This Trek is separated into two sections: The off-road portion and the hiking portion.

Off-Road Portion

Since ATVs are not allowed in Arches National Park you will need a high clearance vehicle to successfully make the trip out to the arch.  Or if you wanted, you could simply just park your vehicle and hike the rest of the way.

The off-road portion was pretty easy.  If you just go slow over all the small and medium sized rocks you will be fine.  But since this is mostly a sand road, I would highly recommend you use a vehicle with 4×4 capability.  If this road gets wet, it will be harder of course to traverse.

Also, make sure you have enough fuel and supplies before you head out.  This includes a jack, spare tire and food and enough water.

The off-road part begins right at the turn off near Balanced Rock.  Just make the turn on the dirt road and you will quickly come to the “secret” pit-style outhouse and also a picnic area.  Keep travelling down the dirt road called Willow Springs Road, and you will pass a maintenance area for the park, the 4×4 boundary fence, and then you will come to a signpost.

Once you see the signpost (below) make a right to continue to the arch.  The road you are on now is called the Salt Valley Road.  You will travel a few more miles until you come to Eye of the Whale Arch trailhead.

It is here that you will need a vehicle with high clearance.  If not, you will high center many times and get stuck.  There aren’t any tricky 4×4 spots that require lots of off-roading skill but I can imagine it would be exciting if this road is wet or snowy.  Overall, it was a piece of cake to traverse and I quite enjoyed being the only person out on this trail!

You have arrived at the Eye of the Whale trailhead when you see the parking area with a sign.  Park here and begin your 1,000 ft hike to the arch.

Hiking Portion

The hiking portion is also pretty easy.  You can see the backside of the arch from where you park.  The trail is also dirt and sand and doesn’t gain much in elevation.

The trail leads right up into the arch.  Once on the other side you can see why it’s called Eye of the Whale.  It literally looks like a giant eyelid.  It is really cool to see!

The area right in front of the arch

If you take a look to the east you will see Balanced Rock, Elephant Butte and even the La Sal Mountains.  This really is a beautiful area!

You can continue down the dirt road to Tower Arch or you can turn back and find another adventure.