Grosevenor Arch

Grosvenor Arch

Grosevenor Arch   |  Austen Diamond
  • Weather: Sunny, 30F

 As you drive on the bumpy dirt road toward Grosvenor Arch, you see miles and miles of sagebrush on rolling terrain. So when you finally arrive at the arch, this sandstone structure’s massiveness is jaw-dropping. Sheer and colossal cliffs — quite an impressive sight, indeed.
 
The “arch” is two arches tower 150 feet above the ground. The largest arch is nearly 100 feet in diameter. In 1949, the arch was named in honor of National Geographic Society president Gilbert Hovey Grosvenor, who became the first full-time editor of the National Geographic magazine.

Grosvenor Arch is part of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument (formerly Kodachrome Basin State Park) and is one of the biggest such arches within the monument. Poised at the end of a sandstone ridge, it feels remote but is near Kodachrome Basin State Park.

What Makes it Great

Double your arch, double your fun.

Grosvenor Arch is unique with its double arch. And this massive sandstone formation looks like a castle from a children’s cartoon from afar. It is tall and commands respect. The closer you get to the arch, the more inspiring the place becomes. The paved .25-mile trail to the arch’s base is handicap accessible. You walk through a sage field to the base, and as you are near, you will likely hear the large birds who call the area home. Feel free to follow an unmarked trail (you’ll see footprints) after the pavement ends; it will lead you to the top of the ridge nearby and almost equal in height to the arch. Here, your vantage of the surrounding area will be expansive and scenic.

Grosvenor Arch is an excellent place to stop en route to other area attractions, but it is also great to stay awhile. With relatively few visitors compared to different spots, you might have this majestic place for a while.

What You’ll Remember

You'll have to pick your jaw up off the ground after you lay eyes on the arch for the first time. As you take in the unique yellow hue of the rock and the pink speckles, imagine being the first explorers to come across this curious formation in the middle of a vast and rugged wilderness. 

Who is Going to Love It

This unique sandstone formation will impress anyone, whether or not you’re already interested in massive rock structures. Also, unlike many off-the-beaten-path attractions, Grosvenor Arch is handicap accessible. It is an excellent place for the whole family, as it is scenic and has lots of room to play. It could quickly become your new favorite if you're looking for a unique picnic spot.

GPS Coordinates, Parking and Regulations

GPS Coordinates:

(37.457369, -111.825872)

Park at the main parking lot by the restrooms. There are no fees to enjoy Grosvenor Arch, and it is open year-round. The best times of year to visit are late March to June and September to October. The arch is exposed, and the summer heat can be oppressive. The road is accessible to passenger vehicles but might be impassible if wet.

Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument permits camping at established sites with fire rings. When visiting the arch, you will be remote, so pack plenty of water and all the essentials for your stay. The area is dog-friendly.

Well-prepared travel is responsible travel.

Do your part by planning ahead
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