Funnel Arch (aka Cable Arch) is a short, yet rewarding hike to a massive arch located only 15 minutes from Moab, UT. Compared to the nearby Corona Arch, you’ll likely see any people at this arch since it’s not as well know and there’s no trail sign. However, this arch is just as good, or even better, than Corona Arch. Getting to Funnel Arch does require one small section of a scramble (class 2), so I advise not bringing dogs or kids. Funnel Arch is a popular area for people to practice rappelling skills (see short video here), if you have the gear and experience.
Directions
From Moab head south on HWY 191, and turn right at the McDonald’s for Kane Creek Rd. Follow this road as it parallels the Colorado River. At 4.6 miles cross the cattle guard, and enter Kane Creek Canyon. Reset your odometer at the cattle guard, and drive 1.7 miles to a small pull out on the left side of the road. There are no signs except for a small “no camping” brown post/sign. This is where it’s easiest to begin hiking. Other routes suggest driving further along the dirt road, but I’ve found this to be the easiest start. The trail begins by hiking behind the no camping sign. There’s enough room for 3-4 cars.
Here’s a driving map.
Trail Info
Distance: 0.8 miles RT
Elevation gain: 207 ft
Time: 1 hour
Dog friendly? No
Kid friendly? No
Fees/Permits: None
There are two options to start this hike, each about a few hundred feet apart. You’ll see on my map below that the “official TH” is right around the corner from where we started. We chose to start here because Heather has done this hike before and said this was the easier route. The only sign that marks this starting point is the “no camping” brown sign, on the left side of the road. It’s kind of small to see, but as long as you start the odometer where I say to in the driving directions you can’t miss it.
The sisters lead the way.
Charlie makes sure everyone gets up the rock ok.
Once on the small ledge, head right towards the rock wall. You will likely see footprints & a cairn heading this way too.
Aim for the juniper tree.
At the juniper tree, veer right around it, along the rock wall.
This is where the fun scrambling begins.
And here’s the hardest section of the scramble were dogs will not be able to continue. I was able to get Charlie up to the ledge just above me, but the space was too tight for both of us, and I made the call to leave him with some friends who were also staying behind. I highly recommend that you leave the dogs home (or behind with friends, then take turns) for this arch. The photo doesn’t quite show how much of an angle you first have to climb around to get to this spot. Little kids will also have a difficult time with this part, hence why I say not kid-friendly.
Pick up a faint trail and aim for where the walls narrow again.
Hike up past the next juniper tree.
Follow the very narrow canyon for maybe 50 yards, then hike up the slickrock to your left. As soon as you hike up this part, you will see Funnel Arch.
It shouldn’t take you more than 30 minutes to reach the arch. I was surprised how large Funnel Arch was! It’s roughly 160 ft tall.
Funnel Arch from the other direction.
Charlie takes a nap during his bedtime story, LOL! These petroglyphs are located in Kane Creek, not far from this trail. To find these, you’ll have to do your own research.
Trail Map
Recommended Gear
Nearby Hike
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