Trail Overview

This loop section of the AZPT takes the adventurer to the base of the Royal Arch. A small side trail leads to a campsite right underneath it! A short hike up the hill, and you're right in it! Keep your eyes peeled for other arches in the area. The trail has a ton of deep washouts that make for bumper-scraping fun as you weave your way along. There are quite a few tight sections that supply those ever-resilient Arizona paint stripes we all know and love. Some sections of the route are loose gravel, while others are sharp lava rocks. A few other great campsites are scattered around, especially if you take the "Lava Rock Camp Trail." There is no cell service back here. Pack lots of water.

Photos of AZ Peace Trail Royal Arch Loop

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Difficulty

Loose gravel, Sharp Rocks, and deep transitions at the wash crossings.

Technical Rating

Mean Joe

Nov 30, 2025

Open

This is a great trail to view the Royal Arch. As the original post mentions, the trail is narrow in areas, and I installed some new scratches on my Jeep. There were a good deal of deep wheel ruts when I visited which do require good clearance to avoid scraping the undercarriage. The numerous, small wash crossings are no problem for any vehicle with decent clearance. In my opinion, this trail does not rate a 4 by OnX standards. Maybe a 3? I completed in 2wd in a stock Jeep Wrangler Rubicon. The most technical portion is at the southern end of this trail where it climbs to join Hovatter Rd. Travelling south, this section might require 4wd in certain conditions. While travelling north (downhill) just requires good ground clearance. Do be prepared and know your limitations. This is an extremely remote area, and you're not likely to encounter much in the way of help.