What’s the best way to celebrate your birthday? You guessed it–by hiking to Birthday Arch! We actually celebrated my dad’s 60th birthday on top of Birthday Arch, and it was awesome! However, it doesn’t have to be your birthday to hike Birthday Arch; the hike is fun any time of the year!
The trail to Birthday Arch is beautiful, and there are a lot of cool rock formations all around. Depending on the time of year, there are a lot of flowers along the hike too.
Directions to the Birthday Arch Trailhead
The Harry Potter Addition
Okay, Harry Potter fans, this one’s for you! In order to get to Birthday Arch, you must take US Highway 89 to mile marker 9¾ and park there! Then, once you enter the trail, you will be transferred into the wonderful world of wizarding…I mean hiking!
Unfortunately, there isn’t an actual 9¾ sign or mile marker, but there is a mile marker 10 and a mile marker 9, so you can figure out the rest (if you’re not a muggle).
The Park Service lists the pull-off as 17.3 miles west of the Carl Hayden Visitor Center in Page, Arizona. Google Maps will also take you to the pull-off area.
Directions for Muggles (AKA Everyone Else)
The trail to Birthday Arch is located along Highway 89 between mile markers 9 and 10 just outside of Big Water, Utah. The trailhead is not marked; it’s just a pull-off on the side of the highway. The trail is well-worn, and you should see footprints. However, if it has recently rained, footprints might not be available, but you will know you’re close if you can see a bridge that goes under the road. You will travel in the opposite direction of the bridge up the wash.
The Hike to Birthday Arch
The hike to Birthday Arch is moderate. It is approximately 5 miles round trip and has a 502-foot elevation change. The trail is easy to follow but very sandy!
From the parking area, head towards the gate in the fence line. From there, make your way down to the bottom of the wash and begin hiking up the canyon, away from the highway. There will be a few spots to scramble up, but for the most part, you just follow the wash. Look for cairns to show you the best route in areas you have to climb.
You will follow the wash for approximately 2 miles until you can see the Birthday Arch off to your right. The arch isn’t super obvious at first, so you will need to look for it in the distance. Once you spot the arch, you simply make your way up to it. There is no official trail to the arch, but you will most likely see a few paths you can follow.
Once you reach Birthday Arch, you will be rewarded with a beautiful view of the arch above you and many other cool rock formations around you. At this point, most hikers will turn around and head back down the trail or over to Buck Tank Draw; however, if you want to explore Birthday Arch more, you can follow the path heading south and hike on top of the arch! Looking down on Birthday Arch is pretty cool, but be careful when finding it from above; it can sneak up on you!
Hiking to Buck Tank Draw–An Added Surprise
From Birthday Arch, you can see a slot canyon called Buck Tank Draw. The canyon is only .7 miles from Birthday Arch. It is on the opposite side of the wash you hiked to get to Birthday Arch. It can be hard to see from Birthday Arch, but if you cross to the other side of the wash and start hiking, you should be able to find it.
Many hikers will visit the Buck Tank Draw slot canyon as a quick bonus stop before returning to the car. The slot canyon doesn’t go back very far, but it’s a great place to get out of the sun, and it makes for an awesome picture.
Be Prepared
Birthday Arch is a primitive hike, so make sure you are prepared with water, sunscreen, good footwear, and anything else you might need. Cell Phone service is limited, so make sure you let someone know where you are and when you plan to be back. Also, be sure to watch the weather because most of the hike is through a drainage. If there is rain in the forecast, flash flooding could occur. In addition to floods, the area is home to common desert wildlife like rattlesnakes, so be sure to pay attention to your surroundings.
Leave It Better Than You Found It
Always remember to do your part to keep the area beautiful by packing in everything you pack out and not carving into rocks or 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 the area’s hidden treasures! Have fun and hike it like it’s your birthday!
Looking for More Adventures? Here are some Nearby Hikes to Consider.
Alstrom Point
Alstrom Point is a breathtaking overlook on the edge of Lake Powell. It offers panoramic views of the lake, towering cliffs, and Navajo Mountain. Located near Big Water, Utah, Alstrom Point is popular with photographers, campers, and off-road enthusiasts.
Blue Pool Wash
Blue Pool Wash is a hidden slot canyon not far from Big Water, Utah. It’s ideal for those interested in both hiking and canyoneering. The hike is moderately challenging and covers around 3 to 4 miles round trip. Exploring the narrow canyon walls and the wash’s unique features makes for a thrilling adventure.
Crosby Canyon is located within the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. The canyon opens to a secluded area of Lake Powell, perfect for a relaxing swim or fishing.
The Moon
The Moon, as locals call it, is a surreal gray desert landscape that feels like you’re walking on another planet. Located near Big Water, Utah, this otherworldly spot is perfect for exploring, ATV riding, and fossil hunting.
Skylight Arch & Stud Horse Point
Skylight Arch and Stud Horse Point offer an incredible dual experience. Known for the large “skylight” in its center, Skylight Arch is a moderately challenging hike of around 2 to 3 miles round trip. On the other hand, Stud Horse Point is a scenic overlook with panoramic views of the surrounding desert and is easily accessible.
Wahweap Hoodoos
The Wahweap Hoodoos are a stunning collection of tall, skinny sandstone formations that rise dramatically from the desert floor. This moderately difficult hike near Big Water covers about 10 miles round trip. The strange and beautiful hoodoos offer excellent photo opportunities and a rewarding trek.
Wiregrass Trail
For those seeking a shorter hike, the Wiregrass Trail offers a scenic route through Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. It winds through picturesque desert terrain and leads to a natural bridge just 2 miles round trip. For the more ambitious, you can extend your hike to Lake Powell, adding extra miles and a rewarding view.