Big Water ~ Church Wells ~ Southern Utah
Hike Approach
Dirt Road Approach
Birthday Arch Utah ~ Hike and Off-Road Description
Type of Hike : Hike Approach = Out and Back ~ Dirt Road Approach = Loop
Length: Hike Approach = 4.5 Miles round trip ~ Dirt Road Approach = 1 mile round trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Hiking Terrain: Sand, Hills and Slickrock, Mild rock scrambling (Dirt Rd Approach only)
Dirt Road Terrain: AWD required – 2WD not recommended. Soft Sand, Rocky Sections
Elevation Gain: 385 feet
Dog Friendly: Yes
Park Pass/Permit Required: No
Directions to the Trail
~ Hike Approach – Park at mile marker 9.75 on Highway 89 behind the guardrail at the wash on a faint pull out on the west side of the road.
~ Dirt Road Approach – Turn off of Highway 89 in Big Water Utah on Ethan Allen St. On a maintained gravel road go past the Big Water Visitor Center and then a mile later the Under Canvas Campground, where the road will turn to dirt. Drive 3 more miles to a triangular intersection and take two rights onto #6080 and take it for 2.5 miles. Take a right onto #6105 which will dog leg left at 1.3 Miles. A half mile past the dog leg look for an unmarked two track road to your right and take it 1.4 miles to the arch.
Birthday Arch Hike Approach Description
This two-mile out-and-back hike leads to a beautifully rounded arch on the edge of West Clark Bench. The trail features sandy washes, rocky terrain, and light scrambling, making it suitable for those comfortable with off-trail hiking. Its remote location provides solitude and a chance to explore a less-visited area of the monument. Be prepared for some sandy slogging.
For a bird’s-eye view, hike to the top of the arch by traversing left as you face it, passing a striking spire, and ascending stair-stepped ledges that involve mild scrambling. If you have extra energy, descend back to the wash bottom and explore the three mini slot canyons at the ends of each fork of Buck Tank Draw. These side trips add about half a mile to your hike and reward you with stunning narrow caves, intricate arches, and precariously balanced hoodoos.
Birthday Arch Dirt Road Approach Description
If you have an AWD vehicle (2WD not recommended), you can drive close to the rim where the arch is located. The last 150 yards of the two-track dirt road become faint and challenging to follow through juniper trees and sandstone cap rock. You won’t see the arch from the road, so you’ll need to get out and search for it. You’ll know you’re near when the road is closest to the canyon’s edge. The road veers left and climbs a sharp, rocky hill as you leave the arch area. To hike to the base of the arch and explore the mini slot canyons, head about 100 yards west from the arch to find a ramp that descends the ledges with some mild scrambling. For accessing the slots, it’s best to drop directly from the arch into the wash bottom rather than traversing the ledge up the canyon, as the ledge eventually cliffs out, requiring you to backtrack unless you can downclimb 5th-class terrain.
