Matts (Industrial) Arch | North Salt Lake

Hiking Matts (Industrial) Arch - North Salt Lake Hiking Matts (Industrial) Arch

North Salt Lake

Overview

RATING: Easy Hike

Sun

Sunny. High near 82, with temperatures falling to around 79 in the afternoon. South southeast wind around 3 mph.

82 | 54

Mon

Sunny, with a high near 83. Southwest wind around 5 mph.

83 | 53

Tue

Mostly sunny, with a high near 84.

84 | 59

Wed

Sunny, with a high near 85.

85 | 58

Thu

Sunny, with a high near 85.

85 | 59

View Full Weather Details
SEASON: Any, hot in summers.
GEAR: Standard Hiking Gear
WATER: None.

Sun

Sunny. High near 82, with temperatures falling to around 79 in the afternoon. South southeast wind around 3 mph.

82 | 54

Mon

Sunny, with a high near 83. Southwest wind around 5 mph.

83 | 53

Tue

Mostly sunny, with a high near 84.

84 | 59

Wed

Sunny, with a high near 85.

85 | 58

Thu

Sunny, with a high near 85.

85 | 59

View Full Weather Details
The arch, Diane and Ruby for scale

The arch, Diane and Ruby for scale

When I saw a photograph of Matts Arch, I was impressed! An up-close photo near sunset made for a very striking photo of the small arch. The photo, to my eye, captured the arch even better than it looks in person. The arch is a small hole in conglomerate rock above Salt Lake City near the Bonneville Shoreline trail. It is often known as either Industrial Arch, or Matts Arch. I do not know the story behind the names Matts Arch, but the way it frames the Industrial area of north Salt Lake makes it easy to know why it is often referred to as Industrial Arch,

The hike, through the Bonneville Shoreline Preserve, is perched high above the Salt Lake Valley and has great views of the valley. This is an especially good hike in the evenings to watch the sunset. The arch is charming, and a nice addition to an evening hike. It is dog and kid friendly, making for a great family outing.

Note: The map shows a loop hike. Climbing up to the arch, then up to the shoreline trail above is steep and loose. Not recommended for dogs, kids, or beginners. Those wanting a little choss adventure can climb up from the arch to the shoreline trail, which makes a nice (and adventurous) loop, but most will enjoy just an out-and-back hike.
Golden hillsides near Matts Arch.

Golden hillsides near Matts Arch.

Getting There

The trailhead is above North Salt Lake. If coming from Salt Lake City, take exit 312 off I-15, and head north on Beck Street. Not far past the enormous gravel pit, turn right (east) onto Eagle Ridge Drive. Stay straight at the first traffic circle on Eagle Ridge Way and continue for about 0.8 miles to Parkway Drive on the right. Follow Parkway Drive for about 0.9 miles to its end at Eaglepointe Drive. Go right at Eaglepointe Drive and park at either the paved traihead, or continue a short distance to the dirt parking area and trailhead.

An energetic hiker just getting started on the trail

An energetic hiker just getting started on the trail

Route

From the paved trailhead, follow the old dirt road south. It passes another dirt parking area and enters the Bonneville Shoreline Preserve. There are a few side trails. Stay straight on the old dirt road as it heads south.

Just before the dirt road begins climbing a hill, a single-track trail leaves on the right (west) side. Go right onto the single track. The single-track heads south along a flat path overlooking the valley. About 10 minutes from the junction (0.5 miles), the arch becomes visible high on the left. It is a bit of a loose scramble to visit the arch proper.

Loop Return
If up for the adventure, the arch can be scrambled up to, then continued scrambling leads to a side road above. The side road leads shortly to the Bonneville Shoreline trail that can be followed back north to the trailhead. This is shown on the map, but only recommended for those comfortable with some looks steep hiking.


Maps

Out and Back / 2.63 miles / Elevation Range 5,158 - 5,282 ft.
Loop / 2.56 miles / Elevation Range 5,158 - 5,417 ft.
Printable Maps:

Trailhead

12T 423850mE 4519419mN

N40° 49' 20" W111° 54' 11"

Jct - Right

12T 423840mE 4518434mN

N40° 48' 48" W111° 54' 11"

Matts Arch (Industrial Arch)

12T 423848mE 4517681mN

N40° 48' 24" W111° 54' 10"

Bonneville Jct

12T 423925mE 4517869mN

N40° 48' 30" W111° 54' 07"

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