Wilson Arch, also known as Wilson's Arch, is a natural sandstone arch in 38°16′22″N 109°22′16″W, southeastern Utah, United States just off U.S. Route 191 located in San Juan County, 24 miles (39 km) south of Moab. It has a span of 91 feet (28 m) and height of 46 feet (14 m). It is visible from the road to the east where there are turnouts with interpretive signs. The elevation of Wilson Arch is about 6,150 feet (1,870 m).You can plan Moab trip in no time by asking Inspirock to help create your itinerary.
According to the sign at the pulloff near the arch:
Wilson Arch was named after Joe Wilson, a local pioneer who had a cabin nearby in Dry Valley. This formation is known as Entrada Sandstone. Over time superficial cracks, joints, and folds of these layers were saturated with water. Ice formed in the fissures, melted under extreme desert heat, and winds cleaned out the loose particles. A series of free-standing fins remained. Wind and water attacked these fins until, in some, cementing material gave way and chunks of rock tumbled out. Many damaged fins collapsed like the one to the right of Wilson Arch. Others, with the right degree of hardness survived despite their missing middles like Wilson Arch.
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Wilson's Arch reviews
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It is a very short walk up to this arch. Once you are up there you can see several arches in view as well
It is a very short walk up to this arch. Once you are up there you can see several arches in view as well more »
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Surprisingly big arch and short climb up. We couldn't find the defined trail described on some websites so we just eyeballed the arch and climbed up what looked the easiest way.
Surprisingly big arch and short climb up. We couldn't find the defined trail described on some websites so we just eyeballed the arch and climbed up what looked the easiest way. more »
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Very nice little hike, only took about ten minutes to get to the top. Kinda steep but plenty of rocks and paths to climb onto. Right off the highway for easy access. Beautiful view at the top.
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Nice little climb up the hill. Wear good shoes. And be nicer to your kids than the lady who was berating hers the whole time I was there. Family vacations are supposed to be fun!
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