Tower Arch 4x4 Trail

Total Miles 3.3
Technical Rating
4 Moderate
Best Time Spring, Fall
Trail Type High-Clearance 4x4 Trail
Accessible By
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Trail Overview

This is an exciting way to experience a different side of Arches NP that is off the beaten path. It is recommended to run this trail from north to south and signs say impassable when wet. After exiting the main graded dirt road you are thrown almost immediately into a technical climb. The technical section lasts about 2 miles where you will have many rock obstacles to tackle. After completing the technical section you drop down onto a sandy road that goes one of two ways. If you are going north to south, you can then go straight and continue on to see Tower Arch which is a great place to get out and stretch your legs. If you turn left, you can continue on down the sandy track which extends 10 miles or more southeast back towards the main road through arches.

Photos of Tower Arch 4x4 Trail

Difficulty

The trailhead sign says "low range 4wd and high clearance required" so that should give you a rough idea what you are up against. A 2 inch lift on most 4x4's and 33" tires would be ideal. The trail can be completed in a stock 4runner or Wrangler with some careful spotting. However even with a lifted vehicle scraping bumpers is still possible.

Technical Rating

4

Status Reports

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Tim Carter
May 27, 2026
Open
Hit Tower Arch trail from Salt Road to the TA trailhead. A spotter is really helpful for a couple of ledge drops. A big thanks to the guys from Virginia who let me tail along and provided spotter help. If you happen to read this you guys rock! Then on into the Park on 10 Mile Valley road which was tame by comparison. Beautiful 85 degree day. Not real busy.
Camp Bode
Apr 16, 2026
Open
Beautiful spires and views along the way to Tower Arch. Trail is sand and slick rock. Had no issues in 4 low going up rock steps and steep climbs in a stock Wrangler. Ran into a tour group at the arch.
Michael Kuhn
Apr 13, 2026
Open
The trail was awesome for a mid range off roader it was technical enough to add some challenges, but easy enough not to add damage to my rig. A couple of spots I got out to look for the best route before proceeding. The back side of Tower Arch is also amazing with plenary of views along the route. I would highly recommend this route.
Philip Preston
Apr 12, 2026
Open
Trails was dry and pretty easy to navigate. In my landcruiser 100 series which is stock height with 33s and the running boards taken off made it just fine. Used 4lo and didn’t even need to use my center lock. Scraped my tow hitch a tiny bit.
Wade Norton
Apr 03, 2026
Open
We did this run today, but we made a slight variation/modification. Still not happy that Willow Springs Road has been converted to a state park and doing so they cut off access to the main road unless you want to pay the $10 fee for daily access.. so we turned it into a very big loop. We came in using salt Valley Gorge connecting to yellow cat connecting to tower arch.. departing on 10 Mile Valley to eye of the whale arch, to Willow Springs into arches national Park
Ken Robbins
Jan 21, 2026
Open
Great trail. Really fun afternoon ride. Maybe more than a 4 for some rigs. The Rangers said to run from North to South. Definitely need 4 Low and Hill Descent.
Logan Wendel
Nov 23, 2025
Open
Fun trail. Stock GX460 w/KO3s did just great. Fun walk/hike at the end.
Craig Anderson
Nov 09, 2025
Open
Fun trails with some decent rocky obstacles. Only passed a few cars on the way back. Short hike to the arch with some trail markers to keep you on track. The hike is moderately challenging for those who may not hike often or have mobility challenges.
Juan Gamboa
Oct 08, 2025
Open
Vincent pawlowski
Sep 22, 2025
Open
The trail was dry with no wet sand or rock. The most difficult obstacles were two slick rock climbs that seemed to come out of no where. We had never done this trail before, so a spotter on top of the rock helped me determine direction once atop the rock. I used a 4x4 2 door Bronco with a 2 1/2 inch lift on 35” General Grabber ATs. There were a couple of other rigs that had to pass. We went from South to North and had a blast.
Zack Heid
Sep 17, 2025
Open
Ran trail from Salt Valley Rd to Tower Arch rear viewing area. The first major obstacle and climb has eroded and left a large opening that may be difficult to traverse. Multiple different ways to try and go around, but will take proper vehicle placement to prevent larger issues. Took my F250 straight up by straddling the opening. Any narrower vehicle make have difficulty. Two stock jeeps turned around and did not attempt, but could have likely made it. Rest of trailis a mix of rock and sand. Take it slow on the rocks and keep speed up on the sand if not aired down, and you'll have no issues after the first climb. Great view of Tower Arch instead of hiking to it.
Jared Mancha
Jun 30, 2025
Open
Ran from North to South and recommmend doing that. Decent shape, some loose rock and sandy spots. Some technical climbs, the very first climb/obstacle from the north was a bit sketchy with a large hole in the middle, high amounts of sand on left and one decent but tight line on the right side. Went alone, so had to spot myself a couple of times just to be safe. Tip = left foot braking is a solid off-road technique, especially rock crawling and came in handy here. Ran into tour guide trucks a couple of times.
Brent McReynolds
Jun 23, 2025
Open
We started headed to Eye of the Wale. Immediate climbs over rough rock. Turns and headed back. Reentered from other end of trail. Unlaced road as it’s called for about two miles before turning back to the trail to Tower Arches. Rough steep climbs. Sandy spots. Made the turn back towards Eye of the Wale. That is where the trail gets more technical. We finished the complete trail back where we had started earlier in the day. We had a great time All this great Arches NP to our self. Ran about 2.5 hours the complete trail.
Dan Jaquez
Jun 20, 2025
Open
Attention is required on slick rock climbs and water falls, not for timid at heart.
Daniel Guttormson
Jun 01, 2025
Open

Tower Arch 4x4 Trail Trail can be accessed by the following ride types:

  • High Clearance

Tower Arch 4x4 Trail Map

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