Eye of the Whale Arch Trail

Eye of the Whale is the quiet corner of Arches: a remote-feeling out-and-back to a graceful, elongated arch sculpted into a sandstone fin. Expect about 4.0 miles total if you’re hiking from the typical pullout along the jeep road; distance varies depending on how far you can drive before you start walking. The terrain is mostly sandy track with a short, unmarked scramble over slickrock to reach the arch itself.

The payoff is real solitude—far fewer people than Delicate Arch or Landscape Arch—and excellent photo angles, including from within the opening. Morning or late-afternoon light flatters the stone and the surrounding red rock vistas, with scattered junipers and open desert framing the scene. You’ll likely hear more wind and birds than voices out here.

Know before you go: access uses a graded dirt approach and then the Herdina Park/4x4 road. High-clearance 4WD shortens the hike; without it, you’ll be walking a sandy road for a good chunk of the distance. The route to the arch isn’t well marked—bring a downloaded map/GPS and be ready to follow faint paths and cairns, then scramble briefly on slickrock.

This outing shines for those who value the journey and the solitude. If you’re chasing the park’s biggest wow-factor arches, the main-corridor classics deliver more drama, but also far more crowds. Here, the tradeoff is a quieter, more exploratory feel.

Best time to hike: spring and fall for comfortable temps; in summer, start at dawn or late day to avoid extreme heat. After rain or snow, dirt roads can become impassable. There is no shade or water along the way—plan accordingly.

Practical tips: carry extra water, sun protection, and a navigation aid. Expect sand, some loose rock, and a short scramble near the arch. Pets aren’t allowed on park trails. ATVs aren’t permitted; only street‑legal vehicles may use the jeep road.