Spirit Arch and Petrogylph Canyon Utah in 360 Degrees

Spirit Arch & Petroglyph Canyon San Rafael Swell, Utah in 360 Degrees
We heard this canyon had 3 arches, but then the name is Petroglyph Canyon and Spirit Arch (Double Arch), so we started out the hike wondering does this canyon have 2 or 3 arches?  The Double arch is below and it is nestled on the left side of the area area where the river drops making a waterfall when there is rain. 
Double Arch in Spirit Arch Canyon San Rafael Swell, Utah
Double Arch in Spirit Arch Canyon

Can you see the 2 arches just left of the V shape in the middle? Double Arch in Spirit Canyon San Rafael Swell Utah
Can you see the 2 arches just left of the V shape in the middle?


360 Trail where I first Caught a Glimpse of the Arch.  Can you see it.  You might have to roll you mouse to zoom in to see it just left of the V shape. 




360 Trail Here at the Base of the Waterfall area.  


I have no idea how I got these amazing rays, but they grew on my until I decided I really LOVE this image.  It inspires me, and has a way of reminding me that God is looking down on us.  He sees you and I and Loves us so much more than we can image.  Maybe we just need a different lens to look through and we would be able to see how much he loves us and how often he tries to send us help, direction, and comfort if we just close the umbrella that is blocking them and soak them in!



Third Arch Often Missed In Spirit Arch Canyon San Rafael Swell - Triple Arch not Double Arch in Spirit Canyon!
Third Arch Often Missed In Spirit Arch Canyon
I was curious if I could find 3 arches in this canyon, so I kept my eyes wide open for I knew it would be tough to see, for it is labeled on Google Maps as only having 2.  Then I found it!  It is a small arch the water flows through at the top of the waterfall.  It is in the middle top of the photo above.  It is only a small guy, but finding it was better then finding Waldo!



Spirit Arch Canyon (Double Arch - or Triple Arch Canyon) San Rafael Swell, Utah
Spirit Arch Canyon (Double Arch - or Triple Arch Canyon) San Rafael Swell, Utah
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When I saw the biggest arch being on a Slant, it reminded me of BOWTIE Arch in Moab that I did this winter.  It was also a FABULOUS hike that I am sure you would LOVE.  Here is the link to that hike. 

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360 Trail ALONG Ravine Edge that was a lot cooler than the Below Looks.  It would be tons better in VR Headset, for you could look down on the right and see the drop off better. 


360 Trail Spirit Arch and Petrogylph Canyon by the ZEBRA STRIPED CLIFFS.


Zebra Looking Striped Canyon Wall right before getting to the Double Arches San Rafael Swell Utah
Zebra Looking Striped Canyon Wall right before getting to the Double Arches






Cave in Spirit Arch Canyon.
Cave in Spirit Arch Canyon. 

Utah.com link for the Spirit Arch Hike


Catcus plants in right side of the Canyon

Future Arch Forming in the Canyon
If you liked the look of this area and wish the Waterfalls were running, you should try Hiking Upper Calf Creek Falls in Escalante, Utah.  It was similar to this canyon, but the water is running, and it has more white rocks.  I think you would really enjoy it.  Check it out here in 360 Degrees.


BONUS THIRD CANYON FROM PARKING LOT

So there are 3 canyons here at the trailhead area where we parked.  The first one on the right was a canyon that lead into a similar dry waterfall area like above.  It looks like this. 
BONUS CANYON by SPIRIT ARCH and PETROGLYPH CANYONS
BONUS CANYON by SPIRIT ARCH and PETROGLYPH CANYONS


 Other Favorite Areas in this Bonus First Canyon.



TO GET TO SPIRIT ARCH CANYON

We took I-70 West from Green River to Black Dragon Canyon, and from there I would suggest Downloading an offline Google Map of the area BEFORE heading down, and have Google Maps take you there, but I think you are taking the first 3 lefts. I am trying to remember how difficult this dirt road was, and I can't remember it being very difficult.  I do know I got there in my Toyota Rav4 without problems.
 When you get to the parking area just north of the campsite the first canyon you see to the west is not the canyon, but this bonus canyon above.  You have to walk south across the stream towards the campsite and you will see a trail. The trail is a great trail that was not confusing at all to Spirit Arch.  If you watch just before the Zebra Striped Cliffs there will be a trail that heads off to the left.  This is the trail that leads to the Petroglyph Canyon.
If you need a visual this Google Earth Snapshot might help, and if you liked this area and want to see more in 360 Degrees, then just click on the link, then the dude in the bottom corner, and then any blue line where you want to see more. 
 Spirit Arch Google Earth Link


PETROGLYPH in PETROGLYPH CANYON

Petroglyph of Directions to have dog drive animal into Nasty Slot Canyon next  in Petroglyph Canyon (side detour from Spirit Arch) in San Rafael Swell
Petroglyph of Directions to have dog drive animal into Nasty Slot Canyon next  in Petroglyph Canyon (side detour from Spirit Arch)

360 Trail Close to the Petroglyph. 


Below are photos of the Slot Canyon from both far Away, and up close.  It looks like a nice little slot, but it is definitely not!
Crazy scary Slot that the Petroglyph is explaining to drive the animal with their trained animal into the slot and trap them there.
Crazy scary Slot that the Petroglyph is explaining to drive the animal with their trained animal into the slot and trap them there.  

razy scary Slot Canyon used to Capture Prey for Native Indians
Crazy scary Slot Canyon used to Capture Prey for Native Indians

Nasty Canyon next to Petroglyph for instructions to lead animals into this nasty slot. (Are those skulls I see in there? :) )

360 Petroglyph Canyon - Deadly Slot Canyon 


If you have enjoyed this interesting area, I think you would also LOVE


GrandStaff Canyon
I love how Grand this Canyon feels because of the height of he canyon walls.  I love the arch at the end.  I also really enjoy crossing back and forth across the river.

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Corona and Bow Tie Arch


Also an Epic Hike.  Has that challenging sections that get your blood pumping from the challenge, but your not really in danger.  The arches are amazing.  The canyons are beautiful, and the trail is well marked. Just follow the green rectangles!


Tower Arch 
I love this hike, for it is a less crowded Arches Hike.  It is not hard in difficulty, but REALLY required you to have navigating tech, or to be very good at watching the Cairns, but sure feels awesome making it there!

and lastly

Double O Arch, Devil's Garden Primitive Loop 
is a crazy cool hike. You walk on Rock Fins, and see 7 arches on one hike.  You also have areas that you feel like you are on Top of the World  and can see forever.  Fabulous.  Check it out in 360 Degrees.




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