Eagle Canyon Arch San Rafael Swell, Utah

April 20, 2021

Although I have partially explored this part of the San Rafael Swell previously, negotiating the maze of back roads proves interesting, even with GPS coordinates of the trailhead.

Joe Swasey built this cabin in the heart of the Swell, to provide shelter for himself and other cowboys while running cattle in the area.

The trail starts here

This route is known to be more of a jeep road than a hiking trail.  It possibly could be negotiatied in my Outback; but Eileen and I are here for a walk, so a walk it will be.

Within just a couple of minutes, we are diverted to what apparently was the Swaseys' refrigerator.

The water treatment plant, I guess

There is ice here

Back on track

Balanced rock

After an hour's walk, the objective appears to the right.

Eagle Canyon Arch is massive — about 90' by 15'

Looking across the canyon

As we admire the span, a couple of young bikers stop by.  Hailing from Reno, they are exploring the entire area.

"Our camp was cold last night."

They even included a photo of the arch on the road marker

Another jughandle arch in the making

Slogging along

Four Gossips?

Visitors at the Ice Box

An Easter Island wannabe?

Swasey Cabin

Trail's end

§: Well, I added a nice, relatively unknown arch to my collection.  And for the record, my Outback could easily have handled Eagle Canyon — at least as far as the arch.

• Trailhead: Swasey Cabin, 10 miles southwest of the I-70 Exit #131
• Distance: 5½ miles
• Elevation loss: 500'
• Hikers: none; bikers: 2
• Rating: 5

Scenery
Difficulty
Personality