Hiking
Arch Tower and Cave Canyon
Northern Reef
Overview
Though close to I-70 as the crow flies, this region of the Swell feels remote and seldom visited. A gem of an area to visit, your more likely to encounter cows, coyotes, and wild burros than other people.
The hike has a bit of everything. It starts up Cave Canyon, which slowly deepens as it enters the reef. After visiting a large natural alcove (cave), it passes under one of the few natural bridges in the Swell before reaching the top of the reef and expansive views of Mexican Mountain and the Mexican Bend area. It takes an easier route back, down Arch Tower canyon.
Be sure to bring a camera, the view both in the canyons, and of Mexican Bend are spectacular.
Getting There
The trailhead starts north of I-70 on highway 6/191. Go north from I-70 about 4 miles to milepost 295.3. Here there is a dirt road on the west (left) side of the highway.
Route Description
To The Cave
A few minutes up from the trailhead, the canyon forks in an area with seeps. Go left here, following the cow/social trail. It meanders up the canyon bottom as the canyon deepens. Ascend a small dryfall (3rd or easy 4th class) before the namesake of the canyon, a large cave on the north (right) side becomes visible. An easy slickrock ramp leads to the cave.
To The Overlook
From the cave, continue up canyon, reaching a series of dryfalls shortly. The first couple of levels are passed by climbing up on the right and circling back. The last step used to be up a wood ladder, but now will likely require a partner assist for some or climbing move or two.
The canyon begins to open before passing under a natural bridge. 10-15 minutes after the bridge, begin heading north west, just right of the domes visible on the skyline. This reaches the top of the reef and overlooks Mexican Bend. (30-40 minutes passed the bridge)
Down Arch Tower Canyon
From the overlook, Arch Tower and Arch Tower Canyon are visible to the north. The canyon is just before the obvious big cliff. To reach it, head north east, taking the path of least resistance. Once in Arch Tower Canyon, head down canyon. It is a bit of a boulder scramble at times. Most dryfalls are passed on the right. Near the bottom, a dryfall looks difficult to bypass, but yields easily to a downclimb with a spot.
As the canyon opens, a seep flows over a sandstone slab and the area shows much cow use. Exit on a cow trail to the south up the small hill. If you left a vehicle at the exit trailhead, it will be visible a short distance away from the top of the hill.
Photos
Maps
12S 552393E 4315060N
38°58'59"N 110°23'42"W
12S 550919E 4315257N
38°59'05"N 110°24'44"W
12S 550815E 4315134N
38°59'01"N 110°24'48"W
12S 549397E 4315365N
38°59'09"N 110°25'47"W
12S 548506E 4316434N
38°59'44"N 110°26'23"W
12S 549660E 4316359N
38°59'41"N 110°25'36"W