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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When you walk up to the Wilson’s arch, you’re going to see the breathtaking view of the whole area. The day we went, the skies were strikingly blue and the clouds just made it look so unrealistic... more »
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Stopped to stretch our legs after a long drive. Plenty of parking on both sides of road. No toilets or garbages. Easy trek up the rocks. Arch can be seen from the parking area for those not... more »
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Loved it, loved it, loved!! The wonders of nature is just remarkable!! Not every day you can see this kind of scenery, (at least not in my neck of the woods) the formations, the views, the tranquility was amazing, looks higher than it really is, I would suggest shoes with good souls or grip ,to be safe, but only a bit of a hike to get up to top which is the bottom of the arch, but well worth the time to stop, relax, stretch the legs, and get a few selfies, there are a few other spots to stop after as well, but it doesn't cost anything, no restrooms or any vending of that nature, just a view to die for!!
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Was my first arch experience on the way to Arches national park. There was a man on a unicycle at the top. Beautiful view and accessible by a fairly steep walk on the Sandstone. Keep little ones close.
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