Basics
- Location:
- Along the eastern side of Arches National Park
- Length:
- 13.5 mile roundtrip
- Time:
- 6 to 8 hours
- Elevation Change:
- 300 feet
- Season:
- Year round
Description
The lower portion of the Salt Wash is a tough, hot demanding hike from Wolfe Ranch to the Colorado River at the edge of the park. You'll travel through one the most remote areas of the park as the serpentine, rock strewn canyon gradually deepens until its walls tower 1,200 feet overhead. You see salt springs flow from cracks in the rock along the way. Like the Upper Salt Wash, you'll need to negotiate heavy thickets. (Unfortunately, there are no campsites at or near the river.)
Details
Location:
Along the eastern side of Arches National Park
Length:
13.5 mile roundtrip
Time:
6 to 8 hours
Elevation Change:
300
Season:
Year round
Additional Details:
Hiking in the Arches backcountry has some special perils. In the summer, temperatures routinely climb above 100 degrees F. There are few reliable sources of water so an ample supply -- at least 1 gallon per day -- must be carried. Bring a hat and sunscreen. In all seasons, but most notably spring and fall, sudden rainstorms can cause dangerous flash flooding in narrow canyons. And remember, it''s a lot easier to climb up a steep section of slickrock than to come back down...A permit is required to camp overnight, which is available for a small fee at the visitor center. There are no designated campsites in the backcountry and no fires are allowed.
