Arch Canyon

South of the Abajo Mountains and west of Comb Ridge in San Juan County lies Arch Canyon, famous for it’s three arches, Cathedral, Angel, and Keystone. Along the way, visitor’s can also see ruins left behind by the Ancestral Puebloans who once inhabited the area.

From Comb Wash, a trail leading 7 miles up the canyon can be hiked or driven on ATVs or other high clearance vehicles. From the end of the trail, visitors can see Cathedral Arch. Leaving your vehicles and continuing on foot, Angel Arch lays a half a mile further up the canyon, while Keystone Arch is found another 2.5 miles farther.

Visitors can also get an astonishing view of the canyon from the overlook at the edge of Texas Flat. A more distant view can be seen along South Elk Road in the Manti-Lasal Wilderness at the Arch Canyon Overlook

Along the way, look for the Arch Canyon and Jailhouse ancestral Puebloan (Anasazi) ruins along the cliffs.

The Canyon Trail

ATV/Jeep Trail

The first 9 miles of the canyon are accessible by high-clearance vehicles. The trail crosses the stream over 50 times, and may be inaccessible during and after rainstorms. The motor-vehicle trail ends at a  shady location with nearby campsites, in site of Cathedral Arch.

Hiking Only Trail

To reach Angel and Keystone arches, visitors must leave their vehicles and continue on foot. Angel Arch can be reach by a short hike. Getting to Keystone Arch requires another 2.5 miles  of hiking.