Moab’s Secret Arches: Hidden Wonders Beyond the Main Tourist Trails
your guide to the best hidden secrets of moab, utah
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Moab’s Secret Arches: Hidden Wonders Beyond the Main Tourist Trails
Moab is famous for its iconic rock formations, with Delicate Arch standing as a symbol of Utah’s red rock majesty. But beyond the well-trodden trails and crowded overlooks, Moab hides a world of secret arches—hidden wonders that only a handful of adventurers ever see. If you’re willing to venture off the beaten path, you’ll find some of the most remarkable and mysterious formations tucked away in the backcountry.
Private Arch: The Solitary Sentinel of Devils Garden
Tucked away in the far reaches of the Devil’s Garden area of Arches National Park, Private Arch is one of the park’s most secluded treasures. Unlike the heavily trafficked Landscape Arch or Double O Arch, this formation sits at the end of a lesser-explored spur trail, offering solitude and a true sense of discovery.
Its name, Private Arch, is fitting—it remains hidden from the main trail, shielded by sandstone fins and natural rock formations. Hikers who take the extra steps to visit it are rewarded with a peaceful spot that feels worlds away from the tourist-heavy parts of the park. Over time, this arch has stood firm against the elements, but like all arches, it is slowly eroding, reminding visitors that these wonders are fleeting.
Longbow Arch: A Reward for the Adventurous
If you’re willing to hike through Moab’s rugged backcountry, Longbow Arch is one of the area’s most rewarding hidden gems. Located outside of the national park, this arch sits at the end of a moderate 2.5-mile round-trip hike starting near the Poison Spider Mesa Trailhead.
The trail itself is an adventure—winding through sandy washes, climbing slickrock, and even passing ancient petroglyph panels left by Indigenous people centuries ago. Once you arrive, Longbow Arch soars above you like a sculpted gateway from another world. It’s a perfect destination for those looking for a little challenge and a lot of solitude.
Musselman Arch: A Strange and Scenic Rock Bridge
Not all arches are found high above the ground—Muscleman Arch is a thin, elongated rock bridge that sits low to the desert floor. Located in Canyonlands National Park’s Island in the Sky district, it’s a fascinating formation that often gets overlooked.
Unlike the delicate, sky-high spans that dominate postcards, Muscleman Arch is a robust, almost impossibly thin slab of stone. This hidden treasure is accessed via the White Rim Road, a rugged backcountry route that requires a high-clearance vehicle and a permit from the ranger station at Island In The Sky day of or ahead online at https://www.recreation.gov/
The Thousands of Small Arches Waiting to Be Discovered
While Moab is home to famous landmarks, what truly makes the region special is the sheer number of small, unnamed arches scattered across the desert. Geologists estimate that over 2,000 arches exist within Arches National Park alone, but many more lie hidden beyond the park’s borders.
Some of these tiny arches are found by accident, spotted while hiking, climbing, or driving along remote dirt roads. Others require a keen eye, as they are nestled into canyon walls, perched atop mesas, or even forming underground passages. The beauty of these small, secret arches is that they are constantly changing—some forming, others collapsing, creating an ever-evolving desert landscape.
This is also the first month you need a timed-entry reservation for Arches National Park. You should secure one in advance if you’re not an early riser. However, if getting up early is your thing getting into the park before 7 am avoids the hassle of having to get one. Once you’re in the park you can stay as long as you want. You can also reenter without a reservation each day after 4pm.
How to Find Moab’s Secret Arches
If you’re eager to explore beyond the tourist trail, here are a few tips:
- Google maps. Pull up Google maps and study the Moab area in detail. Many travelers before you already marked some of the lesser known arches and they will pop up.
- Talk to locals. Moab’s guides, rock climbers, and long-time residents know where to find some of the best-kept secrets.
- Stay safe: Moab is a harsh desert environment and the further you get from the main trails, the harder it is to get help. Know how to rescue yourself.
- Be respectful. Many hidden arches are fragile, and some sit near sacred Indigenous sites—leave no trace and never walk on arches – your weight could collapse them!
Final Thoughts
Moab’s secret arches offer an escape from the crowds and a glimpse into a world where nature still shapes the land in silence. Whether it’s Private Arch’s solitude, Longbow Arch’s hidden petroglyphs, or Musselman Arch’s improbable bridge, these wonders remind us that the most magical places are often those that few people ever see.
Next time you visit Moab, take the road less traveled—you might just find an arch that no one else has ever seen and it could be named after you!
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