Babylon Arch
Discover Babylon Arch, a hidden gem in Utah's Red Cliffs, offering stunning red rock vistas and a unique sandstone arch.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Ideal for cooler temps and swimming
Babylon Arch
Best Time
Ideal for cooler temps and swimming
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Babylon Arch, a hidden gem in Utah's Red Cliffs, offering stunning red rock vistas and a unique sandstone arch.
"The arch is awesome! Loved how it wasn’t too busy and everyone we came across were super friendly and helpful! "
🗺️ Trail Map is Key
The trail isn't always well-marked; a map is crucial to stay on course.
💧 Hydration is Non-Negotiable
Carry ample water, especially in warmer months. It gets very hot!
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.5 · 116 reviews
Type
Hiking Area
Address
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Babylon Arch
Bottom of a sandy slope
A unique sandstone arch hidden at the end of a sandy descent, offering a rewarding discovery.
Red Rock Scenery
Throughout the trail
Stunning panoramic views of red rock walls, valleys, and unique rock formations.
Pioneer Aqueduct
Near the trailhead
Explore remnants of a historic pioneer aqueduct, adding a touch of history to your hike.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Trail Navigation & Water
Vehicle & Road Conditions
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🗺️ Trail Map is Key
The trail isn't always well-marked; a map is crucial to stay on course. +1
💧 Hydration is Non-Negotiable
Carry ample water, especially in warmer months. It gets very hot! +1
🚗 4WD Recommended
Dirt, sand, and rocky roads to the trailhead require a high-clearance vehicle.
🥾 Sandy Descent
Be prepared for a steep, sandy slope to reach the arch. +1
Tips
from all over the internet
🗺️ Trail Map is Key
The trail isn't always well-marked; a map is crucial to stay on course. +1
💧 Hydration is Non-Negotiable
Carry ample water, especially in warmer months. It gets very hot! +1
🚗 4WD Recommended
Dirt, sand, and rocky roads to the trailhead require a high-clearance vehicle.
🥾 Sandy Descent
Be prepared for a steep, sandy slope to reach the arch. +1
🐶 Dog-Friendly Option
The trail is dog-friendly, but consider the heat for your furry friends.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Babylon Arch for its unique beauty and the rewarding feeling of discovery. The stunning red rock scenery and the arch itself are highlights. However, the trail can be challenging due to steep sandy sections and inconsistent marking, and the access road requires a suitable vehicle. +1
"We followed this on Google maps but wasn’t clear. The place it lead us wasn’t the same place with signs saying Babylon Arch. It was sand cove trailhead. It was 1.5 miles in and out. It lead us to beautiful scenery of a valley of red rocks. So beautiful! Fun places to take photos too.
You do have to drive a long dirt road to get there. Be prepared for that. Watch the road changes because it can lead you to an ATV trail."
Michelle Pyper
"Fun hike that has beautiful views in every direction. Fun sunset hike! Sand section can be a little tricky to hike through as you get closer to the Babylon Arch."
Austin Ivie
"Moderate trail... not easy and Not a “kid friendly” hike for little kids. Is doable for kids who love hiking and I recommend backpacking babies/toddlers. There are some very steep sandy parts that are pretty difficult to climb.
We went the beginning of May and it was perfect for swimming in the river after the hike. But if you are going to just see the Babylon arch then I would suggest going in early spring or even the winter months.
This hike is not very well marked at all and is is very easy to get off track and make your hiking trip longer than needs be.
It is very beautiful and the arch is awesome! Loved how it wasn’t too busy and everyone we came across were super friendly and helpful! Be smart and plan ahead with a trail map of some sort. *And make sure you take plenty of water with you!!"
Shari Shumway
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The trailhead is accessed via several miles of dirt, sand, and rocky roads north of Hurricane. A high-clearance, 4WD vehicle is strongly recommended. Some visitors have reported Google Maps leading them to the wrong trailhead (Sand Cove), so a physical trail map is advised. +1
No, the road is unpaved and can be challenging, consisting of dirt, sand, and rocks. It's best navigated with a vehicle suited for off-road conditions.
It's not recommended. Regular cars may struggle with the rough terrain, sand, and potential ruts on the road to the trailhead.
Signage can be inconsistent. Some visitors have found the trail poorly marked, making it easy to get off track. Having a trail map is essential.
Yes, Babylon Arch is located in the Red Cliffs National Conservation Area, about an hour's drive from Zion National Park, making it a potential stop for those exploring Southern Utah.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No permit is typically required for the Babylon Arch hike itself, as it's located in a National Conservation Area. However, always check local regulations before your visit.
There are generally no specific entrance fees for the Babylon Arch trail. However, if you are visiting other nearby areas like Snow Canyon State Park, separate entrance fees may apply.
Babylon Arch is an outdoor natural attraction and is accessible year-round during daylight hours. There are no set operating hours.
While technically possible, hiking at night is not recommended due to the unmarked trail and sandy terrain. Sunset hikes are popular for the views.
The hike can be challenging for very young children due to steep, sandy sections. Older kids who enjoy hiking might manage, but it's not ideal for toddlers without a carrier.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The out-and-back hike to Babylon Arch is approximately 1.6 miles round trip, though some sources mention 2.5 miles. The descent to the arch is a significant sandy slope. +1
The hike is generally considered moderate. While short, the steep sandy sections can be challenging, especially on the way back up. +1
Many visitors report that the trail is not very well-marked, and it's easy to get off track. A trail map is highly recommended.
Expect beautiful red rock formations, panoramic views of valleys, and unique desert landscapes. The arch itself is a unique sandstone formation.
Yes, the Red Cliffs National Conservation Area has other arches like Elephant Arch and Painted Arch, which might be shorter or easier options for families.
📸 📸 Photography
Golden hour, during sunrise or sunset, offers the most dramatic lighting for photos. The red rocks really glow during these times.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the arch and the surrounding landscape. A sturdy tripod can be helpful for low-light conditions.
Absolutely! The entire trail offers stunning red rock scenery, making every step a potential photo opportunity.
Drone usage is often restricted in National Conservation Areas. It's best to check the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) regulations for the Red Cliffs National Conservation Area before flying.
The arch itself is the main subject, but the sandy descent and the panoramic views from the rim also make for great shots.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit