Eye of the Whale Arch Arches National Park, Utah

Eye of the Whale Arch – Arches National Park, Utah

The Trek Details

The Trek in a snapshot

Location

Arches National Park, Utah

Managing Agency

Arches National Park

Pets

Allowed in vehicles only

Fees

There are entrance fees for Arches National Park

Restrooms

Yes. Right when you make the turn from Balanced Rock

Camping

Not allowed

Trail Condition

Off-road trail. You will need a high clearance vehicle. 4X4 recommended

Sights

Eye of the Whale Arch

Water Info

Bring a liter of water

Best Season

All

Distance

6.2 mile from start to finish (The hiking portion is about 1/3 of mile roundtrip)

Time Required

2 hours

Parking Elevation

5037 ft at the Balanced Rock turnoff

Summit Elevation

4950 ft at the arch

Elevation Difference

87 ft

Trek Planner Maps

Trail Map

GPS Coordinates

Off-road Portion Begins: 38.70172, -109.56687
Picnic area and outhouse: 38.7026, -109.56898
High Clearance Vehicle Portion needed: 38.70147, -109.58026
Eye of the Whale Arch Trailhead: 38.71527, -109.60171
Eye of the Whale Arch: 38.71303, -109.6038

Experience. Discover. Explore.

The Trail

Follow along on our adventure then go out on your own!

Be a responsible explorer



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.

Picnic area
“secret” outhouse

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.



Backside of the arch

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

Looking back towards my Jeep

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.

Personal Thoughts

Personal Thoughts

I really enjoyed this short drive and hike to Eye of the Whale Arch. When I come to Arches National Park I usually just hike Devils Garden and Delicate Arch but I would like to start adding these off-road adventures to my list as well.

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