Wilson Arch Utah
A dramatic sandstone arch just off Highway 191, offering quick access to stunning desert vistas and a short, rewarding hike.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour light is stunning
Wilson Arch Utah
Best Time
Golden hour light is stunning
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A dramatic sandstone arch just off Highway 191, offering quick access to stunning desert vistas and a short, rewarding hike.
"A cool little stop on the road to take a pic or even a fairly quick walk/climb up."
🚗 Easy Highway Access
Pull off directly from US-191. Great for a quick leg stretch on road trips!
🥾 Hike with Caution
The trail is sandy and steep. Wear good shoes and watch your step, especially with kids.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Arch Itself
Directly off Highway 191
A majestic sandstone formation sculpted by nature, offering a dramatic desert backdrop.
The Short Climb
Trail leading up to the arch
A quick, steep hike rewarded with closer views and panoramic desert vistas.
Roadside Photo Op
Designated pull-off area
Easily accessible from the highway for a quick, stunning photo opportunity.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Quick Stop, Big Views
Respect the Landscape
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Easy Highway Access
Pull off directly from US-191. Great for a quick leg stretch on road trips!
🥾 Hike with Caution
The trail is sandy and steep. Wear good shoes and watch your step, especially with kids.
📸 Snap a Quick Pic
Perfect for a memorable photo op right from the roadside.
♻️ Leave No Trace
Pack out all trash and respect the natural environment.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Easy Highway Access
Pull off directly from US-191. Great for a quick leg stretch on road trips!
🥾 Hike with Caution
The trail is sandy and steep. Wear good shoes and watch your step, especially with kids.
📸 Snap a Quick Pic
Perfect for a memorable photo op right from the roadside.
♻️ Leave No Trace
Pack out all trash and respect the natural environment.
💰 It's Free!
No entry fees required for this natural wonder.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Wilson Arch is a highly-rated roadside attraction, praised for its easy accessibility and stunning desert views. Visitors appreciate the quick photo opportunities and the option for a short, rewarding hike. Some caution is advised regarding the sandy and steep trail, especially for families with young children.
"This is simply a cool little stop on the road (gravel area to pull over. Semis too) to take a pic 📸, or even a fairly quick walk/climb up.
I'd be very mindful if you're with little ones. It is sandy, soft, and rocky all around, and pretty steep coming back down. Wouldn't want small kids, or anyone, slipping or tripping there.
*Please be respectful of the natural area and save your trash for a dumpster, not the ground."
D watson
"Wilson Arch - Quick Climb, Big Views
Wilson Arch is one of those blink-and-you’ll-miss-it roadside gems, but we’re glad we didn’t. Just off the highway on the way to Moab, it’s the perfect pit stop to stretch your legs and soak in some epic desert scenery. The hike up is short but steep enough to feel like a mini adventure, Buddy the Adventure Dog even made the climb like a champ (with a few water breaks and tail wags along the way).
The arch itself is stunning, especially with the red rock backdrop and wide-open skies. No fees, no frills, just raw Utah beauty. If you’re cruising through, don’t skip it. It’s a five-minute detour that delivers big."
Amanda Kauffman
"Very Cool spot, right of the highway, south of Moab, on US 191. Very accessible, and if you make the climb to the top, great views of the surrounding area. No entry fees. Public access from the road."
Dean Buterbaugh
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Wilson Arch is conveniently located directly off U.S. Highway 191, about 24 miles south of Moab, Utah. There's a well-marked pull-out area for parking right by the road. 
No, Wilson Arch is not within Arches National Park. It's located on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land, separate from the national park.
Yes, you can drive directly to the base of Wilson Arch. There's a gravel pull-off area suitable for most vehicles, including larger ones like semi-trucks.
From Moab, head south on US-191. Wilson Arch will be on your right-hand side after about 24 miles. It's a very easy and quick detour.
Yes, the pull-off area is spacious enough to accommodate RVs and larger vehicles, making it a convenient stop for those on a road trip.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no entry fees or tickets required to visit Wilson Arch. It's free to access and enjoy.
Wilson Arch is open 24/7, as it's an outdoor natural formation on public land. You can visit anytime during daylight hours for the best experience.
There is no parking fee at Wilson Arch. The pull-off area is free to use for visitors.
While you can hike up to the base of the arch, climbing on the arch itself is generally discouraged to preserve the natural formation.
Absolutely! It's designed as a quick roadside attraction, perfect for stretching your legs and taking photos on a longer journey.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can take photos from the roadside, or embark on a short, steep hike up to the arch for closer views and panoramic desert scenery.
A quick photo stop might take 5-10 minutes. The hike up and back can take around 20-30 minutes, depending on your pace.
The hike is short (about 0.5 miles round trip) but can be steep and is covered in loose sand and rocks, making it moderately challenging.
You'll get stunning panoramic views of the surrounding desert landscape, red rock formations, and the vast Utah sky.
Yes, Wilson Arch is very photogenic, especially during sunrise and sunset when the light casts a beautiful glow on the sandstone.
♿ 👨👩👧👦 Family & Accessibility
It can be, but caution is advised. The hike is steep and sandy, so it might be challenging for very young children or those with mobility issues.
Dogs are generally allowed on BLM land, but they must be kept on a leash. Be mindful of the hot sand and rocky terrain for your pet's paws.
No, the trail is not paved or accessible for strollers or wheelchairs due to its sandy and rocky nature.
Wear comfortable walking shoes with good grip, as the trail is sandy and uneven. Light clothing is recommended due to desert temperatures.
There are no restrooms directly at Wilson Arch. You'll need to plan accordingly or use facilities in nearby Moab.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚗 Road Trippers
📸 Photographers
The arch's warm sandstone colors pop against the desert landscape. Whether you're shooting from the roadside or making the short hike up for different angles, you'll find plenty of compelling compositions. Drone pilots will also find this location rewarding for capturing unique aerial perspectives. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Hike to Wilson Arch
While the hike is manageable for most reasonably fit individuals, it's important to exercise caution, particularly if you are traveling with young children or have any mobility concerns. The steepness and loose ground can be a slip hazard. Redditors often mention the need to be mindful of footing and to take breaks if needed.
For those who make the effort, the payoff is significant. You get to stand closer to this impressive natural sculpture and appreciate the vastness of the Utah desert. It’s a great way to break up a long drive and experience a unique geological formation up close.
Photography at Wilson Arch
Many visitors capture stunning shots from the roadside pull-off, showcasing the arch in its grand desert setting. For a more dynamic perspective, the hike up to the arch provides opportunities for unique angles and wider landscape shots. Drone photography is also popular here, offering breathtaking aerial views of the arch and its surroundings, highlighting its scale and integration with the desert environment.
Remember to be respectful of the natural environment when taking photos. Avoid disturbing the rock formations or leaving any trace behind. The natural beauty of Wilson Arch is its primary appeal, and preserving it for future visitors is paramount.
Wilson Arch: A Roadside Gem
The arch is named after Joe Wilson, a pioneer of the Dry Valley area, adding a touch of local history to its natural grandeur. Formed over millennia by the elements, this large Entrada Sandstone arch stands as a testament to the powerful geological forces that shape the desert landscape. Its presence so close to the highway makes it a unique and easily appreciated natural wonder.
Unlike many other natural attractions that require extensive travel and planning, Wilson Arch offers immediate gratification. It's a place where you can experience the raw beauty of Utah's desert without a significant time commitment, making it an ideal stop for anyone driving through the region.
Social
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