Upper Courthouse Wash Route

Upper Courthouse Wash is a roughly 6-mile, one-way walk from the Sevenmile Wash access below the US 191 and UT 313 junction to the Main Park Road bridge. It follows a winding, active wash through sandstone canyon country; there is no built or marked trail to follow. Allow about 4 to 5 hours one way. This suits hikers who can navigate on their own and are comfortable with brush, loose sand and water crossings.

Travel shifts between the channel and its banks. The dry sand can be deep, while wet sand in the channel may be firmer; staying dry along the full route is unlikely. Dense brush and crossings make progress slower than the mileage suggests. The line here shows the approximate wash corridor, not a continuous tread, and the easiest way through can change.

About 1.5 miles up-canyon from the bridge, a side canyon leads to Ring Arch, a standout photo stop. Getting there involves scrambling and route-finding. It is an optional detour and is not included in the 6-mile route line.

This is a point-to-point outing: arrange a shuttle, or expect to walk back for about 12 miles total. The upper access is outside the park, and public parking at the listed start has not been confirmed, so verify a legal drop-off and parking plan before setting out. Carry all drinking water; no potable-water source or food stop was identified along the route.

Courthouse Wash is an active drainage with unpredictable flow. Do not enter during flood conditions or when storms threaten the drainage. Arches prohibits pets on hiking trails and off-trail. Upper Courthouse Wash also has two designated backcountry campsites; overnight camping there requires a permit.