Long Bow Arch is located only 15 minutes from Moab, UT and starts at the Poison Spider Mesa area, near the Colorado River. This arch spans at least 100 ft long! This is a great trail if you are short on time but want the best bang for your time since you get a little of everything – petroglyphs, dinosaur tracks, great views of the Colorado River, and at the end, Long Bow Arch. This trail is dog and kid friendly, making it perfect for families. Winter is the best time to hike here, as there are less Jeeps and dirt bikes racing around, plus the temperatures are better for the dogs. Summer can get extremely hot, and the sand can burn dog paws. Some of the best arches are located outside of Arches National Park, so add this one to your list! 

Directions

From Moab, head north on HWY 191, then turn left for Potash Road (UT-279). Follow this road as it parallels the Colorado River, and you’ll see a sign for the Poison Mesa Spider trail/Dinosaur Tracks. Park in the dirt parking lot. The trail starts to the East in the parking lot, behind the port-a-potty.

Here’s a driving map.

 

Trail Info

Distance: 2.4 miles RT

Elevation gain: 345 ft

Time: 1-2 hours

Dog friendly? Yes, off leash

Kid friendly? Yes

Fees/Permits? None

The trail begins from the Poison Spider Mesa TH, a popular route for Jeeps and Razors looking to off-road. Start by hiking past the restroom. The dinosaur tracks and petroglpyhs are close to the flat/tall rock wall.

Hike up the slickrock, following cairns.

You can skip the dino tracks and petroglyphs and go straight to the arch, but if you are there might as well take an extra 5 minutes to check them out. We turned right for the dino tracks.

Charlie and Watson inspect the dinosaur tracks. 

Keep hiking up and past the dino tracks to see the petroglyphs.

There are a ton of petroglyphs along the wall, but these were my favorite.

Hike along the tall rock wall, and you will meet up with another trail sign for Long Bow Arch. Heather has done this hike several times so it was nice to have another person lead!

Hike up this small gulley, and reach the wire ladder.

Climbing up the ladder – dogs should be able to jump/run up this section.

Follow the cairns as you make your way higher and reach the mesa.

From this point, you should see green paint marks on the slickrock – use these as your guide. 

As you follow the green paint marks, don’t forget to look up at your surroundings! You should see Long Bow Arch to the right (Southeast).

First, you’ll hike up a small gulley below the arch.

Amazed at how big this arch is!

We loved this trail!

 

Trail Map

My track via Gaia GPS – the best tracking app! Get your app here for a discount.

 

Recommended Gear

 

Nearby Hike

Corona Arch

 

Lodging Recommendation

Moab Flats – Moab’s Best Pet Friendly lofts!

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