Camille's Arches: Arch of Motion

Monday, January 16, 2023

Arch of Motion

I love Arch of Motion because it is not labeled, and yet is accessible in Arches National Park. This arch is visible from the road as you drive through Arches National Park, but only if you know where to look. It is sometimes called Unseen Arch. The name Arch of Motion makes sense, because you can see it as you're driving when you notice motion through the opening. As you're driving through Arches, looking toward the left, you see movement and happen to notice the opening in the wall. This is in the Windows Section on the main road of the park, soon before you turn to visit Balanced Rock. I have been hiking to this arch ever since I lived in Moab more than twenty years ago. To get inside the arch, you can't access it from either the front or the back, you have to come in from the far side. So park on the opposite side of the road, cross the street, and hike toward the arch, but veer right to where you can make your way up the rocks and sand until you're level with where the arch is, then head over into the arch. It is a little bit steep, but I'm afraid of heights and I can make it if I'm careful. It is not a huge arch, but it has an excellent view of the Windows and Turret Arch all 3 lined up in a row, as well as the La Sal Mountains off in the distance. There's a nice big rock under the arch that you can sit on and rest, and enjoy the view in both directions through the arch. Then climb carefully back down the same way you came, and follow your tracks back to your car. There has never been anyone else there when I have visited this arch, which I greatly enjoy. It is easy to avoid the cryptobiotic soil by walking on rock and through washes.