Hike to Goulding Arch

Oljato-Monument Valley, Utah

Save

View all 3 photos

All 3 photos

Save Review Directions Add Photo

Details

Distance

0.6 miles

Elevation Gain

78 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Derek Mathewson

*Enjoy a short family hike to an Arch that doesn't get a lot of visitors.

...Who doesn't enjoy short hikes to beautiful landscapes?! I know I do when I'm pressed for time!

This 0.6 out and back hike will lead you to an arch that doesn't get as much recognition due to it being directly across the street from Monument Valley Road taking you into the park. The hike starts at the Gouldings Campground and is well marked. When you pull into the campground parking, you'll see the signs directing you to the arch. Follow the signs and hike the 0.3 miles to the base of the beautiful Goulding Arch. You probably won't see it at first, as it blends in with the rock background, but keep an eye out to your right and you'll see it. When you're done, take the trail back the same way you came. This trail is good for all skill levels and can be done during anytime of the year.

For anyone that may be interested in booking reservations for the campground & RV park, or just may have questions about the hike, I've included the info below:

1000 Main St.

Monument Valley, Utah

84536

(435) 359-0047

As always, stay hydrated, leave no trace and happy trails!

Download the Outbound mobile app

Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.

Get the app

Features

Chillin

Photography

Hiking

Bathrooms

Dog Friendly

Easy Parking

Family Friendly

Food Nearby

Picnic Area

Scenic

Hike to Goulding Arch Reviews

Have you done this adventure? Be the first to leave a review!

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Camp at The View Campground in Monument Valley

Other than the spectacular landscape, the park really doesn't possess any of the attributes one would associate with the "wild west." Rather, an introduction to the Navajo culture is what awaits visitors. Located on the Navajo Reservation, a vast parcel of land spanning portions of Western New Mexico, Northern Arizona and Southern Utah, Monument Valley is a closely guarded park that attempts to...

Wildcat Trail in Monument Valley

When facing The View from the parking lot, Wildcat Trail is off to the left where the campground is located. It's a 3.2 mile, self-guided loop that takes you around the West Mitten Butte. If you're hiking during the summer be sure to go early and bring a lot of water. You're fully exposed on the trail, and even though it's short it's easy to underestimate the desert heat. I hiked during the...

Drive the Scenic Loop of Monument Valley

Be ready to embark on this 17 mile monumental scenic drive. The loop includes 11 numbered viewpoints and you can expect to spend between 2-4 hours in the park. For the best experience, check park hours and arrive early before the 15 mph traffic begins to stack up. You will find the beginning of the loop at the northwest corner of the View Hotel parking lot, near the view cabins. Here are the v...

Explore Hunts Mesa at Monument Valley

Though there are many unique viewpoints from within and around Monument Valley, none is as grand as the view from Hunts Mesa! Not easily accessible, the only way to get to Hunts Mesa is through an authorized tour guide via a ~2 hour off-road drive around the backside of the mesa. Even if you did have the off road vehicle equipped to make the rough ride up the backside of Hunts Mesa, you would b...

Explore Forrest Gump Hill

If you are in or around Monument Valley, the drive and corresponding effort to get to Forrest Gump Hill is minimal. The location is known most notably as the spot where Forrest Gump ended his cross-country run in the movie. It's also simply an unbelievable view. From the most iconic site within Monument Valley, the Mitten Buttes, take Indian Route 42 East 3.7 miles to the West and turn right on...

Camp at Goosenecks State Park

Located near the southern border of the state, Goosenecks State Park is a small slice of Grand Canyon views in Utah. The park overlooks the meanders of the San Juan River, and canyons that have eroded over the millennia. This park is great for anyone hoping to learn about geology, get far away from civilization, or take in the natural desert beauty of Utah.This park has primitive, first come, f...