Inchworm Arch is a super cool and unusual arch located in southern Utah. In fact, Inchworm Arch is my dad’s favorite arch, and he has hiked with me to quite a few arches! It looks like an actual inchworm. If you don’t know what an inchworm is, click here for a short lesson, and then you will clearly be able to make the comparison.
Directions to the Inchworm Arch Trailhead
You will need a 4WD vehicle or ATV to get to Inchworm Arch, and the drive is half the fun! If you have an ATV, I highly recommend it, but a 4WD of any kind will work just fine. I suggest printing this handy map, courtesy of the Kane County Utah Office of Tourism, before you go. The directions are self-explanatory, but there are many turn-offs.
Directions to Inchworm Arch from Kanab, Utah: drive east 9.5 miles and turn left at Johnson Canyon Road. Drive on this road for 9.1 miles to the Nephi Pastures Trailhead on your right. Nephi Pastrues is a great place to unload your ATV’s. From there, take road #556 for 8 miles, and turn right at road #558. Drive one mile and take the next road on your left. After another 1.5 miles, keep left at the fork. Follow this road until it ends; you will see a “No Vehicles” sign with a trail behind it. This is where the hike begins!
The Hike to Inchworm Arch
The hike to Inchworm Arch is short and sweet; it’s only a half-mile round trip. The trail is relatively easy unless you decide to climb up the arch or scramble up and down some of the nearby rocks. One of the coolest things about Inchworm Arch is that you can hike right up to it, under it, and on top of it!
More Hikes in the Area
Kanab, Utah, is surrounded by stunning red rock landscapes and is a gateway to several famous national parks and wilderness areas. After exploring Inchworm Arch, check out these popular hikes in and around Kanab:
- The Wave: a unique and iconic sandstone in the Coyote Buttes North area. Access to It is limited and requires a permit.
- Buckskin Gulch: One of the longest slot canyons in the world, offering a challenging and scenic hike.
- Wire Pass to Buckskin Gulch: A shorter and more accessible section of Buckskin Gulch.
- Zion National Park: While not in Kanab, Zion is relatively close and offers numerous breathtaking hikes, including Angel’s Landing, The Narrows, and Observation Point.
- Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park: Explore the unique coral-colored dunes and enjoy activities like hiking and sandboarding.
- Kanab Rim Trail: A trail that offers panoramic views of Kanab and the surrounding area.
- Red Hollow Trail: A family-friendly trail near Kanab that provides views of red rock formations.
- Lick Wash Trail: This is a slot canyon hike with narrow passages and towering walls.
Leave It Better Than You Found It
Please do your part to keep Inchworm Arch beautiful by packing out everything you pack in and not changing the landscape. Respect nature and follow ethical practices when engaging in outdoor activities. Always leave a place better than you found it and practice the principles of Leave No Trace. Enjoy your time exploring the trails and discovering one of Southern Utah’s unique hidden treasures!
