Red Canyon Arch

Red Canyon Arch — more commonly reached via the Arches Trail in Red Canyon — sits within Dixie National Forest along Scenic Byway 12, about 10 miles east of the US-89 junction and roughly 15 miles west of Bryce Canyon National Park. The canyon's vivid vermilion hoodoos and rock fins rise directly from stands of ponderosa pine, creating a color contrast that makes this one of the more photographed stretches of any Utah highway.

The Arches Trail

The main foot trail to the arch and its neighbors is the Arches Trail — a 0.7-mile loop rated easy, with about 187 feet of elevation gain. The trail passes approximately 15 small natural arches, rock windows, and hoodoo formations along a well-maintained path through the red-rock cove. Most hikers finish in 45–90 minutes, though the number of alcoves and overlook nooks rewards those who slow down. The trailhead is accessed from the Lossee Canyon parking area, roughly 2 miles east of US-89 on SR-12.

Practical Notes

• The Arches Trail is foot traffic only — no bikes or horses
• The Red Canyon Visitor Center (open Memorial Day through Labor Day) is nearby and has maps, restrooms, and ranger information
• Parking at Lossee Canyon is free; no park fee required for Red Canyon
• A paved multi-use trail also runs through the canyon for cyclists and walkers who prefer flat terrain

Red Canyon makes a logical stop on any drive to or from Bryce Canyon — it adds less than an hour and gives you a preview of hoodoo geology without the park entrance fee.