid friendly? Yes
Fees/Permits? None
This is what the “trailhead” looks like – no signs just an open area on the right side of the road blocked off by small rocks to create a parking area. To get to Five Hole Arch simply follow the cairns.
Make sure you go through the fence. If you go around it, you’ll loose the trail.
You will hike across a very open, flat slickrock section.
After crossing the wide open slickrock area, you will catch an old jeep road. You will see a giant cairn, then turn right.
Keep following the cairns – you should reach Five Hole Arch in about 30-40 minutes, hiking at a fast pace.
One of the best views — The Green River, Canyonlands, and the LaSals!
Looking through one of the many colonnades (holes).
A perfect oval shape! It’s so fun to explore this area if you have time.
Sunrise in the arch is also a great time to hike here! The first time I hiked to Five Hole Arch we did a sunrise hike!
Another natural arch nearby.
Second natural arch in the area we found while exploring.
A third natural arch in the area. None of these other arches are mapped – that’s up to you to find!
We camped in the general area that night. You can barely see Charlie’s head! haha He was so tired!
Kickin’ back in the tent. What a view!
Trail Map
Recommended Gear
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