The Eye of the Whale Arch is a cool backcountry spot in Arches National Park where you can find a unique sandstone arch that looks like, you guessed it, an eye of a whale! It's tucked away in the Herdina Park area, not too far from Balanced Rock and the Windows. You can reach it by taking a short 0.5-mile hike from the trailhead off Willow Flats Road BUT this is 4x4 only. From the intersection of BLM 378 and Arches Scenic Drive go 0.8 miles on BLM 378 and turn right onto a strictly 4WD dirt road. Continue 1.9 miles to a parking area on the left.

STATISTICS AT-A-GLANCE

• HIKE NAME: Eye of the Whale Arch

• DISTANCE: 5.2 miles RT (from 2WD Trailhead) or 0.44 mile RT (from 4x4 Trailhead)

• ELEVATION GAIN: 426 feet (from 2WD TH), <100 feet (from 4WD TH)

• RESTROOMS: No, but nearby (0.25 mile from 2wd parking at most)

• DOG FRIENDLY: No

• PERMIT: No

• FEE: Yes, $30 Private Vehicle National Park Entrance Fee OR covered under your America the Beautiful Pass // Fee information HERE

• VEHICLE REQUIREMENTS: 2wd, however this is off a backcountry access road and NOT paved the entire way. Road can be in terrible shape if raining or recent rain/snow, but otherwise 2wd accessible if hiking the 5.2 mile option.

• TRAILHEAD COORDINATES:

  • 38.715291, -109.601714 (4x4 Trailhead) -- do NOT attempt without 4x4 and high clearance

  • 38.703244, -109.576446 (2wd Trailhead) // this one will fit 2-3 cars max as its a pullout. If its full, park here instead: 38.702746, -109.569007