Long Bow Arch is located only 15 minutes from Moab, UT and starts at the Poison Spider Mesa area, near the Colorado River. 

About

This arch spans at least 100 ft long! This is a great trail if you are short on time but want the best bang for your time since you get a little of everything – petroglyphs, dinosaur tracks, great views of the Colorado River, and at the end, Long Bow Arch. This trail is dog and kid friendly, making it perfect for families. Winter is the best time to hike here, as there are less Jeeps and dirt bikes racing around, plus the temperatures are better for the dogs. Summer can get extremely hot, and the sand can burn dog paws. Some of the best arches are located outside of Arches National Park, so add this one to your list!

Directions

From Moab, head north on HWY 191, then turn left for Potash Road (UT-279). Follow this road as it parallels the Colorado River, and you’ll see a sign for the Poison Mesa Spider trail/Dinosaur Tracks. Park in the dirt parking lot. The trail starts to the East in the parking lot, behind the port-a-potty.

Here’s a driving map.

 

Trail Info

Distance: 2.4 miles RT

Elevation gain: 345 ft

Time: 1-2 hours

Dog friendly? Yes, off leash

Kid friendly? Yes

Fees/Permits? None

The trail begins from the Poison Spider Mesa TH, a popular route for Jeeps and Razors looking to off-road. Start by hiking past the restroom. The dinosaur tracks and petroglpyhs are close to the flat/tall rock wall.

Hike up the slickrock, and follow the sign for Long Bow Arch

You can skip the dino tracks and petroglyphs and go straight to the arch, but if you are there might as well take an extra 5 minutes to check them out.

Charlie and Watson inspect the dinosaur tracks.

There are a ton of petroglyphs along the wall, but these were my favorite.

Hike up this small gulley, and reach the wire ladder.

Climbing up the ladder – dogs should be able to jump/run up this section.

Hike up through a small ditch as you make your way higher and reach the mesa. Good jump, Charlie!

From this point, you should see green paint marks on the slickrock – use these as your guide. 

Walk through a section of deep sand.

The trail turns south, and when you see this old tree you can also look up and see Long Bow Arch!

Next, hike up through the tight gulley.

Amazed at how big this arch is!

We loved this trail! What a perfect February day in Moab! I love using my Ultimate Direction Mountain Vesta vest!

Taking in one more view.

Time to head back, Charlie!

 

Trail Map

My track via Gaia GPS – the best tracking app! Get your app here for a discount.

 

Nearby Hike

Corona Arch

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