Hiking Matts (Industrial) Arch
North Salt Lake
Overview
Sun 82 | 54 |
Mon 83 | 53 |
Tue 84 | 59 |
Wed 85 | 58 |
Thu 85 | 59 |
View Full Weather Details |
Sun 82 | 54 |
Mon 83 | 53 |
Tue 84 | 59 |
Wed 85 | 58 |
Thu 85 | 59 |
View Full Weather Details |
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.
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.
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
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" |