Lexington Arch Trail, NV

This hike follows the Lexington Arch Trail to Lexington Arch at the south end of Great Basin National Park. The majority of this hike is on BLM land, but the arch and the trail past the first viewpoint of the arch is on NPS land. As most of this trail is on BLM land, that means that this is the sole trail in Great Basin National Park where dogs are allowed. Feel free to take Fido all the way up to the first viewpoint of the arch.


The area on BLM land is open to camping, however the area around Lexington Arch that is inside Great Basin National Park is open to day use ONLY i.e. no overnight camping once inside the park.The trail starts out climbing immediately. Get used to that. You will be following switchbacks most of the way up to the arch. The trail starts out in Pinyon-Juniper forest and sagebrush. You will be following Lexington Canyon most of the way to the arch.

As you walk the trail keep you're eyes open as the views looking back towards Snake Valley are great, as are the views of Lexington Canyon immediately to your north. As you climb steadily you will notice the vegetation change, you will enter forest that is composed mostly of spruce and fir. After a few minutes you start to wonder where the arch is, before you know it the large limestone arch comes into view. This viewpoint is a great place to rest and enjoy the view. It is also the boundary of Great Basin National Park, so no dogs, fires, hunting, or resource collecting past this viewpoint.

The trail continues on up to the arch itself. Standing underneath this unique arch is exhilarating, you have great views of both Lexington Canyon, the South end of the Snake range, and Snake Valley. When you are ready turn around and head back the way you came.

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