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Hikes/United States/Utah/Moab and Arches National Park
Difficulty
This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
Moderate
Elevation
This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
63 m
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
5.1 km
Duration
This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
1-1.5h
User Ratings
These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
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The Tunnel

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Table of contents

The Tunnel is a short, out-and-back route to a unique geological formation in Arches National Park: a 53ft-long tunnel through a sandstone buttress. This hike doesn’t see a lot of traffic and the trail can be difficult to navigate. Good map-reading skills, a GPS unit, and/or an incredible sense of direction is essential for this hike.

Route Description for The Tunnel

The Tunnel Trail is a rugged route to a unique geological formation just off of Main Park Road in Arches National Park. This hike does not have a well-defined trail, so bringing along a map and/or GPS unit is highly recommended. The last little section of trail up to The Tunnel is steep; solid footwear with good grip is necessary for this section. The Tunnel itself is a 4-foot-wide, 5-foot-tall, 53-foot-long tunnel through a sandstone buttress that was formed by gradual water erosion. If you stick your head in the tunnel, you will see the trickles and drips that continue to chip away at the walls of The Tunnel to this day.

From the parking lot, follow the path to the left, heading towards courthouse wash. Hug the large rock formation on your right as the trail swoops up to track northwest. Continue northwest for 1.0 km past two more large rocky features on the right. After 1.0 km, turn to your right and head northeast for 0.6 km to the Tunnel.

Check out this fascinating feature and have a rest in the shade before turning around and following your footsteps back to the parking lot.

Getting to the The Tunnel Trailhead

The Tunnel trail begins at the parking area on the northside of Courthouse Wash Bridge 5.3mi up Main Park Road from the Arches Visitor Center off of highway 191.

Route Information

  • Backcountry Campground:

    No

  • When to do:

    Year-round

  • Pets allowed:

    No

  • Family friendly:

    Older Children only

  • Route Signage:

    Poor

  • Crowd Levels:

    Low

  • Route Type:

    Out and back

The Tunnel Elevation Graph

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