Eye of the Whale Trail
The Eye of the Whale Trail is a great, family-friendly hike to a neat, tunnel-like arch that resembles, believe it or not, the eye of a whale. This hike is in the Herdinia Area of Arches National Park and can be a great way to escape the crowds of more popular areas like Devils Garden. This hike is also used as an OHV trail, so be mindful of vehicles trying to pass you by as you hike along.
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Route Description for Eye of the Whale Trail
The Eye of the Whale Trail is a beautiful out-and-back hike in a low-traffic area of Arches National Park. This trail is shared by hikers, bikers, and OHV drivers, so be considerate of your fellow trail users and let folks pass. Most of this hike is along the OHV road which is well defined and well-travelled. The last little section up to the arch is over uneven, loose terrain, but should be very doable for families with older children. The Eye of the Whale Arch is a unique and fascinating formation—be sure to bring a camera along with you to snap a shot of this natural wonder.
From the picnic area on Willow Spring Road, just off of Main Park Road, follow the road west for 0.8 km to a divide. Take a right onto the Herdina Park trail to head north/northwest. 3.1 km down this path the trail will divide. Take a left here to hike the last 0.3 km to the Eye of the Whale Arch.
Rest in the shade of the arch before turning around and following the same trail back to the parking area.
Getting to the Eye of the Whale Trail Trailhead
The Eye of the Whale Trail begins at the picnic area on Willow Springs road, just 15.4 km up Main Park Road from the Arches Visitor Center off of highway 191.
Route Information
Eye of the Whale Trail Elevation Graph
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