Longbow Arch Trail (Longview Arch)

Dogs Off-leash

Features Geological Significance · Historical Significance · Views

Longbow Arch is a short out-and-back hike to a beautiful arch formation tucked away in the rolling slickrock above Potash Road outside of Moab, Utah. The trailhead shares a moderately sized parking area with the Poison Spider Trail, a well popular jeep trail.

The trailhead begins at the northeast end of the parking area, initially paralleling Potash Road while meandering up a rocky slope. The route for Longbow Trail is marked with green blazes however many variations exist up the initial slope with variable footing depending on the route you take, sometimes exposed or slick with sand. Take time to explore this area and you'll encounter both dinosaur tracks and petroglyphs.

The trail continues upward a short ways before funneling into a steep narrow slot at which point several metal rungs have been installed in the rock to aid your ascent. After the short climb up the rungs the trail continues up a few more rocky steps before leveling out.

Follow the trail across sandy flats and slickrock mounds taking note of blazes painted on the rock. The trail eventually enters a gully and Longbow Arch comes into view. Scramble up the gully and enjoy the serenity of this hidden gem. Come early and you may have it all to yourself.

The more adventurous can continue past the arch, trending up and to the right side of the gully along ledges before reaching a large table. Navigate up a bouldery step and continue out onto the table taking care to follow established paths through the cryptobiotic soil (Don't Bust the Crust!) and enjoy views across the Colorado River.