Pros & cons
PROS
- Preserved early 1900s tire ruts visible along the route
- Cross-park connector with real solitude and big panoramas
- Links directly into the Elephant Rock Loop on the east end
CONS
- Sparse signage; easy to stray into the wrong wash
- Seasonal closure May 15–September 30 for extreme heat
Park at either end: near the West Entrance for a west start, or at the Elephant Rock Loop area on the east end.
Trail is closed May 15–September 30 due to heat. Minimal shade, bring ample water and navigation—losing the route in washes can lead you far from the intended corridor.
Why hike it
Arrowhead Trail is for hikers who like history, quiet, and wide-open desert. This point‑to‑point route follows a slice of the early Arrowhead Highway across Valley of Fire’s southern side, with red Aztec sandstone all around and the occasional panoramic look toward Lake Mead. It’s not the park’s flashiest path, but the solitude and sense of place are the draw.
Trail at a glance
Length is about 6.8 miles one way. Expect roughly 800 feet of elevation difference across the traverse—gradual if you go east to west, and a gentle descent west to east. The tread is natural desert with sandy stretches and washes. Traffic is light compared to the park’s headline stops, and signage can be faint, so bring your navigation game.
Route and highlights
On the west end, the trail starts just beyond the West Entrance and runs east to link up with the Elephant Rock Loop. Keep an eye out for preserved early‑1900s tire ruts—desert time capsules from the automobile’s early days. From higher points you’ll get broad views across Valley of Fire and toward the Overton Arm of Lake Mead. CCC‑built sandstone cabins sit nearby (not directly on the route), adding another layer to the park’s story.
Expectations check
This is a functional cross‑park corridor more than a red‑rock showcase. You’ll skirt the edge of the park’s flashiest formations rather than weave through them. If you want dramatic rock wandering in a shorter dose, the Elephant Rock Loop is right at the east end. Planning a bigger day that links multiple zones? Arrowhead makes a solid backbone.
Best time to hike
October through April. The trail is closed May 15–September 30 due to dangerous heat. Go early or late in the day for cooler temps and for the sandstone’s color pop at sunrise/sunset. Weekdays are reliably quiet.
Tips
- West‑to‑east is a mellow descent; east‑to‑west gives a gradual climb.
- Bring plenty of water, sun protection, and a GPS/track—washes and faint junctions can confuse. If you drift down the wrong wash near the east end, you can unintentionally leave the park corridor.
- Leashed dogs are allowed; the surface is sandy/rocky and shade is scarce.
Elevation
6.8 mi · 4 hrWhere it starts
36.4267, -114.4671Wildlife on this trail
Near Arrowhead Trail
All places →All trails →
0.1 mi awayCaptain John J Clark Memorial MonumentA stark desert cross honoring a 1915 tragedy along Arrowhead TrailScenic Viewpoint
0.2 mi awayCharlie's Spring TrailQuiet wash to oasis ramble with red rock narrows and solitudeModerate · 4.6 mi · 3 hr
0.2 mi awayCharlie's SpringRemote desert oasis at the end of a rugged, sandy washScenic Viewpoint
0.4 mi awayElephant RockElephant-like sandstone arch near the east entranceTrailhead · Parking
0.5 mi awayElephant Rock LoopQuick, photogenic loop featuring the iconic elephant shaped archEasy · 1.2 mi · 45 min
0.8 mi awayCabins TrailA quick stroll to 1930s CCC stone cabins with picnic shade.Easy · 0.2 mi · 6 min
0.8 mi awayThe Cabins1930s stone shelters with petroglyphs, shade, and desert viewsParking · Restroom
2.6 mi awayBalancing Rock TrailQuick stroll to a photogenic balancing rock beside the Visitor Center.Easy · 0.3 mi · 15 min
