Bob's Arches - Canyonlands National Park and Vicinity

Canyonlands National Park, Maze District

Canyonlands National Park in southern Utah consists of three separate districts: The Island in the Sky, The Needles, and The Maze. For arches in the first two districts , see Canyonlands National Park and Vicinity This section shows only those to be found in the Maze District. Unlike the Island in the Sky and Needles Districts, which are accessed by paved highways, the Maze can be accessed only by hiking or on rough 4wd trails. The area for which the district is named is found north of the 4wd trail which ends at the Doll House. That section consists of many intersecting canyons in which one can easily get lost. Most of the arches are to be found in the area south of the 4wd trail. This area is loosely divided into three sections: “The Land of Standing Rocks”, “Ernie’s Country” and “The Fins”. Hikers interested in exploring this area are urged to research the subject and obtain the latest maps and geo positioning equipment as well as information on the necessary permits required. Cell phone coverage is spotty but useful. Rob Jones, who took most of the photos in the section managed to contact the author while arch hunting in the area. Rob’s report on his recent (May and June, ’09) trip provides a good reference along with his directions and UTM coordinates accompanying each arch. Follow along with this link to Rob's Trip Report. Rob’s explorations began at the Ernie’s Country trailhead which begins at the base of the “Mother and Child” pinnacle 0.8 miles north of the Golden Stairs . In the arch directions, where a TH is mentioned, the reference is to the Ernie’s Country trailhead. This trail ends near the Doll House.