Lost Spring Canyon and its Side Canyons

A hole in the top of a shadowed alcove in a red rock allows light to shine through with green bushes in the foreground — Cavern Arch, my favorite arch in Lost Spring Canyon

The far northern side of Arches National Park is definitely overlooked. It’s also extremely inaccessible. It can’t be accessed from the main part of the park except on foot, and by vehicle, I’d recommend high clearance to get to the parking areas from the roads that only take you to the edge of the park. But if you can overcome the access issues, you are treated to a wild area of canyons, rock formations, and arches rarely seen by anyone except serious rock climbers. But I’ll tell you how to see some of the best of it in Lost Spring Canyon as a day hiker.

Quick Stats

Round Trip Length: 11.2 miles Trail Type: Out & back with spur Elevation Gain: 2,005ft. Pets: No Fees: None

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Red rock formations curve and soar into the sky with a few clouds — Rock Formations in Covert Canyon

Lost Spring Canyon is a gem. It’s hot on a warm day, the tread can be sandy, and there is one tricky turn, but it’s still so much fun to explore and find various narrow passages, arches, and more – and I truly enjoyed my hike there!

Slickrock that was once a road bordered by trees and with mountains in the distance — The Lost Spring Canyon Trailhead

0.0 Lost Spring Canyon Trailhead (4,751ft.). This is obviously an old road traveling west across the slickrock (the main drivable dirt road continues south beyond the parking area, but it becomes sandy and ends at the route I used to climb down into Salt Wash to access Clover Canyon). If you know where you look, you may be able to see some of the main arches of Arches National Park – I spotted Landscape Arch, Partition Arch, Magic Mystery Bridge, Broken Arch, and Double O Arch (I think). A short distance down the old road heading east, it turns right and will eventually end at a barbed wire fence after about a quarter mile. However, you don’t want to go that far – instead, you want to turn left at a road junction onto a smaller road. (38.8036410°, -109.5172500°)

Mountains beneath clouds with the cliffs of Lost Spring Canyon and desert brush in the foreground — Views from near the turnoff over Lost Spring Canyon and the La Sal Mountains

0.1 Road junction on left (east) (4,733ft.). This can be easy to miss if you’re not looking for it because the main road is so broad and obvious. The sideroad turns left and descends through the desert with great views toward the La Sal Mountains (views are best in the afternoon). It meanders down past an old corral and ranch area before dropping into the canyon (if you see another road junction about 38.801805198°, -109.51649013°, turn left). (38.8016480°, -109.5165090°)

Two hikers on a dirt road bordered by desert brush with red rock formations and cliffs beyond — Hiking down the old road shortly before dropping into Lost Spring Canyon

0.7 Drop into Lost Spring Canyon wash (4,497ft.). Turn right to walk downstream. This section of the hike is shaded by cottonwood trees and can be a little brushy – stay on social trails and you should be fine. Pass through the remains of an old cattle fence along the way (approx. 38.79670314°, -109.51306832° – I forgot to take a coordinate); when you come to a wash split about mile 1 (38.7936250°, -109.5139950°), take note of it so you can take the left fork on the way back up. The trees eventually end, allowing you to see the cliffs on either side of the canyon. If you’re in a hurry and don’t want to take the canyon bottom route (and you want to bypass Lightning Bolt Arch), you can turn left to the eastern side of the canyon about mile 1.3 (38.7924550°, -109.5149630°) to scramble to a grassy bench about halfway up the side of the canyon – a social trail traverses this bench and is much, much easier walking than taking the wash, even if you do have to occasionally descend into side washes and climb up the other side to keep going. However, I’ll take the wash in this guide – at least until after we’ve seen Lightning Bolt Arch. (38.7969170°, -109.5129990°)

A balancing rock formation in a yellow and red striped cliff — A rock formation through the trees of the brushy part of upper Lost Spring Canyon

1.4 Turn right for Lightning Bolt Arch (4,450ft.). Walk through some trees and then up a small wash on the west side of the canyon. The arch is small and is in a fin in the middle of the wash. (38.7893470°, -109.5163710°)

A break in a slickrock wall with a hole in the orange slickrock fin — Lightning Bolt Arch – in the fin on the right – it’s very small!

1.45 Lightning Bolt Arch (4,478ft.). It won’t take long to admire it (was it really worth the sidetrip?), then retrace your steps to the main wash and turn right (downstream). The next arch is better, believe me. (38.7896280°, -109.5169490°)

Desert bushes and grass on sand with red rock cliffs in the distance — Lost Spring Canyon

1.8 Turn left toward Cavern Arch (4,442ft.). Turn toward the eastern canyon wall, then walk a short distance up a side-wash, then scramble up the right side of the side wash to ascend to the grassy bench about halfway up the side of the canyon wall (if you ascended to this bench earlier, just keep going across the side wash). On the top of the bench is a well-defined social trail heading downcanyon. Take it until you see Cavern Arch in an alcove on your left – at least three social trails take you from the main social trail to the cavern. (38.7893470°, -109.5163710°)

A hole in a dark wall to striped rock cliffs — Looking out of the alcove of Cavern Arch

1.9 Cavern Arch (4,521ft.). This is the most impressive arch in Lost Spring Canyon and well worth visiting. I scrambled inside to look through the hole in the roof. Stay on top of the bench and continue to follow the social trail downcanyon. (38.7855950°, -109.5148740°)

A hiker on a grassy and brushy plain beside red rock hills — Hiking below Millennium Arch (can you see it on the cliff? It’s tiny!)

2.2 Millenium Arch (4,471ft.). The arch is on the left (eastern) canyon wall, which is pockmarked with dozens of holes. Birds sometimes nest in the holes, so keep your eyes open. The arch is in a pockmark that has a hole in its roof! After this, the social trail will drop back down into the main wash (I’d insert sad face here except we’re about to enter the most exciting part of the hike!) (38.7843970°, -109.5154100°)

Striped rock cliffs across a grassy desert plain — Striped cliffs of Lost Spring Canyon

2.5 Reenter Lost Spring Canyon wash (4,418ft.). Walk downstream (left) for a short distance. (38.7817000°, -109.5169830°)

Desert grass and bushes in front of a red dirt hill — The entrance to Covert Canyon – there is a small social trail that takes you up and over the hill and into the canyon

2.6 Covert Canyon enters from left (4,412ft.). The entrance is brushy, but this is where you want to turn left. (You could keep going down Lost Spring Canyon – it would eventually empty into Salt Creek Wash near Clover Canyon – but I hear it’s not very exciting (or maybe it’s just not as exciting as exploring Covert Canyon). Turn left up Covert Canyon, then stay left in what appears to be the main wash. It widens considerably after the initial narrow canyon mouth opening. Don’t worry; things will get more exciting later. (38.7807120°, -109.5175330°)

An arch in red rock cliffs — Covert Arch from below (with a bit of zoom)

3.1 Covert Arch view (4,470ft.). Covert Arch is high on the righthand canyon wall. It’s very impressive from down here, though it’s also very impressive from the top of the canyon, as well (accessed from a different parking area). Actually, it’s easier to see before this, but closer up is more imrpressive. Admire the arch and then continue upcanyon as it begins to narrow and brush closes in on either side of the wash. (38.7834350°, -109.5093820°)

A hiker in the sandy wash beside bushes and below towering canyon walls — Can you spot the hiker in the bottom of Lost Found Canyon?

3.8 Wash split (4,564ft.). I’ll take you left first up Lost Found Canyon, as this is what I did and it worked quite well. The wash twists and turns and finally ends you up in a deep slot canyon – it’s never terribly narrow (those who were with me with a dislike of tight spaces thought it was neat not scary), but it’s so deep that you feel like a miniature. The canyon finally ends in a grotto. (38.7841530°, -109.5027240°)

A hiker walking between narrow red rock walls of a canyon — Nearing the grotto of Lost Found Canyon

4.2 Grotto in Lost Found Canyon (4,692ft.). I hear this is a space where rock climbers like to rappel, but I saw zero people the entire day I spent in the area, so I didn’t actually see the rock climbers (the climbers seem to use the same parking area as I used for hiking to Covert Arch). Retrace your steps to the wash split and turn left up MMI Canyon. The route is brushy, but it’s generally quite hikable in this section. After a short distance, I saw a kind of sign pointing up a cliff on the right – I gather this is where the climbers exit the canyon system. But since I didn’t know that, I kept right on hiking up the canyon. (38.7855730°, -109.4966310°)

An arch in a slickrock wall with clouds above the wall — The arch in the alcove of MMI Canyon

6.0 Alcove with an arch (4,733ft.). Look up and you’ll see sky through a crack in the roof of the alcove. This is a very good place to turn around, but I kept going a short distance further. The problem is that the wash becomes narrower and narrower, and the banks are covered in poison ivy. I was able to squeeze by one section without touching green plants, but I got to another section where it would have been impossible to not touch the greenery. The entire rest of my group is highly allergic to the stuff, so there was no way I was going to risk infecting them! (38.7803420°, -109.4935370°)

Red rock canyon walls over a sandy wash and green bushes — Hiking the upper reaches of MMI Canyon

6.5 Turn around in MMI Canyon (4,655ft.). You could definitely continue farther if you’re immune to poison ivy. Retrace your steps to the traihead. (38.7808540°, -109.4909970°)

A hiker with a red backpack on a sandy path between desert bushes with red rock cliffs and blue sky in the background — Hiking back up along the bench of Lost Spring Canyon

12.2 Lost Spring Canyon Trailhead (4,751ft.). I’m going to guess this is an overstatement when it comes to mileage… (38.8036410°, -109.5172500°)

Distant red cliffs and an arch across green bushes and white rocks in the desert — Landscape Arch and Partition Arch (zoom photo – you can click on the picture to make it bigger)

Round Trip Trail Length: I went 12.2 miles supposedly, including a 0.2 mile accidental detour. It did not feel like 12 miles, through I do guess it was over 11 miles.

Elevation Gain: 3,105ft. (4,733ft. to 4,411ft.) supposedly. Again, I’m pretty sure this is an overestimate because my GPS struggles to get an accurate estimate when I hike too close to canyon walls.

Facilities: None

Fees: None

A fence behind a bush across a sandy wash in the desert — Fence/gate across the wash to keep cattle from wandering into Arches National Park (it’s not hard to get through)

Trail Notes: If you plan to rock climb, you’ll need to follow the regulations put forth by Arches National Park (which includes getting a (I believe free) permit). Bring shoes or boots that are good in sand, as the wash bottom is sandy – taking the bench trail definitely is helpful with making the hike easier. Pay attention to your turns so you can find your way back. If you want to get an early start – or if you get back late – because the parking area is on BLM land, it’s legal to park overnight. You can also camp legally before entering the park.

Trees above bushes and a sandy wash — Cottonwood trees in the upper part of Lost Spring Canyon

Trail

Road

Signs

Scenery

Would I go 100 miles out of my way for this?

Overall Rating:

A desert sunflower with yellow petals and a brown middle — A desert sunflower

GPS Coordinates for Lost Spring Canyon

TH: 38.8036410°, -109.5172500° (38°48.21846′, -109°31.03500′ / 38°48’13.1076″, -109°31’02.1000″) (4,751ft.) (0.0)

Fence: 38.8012830°, -109.5166850° (38°48.07698′, -109°31.00110′ / 38°48’04.6188″, -109°31’00.0660″) (4,734ft.) (0.19)

A hiker on a path in a desert meadow below red rock domes — Hiking on the bench below rock formations

Enter Wash: 38.7969170°, -109.5129990° (38°47.81502′, -109°30.77994′ / 38°47’48.9012″, -109°30’46.7964″) (4,497ft.) (0.89)

Split (be sure to take the left fork on the way back up!): 38.7936250°, -109.5139950° (38°47.61750′, -109°30.83970′ / 38°47’37.0500″, -109°30’50.3820″) (4,460ft.) (1.19)

Red slickrock cliffs topped with domes above sandy desert and below blue skies — Rock formations in lower Covert Canyon

Turn Right for Lightening Bolt Arch: 38.7893470°, -109.5163710° (38°47.36082′, -109°30.98226′ / 38°47’21.6492″, -109°30’58.9356″) (4,450ft.) (1.60)

Lightening Bolt Arch: 38.7896280°, -109.5169490° (38°47.37768′, -109°31.01694′ / 38°47’22.6608″, -109°31’01.0164″) (4,478ft.) (1.64)

Turn left for Cavern Arch: 38.7864180°, -109.5161300° (38°47.18508′, -109°30.96780′ / 38°47’11.1048″, -109°30’58.0680″) (4,442ft.) (1.99)

Pinnacle rock formations atop slickrock fins — Pinnacle rock formations in Covert Canyon

Cavern Arch: 38.7855950°, -109.5148740° (38°47.13570′, -109°30.89244′ / 38°47’08.1420″, -109°30’53.5464″) (4,521ft.) (2.14)

Beneath Millennium Arch: 38.7843970°, -109.5154100° (38°47.06382′, -109°30.92460′ / 38°47’03.8292″, -109°30’55.4760″) (4,471ft.) (2.45)

Reenter Wash: 38.7817000°, -109.5169830° (38°46.90200′, -109°31.01898′ / 38°46’54.1200″, -109°31’01.1388″) (4,418ft.) (2.70)

Clouds over a slickrock fin with an arch in it above a sandy hill with bushes on it — A more distant view of Covert Arch

Turn left up side canyon: 38.7807120°, -109.5175330° (38°46.84272′, -109°31.05198′ / 38°46’50.5632″, -109°31’03.1188″) (4,412ft.) (2.78)

Covert Arch View: 38.7834350°, -109.5093820° (38°47.00610′, -109°30.56292′ / 38°47’00.3660″, -109°30’33.7752″) (4,470ft.) (3.36)

Wash junction (left for tall walls/dryfall; right for Exit Route): 38.7841530°, -109.5027240° (38°47.04918′, -109°30.16344′ / 38°47’02.9508″, -109°30’09.8064″) (4,564ft.) (3.36)

A hiker in the shadows hiking down a sandy wash between towering canyon cliff walls toward green trees — Hiking back down Lost Found Canyon

Grotto (this is in Lost Found Canyon): 38.7855730°, -109.4966310° (38°47.13438′, -109°29.79786′ / 38°47’08.0628″, -109°29’47.8716″) (4,692ft.) (4.45)

Alcove + Arches: 38.7808650°, -109.4939810° (38°46.85190′, -109°29.63886′ / 38°46’51.1140″, -109°29’38.3316″) (actually 38.7803420°, -109.4935370° (38°46.82052′, -109°29.61222′ / 38°46’49.2312″, -109°29’36.7332″)) (4,733ft.) (6.23)

Turn around (this is called MMI Canyon): 38.7808540°, -109.4909970° (38°46.85124′, -109°29.45982′ / 38°46’51.0744″, -109°29’27.5892″) (4,655ft.) (6.68)

Rock formations against a cloudy sky with a rounded roof overhead — Standing under the alcove in MMI Canyon, looking up at the rock formations on the opposite canyon wall

Back into the wash (after taking the upper route: 38.7924550°, -109.5149630° (38°47.54730′, -109°30.89778′ / 38°47’32.8380″, -109°30’53.8668″) (4,480ft.) (10.94)

Road junction (where you should turn and not go to the fence): 38.8016480°, -109.5165090° (38°48.09888′, -109°30.99054′ / 38°48’05.9328″, -109°30’59.4324″) (4,733ft.) (12.2)

End: 38.8034690°, -109.5175010° (38°48.20814′, -109°31.05006′ / 38°48’12.4884″, -109°31’03.0036″) (4,755ft.) (12.19)

Clouds in a blue sky over stripes in the slickrock hillside — Curving clouds over curving slickrock in Covert Canyon

The gpx file for my hike in Lost Spring Canyon can be downloaded – please note that this and the GPS Coordinates are for reference only and should not be used as a sole resource when hiking this trail.

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(Note: I do my best to ensure that all downloads, the webpage, etc. are virus-free and accurate; however, I cannot be held responsible for any damage that might result, including but not limited to loss of data, damages to hardware, harm to users, from use of files, information, etc. from this website. Thanks!)

A yellow cactus bloom — A prickly pear cactus bloom

Getting to the Lost Spring Canyon Trailhead

From I-70, take Exit 193, signed for Yellowcat (no services). Turn south on the dirt road – all of my mileages are from the westbound entrance/exit ramps. (I hear there are two other ways of getting in – one from US-191 (I tried that and it was flooded and too sketchy for my van) and another from Owl Draw Road off of UT-128, but neither of these are recommended for 2WD vehicles).

Visual route map of my hike down Lost Spring Canyon and then up Covert Canyon, Lost Found Canyon, and MMI Canyon

After 6.2 miles, a road will go off on the right (west) at approx. 38.8679514, -109.5499733. Continue straight (south) to mile 7.8, where you want to go left at a Y in the road (approx. 38.8489544, -109.5358285). A half a mile beyond this Y, you will see a couple of old ore hoppers on the left (north) about 38.8479059, -109.5283851. This is the Yellowcat Mine.

Keep driving to mile 9.3. Take the road that goes right (south) about 38.8504449, -109.5107063. At mile 12.0 (approx. 38.8242522, -109.4966222), turn right on a road on the right leads west and south to the trailhead for Lost Spring Canyon after about 4.8 miles from the main road.