I was recently able to snag some permits for this and it was my favorite part of my visit to Arches NP. I didn't think it was too hard to follow the small markers but having a map or GPX route is very helpful. Anytime you see "Dead End" signs you'll want to explore past them, it's definitely worth the side trips to see where these lead. While the limited permits aren't fun to book, thankfully it does offer a chance to escape the typical Arches crowds.
5.0
We did this trail 5/3 and it was a great loop. We had originally planned to add Druid Arch but we started a bit late and decided to finish during the daylight hours instead. There are so many rock cairns that it's hard to lose your way but sometimes the trail seems a bit "meandering" with small climbs and drops that could be minimized. The jeep trail on the west side was an easy walk, the sand wasn't any more difficult than the general trail. There is a pit toilet at the jeep parking area which is a nice feature. All in all, the loop is scenic and pretty but I thought many reviews were a bit too favorable. Take plenty of snacks and water and have fun exploring the needles district!
4.0
4.0
Skyline Arch Trail. Easy, short trail that leads to the base of the arch.
4.0
5.0
5.0
This is a short steep walk to the old historic fire look out. The views do not disappoint. The parking can be limited at the trail head as it is tucked back on a residential road. Dog friendly route. Plenty of sitting bench areas at the top with bathrooms.
5.0
I’ve not completed the entire hike but I’ve hiked portions of it in April and Sept. The spring is perfect for ditching the shoes and walking up the sandy creek bottom. In the fall, when the creek is dry, walking in the sand takes more effort. The walls are towering and very boldly colored in places. I was told there is a cabin in the cottonwood grove where the trail opens up but I’ve not been to it. Be careful on Cottonwood Canyon Road, it’s scenic but mostly clay so if there’s been any rain it may be impassable.
4.0
Trail is in good condtion, lots of different options to make it shorter or longer as desired. Crisscrosses OHV and downhill singletrack so be prepared to step off-trail for bikers, runners, etc. There are a couple benches scattered on different lookouts where you can sit and enjoy the views.
4.0
Adequate parking and an easy trail to follow. Multi-use for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and dog friendly. Great for trail running with a mild grade and longer switchbacks on the climbs. Much flatter and easier once you crest the top of the hill! No shade but at this time of year a lot of it is shaded in the afternoon due to the low sun angle.
4.0
4.0
Hiked 1/16 on a chilly morning but the sun and steady uphill warmed us up pretty quick. The views begin when you reach the initial saddle (under a mile in) and are pretty consistent throughout the hike. The hike offers some nice vantage points in multiple directions, basically improving on all the views you first experience driving into Chisos Basin.
5.0
Hiked this a few weeks ago with friends. We went up the Pinnacles Trail, up to Emory Peak, and then over to the South Rim, and returned via Laguna Meadows. Long day, around 16 miles, but tons of great views. Arguably the views along the South Rim are more enjoyable but from Emory you can see into the Chisos Basin which was really neat. A little bit of scrambling needed to summit either rocky prominence of Emory, not too bad but maybe a bit intimidating for some.
5.0
Fairly easy to find the trail head. May have to pay for parking at the newer lots but worth the price of admission to see this giant monkey carved boulder. Trail is a bit steep. Offers an incredible view of Lake Tahoe from the top. Bring lots of water and watch out for mountain bikes that also use this trail.
4.0
This trail is medium difficulty. Bring shoes that have a good tread. The lake itself is much bigger in person and during the hot summer is great for a dip after the long hike. Dog friendly.
4.0
This is one of the most beautiful bike paths ever constructed. It has stable railing that overlooks Lake Tahoe and has plenty of room for all. Recommended to take this route during the summer at sunset. It has emblemed fish along the path that were out there in honor of the donors who made this bike path a reality.
5.0
Go early to snag a parking spot! The trail is not steep and will take about 20-30min to get to the bottom. It has an historic house that is a must to learn about how it was constructed. The beach is somewhat small but offers area of shade in the afternoon and small boulders to jump off of into the water. Pack out what you pack in.
4.0
This path is always filled with bicyclist, dog walkers, and runners because it offers views of the wetland birds and has a wide birth for any trekker of this route. It does run next to a main highway but it offers some distance so you do not feel the wiz of the wind rush by you from the traffic.
3.0
This loop is ideal to walk during the month of October leading up to Halloween. It is said that some of the tombstones glow. Be careful not to desecrate the graves and enjoy the view of the north side of town as this cemetery sits atop a small mountain.
2.0
This is a great spot to swim and paddleboard, only downside is the parking. It’s fun to paddle out to the rocks and climb around or jump off. If you’re feeling more adventurous, park in Incline and bike the lakeside trail to Sand Harbor for a swim.
4.0
- The overview is pretty spot on. If you park at the bottom (where the pavement ends) be sure to stay right at the immediate fork, then left at the next to keep on the main road. On our visit 4x4 wouldn’t have been necessary but the road was potholed/rutted so clearance would have been. From here it’s a steady incline up the road to start. If you drive to the base of Castle Pass it’s quite a bit shorter and you’ll jump right into to the main climb of the hike. It’s steep, dusty, and rocky so choose appropriate footwear. If you’ve got time, extend the trip and hike out to Basin Peak too.
3.0
- I’ve visited the June Lake beach a few times and it’s a scenic spot to relax and take a break from driving or cool off after hiking. The color of the lake is pretty and the beach is broad, the coarse/gravelly bottom extends out into the lake a ways (so you can gradually wade deeper into the chilly water). The parking area isn’t large but has been adequate on my visits and the restrooms were clean. Grab a kayak or SUP and explore the shoreline!
4.0
This route sits above the Truckee River and has some decent views of Northwest Reno. Great to take dogs off leash. We went after some snowfall so it was a bit muddy. There is a drainage ditch that follows a portion of the trail. Would recommend for an afternoon walk as this was not very steep or challenging.
3.0
This trail has multiple falls that you can see from the trail that follows its path. This waterfall is a much smaller than the main attraction but the view from the railing is still worth stopping to take a look at the water flowing through. The path to this portion of the trail does start to get skinny so take your time as it is a far tumble down to the river if you have a misstep.
3.0
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