Longbow Arch - Moab

Longbow Arch

Moab
Hiking

Longbow Arch packs a big punch into a short hike. In addition to visiting a spectacular arch the route also contains several remarkable petroglyph panels and at least two separate dinosaur trackways. This route is a fun hike the entire family can enjoy.

General Information:
The Longbow Arch Trail is not difficult and can be completed by any healthy adult or child. No special gear is required other than footwear suitable for walking over slickrock. The hike involves walking approximately 1 1/4 miles each way over a maintained trail with an elevation gain of 450 feet. The route will require approximately two or three hours round trip to complete.

Much of the route is exposed to the sun and there is little shade available. During hot weather an early morning or evening hike is recommended. Every member of your hiking party should carry at least one liter of water. This hike should be easily accessible year round.

Navigation for this hike is easy as the route is well marked. The USGS 7.5' Map titled "Moab" covers this hike. You should have no problems completing this hike using only common sense. This route is rated 2 I using the Yosemite Decimal System or 1A I using the Canyon Rating System.

Trailhead Information:
From Moab head north out of town on U.S. Highway 191. Cross the bridge over the Colorado River. After crossing the bridge continue north for 1.3 miles to the signed "Potash" road, which is State Road 279. Turn west (left) and follow State Road 279 for 6.0 miles to the signed Poison Spider Trailhead. The trailhead is marked by a large gravel parking lot, information kiosk and pit toilet. The trailhead is accessible to all vehicles in all weather conditions.

Route Information:
From the Poison Spider Trailhead (N38° 31' 58", W109° 36' 31"), locate the signed trail to the dinosaur tracks that begins next to the pit toilet. Follow the trail east for 200-yards as it zig-zags up the ledges to the flat rock with the most visible dinosaur tracks (N38° 32' 01", W109° 36' 28"). If you look around you will notice that several similar rocks in the area also contain dinosaur tracks.

From the dinosaur tracks follow the trail north as it climbs to the base of the cliff where you will locate several really nice panels of petroglyphs (N38° 32' 02", W109° 36' 30"). At the west end of the petroglyph panels you will find a second large boulder with dinosaur tracks.

At this point it's helpful to note the trail to Longbow Arch follows the green stripes on the slickrock. From the petroglyph panels follow the trail west as it snakes up a small interesting canyon with rebar handholds near the canyon head that make escaping the drainage easy for everyone. Keep following the trail west as it climbs up and over a small saddle (N38° 32' 05", W109° 36' 44") that provides a view down on the Poison Spider Jeep Trail. Just past the small saddle the trail turns north up a large wide canyon. Just keep following the canyon north and 3/4 miles beyond the small saddle the canyon turns sharply east (right), at which point you will see Longbow Arch (N38° 32' 32", W109° 36' 47") high on the north (left) canyon wall. Hike up below the arch and enjoy the view. Return the way you came.

Longbow Arch Statics:
Greater Arch Dimension (GAD): 60.0 feet. For this arch, the GAD is its span.
Lesser Arch Dimension (LAD): 30.0 feet. For this arch, the LAD is its height.
Arch Type: Alcove
Rock formation and/or type: Navajo Sandstone.

History:
Legend has it that Poison Spider Mesa is named for Mary Jane Francis, who was a young girl that died on the mesa from a poison spider bite in 1896. Along the Poison Spider Trail there is a grave site where she is supposedly buried. Her grave site is lined with stones, and her name and the dates 1889 - 1896 are clearly carved on a headstone.

Video:
Enjoy a short video from Longbow Arch in Moab, Utah.

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