Funnel Arch Hike

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Even though the trip from town is only a 15-minute drive and a 15-minute run, it is unknown to most because of its location, unmarked and hidden from the road.

Funnel Arch is the same type of formation so abundant in Arches National Park, Jurassic-age sandstone that weathers into fins and crumbles into arches. The pale red rock really lights up at sunset on this west-facing formation, so a quick trip up from town or camp in Kane Creek is a good way to end the day. Commercial guides in Moab frequent the arch because of its proximity, and relative privacy.

If you are going with guides, they may lead you on a scramble up the slickrock to a perch over the arch where there is a bolted anchor for rappelling. Even without a guide, you can drop your own rope for a dramatic free-hanging descent off the arch. Funnel Arch is accessed from Kane Creek Boulevard, which is the well-traveled road to campsites, biking, hiking, and petroglyphs in Kane Creek Canyon.

Park in a large pullout just above the switchbacks, then scramble up a series of rock ledges and aim for an obvious, steep drainage just above. This part requires a short section of fifth-class climbing, but there are good holds if you look closely. After topping out, continue uphill to the right. You'll round the corner of a large rock fin on your left and turn that direction into another slot drainage with a juniper tree growing in the middle.

This is a much easier ascent than the last, and Funnel Arch will be in view once you are at the top. The steep scramble is worth more than just the arch, however. Venturing to the cliff's edge reveals a bird's-eye view of Kane Creek Canyon, including the switchbacks, the Tombstone area, the watercourse below, and the seemingly endless slickrock above.

Note: As you are hiking to Funnel Arch (or hiking in any Southwest desert), be careful not to step on delicate soil crusts that protect sandy ground from erosion.