The Moonshine Arch Trail Near Vernal Is Short And Easy

When you think of arches in Utah, Moab comes to mind first, right? Everyone knows that Arches National Park is one of the most beautiful in the country, and its arches are absolutely stunning. These natural wonders aren’t limited to just the Moab area, though – we have arches in other parts of the state, too! Here’s one near Vernal, and it’s a unique formation that you can hike to on a short, easy trail.

Moonshine Arch isn’t very well-known. It’s located just eight miles outside of Vernal, but the trail is vague and not many people know about it.

Erin Bramscher/Alltrails

There’s a small parking lot right at the trailhead, which is actually a dirt road.

Marco Koehler/Alltrails To reach the parking lot, take U.S. Highway 191 north from Vernal and drive to Steinaker Reservoir. Turn left on 301, then make a right when you come to a fork in the road.

You can actually drive for the first half mile without a high-clearance vehicle.

Rebecca Young/Alltrails If you have an ATV or four-wheel drive vehicle that can maneuver around rocks and similar terrain, you can drive right up to the base of the arch. Or, just get some fresh air and exercise and walk the trail!

The terrain here is typical of central Utah - lots of sagebrush and scrub oak on a parched landscape. You’ll want to make sure that you slather on some sunscreen and wear a hat. Carry plenty of water.

Corey Peterson/Alltrails

Keep an eye out for these metal signs that point you in the right direction.

Kimberly Lee/Alltrails For a full description of the hike, Click here for a brochure from Uintah Country Travel and Tourism.

The trail is just 2.9 miles, out and back. It has just a small elevation change of 291 feet along the way, so most hikers should be able to tackle this one without too much effort.

Kimberly Lee/Alltrails

The arch is huge! It stands about 40 feet high and is 85 feet long. You’ll be able to walk right underneath it, and even along the top of it if you scramble up the hill.

Pete Harris/Google

Make sure to bring your camera - this arch is quite picturesque. During the early morning or evening hours, the sun lights up the rock, and it’s even more beautiful.

Justin Filipone/Alltrails

The views from the arch are incredible, too. The landscape stretches out in front of you for miles, and you can see Steinaker Reservoir in the distance.

Carolina Berson/Alltrails

As always, if you take this hike, please practice Leave No Trace principles. Take only photographs, and leave only footprints. Do not throw your trash on the ground, or deface the arch! Let’s keep this beautiful place pristine for generations to come.

Don Bern/Alltrails

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Have you hiked to Moonshine Arch? Tell our readers about your hike in the comments, and share your photos with us!

Erin Bramscher/Alltrails

Marco Koehler/Alltrails

To reach the parking lot, take U.S. Highway 191 north from Vernal and drive to Steinaker Reservoir. Turn left on 301, then make a right when you come to a fork in the road.

Rebecca Young/Alltrails

If you have an ATV or four-wheel drive vehicle that can maneuver around rocks and similar terrain, you can drive right up to the base of the arch. Or, just get some fresh air and exercise and walk the trail!