Visiting Grosvenor Arch in Utah

Grosvenor Arch

Grosvenor Arch is in the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument.  As you drive from Tropic, Utah toward Kodachrome Basin, you will see the turn off for the dirt road leading to this arch.  This is a little bit off the beaten path, but was driveable in a minivan. 

Dirt road leading to the arch

Most of the way, the dirt road is in pretty good shape.  However, there are sections that are a little more treacherous.  This road would be very difficult in a rainstorm. Even with 4WD, some sections would be impassable during heavy rainfall.

Another view of the dirt road

We were grateful there wasn't a cloud in the sky the day we visited (Sept. 23, 2011).  As you climb on the dirt road, you will pass a view area.  Stop a minute and just soak up the scenery.

Ugly Bot on the road to Grosvenor Arch

View Area

There is a parking area at Grosvenor Arch.  Ironically, although you have to drive on a dirt road to get to the arch, there is a sidewalk from the parking area to the arch itself.  No kidding!  Cement sidewalk all the way.

Grosvenor Arch

This rock formation is very majestic.  Tall and powerful, it stands out against the flat sagebrush.  We were glad to catch it in morning light.

Under the arch

The sidewalk ends before you actually reach the arch.  When we visited, there were some German tourists, but otherwise we had the place to ourselves.  It was very peaceful.

The arch up close!

We saw a couple of picnic tables, but no shade.  There is also a vault toilet.  Otherwise, there are no facilities at this location.

The sagebrush was in bloom.

This was a great start to our day trip, and we were definitely glad we made the effort to see this.  Next stop:  Kodachrome Basin State Park.  

IF YOU GO:  Plan on 10 - 11 miles on the dirt road.  It took us a little more than an hour to reach Grosvenor Arch from Tropic, Utah.  Take food and water.  Leaving Tropic, drive east on Highway 12, then turn off near Cannonville on the Cottonwood Canyon Road.  Watch for signs for the turn off to Grosvenor Arch. There is a parking area and vault toilet at Grosvenor Arch.  Also, there are a couple of picnic tables, but no other facilities. There are no fees to drive to the arch.