Arches Trail

Red Canyon is administered by the Forest Service and has quite a few trails and a small visitor center right on Highway 12. While the geology here is similar that in to Bryce Canyon, the buses full of eager tourists pass it right by. This short hike through the beautiful Red Canyon area is really worth the stop on the way to or from Bryce. Just a 2-mile drive off Highway 12, the trail provides a fascinating and intimate look at this unique area.

Once you've parked at Losee Canyon Trailhead, look north across the driveway for the trailhead marker. The trail initially descends across a dry wash before it climbs toward the rocky bluffs beyond and passes a small rock hut with a door opening. It is said that this was used by the Butch Cassidy gang to store food and supplies. Just past this point, the trail joins the loop and can be taken either right or left. There are some opportunities for more off-trail climbing to explore the arches and rock windows that abound in this area. The views to the Sevier River Valley to the west are beautiful, especially when they are framed by the sandstone formations.

This hike can be combined with one of the short hikes from the nearby visitor center, such as the Pink Ledges Trail, to make a great half-day of exploration around the Red Canyon area.