The Tunnel

The Tunnel is a very unusual Arch that can not be found on the Arches National Park map. It is a very interesting feature that seems more like a cave then an Arch. The hike out to The Tunnel takes about two or three hours of round trip and I would suggest using a GPS to save your self a bit time and effort. Ring Arch is also very close and worth checking out if you are in the area. There is no trail so stay in the sandy wash bottoms and avoid the cryptobiotic soil.
The trail begins at the Courthouse wash trail head inside Arches National Park.


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April w/ Bowen in pack followed by Lanik just leaving the Courthouse was trail head heading west (up stream) along Courthouse wash.
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Lanik playing in the sandy wash bottom that leads from Courthouse Wash to the Tunnel.
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Looking back towards Park Ave.
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Not long after leaving Courthouse Wash you will run into a small dry fall, Just back track a ways until you can climb onto the slick rock on the east side of the wash.
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The Tunnel
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Views from the inside
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3 Responses to “The Tunnel”

  1. Pete, on April 28th, 2008 at 10:31 pm

    nice report. looks like a fun hike. the tunnel is awesome, i wonder if there are other tunnels in that area.

  2. Dan, on November 7th, 2008 at 8:40 am

    I have never seen the tunnel. Looks like another great trip.

  3. ryan, on March 23rd, 2009 at 12:58 pm

    Thanks for sharing, I found your site off of bogley. Took the fam to the tunnel over the weekend. It was great to have something off the beaten path. The park was packed we didn’t see anyone on the this hike. Really appreciate the beta.

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