Salt Valley Road is a rugged, scenic backcountry route in Arches National Park, offering an adventurous journey through the park’s northern reaches. Stretching approximately 11.7 miles from the park’s main paved road (Arches Scenic Drive) to its intersection with Willow Springs Road near the park’s western boundary, this dirt and gravel trail is best suited for high-clearance 4WD vehicles and experienced mountain bikers, with hiking possible but rare due to its length and exposure. The road winds through the expansive Salt Valley, a broad basin framed by sandstone fins, distant buttes, and views of the La Sal Mountains, providing access to remote park features like Tower Arch and the Eye of the Whale Arch via connecting trails. Rated as moderate for 4WD vehicles and bikes, the trail features sandy washes, gravelly stretches, and occasional rocky sections, with an elevation change of about 600 feet (mostly gradual). The journey takes roughly 45-60 minutes by vehicle or 3-4 hours by bike, with hiking times varying based on pace.
The trail begins at a signed junction off Arches Scenic Drive, about 16 miles from the park’s entrance (near the Sand Dune Arch trailhead at 38.7675, -109.5847). It descends into the Salt Valley, passing through a landscape of sparse desert vegetation, including yucca and sagebrush, and offers panoramic vistas of formations like the Fiery Furnace and Klondike Bluffs. Key highlights include access to the Tower Arch Trail (a 2.4-mile round-trip hike from the road’s western end) and connections to West Valley Jeep Road and Willow Springs Road, which lead to additional backcountry features. The road’s condition varies with weather, with deep sand and washboard sections challenging drivers and cyclists, and flash flooding possible in washes after rain. Spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) are ideal, as summer heat exceeds 100°F, and winter may bring snow or mud.
Trail Details
- Length: 11.7 miles one-way.
- Difficulty: Moderate for 4WD vehicles and mountain bikes; strenuous for hikers due to distance, exposure, and uneven terrain.
- Elevation Change: Approximately 600 feet, with gentle climbs and descents; altitude ranges from 4,500 to 5,100 feet.
- Terrain: Dirt, gravel, sandy washes, and occasional slickrock or rocky ledges. High-clearance 4WD required; OHVs, ATVs, and UTVs are prohibited in the park.
- Access: Start at the junction with Arches Scenic Drive (38.7675, -109.5847), 16 miles from the park entrance. An Arches National Park entry fee ($30 per vehicle) is required, payable at the main entrance or online at recreation.gov. Timed entry reservations are required April 1–October 31, 2025, from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Features: Access to Tower Arch (via a 2.4-mile round-trip hike), views of Salt Valley, Fiery Furnace, and Klondike Bluffs, and connections to West Valley Jeep Road and Willow Springs Road. No dinosaur tracks are specifically noted on this route.
- Challenges: Deep sand, washboard sections, and rocky patches require technical driving or biking skills. No shade, limited cell coverage, and potential flash flooding in washes. Pets are not allowed off roads, and motorcycles must be street-legal.
- Amenities: No facilities on the trail. The closest are at the Arches Visitor Center (water, restrooms) or Willow Springs Road trailhead (porta-potties in UtahRaptor State Park). Bring ample water, sunscreen, and a detailed map (e.g., National Geographic’s Trails Illustrated Moab North).
Hiking and Biking Notes
Hiking Salt Valley Road is uncommon due to its 11.7-mile length, lack of shade, and repetitive gravelly terrain, which some describe as monotonous for foot travel. For hikers, the route is a long, exposed trek best suited for cooler months, following the road’s dirt and gravel path with no dedicated trail. Mountain bikers find it more appealing, navigating sandy washes and rocky sections, though deep sand may require dismounting. The road’s solitude and expansive views reward cyclists, but they must yield to vehicles and stay on designated routes to protect the fragile desert ecosystem, including cryptobiotic soil. A highlight is the detour to Tower Arch, accessible via a 1-mile spur road and a 1.2-mile hike from the road’s western end, offering stunning views of a secluded arch. Hikers and bikers should carry ample water, navigation tools (GPS or map), and sun protection, as trail markers are minimal, and the open valley can be disorienting.
Trail Map
History and Significance
Salt Valley Road derives its name from the underlying Paradox Formation, a 300-million-year-old salt bed that profoundly shaped Arches National Park’s geology. This salt layer, deposited in an ancient evaporative basin, shifted and dissolved over millions of years, causing the overlying Entrada Sandstone (formed 165 million years ago from Jurassic dune fields) to fracture and collapse. These processes created the park’s iconic arches, fins, and valleys, including the Salt Valley itself, a collapsed salt dome where the road now runs. The road’s path through this geologic wonderland highlights its significance as a corridor to the park’s remote northwestern features, offering access to formations rarely seen by casual visitors.
Historically, the Salt Valley area was part of the broader Moab region, inhabited by the Fremont and Ancestral Puebloan peoples until about 700 years ago, with nearby rock art sites (e.g., along Potash Road) attesting to their presence. Spanish missionaries encountered Ute and Paiute tribes in the region in 1775, and Mormon settlers attempted to establish the Elk Mountain Mission in 1855, abandoning it due to harsh conditions. Salt Valley Road likely evolved from early ranching and exploration routes, used by settlers and prospectors navigating the rugged terrain. Its integration into Arches National Park, established as a national monument in 1929 and a national park in 1971, cemented its role as a backcountry access route for adventurers seeking solitude and geologic marvels like Tower Arch.
The road’s significance also lies in its paleontological context, as the surrounding region, including nearby Willow Springs Road, hosts Jurassic-era dinosaur tracks, reflecting the area’s ancient history as a muddy floodplain. While no tracks are specifically documented on Salt Valley Road, its proximity to these sites underscores its place in a landscape rich with prehistoric evidence. Today, Salt Valley Road is cherished by off-road enthusiasts and cyclists for its challenging terrain and serene isolation, with National Park Service regulations emphasizing responsible use to protect the delicate desert ecosystem, including cryptobiotic soil and rare plant species. The road remains a vital link to the park’s wild heart, offering a glimpse into its geologic and cultural legacy.