Ready for an epic adventure? Head out to Stud Horse Point and Skylight Arch! Start off by strolling through Stud Horse Point’s otherworldly landscape, where you’ll be surrounded by the towering, funky hoodoos—rock formations that look like they belong in a sci-fi movie. And the fun doesn’t stop there! Keep going to find Skylight Arch, a hidden gem perched high up with breathtaking views and a little thrill for anyone daring enough to walk across (if you’re feeling brave). Both spots are perfect for snapping incredible photos and soaking up the best of Page, AZ’s natural desert beauty.
Directions to Stud Horse Point
Here’s a simplified version of the directions to Stud Horse Point from Page, AZ:
- Start from Page: Head northeast on S Navajo Dr and then turn left onto S Lake Powell Blvd.
- Merge onto US-89: Follow US-89 for about 6.7 miles.
- Turn Left onto Ferry Swale Rd: After about 0.5 miles, this road will turn into Blue Pools Rd.
- Follow Blue Pools Rd: Continue for 1.5 miles, then take a slight right onto Stud Horse Point Road.
- Continue on Stud Horse Point Road: Drive for about 1 mile, then follow the road as it becomes Mid Stud Rd.
- Arrive at Stud Horse Point Trailhead: Continue to the end, and you’ll reach the trailhead for Stud Horse Point.
This route can be rough, so a 4WD vehicle is recommended. Be sure to use GPS and bring a downloaded map in case cell service is spotty!
The Hike to Stud Horse Point
Perched on the western edge of Lake Powell, Stud Horse Point is home to an impressive array of hoodoos in all shapes and sizes. The main cluster of hoodoos can be reached with a 1.5-mile walk, but if you’re up for more adventure, even more unique formations await further exploration.
Directions to Skylight Arch
There are two routes you can take:
- Hiking Route (For the Adventurers): If you’re feeling up for a little dirt road action, start 8 miles north of the Glen Canyon Dam. Turn west onto a dirt road, and from there, it’s about 1.3 miles to a corral. Most vehicles should be fine here in dry weather. Park and start hiking! Follow the winding paths, and don’t be afraid to embrace a bit of off-roading on foot. Just be prepared for some rugged terrain—it’ll be worth it!
- Driving Route (For the Less Adventurous): Prefer to keep your shoes clean? No problem! If you have a vehicle with reasonable clearance (AWD is great, but sedans may struggle), you can drive most of the way to the trailhead. Start 5.7 miles north of the Glen Canyon Dam. Just keep an eye out for the paved road on your left after about 0.3 miles, then follow the signs toward Skylight Arch. There are a couple of tricky turns, but if you stick to the main route, you’ll be just fine.
The Hike to Skylight Arch
Once you reach the trailhead, it’s game time! The Skylight Arch Trail is a relatively short and straightforward hike—about 2.2 miles round trip with a 200-foot elevation gain. The path takes you northeast across a rocky neck of land with views that will leave you speechless on both sides. Keep an eye out for smaller viewpoints along the way—you won’t want to miss those photo ops!
As you get closer to the arch, the terrain gets a little rockier, but don’t let that deter you. You’re almost there! Just when you think you might have missed it, boom—Skylight Arch appears, and it’s massive! It’s about 43 feet across, and the views from up top are unreal. Just be careful as you explore around the arch; it’s a long drop with no railings to save you.
The Best Time To Visit
The best time to visit Skylight Arch and Stud Horse Point is typically in the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) months when the weather is mild and comfortable for outdoor activities. During these seasons, temperatures are moderate, ranging from the 60s to 80s Fahrenheit.
Summer (June to August) can be very hot in Page, with temperatures often exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit. However, if you can handle the heat, this time of year offers longer daylight hours for outdoor adventures on the lake or hiking trails.
Winter (December to February) in Page can be chilly, especially at night, with temperatures dropping below freezing. While winter brings smaller crowds and cheaper accommodation rates, some attractions may have limited hours or closures due to weather conditions.
More Hikes In the Area
After visiting Skylight Arch and Stud Horse Point, you may want to consider checking out a few other hikes in the area.
Birthday Arch
Birthday Arch, located near Big Water, Utah, is a stunning natural sandstone arch tucked away in the remote desert landscape. The hike to Birthday Arch is considered moderate and involves navigating through sandy terrain and rock scrambling. It is approximately 5 miles round trip.
Blue Pool Wash
Blue Pool Wash is a slot canyon near Big Water, Utah, that is great for hiking and canyoneering. The hike is considered moderately challenging and typically covers 3 to 4 miles round trip.
Horseshoe Bend
Horseshoe Bend near Page, Arizona, is a relatively short and easy hike offering spectacular views of the iconic horseshoe-shaped bend in the Colorado River. The trail is approximately 1.3 miles round trip and is considered to be moderate due to some sandy sections.
Lone Rock
Lone Rock is a unique rock formation rising dramatically from the waters of Lake Powell. In addition to its beauty, Lone Rock also has a beautiful sandy beach, making it popular among visitors for swimming, camping, and water sports. Lone Rock is is located almost straight across the highway from the road to Skylight Arch and Stud Horse Point.
The Moon
What locals call “the Moon” is an area of gray sand and unique formations that look otherworldly. When you are on the Moon, it feels like you are on another planet! There is much to do and see in this area. Many people ride ATVs or bicycles around the area. It is also a great place to find rocks and fossils. There are no official hiking trails, but there is a lot to see!
Toadstools
The Toadstools, also known as the Paria Rimrocks, are a fascinating geological formation located near Paria, Utah. They consist of mushroom-shaped rock formations, known as hoodoos, that have been sculpted by erosion over millions of years. The hike to the Toadstools is relatively short, typically around 1.5 miles round trip. The trailhead is easily accessible from Highway 89 near the Paria Contact Station, and the hike is considered easy.
Wahweap Hoodoos
The Wahweap Hoodoos, located near Big Water, Utah, are a captivating collection of sandstone hoodoos, towers, and pinnacles that rise from the desert landscape. These unique formations, shaped by millennia of wind and water erosion, create a surreal and photogenic scene. The total distance covered is typically 10 miles round trip.
Keep Skylight Arch and Stud Horse Point Beautiful!
Remember to 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 the area’s hidden treasures!
