Located right on the Arizona/Utah border is Skylight Arch, a natural arch that boasts a stunning backdrop of Lake Powell and the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument area.
This short and easy hike just outside of Page, Arizona is the perfect addition to your adventure itinerary. Especially if you visit during sunrise or sunset to witness the desert colors come alive with the sun’s glow.
In this guide I’m going to show you exactly how to reach Skylight Arch, what the access road is like, and trail details for the best visit. Let’s get started!
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Skylight Arch Trail Stats
- Hiking Distance | 2 miles RT
- Difficulty | Easy
- Elevation Gain | 203 feet
- Total Time | 1-2 hours
- Permits/Fees | None
- Trailhead | Skylight Arch Trailhead
- Dog Friendly | Yes, leashed.
Below is a map of the hike to Skylight Arch.
I do highly suggest having this map downloaded so you can stay on trail during your hike! One way to do this is with a GPS system or app like Gaia GPS.
You can download my Skylight Arch hike and gain access to my library of all tracked hikes. Once downloaded, you can load it into your trusty device for ease of mind!
Where Is Skylight Arch?
While I believe the arch technically sits in Utah, the dirt access road begins from Highway 89 on the Arizona side of the border. If you put Skylight Arch Trailhead into Google Maps it will take you to the parking area.
I highly suggest screenshotting the directions or downloading the map incase you lose cell service. It is the desert after all and the roads back in this area are a little confusing.
Not all vehicles will be able to make it to the trailhead. It is a very rocky dirt road with deep sand in a few areas. An SUV is required at the very least. Any low clearance vehicle or sedan will absolutely bottom out on the rocks. I drove a Jeep Compass and there was one area where I slightly scratched the bottom of my car on a rock. Oops.
If it has recently rained do not drive on these dirt roads with 2 wheel or all wheel drive! The dirt turns to a clay like mud and you can easily get stuck. 4×4 would probably be okay in this instance.
Why Hike Skylight Arch For Sunrise
I feel like the pictures speak for themselves, but just in-case, I’ll say it again- sunrise is the best time to visit Skylight Arch! Sunset would be the next best.
Why sunrise? Well, you get a clear view of the sunrise over Lake Powell behind the arch. I love how the desert colors become so vibrant during this time. The sun casts a beautiful yellow/orange glow over the rocks which accentuates the natural colors, which otherwise get washed out during late morning/midday.
Best season for hiking Skylight Arch
November-April are the best times to hike in this area due to high temperatures. Even though this trail is short, it can be dreadful and potentially dangerous during high temperatures. Summer is only okay okay as long as you hike for sunrise and beat the heat.
The Hike To Skylight Arch
Once parked at the parking lot, it is clear which direction the trail is due to the small brown sign and lightly worn path.
There are maybe two spots where you somewhat question if you are on the trail, but overall it is easy to follow.
You don’t gain much elevation on this trail for it is relatively flat. There is only one short section that is steep and may make you stop for a breather at the top.
The views along the way are simply stunning! It was difficult to not stop and take a million pictures but we were racing to beat the sun rising on the other side of Lake Powell.
Luckily we made it just in time to capture the sun’s glow.
Skylight Arch is more like a hole in the ground so be careful when hiking with dogs and little kids. Definitely keep them close by!
Watch where you are hiking because you may not notice the arch until you are right on top of it. It takes the right distance and angle to see it.
After the sun has fully risen and you’ve gotten your fill of views, turn around and head back to where you started.
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