Arch Rock Loop Trail
Description:
A natural arch, two scenic washes, open terrain hiking and a walk through the Crack in the Mountain (if desired) provide for a variety of desert scenery that is sure to increase your appreciation for the natural beauty of the area.
Trailhead Location:
SARA Park
Vehicle required:
Car
Time to Trailhead
From London Bridge:
15 minutes
Trailhead GPS coordinates:
N 34°26.441’ W 114°15.652’
Directions to trailhead:
Drive south on Hwy 95 to McCulloch Blvd at mile post 177. Turn right and drive for a mile to the second parking area on the right, across from the Desert Hawks entrance road (elev 860 ft).
Trail route instructions:
- NOTE: For several days after a rain, water may block your passage through the crack! Check with returning hikers before you attempt to go through.
- Follow the trail straight out from the parking area which drops into SARA CANYON wash on the left.
- Continue down the wash through the crack or bypass it on the blue trail at mile post 0.8.
- If you chose the blue trail bypass, you can get back down to the yellow trail shortly after mile post 1.2.
- Otherwise, follow the yellow trail which eventually narrows to an arms width, tumbling down a series of dry falls through the crack.
- Except for a seven-foot dry fall, you can, with care, readily negotiate the drops.
- The seven-footer is smooth and can be slid down, like in a playground.
- Near mile marker 1.4 on the yellow trail (elev 567 ft), follow a burro trail up the left bank to the top.
- Go straight ahead over the mound and look for the trail heading directly towards the arch.
- When near two rock outcroppings on the left, leave the trail and walk between them, up to and into the rear of the arch (elev 805 ft).
- Come down from the arch towards the right. Look for rock cairns.
- Walk between the two big rocks and past the large boulder to a not-easy-to-see burro trail in the distance which crosses one mound, then another, and then turns left heading out over a ridge. The trail then descends steeply on the left side down into the Grand Wash or continues a short distance to a trail which descends steeply on the right side. Either way, be careful going down!
- Walk upstream just past Big Mountain where the ridge trail comes down from the right side and crosses the wash.
- Exit left on the ridge trail back to SARA CANYON wash and then turn right to the parking area.
* Aesthetic Rating: The more stars, the more desirable the trail the in terms of remoteness, natural features and scenic beauty
Arizona hiking safety
The rugged beauty of the Lake Havasu City area, just down the Colorado River from the Grand Canyon, makes a lasting impression. But the desert can be hazardous. Many trails are unmarked and infrequently traveled. Please consider these suggestions to make the most of your adventure:
- Avoid hiking during the summer, approximately June 15 to September 15, when daytime temperatures can reach 120° or more.
- Do not hike in washes when heavy rainfall is anticipated to avoid the threat of flash floods.
- Always take plenty of water; plan to carry at least one quart of water for every four hours you hike in direct sunlight.
- Wear a hat, sunglasses with UV-protection, and sunscreen.
- Print off a copy of the trail map from this webpage and carry it with you if you the route is unfamiliar.
- Wear sturdy, thick-soled shoes and use a hiking stick if you easily lose your balance.
- Never hike alone and always let a responsible person know where you’re going and when you expect to return.
- Plan to leave on your hike early in the day to avoid the risk of being lost on the trail after dark.
- Travel light; the less you carry the more you will enjoy the hike.
- Leave nothing behind. We want our trails to remain beautiful for your return!