A Treasure Hunt for Arches: The Secrets of Spirit Arch & Petroglyph Canyon
Our adventure into the San Rafael Swell began with a puzzle. We had heard this beautiful canyon held three arches, but its name only hinted at two: Spirit Arch, also known as Double Arch. So we started our hike wondering, what would we find? Would we solve the mystery? This is the story of that treasure hunt, a journey that led us to stunning arches, ancient petroglyphs, and a surprisingly profound moment with a few rays of sunlight.
The Golden Nugget 🌟
Don't Miss This: There really are three arches! The third one is small and easy to miss. After you see the main Double Arch, look closely at the top of the dry waterfall area. You'll find a small, charming arch that the water flows through during a storm. Finding it feels like you've discovered the canyon's best-kept secret!
TRANSPORT YOURSELF TO THE SAN RAFAEL SWELL
Grab your VR headset and join me on this fun treasure hunt in the heart of Utah's San Rafael Swell. We'll explore the beautiful canyon, search for the hidden arches, and discover the amazing petroglyphs left behind by ancient inhabitants. It's a delightful adventure that's sure to give you a positive boost!
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.
"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!"
Adventure at a Glance
- 🏞️ Location: San Rafael Swell, Utah
- 🚶♀️ Activity: Hiking, Arch Hunting, Viewing Petroglyphs
- ⭐ Shauna's Rating: 💎💎💎💎💎 (5 out of 5 Diamonds)
- ☀️ Best For: A sense of discovery, unique arches, ancient rock art.
- ⏳ Recommended Time: 2-3 hours to fully explore the canyon.
- 🧭 Can't-Miss Sights: Spirit Arch (Double Arch), the third "secret" arch, the petroglyph panel.
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| Double Arch in Spirit Arch Canyon |
My Treasure Hunt Story
The hike into this beautiful canyon follows a wash, with towering "Zebra Striped" cliffs on either side. Soon, we spotted the main attraction: the beautiful Double Arch nestled on the left side of a dry waterfall. It's a fantastic sight. As I was taking photos, I captured an image with amazing sun rays. I didn't know how it happened, but it grew on me until I realized it was a perfect reminder that God is looking down on us, sending help and comfort if we are open to receiving it.
With two arches found, I kept my eyes peeled for the mysterious third. I knew it would be tough to spot. And then I found it! A small, perfect arch right at the top of the waterfall, where the water would flow through. Finding it was better than finding Waldo! A little further on, a side trail to the left leads to Petroglyph Canyon, where we found a fascinating panel of ancient rock art that tells a story of a great hunt. The whole hike felt like a wonderful scavenger hunt through time.
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| Can you see the 2 arches just left of the V shape in the middle? |
Your Trail Guide: Helpful Hints
- ♦️ Getting There: From I-70 west of Green River, take the exit for Black Dragon Canyon. I suggest using a downloaded offline map to navigate the dirt roads to the trailhead. A vehicle with decent clearance, like my Rav4, handles it without problems.
- ♦️ Finding the Trailhead: At the parking area, there are three canyons. The main trail to Spirit Arch and Petroglyph Canyon is the one in the middle; you'll walk south across a stream bed towards the campsite to find the trail.
- ♦️ Two Canyons, One Trail: Before the "Zebra Striped" cliffs, watch for a trail that forks to the left. This is the path to Petroglyph Canyon. The main trail continues straight to Spirit Arch.
- ♦️ Look High and Low: The Double Arch is obvious, but remember to look high up on the dry waterfall to spot the hidden third arch!
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| Zebra Looking Striped Canyon Wall right before getting to the Double Arches |
Love Arches? You'll Also Love...
If the slanted shape of Spirit Arch intrigued you, it reminded me of the fabulous Bowtie Arch near Moab. That hike also includes the magnificent Corona Arch and is an absolute must-do.
Read my guide to Corona and Bowtie Arch here.
Conclusion
This hike was a delightful surprise. What started as a simple question—are there two arches or three?—turned into a wonderful journey of discovery. From finding the hidden arch to decoding the stories in the petroglyphs, this canyon is a true gem in the San Rafael Swell. It's a perfect adventure for anyone with a curious spirit and a love for the treasures hidden in the Utah desert.
Sending Love and Positive Vibes,
Shauna from VRGetaways
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