Off-Roading to Skylight Arch - Glen Canyon NRA, UT

Date: 5/8/2016

Location: Google Maps

An inverted arch with a view of gorgeous Lake Powell that requires a little adventuring to get to. We decided to take out the Razor for the day to go find Skylight Arch, and it was a fun day of mobbing around the desert and getting lost.

 

Getting There

Skylight Arch can be seen from the highway 89, but we wanted to view it from the top of the mesa. We turned off onto the dirt road about 8 miles from the Carl Hayden Visitor Center, and from there there is a whole network of dirt roads you can take to go camp or ATV in the desert. Be sure you have 4 wheel drive, since you can easily get stuck in some soft sand.

On our way to the arch, we found lots of sand dunes, caves, and canyons that we had fun exploring, and we even spotted the hidden and luxurious Amangiri resort!

One of the largest caves that the razor could easily drive around in

One of the largest caves that the razor could easily drive around in

Overlooking the valley behind Amangiri

Overlooking the valley behind Amangiri

Lots of wildflowers this time of year

Lots of wildflowers this time of year

Driving in one of the many sandy washes

Driving in one of the many sandy washes

After a few missed turns and a cautious ride across a rocky ridge that would make any acrophobic sweat, we finally made it to the arch! We drove by the hole, got out and didn't exactly realize where we parked until we got to the other side. The views of Lake Powell, particularly Lone Rock, are gorgeous from up here, and it's a unique perspective not often seen in the area.

Nice park job!

Nice park job!

Making me nervous..

Making me nervous..

You can even spot the cars running along the highway through the arch

You can even spot the cars running along the highway through the arch

Other useful sites:

NPS

ScenicUSA