Sunset Arch, AZ | HikeArizona
username
X
password
register
for free!
help
 

Sunset Arch, AZ

Guide 11 Triplogs  0 Topics
  4 of 5 
Fav
Wish
3
details
drive
no permit
forecast
route  
stats
photos
triplogs
topics
location
116 11 0
Statistics
tap icons for details
Difficulty 0.5 of 5
Route Finding 1 of 5
Distance Round Trip 1 mile
Trailhead Elevation 2,182 feet
Elevation Gain 370 feet
Accumulated Gain 420 feet
Avg Time Round Trip 0.75 hours
Kokopelli Seeds 3.1
unreported if dogs are allowed
editedit > ops > dogs to adjust
feature photo
Photos Viewed All MineFollowing
Inaugural Calculation on Button Tap!
4  2022-01-22
Sunset Arch Family Hike
JackArizona
24  2021-11-21 Yoder
9  2021-11-20 John10s
13  2021-10-24 Yoder
24  2021-01-13
Sunset Arch
markthurman53
14  2019-03-17
Sunset Arch
markthurman53
19  2018-12-27 adilling
7  2012-12-06 sventre
Page 1,  2
Author
author avatar Guides 8
Routes 69
Photos 3,006
Trips 256 map ( 2,022 miles )
Age 57 Male Gender
Location Chandler, AZ
Associated Areas
list map done
Phoenix Region
Historical Weather
Trailhead Forecast
Radar Map
Expand Map
Preferred Jan, Dec, Feb, Nov → 7 AM
Seasons   Early Winter to Early Summer
Sun  6:52am - 6:24pm
Official Route
 
2 Alternative
 
 Water


Out of Towners Delight
by Yoder

Overview
This is a very short hike to the Sunset Arch, located on the North-West side of Peak 2625 (AKA Sunset Butte). While the hike is short, it is long in views. Some of the best views of the Superstitions and the Goldfield mountains can be seen here.


The trail is very easy to follow with a combination of cairns and rocks lining the path at different sections.
My wife calls this a photo-op hike, I consider it a great hike for folks from out of town, who might not be in the best of shape, that will give them a taste of the great Sonoran desert without having to work to hard to see it. Its also an excellent location for a quick sunset/sunrise photo if the clouds are cooperating or an excellent location to capture some photos of the monsoon storms as they roll into the valley.


Hike
From the car, follow the dirt road that heads up the hill to the ridge From here you can easily see Sunset Butte where the arch is located. Very shortly after the road turns South there is a small cairn to the east (left) of the road marking the start of the trail. At this point, you have traveled less than 300 feet from your parked vehicle.


Follow the trail down the side of the hill into the wash, and continue up the next hill that eventually levels out and goes through a nice little stand of Saguaros. The trail now drops into the next wash, then climbs back out. This is the steepest section of the hike so watch your step. The second wash is about 0.25 miles from the start of the hike.

Continuing out of the second wash the trail works its way up the side of the mountain with the angle of ascent decreasing as you progress up the mountainside. Just before you reach the saddle to the North of Peak 2626 you cross through a break in a fence. At this time you should be able to see the arch to the South by following the line of the fence trailing South. Continue to follow the trail to a large boulder. This is a great place for getting a photo of the arch.


Wonderful views of the South and West here at the photo boulder, Great views of the East and North in the Saddle area, and if you would like to get a great panoramic view work your way up to the top of the Butte by heading initially West to the back of the Butte, then climbing the butte by heading South-East to the peak(This is currently not marked).

Check out the Official Route and Triplogs.

Leave No Trace and +Add a Triplog after your hike to support this local community.

2021-11-23 Yoder
    WARNING! Hiking and outdoor related sports can be dangerous. Be responsible and prepare for the trip. Study the area you are entering and plan accordingly. Dress for the current and unexpected weather changes. Take plenty of water. Never go alone. Make an itinerary with your plan(s), route(s), destination(s) and expected return time. Give your itinerary to trusted family and/or friends.

     Permit $$
    None


     Directions
    or
    or
     Road
    Paved - Car Okay

    To hike
    Apache Trail(Hwy 88) 2/3 mile east of Needle vista. The road curves sharply to the right and then sharply to the left. This is the trailhead at this corner. There is room for three cars on the shoulder. An old access road goes up the hill. This is the start. The Butte is directly in front of you.
    page created by AZLOT69 on Nov 23 2021 11:07 am
    helpcorrectionissue

    end of page marker