Tunnel Arch Trail

Best Time to Visit

The trail is typically accessible from spring through fall. Early spring can bring lingering snow at this elevation, so check conditions before heading out in March or early April. Summer mornings are the most comfortable window — the trail is fully exposed on the upper section, and midday heat on the dark red rock can be pronounced by late morning. Afternoon thunderstorms are a consideration in July and August; the ridgeline offers no shelter, so plan to be off the top before early afternoon if clouds are building. Late afternoon on clear days produces the best light on the canyon's red formations. Fall is reliable and often less crowded than summer.

Trail Tips

• The steep climb is front-loaded — the hardest section comes early, which means the descent on the return is fast and easy but can be rough on the knees; use trekking poles if you have them.
• The trailhead parking area is across the road from the trail start; look for the crossing before driving past the tunnels.
• The views from the ridgeline look down directly onto the tunnels — bring a camera, as the overhead angle is unusual and hard to replicate from the road below.
• There is no water on the trail; the hike is short, but carry what you need for the full out-and-back in warm weather.
• The trail has no shade from the midpoint to the top; a hat and sunscreen matter more here than on canyon-floor hikes where the walls provide cover.

Getting There

The trailhead sits on the south side of UT-12, just west of the tunnels as you approach from Panguitch — about 12 miles east of town. The turnoff comes up quickly when driving from the west, so watch for signage before you reach the tunnels. The trail is within Red Canyon, part of Dixie National Forest.

What to Expect on Tunnel Arch Trail

Tunnel Arch Trail is a short, steep out-and-back that gains roughly 239 feet over 0.8 miles, climbing from the canyon floor to a ridgeline directly above the two road tunnels that cut through Red Canyon. The ascent is the defining feature — the trail wastes no distance on flat terrain, so the elevation comes quickly. At the top, the perspective shifts dramatically: you look straight down at the tunnels while the full sweep of the canyon opens in front of you.