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Nature|National & State Parks

One Of The World’s Longest Natural Arches Is 306-Feet Long And Found Right Here In Utah

Landscape Arch in Arches National Park, Utah, is one of the world's longest and most photogenic natural arches.

Updated Apr 26, 2023

Written by 

Courtnie Erickson

There are thousands of natural arches scattered around the Beehive State. In fact, in just Arches National Park alone, there are more than 2,000 documented natural arches. While some of these arches are fairly small, some are large — very large. Landscape Arch is one of the world’s longest natural arches and it is found right here in Utah. It is one natural arch that you’ll certainly want to see in person.

Landscape Arch is located in Arches National Park and is 306 feet long. It is considered one of the longest natural arches in the world.

A stunning natural arch spans a rocky landscape, framed by vibrant skies and lush greenery at sunset.
moosebitedesign/Moment Via Getty Images

However, despite its extraordinary length, this natural arch isn't very thick. In fact, Landscape Arch is only 11 feet wide at its center.

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A natural rock arch spans across a rugged landscape under a blue sky with scattered clouds.
Michael Jagla/ iStock Via Getty Images Plus

Just a few decades ago, the dimensions of this rock were significantly different. However, in 1991, a 60-foot slab of rock fell from this arch, drastically changing its size.

If you wish to see this incredible natural arch in person, you do have a 1.9-mile out-and-back hike to tackle. You can spot this arch on the Devils Garden Trail in Arches National Park.

A scenic view of towering red rock formations surrounded by greenery and a sandy path under a clear blue sky.
Chuck Perry/AllTrails

The Devils Garden Trail is a popular hiking trail in Arches National Park, resulting in a well-maintained, hard-packed, and easy-to-follow trail. This hike is also easy with very little elevation gain, making it perfect for the entire family.

A natural stone arch rises above a sandy path surrounded by greenery and rocky terrain under a blue sky.
imv/iStock Via Getty Images Plus

As you hike to the arch, you will pass through beautiful desert landscape. Enjoy the scenery as you make your climb.

A vast desert landscape with rocky hills, sparse vegetation, and a blue sky dotted with clouds.
Chuck Perry/AllTrails

Once you reach the Landscape Arch, stop and enjoy the view. This is not only one of the longest natural arches in the world, but it is also one of the most photogenic and delicate in appearance.

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Natural rock arch against a clear blue sky, surrounded by rugged terrain and green shrubs.
Patrick Leitz/Moment Via Getty Images

If you desire, you can continue your hike past Landscape Arch toward the Double O Arch. This portion of the trail is much more difficult with sandy terrain to cross.

When in Arches National Park, Landscape Arch is certainly one natural arch that you should add to your must-see list!

A natural stone arch rises above a rocky landscape, illuminated by warm sunlight during sunset.
John Elk/The Image Bank Via Getty Images

Have you ever seen Landscape Arch in Utah? What did you think about one of the longest natural arches in the world? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments! You can also learn more about this arch and the Devils Garden trail on the National Park Service website.

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Nature|Hiking

Hike Snow Canyon State Park’s Scout Cave Trail in Utah for an Unforgettable Adventure

In my opinion, one of the best hikes in Utah is the Scout Cave Trail at Snow Canyon State Park. It's open all year, not super challenging, and showcases views that are almost too breathtaking to be real.

Published Nov 5, 2024

Written by 

Katie Lawrence

Utah is a nature lover's dream, and we're blessed with some of the best hiking trails in the country. It just doesn't get much better than our vast canyons and stunning rock formations. I could spend the rest of my life hiking in the Beehive State and still get excited about hitting the trail each day! In my opinion, one of the best hikes in Utah is the Scout Cave Trail at Snow Canyon State Park. It's open all year, not super challenging, and showcases views that are almost too breathtaking to be real. Plus, it's kid and pet-friendly!

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AllTrails Zach Schuster

Scout Cave Trail is a 3.4-mile out-and-back hike that passes over lava flow fields, Navajo Sandstone rocks, and stream beds. Although it's rated as intermediate on AllTrails, most hikers describe it as being easy, so you definitely don't need to be super skilled. The elevation gain is about 350 feet, and just a few moderate climbing sections make up the bulk of it. You're unlikely to get lost because the trail is very well-marked, and the variation in terrain makes for an interesting adventure from start to finish.

By far the coolest part of the trail (and the main reason anyone hikes it in the first place) is Scout Cave. It's located right before the turnaround point and showcases unbelievable panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and the city below. You can actually go inside the cave, which makes this trail a favorite among kiddos.

Shade is minimal, so if you're visiting in the summer, you'll definitely want to wear a hat and load up on sunscreen. Getting started early in the morning also helps with the temperature issue - although the views at sunset are equally as mesmerizing. You should also bring plenty of water and a snack or two, and make sure you have durable footwear for the rock scrambling sections of the trail (however brief they may be).

Visit AllTrails to learn more about the Scout Cave Trail, including the parking fee for Snow Canyon State Park. I also recommend signing up for AllTrails+ if you do a lot of hiking. The app offers exclusive perks like offline and 3D maps, ensuring you never miss a turn.

Have you ever hiked this trail? If so, do you think it's one of the best hikes in Utah? Tell us your thoughts in the comments! Check out our previous article for some of the best things to do in the nearby town of St. George. It's perfect for a family getaway!

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Nature|Hiking

The Iconic Trail in Utah Everyone Should Hike Once in Their Lifetime

One of Zion's most popular trails is the Scout Lookout via West Rim Trail, and for good reason. It's not easy by any stretch of the imagination, but it's one of those bucket list-worthy adventures everyone should experience at least once.

Published Oct 28, 2024

Written by 

Katie Lawrence

When it comes to iconic hikes in Utah, Zion National Park is the first place I think of (along with Arches and Bryce Canyon, of course). After all, it's home to some of the most stunning views our state has to offer, and millions of people travel from all over the world each year to revel in its magic. One of Zion's most popular trails is the Scout Lookout via West Rim Trail, and for good reason. It's not easy by any stretch of the imagination, but it's one of those bucket list-worthy adventures everyone should experience at least once.

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AllTrails Kristin Kozelsky

At 3.6 miles long, the Scout Lookout via West Rim Trail is by no means the longest hike in the park, but it is one of the most challenging. The out-and-back trail is rated as hard on AllTrails due to its steep ascent. You'll climb over 1,100 feet in a relatively short distance, navigating tight switchbacks before arriving at the final viewpoint known as Scout Lookout.

While the view at the top is definitely the pièce de résistance, you'll enjoy breathtaking scenery along the entire trail. At the beginning, the path crosses the Virgin River on a bridge before paralleling the river for a short time. From there, the ascent begins, and as the scene unfolds before your eyes, it only gets more picturesque with every step you take. With the ancient, majestic canyon walls rising up all around, you'll swear you're looking at a painting or a postcard. That's just part of living in Utah - what a blessing to call such a state home where the scenery is almost too beautiful to be real.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can continue past Scout Lookout to Angel's Landing, but only experienced hikers should attempt this. Additionally, the trail does not offer much shade, so consider starting either in the early morning or late afternoon to beat the heat if you're visiting in the warmer months.

Visit AllTrails for more information about the Scout Lookout via West Rim Trail. I also recommend signing up for AllTrails+ if you're an avid hiker. The app is an incredible resource with features like 3D flyovers, wrong-turn alerts, and offline map access. Your first week is free, so there's no risk involved in trying it out.

Have you ever embarked on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure? What are your favorite iconic hikes in Utah? Tell us in the comments!

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