Broken Bow Arch

Embark on an easy hike along the Broken Bow Arch via Willow Gulch Trail, a route that takes you through sandy washes nestled between towering sandstone walls. You will experience sections narrowing into slot canyon characteristics, offering a unique desert atmosphere. The highlight of this 3.3 miles (5.4 km) journey is the magnificent Broken Bow Arch, notable for its triangular opening and rich brown desert varnish. This trail involves a gentle elevation gain of 74 feet (22 metres) and typically takes about 1 hour and 27 minutes to complete. Along the way, keep an eye out for riparian foliage, beaver ponds, and the distinctive desert-varnished walls of Navajo Sandstone.

Plan your visit for mid-March through May or September through October to avoid the desert's extreme heat, ensuring a more comfortable hiking experience. Access to the trailhead involves navigating the Hole-in-the-Rock Road; if conditions are wet, a 4WD vehicle is strongly advised due to potential roughness. It is crucial to check weather forecasts before you go and avoid hiking if there is any chance of rain, as flash floods pose a significant danger in the narrow canyon sections.

This trail offers a glimpse into the unique geology of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, where the forces of water and wind have sculpted the landscape over millennia. The presence of desert-varnished walls of Navajo Sandstone throughout Willow Gulch showcases the region's distinctive geological features. You will also observe riparian foliage and beaver ponds, indicating pockets of life sustained by the gulch's water sources within this arid environment.