Three Canyon Arch Hike
Three Canyon Arch — the easiest arch objective accessible from a Desolation Canyon camp.
The Three Canyon Arch Hike accesses a natural arch in the Three Canyon drainage at mile 46 — a short climb from the river level to a sandstone arch visible against the sky. The arch formed through differential erosion in the Uinta Formation sandstone, and it is visible from the river corridor when looking up into the Three Canyon drainage. The hike is the most straightforward arch objective in the Desolation Canyon corridor — moderate terrain, short distance, clear visual objective. It is a good afternoon hike for groups arriving at Three Canyon Camp mid-day, and accessible for most fitness levels.
Quick stats
- Distance
- 2 mi round trip
- Elevation gain
- 380 ft
- Time
- 1–2.5 hrs
- Difficulty
- Moderate · family-friendly
- Best months
- Apr, May, Sep, Oct
Know before you go
BLM Desolation/Gray Canyon Special Recreation Management Area.
Wildlife & geology
Wildlife you might see: raven (Corvus corax), canyon wren (Catherpes mexicanus).
The arch formed through differential erosion — a joint in the sandstone widened over time as water eroded the softer rock, leaving the harder cap intact as a span.
History
Named for Three Canyon — the arch in the Three Canyon drainage.