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We had arranged for the kids to spend the weekend with family so April and I we could spend the weekend doing non kid friendly hikes. After reading Udink’s Trip report April and I decided to check out a new area of the swell and find the three arches in the Ernie Canyon area.

View Ernie in a larger map

(this map is approximate …. if you are going to do this hike its your responsibility be properly prepared)

A HCV is required to reach the mouth of Ernie Canyon and there was also a bit of sand so I would highly suggest something with 4wheel drive. We started our hike at the edge of the WSA boundary at the mouth of Ernie Canyon. The wide box canyon winds back and forth until it opens up beyond the San Rafael Reef.

Looking deeper into Ernie Canyon.

At this point we left the wash and hiked up the south side of the Canyon. Not far off the canyon floor we ran across Ernie Arch. The Arch was tricky to view from the bottom and hard to photograph from above.

After a few photos at Ernie Arch we started the long, steep, and hot hike up to the rim of Ernie Canyon.
April enjoying the view from high above Ernie Canyon

Onward to Hurst Bridge.

After bypassing the short box canyon and large dry fall the landscape changes dramatically.

Hurst Birdge is just around the corner in this shallow slot canyon on the right.

After a nice long break in the shade we hiked up the drainage beyond Hurst to find Exclamation Point Arch. About 1/4 mile later we came across the first “Chasm of Death”.

Exclamation Point Arch

April sitting on the lowest ledge.

One last break before we hike down the steep hill to Ernie Canyon.

We made it back to the car in 4 hours and 45min. We spent that night at the only campsite at the head of Ernie Canyon. We had a great night and played around a bit with the camera in the moonlight.

No shade to be found at this campsite so we were up bright and early with the sunrise. We drove the 4×4 roads south along the front of the reef towards Temple Junction.

Next stop… The Ding Dang Loop.